The HTR-6000 includes three different, separate packages with the recorder, the amplifier and the speakers. The setup procedure was simple and there is no need for any special knowledge to accomplish it. The included quick start guides as well as the full manuals will help you with this. As soon as we set the Home Theater System up, we started with our tests.

Before proceeding with our thorough testing procedures, we wanted to see how the system performed with multichannel movie playback. Our tested movies were " Matrix" and "The Gladiator". Although the satellite speakers and the center speaker look small, their volume was satisfactory and the sound detail good. The subwoofer tried but did not "move us" during any explosions. For an average room, the HTR 6000 will satisfy all those who just want a discrete system (small speakers, compact design for the A/V receiver) in order to enjoy multichannel sound movies without spending a fortune or disrupting the decor :-)

The STR-KSL60 receiver is of compact design and very simple to use. The output power is decent while the built in tuner means you don't need extra devices. The provided connections are also good. The remote commander is very simple and will give you the added option of controlling your TV set as well.

The small speakers are well designed and they have easy connectors on the back for the cables. There is also an attachment so they can be placed on a rack. The power and the volume button for the subwoofer are an advantage. Don't set the volume on to maximum because the sound will be distorted however.

The RDR-GX3 recorder is not the best player one can have. It can not reproduce several formats such as CD-ROM, PhotoCD, VideoCD, Super Video CD, DVD-ROM etc. No compressed audio is supported and some of our recorded DVD-RW and DVD+RW discs were not recognized by the device. It's kind of picky...:-). On the other hand, as a recorder it is very simple to use with many features and very good writing quality. Some small details in the operation of the menu could be improved.

The Good

- All in one package
- Design
- Easy to setup/use
- Advanced features for the RDR-GX3
- Good writing quality
- Explanatory manual
- Remote control can be programmed to control TV as well

The Bad

- Does not support playback CD-ROM included PhotoCD, CD-R, CD-RW, Video CD, Super Video CD, DVD-ROM, DVD+R DL
- No DV IN/OUT
- Does not support CD/DVD discs with compressed audio/image files