Customer Reviews

Onkyo HT-S9300THX 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver and Speaker Package

5 star:		(30)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

So far, this is probably the best home theater system for the price. So let's get started with the review.

PRESENTATION
The box is huge, so you know just by looking at it you're purchasing something serious. Despite the box arrived pretty damaged, the system itself was unharmed. The speakers are definitely sturdy, well-built and looks like quality ones, only the protective grids are made in plastic and look somewhat cheap. The receiver looks elegant, giving the sensation of being a lot more expensive. Subwoofer is big but not that much, so it can fit almost anywhere in the room. Installation is very easy since all speakers, speaker inputs and cables are color-coded, so it's very difficult to do it wrong.

AUDIO
Overall, my listening experience so far has been of pure joy. The sound of its 7.1 channels fill the room with great clarity and power. Movies sound amazing, my current demo disc is the Inception Blu-ray, using "Direct" mode or "THX Cinema". The bass is deep, and easily fills the whole room. Dialogs sound clear and natural and surround effects are as immersive as they get. With music is still very good, but not that great. Anyway, this can't be blamed on the system quality, but rather in the configuration, since for music is always better having big main speakers and not small speakers with a good subwoofer. But again, music still sounds very, very good. The volume is enough to fill a small to mid-sized room, and with enough, I mean it can get very, very loud, enough to have all your neighbors complaining about it, specially if you live in an apartment. But I bet you won't resist the temptation to listen your movies at THX reference volume level, even if it may get too loud.

VIDEO
The video is pretty good but somewhat lacks the same quality level than audio. Upconversion is decent but tends to slightly deform standard definition broadcasts. Overall, the best way is setting the video resolution "as is". But with HD signals, you won't find the slightest reason to complain.

RECEIVER
Yes, as everybody said before, the receiver runs hot. Very hot, specially at high volume levels (heat depends entirely of volume level, actually), so you have to be very careful about where you're fitting this in. It must be well ventilated, and avoid setting it on poorly-vented enclosed cabinets.

Anyway, about its features, what can I say? It has so many processing modes, chances are you won't ever use some of them. Virtually there aren't any audio formats this unit can't decode, or video signals it doesn't support (including 3D). And there are so many ways to process the same signal, you may have fun for hours trying to test all of them (if you want to take your time, of course). Audyssey calibration is great, it configures the audio to achieve optimal sound performance according to room acoustics, all by itself. Of course, if you're a bit picky like me, you may want to tweak resulting settings a bit.

Cables are a bit on the thin side, so if you don't feel comfortable with the included ones, you won't have a problem replacing them with thicker ones, yet the included ones seem to do their job pretty good.

Also, you may wonder, why buy this system instead of the cheaper 7300, 6300 or such? (they even include an ipod dock that this model don't, for reasons beyond my understanding) The answer is simple: This system has remarkably better speakers, and the THX features are actually pretty useful, adding several tweaks and improvements.

So, overall, this is a great system with an unbeatable value. For its price, you may try assembling your home theater with separate components, but you won't get even close to the sound quality and features of this system.

Onkyo HT-9300THX HTIB

*BOTTOM LINE*
My Girlfriend doesn't care for all this audio/visual stuff.
That being said, the other day after living for 2 weeks with this system set up and playing a wide variety of material, She announced,
"I really like the sound by the way."
Then said,
"I can't pinpoint where the sound is coming from ....it just surrounds you, like you're in a sound field."

Is that not awesome?

On a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being amazing, the sound quality of the speakers independently is like a 6 to 7, depending on source material (Movies, Music, Blu-Ray, DVD, Cable)
But when all of these speakers and the sub are playing in tandem with each other as they have been designed to....
This sucker is a 9+.

Trust me, I'd tell you if it wasn't.

The sound is precise. Not impeccable though...but specific, never distorts, sounds full, the bass punches....nice tight punches...

Forget the price. Because you will.

$800 to $1000 bucks (I paid $739 with free tax and shipping from Amazon who sold it for Vanns) for a 7.1 THX certified HTIB can worry the smart budding audiophile like it did me...but don't worry. For small living rooms, bedrooms, (8 to 10 square feet I believe they state) this system is awesome.


*THX*
A word about THX I/S

This reciever and 7.1 speaker system, when all used together,

If you do this...you are listening to THX approved sound.

The reason I write that is because I can tell.
The quality of the sound field is so satisfying to m, so seamless....that my girlfriend, with out me asking her was happy to comment on it.

Like most movie lovers, I've been listening to surround sound since 1986 when it was 2 fronts and a monaural surround track.

