Customer Reviews

Onkyo HT-S990THX 7.1 THX Home Theater Entertainment System

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I purchased this product about 3 weeks ago, and have now come to fully experience what it can do. It is a wonderful piece of equipment that is worth the money.

Pros:
The system is cost effective. For the money, you get a very good system. Sure, it's not as good as one that costs several thousand dollars, but it's much better than the standard HTIB you can find at a retail store. Remember, you always get what you pay for. If you want a cheap system that will need to be replaced often, this system is not for you. However, if you are like me and are just looking for a good system that's not going to break the bank, consider this as one of your options.

The system is also easy to set up. It comes with color coded wires and connections. The back of the receiver has all speaker connections color coded, and the colors match the wires and speaker terminals. Also, unlike most HTIB systems, the surround wires are long enough to support the room size this system was designed for. Remember, this is not a THX Select or Ultra system. It's not designed to play in large spaces (Select is for 2000 cubic feet, a 250 square foot room with an 8 foot ceiling; Ultra is for 3000+ cubic feet, about a 375 square foot room with an 8 foot ceiling). This system is designed for a smaller room (such as an apartment or small home). My living room is about 170 square feet (I live in an apartment).

The system is also easy to use. Just a glance at the user's manual will let you navigate through the configuration menu with no problems. Unlike other HTIB systems I have seen, the speaker distance is fully configurable, in standard or metric units. Other systems I have seen do not understand that your front speakers might be closer than your rear speakers. Instead, they would assume that this could not be possible, so if your application called for a front speaker distance of 7 feet, and a rear speaker distance of 10 feet, the receiver could not configure it. Therefore, the system did not sound correct unless you rearranged the room, or knock down walls. This system allows you to input any variation of measurements, but it's always in feet or meters. For once, I would like to see a system that had precise control of the delay, to the inch. 6 inches difference is about 0.5 milliseconds. Even though it's a small number, it seems as if the front soundstage is drastically different with differences as small as an inch between the FL/FR and center channels.

Cons:
Receiver does not support HDMI. This is both a pro and a con. First, I priced a Monster HDMI cable. There was one cable at Best Buy for $80. The good stuff started at $120. I didn't even look for anything THX certified. On the other hand, you can get a THX certified Component Video set for about $40, and a THX certified optical audio cable for about $38. From other reviews I have read, there is no noticeable difference between using HDMI and component connections.

Another con is that THX specifications call for a dipole side surround speaker, where as this system comes with a monopole side surround speaker. The side surrounds appear to be the exact same as the back surrounds. THX calls for monopole back surrounds and dipole side surrounds. This can make a difference in how enveloping the surround information is. Even though this system has monopole side surrounds, the surround effect is enveloping, but I've seen $10,000 setups that sounded much better. And this system doesn't cost $10,000 does it?

Yet another con has to do with the crossover point of the system. Ideally, you want all frequencies to blend together properly. In my setup, when using the THX demo disk, I notice a slight dip in bass output when transitioning from the main speakers to the subwoofer, then the subwoofer picks up the volume to normal as the frequency decreases. Now I'm sure I could compensate for this by spending thousands of dollars treating my room structures, purchasing equalizers, and moving the subwoofer around...but I don't want to do that...and probably neither do you. The system does not give perfectly flat response, but is withing 6 dB all the way through the transition. Also, the subwoofer is not the best suited for music. I cannot tell what class box is used (I don't want to take it apart), but it lacks the impact of a sealed box, and acts more like a vented or bandpass box. It delivers a rumbling impact when watching movies, but lacks accuracy for music reproduction. It seems as if there is a very sharp curve as the frequency gets lower, similar to a bandpass box. Listen for yourself and see what you think. Be sure to use music that has various bass frequencies.

Overall, I say this is a 4 out of 5. For those of you that want a dedicated movie theater in your house, this system is probably too small for you. For the rest of us, this is a great solution. It's an entry level high end home theater system, and the best HTIB on the market today. If you are considering going with something cheaper, consider this: This system comes with everything you need to play every audio format widely used today. It does both Dolby Digital and DTS, and adds THX to both standards (you can also listen in the native format being broadcast, with no THX). You can play this system in 2.1, 5.1, 6.1, and 7.1 configurations, and comes with everything necessary to matrix stereo signals into all configurations, as well as matrix 5.1 signals into 6.1 or 7.1. Basically, it's a one-stop-shop. It's one system, in one box, that plays everything. I think that's why it was designed. Maybe more consumers buy HTIB systems rather than seperate components. As far as value, I'm sure if you shop around, you might find a better seperate component system for the same money, or close to it. But what does the average consumer want? Simplicity. This one word best describes this system. Given proper speaker and seating arangements, the system does exactly what it was designed to do, yet it's simple. And what was it designed to do? Bring the movie theater experience to your living room. It does that, without any problems.

