PLAYS MP3 and CDR! Read the summary...you need to purchase the NextGen 600II

Big, yes...but that's what allows it to kill all other HTIBs.

I've done extensive research on the JBL ProPack 600 and have come to find out that there are 2 models Let me point out one HUGE difference: the 600II (next gen of the 600) plays MP3 cds and CDR, while the 600 does not. Very important to most of us out there. Also, the 600II has a much-improved connector layout on the unit's back and has added a 6-channel input for DVD audio. Personally, I recommend the 600II (well worth the extra $250 if you can spare it) over the refurb'd 600. I wish someone had pointed this out early in the game, as it's not immediately apparent.

My JBL 600 works great other than the fact it won't play gold backed dvds,since i payed almost 900 dollars for the thing i believe it should at least play normal dvds

is sound

none

it is a great system and JBL has always been a great brand, you should get one.

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Great sound

continuous need for repair

The propack is great, but only if it works!!!! Never had more repair problems with any other electronic device before. Bought it 3 1/2 months ago, had it in my possession a total of 2 weeks.I noticed that e-bay has a flood of these refurb units from Harmon(JBL) online for sale. Why isnt there any articles on there problems?

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None

Does not work

DVD player will not play compact disks and majority of DVD''s either do not work or skip badly. JBL provides no 800 number in any of their literature provided with the system. My recommendation would be to purchase another brand.

I purchased the JBL Pro Cinema in June of 2001 and within 3 months began having problems with the DVD player. It never consistently played all my compact disks and eventually will no longer play most DVD''s. Nowhere in the JBL literature can I find an 800 number for assistance. I would not recommend purchasing this system.

Bass Output, Sound Clarity, Outputs, Great Value

Instruction Manual could be simpler, doesn't play MP3 on CDs,

Great Overall Value with outstanding sound for the audio enthusiast or home theater beginner.

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Bass output, easy use of the controls on both the dvd and the receiver. Clarity of sound.

Complicated remote.

After it was hooked up it played fine but after the third day, I noticed the "disk error" popped up everytime I played either a DVD or CD disc. The discs were not scratched or dirty. I called JBL and Best buy and neither one of them could help me the problem. I took it back and didnt go for the exchange. From the looks of the other boxes in the store, other customers took back their units they purchased as well. I'll consider purchasing the unit sometime in the near future.

Also there was the issue with the complicated remote. The instructions were not too clear on programming the remote for use with other brand components.

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entire system made specifically to work together, decodes all surround options except 6.1, has every possible connector type, most impressively, component video and front-panel jacks. subwoofer rocks the house. quick-look wiring diagram for good-better-best video output works well.
several sound decoding options, even decodes mp3, but see weaknesses...

- price. a bit steep considering the speaker quality.
- speakers. could be better, but overall output is good.
- remote is less than intuitive and a bit sluggish.
- instructions aren't absolutely the best, but you'll figure it out.
- still need to buy your own s-video cables, toslink (optical) cables if desired.
- says it decodes mp3 BUT doesn't play mp3's on a cd. you connect your pc to it, and play mp3's from your pc. aha!
- MADE IN CHINA! (but what isn't)

had everything set up in 1 hour. tested everything thoroughly, the system works well, has many audio decoding options and handles every connector type. instructions could be made simpler; important configuration info is in the middle of the manual instead of at the beginning. only speaker and rca cables (but also a digital coax cable) are included, so you'll need to buy your own s-vid, component vid, and/or optical cable yourself. the remote seems slow to respond to commands, not very intuitive, but works okay if you're not in the habit of constantly adjusting stuff during a movie. programming the remote takes patience. new users should read the instruction manual cover to cover, and while setting the system up.
as i learned after some frustration, the dvd player won't output dts sound UNTIL you set dts as the default output (it's set to DD at the factory), something i didn't see in the manual the first 10 times i read through it. after this it will play dts, dd, or stereo automatically.
these drawbacks basically point to the manual as its main weakness. be patient, read through, and test your unit thoroughly before installing everything, as with any other equipment.
does things serially - e.g. receiver won't allow you to keep the tv on while you play a cd/radio. not really a drawback but still a consideration. the receiver remembers the all settings for each source (tv/cable/tuner/dvd), which is nice. works well with satellite tv: even accomodates optical-in from your satellite rcvr.
dvd player has a nice on-screen menu system, and also has a mini menu to change multi-angle, sound, subtitles - can be selected in-movie. speakers/sub work okay, standard wiring, so you can upgrade to other speakers later. satellites could be better, but so far performance is fine for the average living room.
overall a good starter system for small homes or for those who aren't total audio freaks. if you want a solid, simple, tuned components, floor-shaking sound, and ALL the latest surround options, the propack 600 is very adequate and might even exceed expectations.
ITS PROS OUTWEIGH ITS CONS. all things considered, its myriad capabilities make this an excellent deal. you can't find components with this many features for the same price.
since harman-kardon decided to build this in china, we'll have to see about its reliability.

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