Short Summary Comparison of 5.1 iLive (IHTB159B) & Rockville HTS56 Theater
Here is the short summary of Comparison of 5.1 iLive (IHTB159B) & Rockville HTS56 Theater, however if you want to read in detail about both products, you may read detailed analysis below
| Feature | iLive 5.1 Home Theater System (IHTB159B) | Rockville HTS56 1000w 5.1 Channel Home Theater |
|---|---|---|
| Number of speakers | 6 | 8 |
| Speaker size | Sound bar: 32 x 2.5 x 2.5 inches Single speaker: 3.5 x 3 x 3.5 inches Subwoofer: 5.4 x 11 x 9.7 inches | Subwoofer: 12.4 x 13.4 x 16.5 inches Center speaker: 3.1 x 4.3 x 14.8 inches Front speaker: 4 x 4 x 14.8 inches Rear speaker: 3 x 4 x 9 inches |
| Power | Peak power: 1000 watts Program power: 500 watts RMS power: 250 watts | Peak power: 1000 watts Program power: 500 watts RMS power: 250 watts |
| Frequency response | 40Hz-20KHz | 40Hz-20KHz |
| Bluetooth | Yes, supports A2DP profile | Yes, supports A2DP and AVRCP profiles |
| Optical digital audio input | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI input | Yes, supports ARC | No |
| RCA stereo audio inputs | Yes | Yes |
| RCA DVD audio inputs | No | Yes |
| SD/USB input | No | Yes |
| FM radio | No | Yes |
| MIC inputs with echo control for Karaoke | No | Yes, two ¼” inputs |
| LED light effects | No | Yes, multiple modes |
| Remote control | Yes | Yes |
| Cloth speaker grill | Yes | No |
| Wooden subwoofer enclosure | Yes | No |
| Digital volume control | Yes | No |
| Built-in media player/receiver with digital readout and 5-band EQ | No | Yes |
| Price (as of Dec.2021) | $123 at Amazon | $178 at Amazon |
Detailed Analysis [iLive (IHTB159B) vs Rockville (HTS56)]
Both systems are designed to provide a surround sound experience for your home theater, with Bluetooth wireless connectivity, optical digital audio input, RCA stereo audio inputs, and remote control. The iLive system has a 32″ sound bar, a wooden subwoofer enclosure, and HDMI input that supports ARC. The Rockville system has an 8″ subwoofer with built-in receiver, LED light effects, FM radio, SD/USB input, and two ¼” MIC inputs with echo control for Karaoke2.
Physical Description [iLive (IHTB159B) vs Rockville (HTS56)]
The iLive system consists of six surround speakers: subwoofer, front left & right, surround left & right and sound bar. The sound bar is 32 x 2.5 x 2.5 inches, the single speaker is 3.5 x 3 x 3.5 inches, and the subwoofer is 5.4 x 11 x 9.7 inches3. The Rockville system consists of eight speakers: subwoofer, front left & right, surround left & right, center channel speaker, and two rear channels speakers. The subwoofer is 12.4 x 13.4 x 16.5 inches, the center speaker is 3.1 x 4.3 x 14.8 inches, the front speaker is 4 x 4 x 14.8 inches, the rear speaker is 3 x 4 x 9 inches4.
Performance Measurements [iLive (IHTB159B) vs Rockville (HTS56)]
The iLive system has a peak power of 1000 watts and a program power of 500 watts, with a continuous RMS power of 250 watts. The Rockville system also has a peak power of 1000 watts and a program power of 500 watts, with a continuous RMS power of 250 watts2. Both systems have a frequency response range of 40Hz-20KHz3.
Distinctive Features [iLive (IHTB159B) vs Rockville (HTS56)]
The iLive system has a cloth speaker grill, supports profile A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile), and has digital volume control. The Rockville system has an LED light system with multiple modes, supports profile AVRCP (Audio/Video Remote Control Profile), and has a built-in media player/receiver with digital readout and a 5-band EQ2.
Best Uses [iLive (IHTB159B) vs Rockville (HTS56)]
The iLive system is best suited for small to medium-sized rooms, where the sound bar can be placed straight away in front of the TV or mounted on the wall. It is also compatible with ARC-enabled devices that can send audio signals through the HDMI cable3. The Rockville system is best suited for large rooms or parties, where the LED lights can create a festive atmosphere and the Karaoke function can add some fun. It also has more input options for playing music from different sources.
Benefits and Drawbacks [iLive (IHTB159B) vs Rockville (HTS56)]
The iLive system has the benefit of being easy to set up and use, with everything you need right out of the box. It also has a sleek design and a wooden subwoofer enclosure that enhances the bass quality. The drawback is that it does not have many extra features or input options, and it may not be loud enough for some users.
The Rockville system has the benefit of having many extra features and input options, such as LED lights, FM radio, SD/USB input, and Karaoke function. It also has a powerful subwoofer that can produce deep and clear bass. The drawback is that it may be more complicated to set up and use, and it may not fit well in some spaces due to its size.
Ratings [iLive (IHTB159B) vs Rockville (HTS56)]
Here are the ratings for each system based on the key decision-making factors:
| Factors | iLive (IHTB159B) | Rockville (HTS56) |
|---|---|---|
| Room size | Small to medium (14×14) | Large (16×16) |
| Speaker placement | Sound bar in front or on wall | Subwoofer near wall or corner |
| Speaker type | Sound bar + satellite speakers | Subwoofer + full range speakers |
| Amplifier power | 250 watts RMS | 250 watts RMS |
| Compatibility | Bluetooth, HDMI ARC, optical digital audio input | Bluetooth, optical digital audio input |
| Budget | $123 at Amazon | $178 at Amazon |
| Audio quality | Good | Good |
| Durability | Good | Good |
| Design | Sleek | Flashy |
Which one to buy? [iLive (IHTB159B) vs Rockville (HTS56)]
By comparing both products while considering various important factors, it is recommended to buy Rockville (HTS56) as it can operate in large room as compared to iLive (IHTB159B), it does provide better audio quality and is more durable. If you don’t have limitation of using HDMI with your TV, then you should definitely go with Rockville (HTS56). I hope this article sounded beneficial for you. Keep informed us about what more comparisons would you like to be at this platform. Click iLive (IHTB159B) or Rockville (HTS56) for in depth detailed separate review articles.