The JVC TH-C5 is an amazing home theater value. It is rare to find such an impressive feature list at such an affordable price, and the system sounds good too.

The TH-C5 is centered on a slim main unit that houses a five-disc progressive scan DVD changer. The changer is compatible with DVD-Video, DVD-RAM, DVD-R/RW, DVD-Audio, CD and CD-R/RW, as well as MP3, WMA and JPEG stored on either CD-R/RW or DVD-R/RW. The ability to play WMA or MP3 from DVD is impressive, as you can store several days' worth of music on a one DVD.

The TH-C5 is a full-featured changer with perks like video processing and an easy surround setup function. A full array of inputs and outputs is supplied, including a component video output. The main unit houses an amplifier providing over 1,000 watts of power into five channels, with an additional 167 watts reserved for the subwoofer. The TH-C5 has built-in processing for Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1-channel surround sound.

The speakers are rather attractive, with the front left and right consisting of two-way towers to give an impressive look to the TH-C5. The surrounds use an omni-directional pattern to create a diffused sound similar to that produced by dipole speakers. The powered subwoofer is formidable, featuring a driver that is almost 10 inches in diameter mounted in a bass-reflex cabinet.

While most lower-price systems are underpowered or lack key features, the JVC TH-C5 has it all.

Warranty
90 days labor, 1 year parts