What Hi-Fi? Verdict
If you like the idea of a compact, convenient home cinema system, the BDS 570 could be perfect for you. It’s good, and very nearly great
Pros
- +
Good picture and sound
- +
thoughtful design
- +
easy to use and live with
- +
compact
Cons
- -
Limited input options
- -
no streaming features
- -
same-priced separates are better overall
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Harman Kardon’s BDS 570 is as distinctive as it is unusual. Just 40cm wide and 10cm high, it’s a shoebox-sized home cinema solution intended to bridge the gap between conventional ‘all-in-one’ systems (think Panasonic SC-BTT370) and larger, more capable but also more complex separates-based set-ups.
To that end, the BDS 570 includes a 3D-capable Blu-ray drive – which, naturally, can also be used to replay older disc formats, including DVD and CD – plus five channels of digital amplification rated at a reasonably accurate 65W each.
That’s a notable step up on the comparatively modest power output you’d expect to find in a so-called home cinema in a box, and more than enough to propel a suitable subwoofer/satellite speaker system (say, the Award-winning Q Acoustics Q7000 at £800) in fine style.
Connecting the BDS 570 is straightforward enough. It provides full-sized, gold-plated speaker output terminals and a single subwoofer output, and benefits from Harman Kardon’s EzSet microphone-based automatic calibration and equalisation system, which moderates speaker distances, crossover points and relative output levels to optimal effect.
Just enough sockets to succeed
Naturally, the BDS 570’s compact size means there’s less space on either its rear or front panels to accommodate other inputs and outputs and so, sensibly, Harman Kardon has concentrated on those sockets it feels you’ll use most.
Three HDMI inputs is a comparatively modest haul by modern standards, but it’ll probably suffice in context, especially when the corresponding output supports the Audio Return Channel, meaning it can accept sound from a suitable TV set.
There are far fewer analogue ins, though: just two, plus a component video input to support older games consoles. However, you do get two optical and one coaxial digital inputs.
That said – and again, in fairness to Harman Kardon – those analogue sockets are probably less relevant to the utility of a product such as the BDS 570 than the fact you can also link in an iPod or other portable device, using the USB socket on its fascia or, if you prefer, Harman Kardon’s optional Bridge III iPod dock (£90).
Impressive picture and sound
But what of its performance? Here, the BDS 570 demonstrates, once again, the deftness of its relative compromise.
The BDS 570, by contrast, has no truck with such modernity. That seems a curious omission, especially in context. Still, should the absence of such niceties not concern you, there’s much to admire here in other regards.