Then...For the past 10 years I've been listening to 5.1 sound, Onkyo reciever from 2001, with a $70. 15 year old Optimus (radio shack) center, 2 Yamaha rears (awful) an audiosource (?) 80watt sub (awful again) and 2 massive 25 years old Fisher 150 watt video tech mark speakers from a high end rack system from back then (I have to admit, I love these things. They have 15'' woofers and will put out deep bass at 40 htz)

So this system in comparison is a radical difference.

The speakers can all be considered small...because all the bass gets pumped into the amazing sub woofer which puts out 20 to 25htz bass (wall shaking DEEP BASS)

The comfort of having 8 speakers, all putting out the same sound quality allows for a seamless soundfield.

I know that THX and Onkyo both designed this system. THX created a new certification level for small listening areas (8' by 8' to 15' by 15' I believe) for the normal humans beings out here like me that cannot build home theaters .

The THX certification was what excited me the most.


* INSTALL *
Massive box, weighs in at 136 pounds. Opening it felt like Christmas to me.
I live in a 4 story walk up in Queens, NY...so I had to un-box in Lobby and make 5 trips up and down stairs to get it all in my apt.
The sub is heaviest.


I replaced the mounts on the back with picture hanging metal hooks that support 60lbs, and I put picture hanging hooks in the wall that support 100lbs.

Mounted 7.1 speakers, reciever gives you option of using the back surrounds (as oppossed to surrounds) as either front high speakers or rear surrounds....

I chose the later.

I mounted speakers as In equal distances at ear lever around room to replicate mixing room as best I could.


HDMI cables...get some. Online is cheaper.
If you use HDMI....you get an on-screen menu.


The reciever let's you use an equalizer on each speaker....letting you adjust highs, mids and lows....with the sub....it let's you adjust 25htz, 40htz, 60 htz....let's you up the decile Levels by 6 on each.....

The audyssey microphone set up worked spot on for me.

I've used it about 10 times so far.

As soon as you plug in-- the microphone they give you....the set up pops up and prompts you to place mic in listening position 1, then sounds come out of each 7 speakers and sub.

Then position 2, then 3...
When done....if measures distance (crazy accurate) sets it's own EQ settings to compensate for room acoustics and all....and volume levels for each speaker.

I don't usually go for automatic anything...I'm a manual setting type guy....but I use the audyssey settings....


* SOUND*
I've been blown away by listening to 5.1 soundtracks....
and 2.0 soundtracks....

The reciever has so many options for you ....

I personally chose THX I/S mode for everything 5.1 and up....

It takes the 5.1 and creates a 6th and 7th channel for you...

The results are sick.

I put on "Vertigo" yesterday. I had DVR'd it a few months back from HBO HD.

I was rocked by the opening soundtrack.

The music was coming out of all channels...sounding so clean and tight.

Then the opening scene, dialogue centered...gun shots ringing out.

Then I realized....it was 2.0...and I was listening to Dolby Pro Logic Z with THX Cinema...

This thing sounded like a newly re-mastered 5.1 soundtrack to me...I was just rocked.

Watched the first "TRON" last night.

5.1 in HD, I thought the sub wasn't loud enough...so I was going to pump it up a bit.
Now again, all settings are the Audyssey settings and sub volume knob is set to "THX Recommended"

Before I can up the sub volume like I normally would have done....
One of the those crazy looking flying "M" shaped machines fly's' into frame....

"VROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM"

Whoa.

Also Been watching "Inception"
I have a PS3...and the reciever has an Video Processor in it. By Farudja.
I put on a little edge enhancement and upped the color....

Then let the DTS MA soundtrack go.

Oh man...

Again...I didn't think the sub was working at times...

Then this clean and deep "BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM"

The whole apt. shakes.

So ok. I have to go. I've been writing this for 2 days.
all in all...I'm so pumped, if you can't tell, by this system.

I highly recommend buying through Amazon, then VANNS...

I hope I've been helpful.

Good luck and enjoy.

Godspeed.

