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Speakercraft CS3 Powered home theater sound system/TV platform with Bluetooth®

Item # 866CS3

We all want better TV sound.

We all want better TV sound.

4 questions - 15 answers

Item # 866CS3

Shop all Speakercraft Sound Bars

About the Speakercraft CS3

David Brown

Make room for thrilling sound

We all want better TV sound. But some of us have a hard time figuring out where to put a sound bar or surround sound speakers. Speakercraft's CS3 offers a simple solution: put your speaker system under your TV. This 4-channel sound system with two built-in woofers is also a platform that can support flat-panel TVs weighing up to 160 pounds. Just place it on your TV stand, place your HDTV on top, and you can start actually hearing every word of dialogue and feeling the impact of every explosive sound effect.

Make room for thrilling sound

We all want better TV sound. But some of us have a hard time figuring out where to put a sound bar or surround sound speakers. Speakercraft's CS3 offers a simple solution: put your speaker system under your TV. This 4-channel sound system with two built-in woofers is also a platform that can support flat-panel TVs weighing up to 160 pounds. Just place it on your TV stand, place your HDTV on top, and you can start actually hearing every word of dialogue and feeling the impact of every explosive sound effect.

Built-in woofers add impact

The CS3 features two tweeters and four midrange drivers across its front panel. Those alone are enough to dramatically improve the sound of any TV. But when you add in the CS3's dual down-firing 5-1/4" woofers and ported enclosure, you get extended bass response necessary to drive home the low frequencies that give movie and TV soundtracks depth and power. You'll hear all kinds of things you never hear through your TV's puny speakers. Eighty watts of built-in amplification and digital signal processing deliver virtual surround sound that's engaging and immersive.

Enjoy wireless music with Bluetooth

This sound system is not just for movies and TV. Built-in Bluetooth lets you enjoy wireless music with your smartphone, tablet, or computer. Play songs from your digital library, listen to free Internet radio streams or Pandora, and stream tunes from your favorite subscription service like Spotify® or Beats Music™.

Simple setup

A single cable from your TV to the CS3 gets you up and running in seconds. There are optical, coaxial, and RCA inputs, so it's compatible with just about any TV. The included remote control even lets you adjust bass and treble response, so you can fine-tune the sound of this powerful speaker system to your satisfaction.

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Product highlights:

  • virtual surround sound speaker system designed to fit under flat-panel HDTVs
  • designed to support flat-panel TVs weighing up to 160 pounds; TV pedestal base should be no more than 28" wide and 15-9/16" deep
  • built-in 4 x 20-watt RMS amplifier
  • two 1" silk dome tweeters
  • four 3" cone midrange drivers
  • two 5-1/4" down-firing woofers for deep bass response
  • built-in Bluetooth for wireless music streaming from compatible smartphones, tablets, and computers
  • digital signal processing delivers simulated surround sound
  • bass-reflex (ported) cabinet offers enhanced bass response
  • optical and coaxial digital audio inputs (accepts 2-channel PCM only, no Dolby decoding)
  • analog stereo RCA inputs
  • optical digital and stereo RCA cables included
  • remote with bass and treble tone controls
  • frequency response: 35-20,000 Hz
  • 28"W x 4-1/16"H x 17-15/16"D
  • weight: 25 lbs.
  • warranty: 2 years
  • MFR # ASM42000

No A/V receiver required.

What's in the box:

  • Active soundbar speaker
  • Rectangular grille (installed)
  • 2 Round grilles (installed)
  • 6' AC power cord
  • 39" Optical digital cable
  • 39" Stereo RCA cable
  • Remote control (CR2025 battery installed)
  • Owner's Manual

Customer reviews for Speakercraft CS3

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4.5 out of 5 stars
24 reviews

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More details on the Speakercraft CS3

Stacey B.

