The Cambridge SoundWorks SurroundWorks 200 is a hard system to categorize. It's not quite a home theater system, and it's not technically a stereo system either. The SurroundWorks 200 consists of a main receiver unit, a subwoofer, and a single main speaker. That's right, just one speaker to provide the main signal, so you know set-up is a snap.

When combined with advanced signal processing, this single speaker creates a sense of stereo and even surround that is quite convincing. The 75-watt subwoofer employs a 6-1/2-inch driver and an 8-inch passive radiator, so the low end is covered as well.

The main unit is Cambridge's AVS600 DVD player, which includes a digital AM/FM tuner with 40 station presets. In addition to DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, DVD-R/RW, and DVD+R/RW, the progressive scan disc player is compatible with VCD, CD, CD-R/RW, and discs loaded with MP3 and JPEG files. The SurroundWorks 200's internal amplifier provides a substantial 225 watts of power, and the unit has decoding for Dolby Digital, DTS, and Dolby Pro Logic II, which it uses to create the virtual sound field.

The SurroundWorks 200 sports component video, S-video, and composite video inputs, so you connect a cable box, satellite receiver or other A/V component. It also has coaxial and optical digital audio inputs and an optical digital audio output.

With the simplest set-up imaginable, and excellent sound as well, the SurroundWorks 200 is a remarkable system.

Warranty
1 year receiver, 2 years subwoofer, 10 years speakers