Home Theater Systems Reviews

Subwoofer
Connections: D-Sub 15-pin; RCA-type left, right, center
Enclosure Type: Fourth-order bandpass with 8-inch passive radiator
Woofer (size in inches, type): 6.5, fiber cone
Power Rating: 75 watts
Crossover Bypass: No: Preset at 125 Hz
Available Finishes: Titanium (dark metallic gray)
Dimensions (H x W x D, inches): 11.1 x 10 x 12.9
Weight (pounds): 16

Speaker
Type: Three-speaker full-range monitor
Driver (size in inches, type): 2.8 (3), paper cone (full-range driver)
Nominal Impedance (ohms): 8
Amp Power (per channel): 50 watts, into 8 ohms
Recommended Amp Power: 50 watts x 3
Available Finishes: Titanium Black
Dimensions (H x W x D, inches): 4.4 x 14.9 x 6.9
Weight (pounds): 6.1

Features
Processing Modes: Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Pro Logic II (Music and Movie modes), DTS
Proprietary: Binaura 5.1, Binaura Stereo
Number of Amp Channels: 3
Amp Power (per channel): 50 watts, into 8 ohms
Compatible Playback Formats: DVD, DVD-Audio, MP3, JPEG, Kodak Picture CD, VideoCD, SuperVideoCD, CD-R/-RW, DVD-R/-RW, DVD+R/+RW
Possible Playback Resolutions: 480p/480i
Available Finishes: Silver
Dimensions (H x W x D, inches): 2.6 x 17.3 x 13.5
Weight (pounds): 8.8

Connections
Inputs:
Video: Component video (1), S-video (3), composite video (3)
Audio: Coaxial digital (1), optical digital (1), analog stereo (3)
Outputs:
Video: Component video (1), S-video (2), composite video (2)
Audio: Digital optical (1), six-channel analog (1), analog stereo (1)
Additional: 5.1-channel output via D-Sub 15-pin (1), head phone (1), AM antenna input (1), FM antenna input (1)

Ratings: Cambridge SoundWorks SurroundWorks 200 Virtual Home Theater System

Build Quality: 85
• Main speaker is ABS plastic; subenclosure is vinyl-covered medium-density fiberboard
• Sans amplification, DVD receiver unit is light yet sturdy

Value: 83
• Cambridge themselves manufactures less expensive, better-sounding true 5.1-channel HTIB packages—it's almost like paying more for less

Features: 88
• Component video switching/passthrough for a secondary source
• Leveling jack screws and wall-mounting hardware included

Performance: 84
• Tends to compromise high frequencies and distort bass, especially at high volume
• Looks good with some DVDs, not so hot on challenging titles

Ergonomics: 89
• A speaker, a subwoofer, and a DVD player/receiver, all connected by two simple wires
• If the Mode Control plug and knob are not to be used, they shouldn't be there

Overall Rating: 85
As with any alternative home theater system, ask yourself "Am I sure I can't handle five speakers and a subwoofer?" If you are seriously tight on space, want super-simple setup, and the finer points of audio and video are not of primary importance, the SurroundWorks 200 might be the ticket.

General Information
SurroundWorks 200 Virtual Home Theater System
$1,000
Cambridge SoundWorks
(800) FOR-HIFI
www.cambridgesoundworks.com