Features & specs

General
Design ---
Amplification Self-powered
Separate Subwoofer No
Wireless Surrounds ---
Number Of Channels 2
Surround Formats
Dolby Digital No
DTS No
Dolby Atmos No
DTS:X No
Audio Enhancements
Dialogue Enhancement ---
Auto Volume ---
Night Mode ---
Virtual Surround Simulated Surround
Room Correction No
Audio Connections
Optical Digital Inputs 1
Coaxial Digital Inputs 1
HDMI ARC Input ---
HDMI eARC Input ---
3.5mm Stereo Analog Inputs None
RCA Stereo Analog Inputs 1
USB Type-A Input No
Subwoofer Output 0
Audio Specs
Tweeter 1" Dome (x2)
Midrange 3" Cone (x4)
Woofer 5.25" Cone (x2)
Subwoofer Driver None
Enclosure Bass Reflex
System Frequency Response 35-20k Hz
Sound Bar RMS Power 80
Subwoofer RMS Power N/A
Video Connections
HDMI Inputs None
HDMI Outputs None
Video Specs
HDMI Version ---
HDMI Video Pass-through Resolution ---
HDR Video Compatible ---
Control
Includes Remote Yes
Voice Control No
Control by App ---
HDMI CEC ---
Remote IR Passthrough No
Learns TV Remote ---
Audio Streaming
Bluetooth Connectivity Yes
Bluetooth Audio Playback No
Bluetooth Transmitter Mode No
Online Music Sources ---
Apple AirPlay ---
Chromecast built-in ---
Amazon Music ---
Apple Music ---
Pandora ---
SiriusXM ---
Spotify ---
TIDAL ---
TuneIn ---
YouTube Music ---
Files on Your Network No
Wi-Fi Networking
Built-in Wi-Fi Version ---
Bands ---
Other Info
Wall-mountable No
Mounting Bracket Included No
Sound Bar Size (inches) 4-1/16H x 28W x 17-15/16D
Sound Bar Weight 25 lbs
Subwoofer Size (inches) No Subwoofer
Subwoofer Weight N/A
Speaker Parts Warranty 2 Years
Speaker Labor Warranty 2 Years
Amplifier Parts Warranty 2 Years
Amplifier Labor Warranty 2 Years

Product Research

Features

Active Soundbar Speaker Base: The SpeakerCraft CS3 is an under-the-TV soundbar solution that dramatically improves your audio/video experience when watching your flat-panel TV. The CS3 soundbar speaker is designed to sit on an A/V stand with a flat-panel TV sitting on top of it. Your television's pedestal base should be no more than 28" (w) x 15.5625" (d). The soundbar speaker base system connects to your television via a single analog (RCA) or digital (optical/coaxial) cable.

Stereo & Simulated Surround: The SpeakerCraft CS3 provides full stereo sound for music soundtracks. The CS3 uses advanced digital signal processing (DSP) to create simulated surround sound that spreads the soundstage coming from the soundbar speaker so ambient sounds of movie soundtracks appear to come from all over the room and not just from the speaker.

3-Way Speaker Design: The SpeakerCraft CS3 features two front-firing 1" silk dome tweeters, four front-firing 3" treated paper cone midrange drivers, and two down-firing 5.25" treated paper cone subwoofers for clear highs, detailed midrange, and deep bass response.

80W Digital Amplifier: The SpeakerCraft CS3 soundbar speaker employs an 80W digital amplifier to power all eight drivers for dynamic, room-filling sound.

Bass Reflex Enclosure: The SpeakerCraft CS3 features a bass-reflex enclosure with dual rear-firing and dual front-firing ports for greater efficiency and bigger bass.

Bass & Treble Control: You can adjust the soundbar speaker's bass (100Hz) & treble (10kHz) level in order to increase or decrease low and high frequency output.

Analog + Digital Inputs: The SpeakerCraft CS3 is fitted with both analog and digital inputs to connect your external AV components. There is one optical (toslink) and one coaxial (RCA) digital input to connect up to two digital audio sources, such as your flat-panel HDTV and Blu-ray player. The digital inputs will accept PCM (2ch) only. There is also one analog stereo RCA input for connecting an external audio device or TV without a digital output.

Note: The soundbar speaker's digital inputs do not support a Dolby Digital/DTS audio signal.

Bluetooth Audio Streaming: Pair your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer to the CS3 and stream music wirelessly via built-in Bluetooth (v.2.1) technology. You'll be able to wirelessly stream stored music and music apps on your Bluetooth-enabled devices to the SpeakerCraft soundbar speaker. You'll still use your Bluetooth-enabled mobile device for music navigation and song/artist information. Pairing is done without the need to enter a pin-code.

Note: Due to the differences in Bluetooth technology, some Bluetooth enabled devices may be incompatible, function improperly, or may not support all features when used with the SpeakerCraft soundbar speaker system.