- Wes

After 32 wonderful years of service from my stereo system, its day's are at an end. Purchashed back in my "Navy Days", I insisted on quality, with price not an object. Top-of-the-line Aiwa amp, pre-amp, and tuner coupled with B/W DM2/11 studio monitors, 12 band graphic equalizer, DBX dynamic range extender with surface noise eliminators, and you can understand my audiophile bliss for the good part of a quarter century. Sadly, as mentioned, that joy has come to an end forcing me to once again make a "sound" investment.
After 3 months of extensive research, endless reveiws, and some late-night number crunching, because "price not an object" no longer existed, I was able to finally decide on the Onkyo HT-9300THX 7.1 Home theater and speaker package. Purchased on-line, sight unseen, I was a bit nervous to say the least, but I spent a considerable amount of time in research prior to purchase, and I hoped for the best.
Purchased system from Vann's, through Amazon Merchants, and recieved a great price. Thanks Vann's. Amazon processed my order accurately, and promptly. Thanks Amazon, and UPS delivered it to my front door, in only 96 hours, with two very attractive female drivers. Thanks UPS.
Box is quite large and 135lbs. Inside, I found all components well packaged and in pristine condition-always a plus. Set-up went smoothly, but I elected to upgrade a couple of things during that time. Speaker wire provided is 24-guage 2 conductor "zip" wire that is good for not much. Way undersized for the serious sound this system promises, and it is a mystery to me why Onkyo would want to down-grade this fine system by providing such inferior wire for such a critical "link" between reciever and speaker. Same issue with the provided sub-woofer cable. Undersized, with minimal sheilding that is very critical for low frequencies, cable worked but I felt it was better to replace them all.
Installed 12-guage micro-strand cable to all speakers terminated with gold plated banana plugs. Upgrade sub-woofer cable with a silver flex cable with triple sheilding and my new system was good to go.
Sound was not that impressive out of the box. After adjusting and calibrating with the included AUDYSSEY microphone, the sound improved dramatically. Thought this was a good as it would get, but I was wrong. Approach THX reference levels and this system explodes with sound, pure clean sound,crisp highs and great room filling bass. Power to spare. Excellent value. Highly recommend.
A/V receiver has it all. Multitude of controls never leave you lacking for something. Onscreen displays on both the receiver and connected tv keep you informed. Versitility is an understatment when refering to the various forms this receiver can morph into. From 2 channel mono discrete, all the way to full-blown 7.1 surround sound, this receiver has it all. 11 listening modes, 7 THX listening modes, and every Dolby sound chipset known to man is included.
Sadly I am only able to review the audio portion of this system at this time. Not yet purchase the flat screen 3D tv. When I do get the tv I will update this review with the video half.
As noted, by many other reviews, the receiver does indeed run on the hot side. Increase the volume, increase the heat. Extended play at lower volume does not produce excessive heat, but crank it up for a bit, and the receiver's temperature rises dramacticly. Onkyo insist this is normal, but I know this will shorten the life of the electrical componets. Perhaps Onkyo's position on this is expected, as they would surely be eager to sell you a replacement. A winning proposition for them but, not so much for me. My solution for the heat was very simple. Purchased a dual 120mm fan kit that was intended to be mounted in the side of a componet cabinet. Built a 1" high box of plywood veneer and mounted the fans to the top. The bottom of box was left completly opened. Placed the enite box on top of receiver with the fan's exhaust blowing upward and out. This caused cool air to be drawn up from underneath the receiver, and pass over the heated componets on its way out the fans. Fans have variable speed control and are completely silent when running. Works like a dream. Even at louder volumes for extended times, receiver is still actually cool to the touch. Problem solved.
This receiver with its high tech amplifier, 192kHz/24-bit D/A Converters on all 7 channels, and THX Select cetification all contribute to some fantastic sound, but you will find a downside to all this. This receiver will provide the sweetest sound you ever heard but, will exploit any recorded material that was not recorded at high standards. Place any store bought CD in a portable player and they sound all pretty much the same. Played through the Onkyo system and it will leave no doubt in your mind to which recordings are sub-standard. A well recorded CD will sound great and leave you wanting nothing however, poorly recorded CD will reveal themselves immediatly. Sound becomes muddy with crisp highs and deep bass becoming almost non-existent. Age of recording does not seem to be a factor in the quality of the recording. Have some great sounding recordings from the 70's and 80's, and have some 'dogs' that are more contempory. The bottom line is that some artist insists on quality recordings, and some insist on volume sales, and it shows, or rather, it is heard in their recordings. Pink Floyd's "Dark side of the Moon" has never sounded better. Alan Parsons Project has come alive with this system, enabling me to hear things I have never heard before in their recordings. Even Janis Joplin, who hasn't recorded in 40 years, sounds absolutly great on this system.

I had the Onkyo s6300 and they were great but when i saw this model on the market i had to have it and it turned out being a lot better buy. The difference in sound is night and day. As a add note this unit comes heavy. The ups driver asked that i helped him get it to my door. After a quick installation to my PS3 put in a movie supporting DTS HD master and i felt like i was in a theater. Would recommend to anyone looking for A quick easy setup with a great sound value.