I've been a fan of Home Theater for close to twenty years now, and during that lengthy span have put together many a system -- not just for myself, but for family and friends, who trusted my expertise on the matter. Most times I've gone with the separate components rout, as I was always less than impressed with the offerings in the HTIB market. Although I did purchase Dream System (Sony) and an offering from Yamaha for less demanding installations -- meaning a small, secondary living room in one case and a bedroom for the other.

I'd had my last assembled system for a couple of years now, well, the receiver anyway (a digital offering from Panasonic), the rest of the components were older. Anyway, when the receiver conked-out on me, I decided to upgrade the whole system. After much reading and speculation, I thought I'd save myself the time and trouble it took me to put together all those other systems in the past and "gamble" on the Onkyo set. Boy was I amazed once I hooked and fired this bad-boy up! I doubt -- not really, I don't -- that there's anything that comes even remotely close in value per dollars spent. Sure, snobs may point at their $ 6,000 and up systems and laugh. Meantime, as someone whose been down that route before (Infinity speakers, Pioneer Elite receiver, etc. etc.) I can only smile while I crank this amazing system and watch an HD DVD on my 62" JVC Pro set. For the clarity, loudness, involving, neat sound and sheer power and numerous settings of the Onkyo S990THX -- the only change I made out of the box was to use quality speaker-wire as opposed to the flimsy 18 gauge, color-coded stuff that comes with the set -- is simply amazing.

Never mind the fact that the thousands I saved only add to that smile -- use them to upgrade your TV and/or DVD player if need be, you'll still have cash left over. Simply can't go wrong with this set.

Oh, and for those that complain about the lack of HDMI inputs, no big for me, as I am perfectly content to send the sound through the digital inputs (1 coax, 3 optical) and the video straight to the TV set via component cables. Not a bit of difference that I can discern from my HDMI hook-up with the Panasonic.

Congrats, Onkyo. Well done. Trust other owners of this system are enjoying it as much as I am.

When looking for a system from my new home theater, I read so many reviews and articles about the best product in relations to costs. A good place to review products in person is Best Buy or Circuit City, while online, Crutchfield is the Consumer Report's best pick for chat support. Amazon.com had the best price, and got the system to my house in 2 days. Nice work! The system itself is a true 7.1 sound, which works both well with movies and music. I am not an audio addict, but I like a strong system. Coming from a Cerwin Vega and Bose background, this system is dollar for dollar much better. The only negatives in the system is the lack of HDMI, which I had to go with composite and fiber optic wiring, and the totally worthless THX test DVD. In addition, Onkyo could have made a little better remote control as well. I especially liked the look of the speakers--they are heavier but I like that since it makes for a harder time in stealing them :) , and the nice features on the receiver itself. Great deal for $699!

The other review issues the size of the speakers. And I agree but for the quality and volume of sound you aquire, you really won't care. THX is as good as in any movie theater. If you are looking for sound quality instead of looks, this is the way to go.

The only way you'll get better sound is going with Denon, or other much more expensive brands.

I have a 5 thousand dollar system in my media room. I bought this for my living room which is 15 by 20. The sound, clarity, bass are incredible and equal the system which I paid 10 times more (paid 568.00) The speakers are huge so if you don't have the room pass this by. The pictures in the room have to be straightened almost after each use. My complaint to Amazon is... I just bought this system and UPS damaged it. I have yet to hear by from them although its only been 4 days since my complaint. Sure it lacks HDMI which is no big deal due to optical out. I'm a relative novice so if anyone were to care to comment on whether the average person can hear the difference HDMI hook-up or optical sound please join-in.
I think for the price I paid which included S&H and no tax it was a great bargain. I just hope Amazon responds soon to the speakers that were damaged upon delivery by UPS. The box weighted about 150 pounds and looked like it had been rolled from NJ to Florida. If you buy one and you should, just check the box and don't be like me, refuse delivery if the box is severely damaged. And to those who think BOSE makes the best HTIB ...WRONG....ONKYO does....period! And PS no DVD player so at least you get to buy the one of your choice, HD is the way to go.

I've actually had this for almost 2 years, but came here because the price went down and I'm thinking of picking one up for my dad. I'm not sure why the reviewer above me says you'd get better sound with Denon. Onkyo and Denon are in the same exact class of Audio products, and Denon doesn't offer anything that comes even close to this quality at this price point.

The sound quality is the best I have ever heard from a HTIB set up. The speakers are made solid and don't feel flimsy like most HTIB speakers and deliver a very crisp and clean sound. The 12 inch powered sub delivers very rich and full bass, powerful enough to shake your room while your watching a good action flick but clean enough to listen to your favorite music without much distortion. If your limited in space, the speakers and sub may be a bit bulky for you, but they are by no means an eye sore in your living room or family room. If your looking for something the size of a Bose system, this isn't the one for you. If your looking for something that sounds fantastic (better than Bose in my opinion) without breaking the bank, this is the system for you.

