- Five piece compact home theater system
- Horn-loaded satellite speakers deliver maximum impact
- Compact subwoofer delivers dramatic low-end effects
- Dolby Virtual Speaker technology and exclusive Tractrix(R) Horn technology
- Progressive scan DVD/CD player, AM/FM tuner, three auxiliary inputs and universal IR remote
Product Description
**Note from Klipsch: We are aware of and have addressed the trouble with the DVD player portion of our Klipsch CS-500 2.1 Home Theater system. We recently (MAR-10) upgraded the DVD portion of the CS-500 to a much more robust and reliable mechanism (this includes units currently in-stock at Amazon). After recognizing the failure rate of the CS-500’s DVD section was not up to Klipsch standards, we implemented this upgrade at the factory-level.** Sleek, simple, and sma… More >>
Several years ago we purchased the Bose 3-2-1 DVD/Sound System for just under $1,000. We loved the size, loved the sound and it played DVDs very well too. Don’t get me wrong Bose makes an excellent product, but it is pricey.
Now, some (5) years later, we were in the market for an additional sound system, for a smaller room (approx 12 x 15) so we tried out the Klipsch CS-500, 2.1 system. It is discounted to just under $300.00. We were totally surprised by the quality of the system for such a great price.
We are both technically challenged, and we were able to set this system up, using the easy to understand guide in no time. Within 20 minutes we had the system up and running, and sounding great. We’ve only had this system a week so far, but have not had any problems, like a few of the other reviewers noted. We find this to be the perfect companion for our 40″ flat screen. The sound is great, and the dvd player works fine.
If you are in the market for a great, yet inexpensive sound system, give this one a try. Recommended for smaller rooms like ours. Is it as good as our $1,000 Bose system? The answer is NO, but it is a nice system for a terrific price. RECOMMENDED
Rating: 4 / 5
Ordered this before Christmas and got it shortly after. Set up was a breeze and it sounded awesome hooked up to the TV/Cable box. Pushed the button to open the DVD drawer and nothing happened. Tried it again, a burning smell….Packed it back up and I’m waiting to hear what the verdict is. Not too impressed to this point. I do own Klipsch speakers that I love – the main reason I purchased this unit.
Rating: 1 / 5
Klipsch is a recognized high quality name in home theater audio equipment, so I was very excited to receive this package. While, yes, you are not getting a blu-ray player with this system, you could expect to actually spend that $1000 retail price if you decided to purchase a system equal to this with a blu-ray player. As a secondary bedroom or even primary sound system, I found the quality to be superb for the price.
For a sub-$300 2.1 system this little guy really did well competing with our larger more expensive 5.1 Yamaha system. While the Yamaha will beat this system just because 5.1 will always sound better than 2.1, the sound from the speakers were crisper, clearer, and the subwoofer could nearly rattle the walls using it at full power. You still got the feeling of surround sound from this system.
For those who are not technologically inclined, this was not difficult at all to set up. I have had no problems with the DVD player thus far, and Klipsch has noted that they have fixed problems with a previous model.
If you’re budget is under $300 and this is a second system for a smaller room or bedroom, I say go for it. If you have more to spend and this is going to be your main theater or living room sound system, I would look for a 5.1 or 7.1 system that you can hook a stand alone blu-ray player into.
Rating: 5 / 5
I wanted a second HD system in my home for the master bedroom.
I chose Klipsch’s affordable CS500 All-In-One Audio/DVD Unit paired with Panasonic’s G15 Plasma TV and I have no regrets. The system delivers excellent audio & video. Plenty of midrange/woofer sound offered at reasonable cost and can be setup without over-crowding a bedroom with 5 or more speakers and without needing higher cost separate A/V, DVD units stacked on a rack.
Another 2.1 option to consider is Klipsch’s CS700 system for larger bedroom area or studio apartment.
I would not recommend a 2.1 system for a larger Family room or multiple room area.
Rating: 4 / 5
The theater system itself works and is great! The only downfall for this system is the remote control that it comes with. It’s kind of frustrating since you will need to punch in the buttons several times to get it to function when you want to change a channel. But, other than this factor, it is a great sound system for our house. Very pleased with the clear and superior sound it outputs.
Rating: 4 / 5