Remote Control: The CS3 includes an IR remote control for wireless operation of the soundbar speaker system.

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Customer Q&A

4 questions already asked

Q
Gary: After trying both, which do you prefer and why? I was interested in the zVox as well, but negative reviews about the sound of music and movies have me investigating other options. Thanks > Sorry, can't help. I originally ordered Speakercraft CS3 but exchanged it for a ZVox 580. [ GARY Oct 10, 2014 ]
michael  Nov 03, 2014
4 answers
A
So far I like the sound I get from the CS3. My biggest complaint is the remote control -- terrible design. Too small, can't tell if the volume is going up or down visually.
jody  Dec 13, 2014
A
I purchase the CS3, and never put much thought into the Zvox. I have a smaller family room (about 15'x15'). The CS3 has made me very happy. It is not surround sound but has a great movie sound, much better than standard tv sound. Surprisingly good bass. great for music and movies. I'll suggest the CS3 all day long.
jon  Nov 04, 2014
A
I have had sound systems from Bose, Polk, Pioneer, Onkyo and Yamaha for my living room. The best sound I have ever accomplished is through the use of the Speakercraft CS3 in my son's bedroom. Simply the best surround sound I have experienced!
julie  Nov 04, 2014
A
Michael: I like my Speakercraft CS3. I feel it was very good quality for the money
richard  Nov 04, 2014
Q
Does this unit power back on after power loss? Reason I ask, is I have a surge stripe that turns off all devices when the TV is off would be very nice if power is cut to this unit and when the power is re-applied it power back on where it was.
darrel  Oct 10, 2014
4 answers
A
Yes there is a master power switch and as long as it is turned on, it should power up accordingly
scott  Oct 15, 2014
A
I tested mine this morning. When I cycled the power back on the unit remained off. So you'd have to turn the unit on using the remote. The settings that it was at remained the same after the power was restored. I'd buy the CS3 again but it has some lack of features that some may not like. There is no indication of volume or settings. Just a red/blue LED light as off/on indication. We went with a Harmony 650 universal remote that makes using all of the 'stuff' a lot easier. Hope this helps.
roy  Oct 10, 2014
A
Apologises, but I won't be where that equipment is for another 2 weeks.
john  Oct 10, 2014
A
Sorry, can't help. I originally ordered Speakercraft CS3 but exchanged it for a ZVox 580.
gary  Oct 10, 2014
Q
Does this product include the Dolby decoder box in case TV's optical out does not support PCM? I know Speakercraft was including them for a while, but not sure what they are doing now. Thanks.
cabbycab  Mar 17, 2014
5 answers
A
There wasn't one with mine.
ryan  Mar 18, 2014
A
Yes you do not have to purchase a separate unit. The sc3 comes with an optical cable as well. Unit works good but no inidcation of sound level bass and treble contols kindnof stinks. Remote is lame as well small enough to be lost. We're not TV people but we often struggle with dialogue and heart--stopping sound effects. Getting a good balance isn't easy and nobody wants to play with the remote during movie. Overall I'd get it again. Simple to use has Bluetooth and if you're listening to music it sounds pretty decent Hope this was helpful.
roy  Mar 18, 2014
A
I just received mine and there was no such box included.
joseph  Mar 17, 2014
A
there is no decoder box
hugh  Mar 17, 2014
A
Setup is as simple as any audio-only soundbar. You just connect power, and then connect your input of choice: optical or co-ax digital, analog RCA, or paired via BlueTooth. Once paired, the CS3 can only be paired with one device at a time. A word on the digital audio inputs: It's worth noting, that the enclosure does not have any Dolby Digital decoding onboard. the optical and co-ax input will only play back linear-PCM signals. If your source component does not convert Dolby and DTS encoded signals to linear PCM, you'll need a separate converter device, or you'll need to just use the analog inputs.
saliym  Mar 17, 2014
Q
Opinion on Speakercraft CS3, Zvox 555, or Klipsch SB 120?
jonathan  Feb 18, 2014
2 answers
A
I'm not a big fan of soundbars, but they work. I've got a 400w cerwin vega sub crankin' in my living room. Good for smaller rooms, not really loud.
daniel m  Mar 04, 2014
A
We have not received any answers from other customers on your question. I would recommend reaching out to an Advisor by phone (1-800-324-9695) or online chat. They should be able to help answer your question.
jeff  Feb 21, 2014 (Staff)

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