Set up was a breeze. Even the most inexperienced person should have no problem following along with the user manual. The directions are written very clearly and in easy to understand language. Diagrams are also included for virtually every step of the process. If you choose to use the included speaker cables, they are all color coded to help you with speaker placement. However, I recommend spending the extra money and buying some heavier guage monster wire. Your system will only sound as good as your weakest link and many people make the mistake of using inferior wire and then wonder why they are disappointed with sound. If the speaker wire is not in your budget for now, the included wire is definitely adequate until you spend the money. All other wires (digital/optical cables, etc.) are sold seperately.

The receiver is powerful and very feature rich. It has multiple inputs for all your components, with multiple types of input jacks for each. The only type of input this receiver is lacking is HDMI, which is a minus if you hate cables, but not a big deal. If you're worried that you'll have 5 remote controls, don't... The univeral remote included operates my T.V., DVD , VCR, Digital Cable Box and of course the receiver itself with almost no loss of functionality. Once you program the device you wish to control, a little experimenting will lead you to find that almost every feature on the original remote is available at one of the buttons of the universal. My only gripe is that there is no On-Screen viewing that I've come to expect with a receiver of this level. If you've never had it, you won't miss it. A multi-zone function is also available, for listening to your favorite music or movies in other rooms of the house.

There are a ton of listening modes to choose from. You can find one to suit any person, mood or environment. Music, Movies or Televisiion all sound excellent. The user manual is very easy to follow and gives some very helpful hints on which sound mode best fits which scenario. It also gives good advice on setting proper speaker distances which is key to any surround sound set up, especially a 7.1 system. Last but certainly not least of all is the THX modes. THX certification isn't just handed out to anybody, and as of right now, this is the only HTIB system that is THX certified. When you watch a THX movie, you'll see why it's so important. I watched Star Wars Episode 3 and was blown away. The sound was amazing! Dim the lights and pop some popcorn and you'll feel like your sitting in the movies.

What attracted me most to this system was the price. I shopped around for quite some time, and resigned myself to the fact that I would be spending well over $1000 on just the receiver and speakers, never mind the cables and sub-woofer. When I started reading some of the reviews on this system (which was not widely available at the time) I decided to give it a shot and ordered it online. I was not disappointed. The sound quality and features offered for under $1000 is amazing. If you're not familiar with Home theatre, in can be a daunting task trying to put together a quality system on a budget. Well, Onkyo has taken the guess work out of it for you and put together a great system for a great price. This system still leaves room to grow if down the line you decide you want some full size front speakers in favor of a sub, or even in addition to. Overall, I highly recommend this system.

I hope you don't like the paint in the room you intend to use this system... because it will peal it off the walls! I bought this system primarily for gaming and it didn't disappoint. I was able to clearly hear people walking behind me! Having precision surround such as this system provides really gives a player an edge.

For movies it is great. The fact that it doesn't have an HDMI input is no deterrent whatsoever since you can just plug the cable from the HDMI device straight into your TV and still have the audio run through the system. The THX demo disc was fun to play for guests.

The only thing I wish this system included is one of those self-adjusting microphones that allows the system to automatically adjust the intensity levels of the speakers from different locations in your room.

Overall this system is great if you want an outstanding sound experience without shelling out thousands of dollars. Even then I would argue that this system would perform just as well with some cable upgrades.

I do intend to replace all of the speaker wires with high-grade, banana clip wires. Even without them though, great stuff here.

When it was shipped one of the woofers was blown in the left-front speaker. I called Onkyo and they directed me to a service center that had it fixed, free of charge, in less than two days!

This system is incredible, regardless of the great price (just short of $700 delivered to the door). I have a 13' wide x 30' long x 10' high living room and had a hard time finding a place for all the speakers! This is as simple as I can say it. If you have a favorite movie that you think you have grown tired of, run it through this system and it will seem as though you are watching an update to the movie! AWESOME! FYI, I have it hooked up to my Mitsubishi 73" 1080P series DLP HDTV, which of course makes it all that more the pleasurable experience. The ONLY con I can find is believe it or not the speakers are too big.

I was going to buy Bose 38 series and after listening to this system in a friends place, I changed my mind. The subwoofer and the receiver alone is worth the money. Bought 849.99 in Circuit City. Highly recommend it... The only drawback is the speakers are heavy and big.. If onkyo could fix it and replace them with, bose like, small speakers it would have been better for me..

Great price, great sound, easy set-up (takes a little time, but that's normal)
I don't see how you can do better for the money.