Given the size and configuration of my listening area, I have to say that the sound quality of this set-up is excelent. Personally, I feel that 5.1 is more than sufficient for an excelent listening eperience, this set is 7.1 and since I could not find a convienent way to mount the 'High Rear' speakers, they could have ended up as somewhat of a waste. There is good news however, at least for me; since it is possible to use the extra speakers to set up "Zone 2", which I did in my screen room. All in all, you cannot go wrong with this brand and/or with this specific set-up.

Ok...

Got this system from Amazon for 779.99 free shipping, no tax. Box came a week later in perfect condition. The guys at CEVA shipping did an awesome job. They brought it in for me, even wanted me to open the box so they could see it and make sure its in good condition!

I prewired all the places in my 16 x 23' living room, so setting it up did not take too long. With the 9300, I also ordered a 16' thx monster sub cable ($17) and 200' of 16 gauge mediabridge speaker wire. Everything is set up the way dolby's website recommends and is a few inches above ear level. With the back rears being a little taller. Did the Audyssey setup and it took a few tries because the stupid neighbor's dog kept barking right when I was about to finish. The result was a real accurate distance and speaker levels. I ended up pumping up my back surrounds a little bit as personal preference and was ready to give this thing a whirl.

The first thing I tried was putting my ps3 on LPCM 7.1 and playing 3:10 To Yuma. The sub is on the THX recommended setting and the receiver is set to multichannel (PS3 is doing the decoding). Man...this system ROCKS! I've had some pretty cruddy surround sound systems in my day, so getting something like this is a huge difference. To hear the bullets whiz around you, the echo of a gunshot permeate throughout the room, deep and clean bass sweep over you as music plays. And what is great, is that I can still hear the dialogue perfectly! No more rewinding to hear what the person said or having to turn down the system so the surround does not drown out the center. Ambient noises like night critters and a fire make you feel immersed in the movie more than ever.

I do not consider myself an audiophile by any means, but I do have an appreciation for quality sound. I record music, game, and watch movies on a regular basis, so I know the difference between crap and good stuff. The only real negative I can say about this system, is be prepared for some big speakers. Luckily I have a good room living setup and an understanding wife to allow me to set this thing up the way it is supposed to be. After adding some decor (in the middle of a home renovation) and playing around with the speaker placement, I almost think small speakers would be off putting to me.

As a side note, I could crank the bass up more. But I really do not have or want to. Bass is plenty big enough at the THX setting (about 1/3 up) for me. I just love how crisp the sound is. I had a buddy over today and he was like, "Wow, this is better than the movie theater!" I hooked this up to my cable box and was a little underwhelmed at first. Then I realized my box was set to MONO. lol Put it to surround sound and now I can watch my beloved cleveland sports team suck in great audio! I am waiting on my panasonic ST30 too, so I am sure everything will just get even better when it gets here.

Ok, I'm going to go watch something. It's like old movies are new again. Thanks Onkyo/Amazon/CEVA!

I purchased this Onkyo HT-S9300THX 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver and Speaker system approximately 3 weeks ago.
It's one of the most fantastic stereos that I have ever owned.This system is well thought out and has a super
clean sound.I've owned a lot of stereo systems over the years and so far, this beats all of them. You can not
beat it for the price that Amazon.com sells it for, or beat the sound it puts out either. I enjoy watching television
so much more, now that I have a THX system set. It's like owning your own theater, while watching TV with this THX
system stereo. Buy it, you'll love like I do and you can get it at Amazon.com for a great price too.

I love this system - great HDMI switching, but it took a few days to get the sound settings configured the way I wanted them. The auto-setup process worked fine, but left the bass response far too low for my preferences. Easily fixed, however - once I found the right menu.

One word of caution - this unit is HEAVY - the box is huge, and weighs about 90 lbs. The first one I received came in with the box almost crushed in half... I thought there was no damage, but found scratches on the front panel of the receiver. I called Amazon and they shipped a replacement to me. It did not arrive in 2 days (although I am a prime member); the 2nd shipping company took their own sweet time in getting it delivered to me and picking up the old one.

The new one came in in perfect shape - I have noticed that it overheats when watching a DVD and with the surround sound cranked up - I have ordered cooling fans for it to alleviate that problem. Although I felt like I had adequate space between the receiver and the top of the open-faced cabinet it sits in, it does still get a touch too hot. Other than that, I have no complaints! It sounds and looks great and does everything a home theatre in a box should do.

