Not just a pretty face: Looks before substance may be an unfair slogan to pin on JVC's newest home-theater combination, but there is no denying the emphasis on looks. Pairing two speakers, the combination of the SP-FT and the AX-FT 4-channel amplifier is designed to match the latest breed of flat-screen televisions in being absurdly thin at just 31 mm in "thickness." The amplifier emphasizes the minimalist style by confining the controls to a thin rectangle running along its top. The aim is to allow the home theater system to hang on a wall, like today's favored slim-line TVs, but it can also nestle in the supplied stand.
Despite the lack of bulk, the speakers offer 15 watts each, which can be boosted to 30 watts. They operate in a frequency range of 110 Hz up to 23,000 Hz and have an 8-ohm impedance. Tipping the scales at 850 grams each, the pair employ magnetic shielding to avoid interfering with your TV. The amplifier can deliver 80 watts over four independent channels and can support Dolby Digital, DTA and AAC formats. It weighs a tad less at 730 grams and comes with three digital inputs and one analog. The combination goes on sale separately late this month. The speakers are expected to cost ¥20,000 for the duo with the amplifier likely to set you back around ¥24,000. Initially available in basic black, a white option will come out in November.
Whether this home theater sounds as good as it looks is likely to be a matter of personal taste. In general, speakers need bulk to create top sound quality, so it is unfair to expect top-drawer tunes from JVC's slim pair. But compared to the acoustic abilities of even the best of flat-screen TVs they don't have a lot of competition.