The challenge
Amidst numerous home theater systems that portray an essential blend of aesthetic appeal and sublime functionality, there are some makers that have pretty well learned the ropes of infusing advanced features with a sense of distinctiveness hitched to their devices. If Klipsch HD Theater 500 (HDT500) forays into the category, then Onkyo Envision LS-V500C all-in-one home theater system stiffens the competition. Although both entertainment devices integrate impressive channel sound despite compact sizes, the systems still vow to distinguish with almost equally competitive attributes aimed at delivering an enhanced user experience.
Comparison attributes
Design
Klipsch HD Theater 500 catches attention for endowing an amazingly unique fabrication that highlights smooth edges and sharp outlining. Each satellite in the system gives spacious accommodation to an impressive 2.5-inch Injection Molded Graphite woofer and a decent 0.75-inch Aluminum Dome horn-loaded tweeter. Thereâs a high gloss plastic enclosure that weighs pretty lightweight yet looks exquisite. To soften the overall appearance, the deviceâs eight subwoofer feature in matte black vinyl with rounded borders.
Onkyo Envision LS-V500C, on the other hand, outweigh considerably by sporting a great looking design that settles well with oneâs classy décor. Carved with sheer elements, the system renders detailed styling while maintaining the sophistication factor. The subwoofers reveal a trendy, modernistic appeal with sharp contours and ensure a truly comfortable user experience.
Winner: Onkyo Envision LS-V500C
Performance
Klipsch 500 home theater system renders noteworthy performance standards but somewhere lacks the faintest bit of mid-bass during the employment of sub. The systemâs horn design helps Klipsch 500 deliver spritely and high end sound quality. With this one around, users can seamlessly indulge in clear, open sound for an inclusive home theater system. However, the device lags courtesy low end performance via sub. Thereâs also channel dispersion at the narrow center.
Onkyoâs Envision LS-V500C features the potent capability to transmogrify a television into an impeccable home theater system. The device offers noteworthy performance and ensures plenty of power to its amplifier, remote and five disc charger. Besides integrating the ability to get connected to interlaced as well as progressive scan video monitors, the system comes with embedded Dolby Pro-Logic II, Dolby Digital and DTS. However, the home theater solution manages to offer above average performance with easy setup. Unfortunately, the device slips on proffering bass or treble controls.
Winner: Klipsch HD Theater 500
Overall Execution
Although Klipsch 500 renders a round of wire challenges, the solution cinches the experience through a simple setup. The compact surround sound speaker system quite nicely adjusts the space along with four small two-way satellites. The functionality offered via its 100-watt, 8-inch subwoofer is equally decent. At a price tag that reads less than $500, the system appears to be comparatively much better than a sound bar available out there. Not to forget nevertheless, the sound quality somewhere topples as comparatively less powerful than other budget speaker packages. The 5.1 speaker system also provides a not so elegant appearance through the speakersâ wore spring-clip connectors. Users may even have dissatisfaction with the stated connectorsâ inability to secure as we would like. Overall, the HD Theater 500 from Klipsch is a pretty stylish and compact 5.1 speaker system. But, a bit to dismay, users can settle upon better-sounding systems that are available on the market for the same price point.
Onkyo Envision LS-V500C may surpass with the integrated 100 watts per channel, two-way satellites and powered subwoofer. Enclosed in an exquisite framework, the device also looks appealing for the five-disc changer, AM/FM tuner and A/B speaker switching. Although the receiver and DVD player of the system impress consumers with their respective unique elements, the sonic functionality unfortunately feels to meet the companyâs usual performance standards. Also, we feel the lack of bass and treble controls does the damage.
Winner: Klipsch HD Theater 500
The verdict
Though both the home theater systems encompass certain flaws and positive facets, we somewhere found the Klipsch HD Theater 500 better performing when compared. Overlooking the appearance that provides a slightly cheap look courtesy the fabrication from plastic, the system manages to perform better than the Onkyo Envision LS-V500C system despite its incredibly exquisite appeal. Users may nevertheless can pay heed to other systems that are available across the shelves at the same price. But if needed to settle upon of these two, we recommend the Klipsch HD Theater 500.