Onkyo HT-S9300THX 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver and Speaker Package

I did a lot of reading before deciding on this purchase. In fact I read reviews for six months and ended up buying a different model than I thought I would because the 9300 became available. I was unable to find any decidedly negative reviews about Onkyo products, though I had never heard of the company prior to researching home theater systems. My results so far have been quite impressive.

To get a better sense of my bias it would probably help to understand my system. The room I use for viewing measures 12'6"(w) X 20'(l) X 7'8"(h) and can seat 5 very comfortably (more if the grand kids are about). I purchased an Optoma HD20 Full HD 1080p projector that I have mounted to the ceiling, projecting on to a piece of MDO board covered with S1 Ultimate Contrast from [...]. This configuration (allowing for the size of the room) provides a very comfortable 84" diagonal viewing area, more than sufficient for an impressive, yet intimate, home theater experience. I grew up watching movies on Saturdays in a time when 25 cents got you in the door and you could stay all day, so I take the medium rather seriously. In order for the aural experience to keep up with the visual I wanted a system that could deliver exceptional audio performance without requiring me to take out a second mortgage on the house. The reason I say that is because I did look at a Bose system that sounded as impressive as the $3000.00 price tag, but I just didn't have an extra 3 grand lying around. I promised myself, and my wife, I would keep the bill below a thousand dollars, hence the 9300. Now, on to the meat of the matter.

The first thing that impressed me was the packaging. Onkyo managed to fit all 10 pieces of the unit into a box about 2x3x4 and to protect it exceptionally well. Even though the box showed considerable abuse (punctures and tears) the contents didn't show so much as a smudge. Onkyo must have anticipated the folks delivering these systems to be relatively clueless. The styrofoam inserts and pockets were amazing; some mechanical engineer gets an A+. Everything unpacked easily and came out in pristine condition.

The setup was pretty much idiot proof; everything is color-coded (the receiver terminals, the wire, even the speakers) and there is a very large graphic diagramming the connections. The only surprise was the very light gauge wire that shipped with the unit. I would have thought it would have been heavier, but my son (who is an electrical engineer) said it should be satisfactory unless I use the system at very high volume. The other surprise was how short the cables are for the side and rear speakers. Because of the dimensions of the room I had to add to the wire that shipped with the unit; not the best solution, but unavoidable. I'll be replacing all of it with 16 gauge wire very soon.

Calibration was also designed for people like me. I plugged in the microphone that accompanied the unit and followed the on-screen instructions. I even changed the placement of the primary seating position just to see if it made any difference - and it did. The software really is that amazing. To be honest, that is the most important factor for me. I worked with a sound designer who specialized in setting up auditoriums many years ago, and the calibration of those systems was a very involved process. Reading reviews that indicated Onkyo had a reputation for designing good calibration software played a big part in my decision to purchase the unit. The reputation is well deserved.

Performance has been good to excellent. The first video I watched was "The Incredibles" to test the THX capabilities of the unit. Separation, location, and ambient sounds were all rendered with truly phenomenal clarity. The only two drawbacks that I experienced were with the THX reference setting (#82 is entirely too loud for the space and I kept it below #70) and a pronounced flapping (or slapping) noise during the launch of the rocket (for those familiar with the movie), almost as if the speakers were being over driven. I have since watched "The Mummy", "The Mummy Returns", "The Lion King", "Jurassic Park", "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring", "Aliens" all at settings between 65 and 72 with excellent results. All of these features have a wide dynamic range and the system handled the differences admirably.

All of my components are mounted to the wall using a Peerless shelf and cable management system and the Onkyo is at the top. Even after several hours of viewing I haven't noticed any issues with heat. The system runs slightly warm to the touch which seems quite cool compared to some of my other equipment. I've only had the system for a month and I haven't watched a lot of movies, but what I have watched has been very satisfying. The minor criticism of the sound notwithstanding, I heartily recommend the system for anyone looking for a reasonably priced solution for a home theater system that is affordable but definitely above entry level.

This was a great investment. I have a Sony 52" HDTV and wanted to match the great picture with some great sound. This fit the bill. I also have my VCR, DVD, Dishnetwork, and computer system hooked up to the receiver and it improves it all. Not only the sound but the picture as well by upgrading to 1080p. If it continues to perform as it has for the last month I'll be extremely happy with this purchase. Haven't had such good sound since the 70's and my $5000 4 channel Bose speakers, 4 channel amp, reel to reel etc. etc. Put the pleasure back into tv viewing and I have begun to collect music again.

Only downside is that I watch more tv now that is sounds so good.

Jim