Home Theater/HT-X50
Website
http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/htib/samsung-ht-x50
Samsung HT-X50 5.1 Home Theater System
by Jim Robbins — last modified December 31, 2007 05:55
A low cost 5 disc HTiB from Samsung
Summary
Product Name: HT-X50
Manufacturer: Samsung
Review Date: December 30, 2007
MSRP: $249.99
First Impression: Mildly Interesting
Executive Overview
To complement their line of small flat panel TVs, Samsung Electronics produced the HT-X50 home theater system. Not only does it have a cool name, I mean who wouldn't want to own an X50, but it has a good look, as well. The low cost package includes a 5-disc DVD/CD changer, 5 speakers, a small subwoofer, remote control, and various cables for connecting it all together. Its features are pretty standard as far as home theater systems go, but it does have better than average sound. The speakers are more clear at higher volumes than the equally-priced competition. The passive subwoofer unit is just OK on the mid-bass and seemed a bit boomy overall. We would recommend placing the sub up front and possibly behind your display or cabinet to curb its enthusiasm and fill in the front speakers. Had Samsung included a larger sub or perhaps a powered sub, then this would have been a killer mini-system.
The X50 (I love saying that) has a standard 5-disc carousel for DVDs and CDs and can play several kinds of computer formats including MP3, WMA, DivX, and JPEG files. There is also a USB port on the front to play these files from a thumb drive or music player. On the rear of the unit you'll find an HDMI port for upscaled video and there is a single optical input that's useful when plugging your flat panel TV's output into the receiver so you can have surround sound on supporting video programs. There is also a single analogue stereo jack for other devices. It did feel a little low on inputs, but we're guessing that this won't be used as a primary home theater system. For a minimalist setup with few source components it's about right. It plays AM and FM radio, and if you're into XM, you can add the proper antenna and use your subscription for that as well. Lastly, the included remote has a good layout and is very easy to use. It's also programmable for your TV so it can serve dual purpose. Of course, if you already have a Samsung TV, then it will be preprogrammed without any action on your part.
If your audio budget is right around $250, then this is a pretty decent system to consider. Of course, Samsung makes it easy for owners of their flat panel displays as the remote is ready to go and the HT-X50 will match the styling of their sets. With better than average sound for a low cost of entry, it might be worth looking into if you don't need a ton of inputs. X50, yeah, I still love saying that!
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