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Entered CNET Catalog: 10/24/2006
SKU: HT-S907
Manufacturer: Onkyo USA
Manufacturer description
Onkyo is an organization consisting of people unsurpassed in the love of sound. Onkyo won't settle for second best. It strives to complete what it has started. That's the Onkyo spirit. For the past half-century Onkyo components have been recognized as uncommonly musical among those who are truly fanatical about their music.CNET editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 02/09/2007
Each component comes with its own remote, but we found it easy enough to use the receiver's remote to control both units. It's partially backlit, and the button layout out is pretty decent.
The TX-SR604 receiver's onscreen menus don't appear via the HDMI (the DVD changer's does), so we had to connect another cable just for that purpose. Yes, the auto-speaker-setup and calibration are handled by the Audyssey 2EQ, but you still have to navigate the menus to assign inputs and deal with the fact that the receiver's factory default HDMI audio is off, so you'll have to search through the menus to turn HDMI's audio on. Since the HT-S907 is sold with an HDMI player, why would Onkyo design engineers not setup the system to make it work at its best right out of the box? We also think it would be great if the systems speaker levels came preset to the correct volume levels, but that's rarely the case.
Auto speaker setup is becoming common on upmarket HTIBs, but the HT-S907's Audyssey 2EQ automatic system is the most advanced system we've seen on a HTIB. That's great, but the Audyssey requires the user to run the setup program from three different positions in the room. It's easy enough to do--just plug in the supplied microphone and respond to the onscreen prompts. After the Audyssey finishes sending test tones, the receiver adjusts the speaker-size setting, the subwoofer crossover points, the channel volume level, and the time-delay settings for each speaker. We haven't always been impressed with the sound quality enhancements from auto setup and calibration systems, including Audyssey's, but this time it was a different story. The improvement to the HT-S907's sound quality after Audyssey 2EQ was very significant, especially for music. The midrange and treble were less harsh and easier to listen to with the Audyssey engaged. We strongly recommend using it.
Onkyo's speakers are usually boxy and blandly styled, so we were surprised to see the HT-S907's are attractively curved, thin-profile designs. They're set off with high-gloss end caps and tasteful, black cloth grilles. Instead of differently sized front, center, and surround speakers, this system includes seven identical speakers that produce the smoothest possible surround imaging. The seven black-plastic speakers are somewhat larger than typical HTIB fare. They're 6.3x13.4x3.6 inches (WHD); the center channel speaker is identical to the others, but designed for horizontal placement. It can be set in its cradle-stand or, like the others, wall-mounted via keyhole slots. Since they're a mere 3.6 inches deep, the speakers will look right at home next to a flat-panel TV.
The subwoofer is a good deal larger than most HTIB subs, and its medium-density fiberboard cabinet feels nice and solid. The 18.6x10.75x16.8 inch (HWD) sub is finished wood grain, black vinyl with a black cloth grille. It weighs 25.4 pounds. The 7.1-channel receiver dishes out 90 watts per channel and offers the usual assortment of Dolby Digital, Dolby EX, Pro Logic IIx, DTS, DTS-ES, DTS Neo:6, and DTS 96/24 surround processing modes. It also supports XM Radio's Neural surround format.
The TX-SR604 receiver has a total of five A/V inputs (including the front-panel set), plus three component and two HDMI inputs. The HDMI connection carries Dolby Digital, DTS, CD, DVD-Audio, and uncompressed PCM audio--as well as high-def video--between the source and the receiver, so you won't need to hook up a digital audio cable. While the TX-SR604 will convert composite and S-Video sources to component-video output, it will not do analog-to-HDMI video conversion. Thus, as mentioned above, HDTV owners will need to run component and HDMI cables to their set. If you don't need HDMI connectivity at all, it's worth checking out Onkyo's cheaper HT-S990THX--that system is THX certified, but it lacks a DVD player.
We counted six digital audio inputs (two coaxials and three opticals on the back panel, one optical up front), and one optical digital output. Compatibility with Blu-ray, HD DVD, or SACD/DVD-A players should be guaranteed, thanks to the HDMI inputs and 7.1-channel analog inputs. Like every receiver currently available, it cannot decode the new highest-resolution soundtracks (Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master) on Blu-ray and HD DVD discs, so make sure your high-def disc player can decode these formats internally if that's important to you. There's also one stereo analog input, plus a tape in/out set for use with a cassette or CD recorder. XM Satellite Radio, including XM's Neural Surround, is available with the addition of an XM Mini-Tuner/antenna and a subscription. The RI (Remote Interactive) jack can be used with Onkyo's DS-A2 iPod docking units. There are also high-quality speaker binding posts for seven amplifier channels. One final note for analog purists: there's no phono jack, so you'll most likely need to invest in an external preamp to enjoy your record collection.
The receiver doesn't offer switching for a set of "B" stereo speakers, but if you're using only five of the receiver's seven channels, you can hook up a set of stereo speakers to the Zone 2 speaker connections. The arrangement is actually better than "B" speakers, because you can listen to a different source--say, the XM radio in Zone 2--while someone else is watching a DVD in the main room. Other multiroom connectivity options include stereo audio outputs, as well as infrared and 12-volt trigger outputs.
The DV-CP704 DVD changer sports HDMI, component, S-Video and composite video outputs. The HDMI output can upscale DVDs 720p and 1080i resolutions. The benefits of upscaling are subtle, but the overall idea is that it can make an improvement if the video processing in the DVD player is better than the video processing in the TV--see the Performance section for more information. Like virtually every DVD player we test, it cannot upscale over its component video output. As a side note, we were happy to see the DV-CP704 came with an HDMI cable.
Audio connectivity on the DVD changer includes both coaxial and optical digital audio outputs, as well as stereo analog outs. Note there are no multichannel analog outputs--these are often used to carry the dying high-resolution audio formats SACD and DVD-Audio, and since the DV-CP704 can't play them, they're not needed. In addition to CDs and DVDs, the DV-CP704 is also capable playing MP3, WMA, and JPEG files burned onto CDs and DVDs.
One feature we were happy to see on the DV-CP704 is basic aspect-ratio control. To make a long story short, some older nonanamorphic wide-screen DVDs won't show up properly on the vast majority of DVD players--everything will look stretched horizontally due to being displayed in the wrong aspect ratio. The DV-CP704 has a 16:9 Compressed mode that allows you to squeeze the picture into the correct aspect ratio, although the image will be windowboxed--in other words, there will be black bars on all four sides of the screen. Unfortunately there is no zoom control, which would have been ideal, but we think the windowboxed image is preferable to an improperly stretched image. Also, some TVs are capable of zooming the image, which may help fill the screen.
The HT-S907's seven satellite speakers feature a pair of 3.1-inch woofers flanking a 1-inch dome tweeter. The spring-clip speaker wire connectors accept the cables that come with the system. If seven satellite speakers seems like overkill for your living room, Onkyo also offers a similar five-satellite speaker system--the HT-S894--although it has only a single-disc DVD player.
The subwoofer has a front-mounted 10-inch woofer powered with a 230-watt amplifier. The sub's port is located upfront, just under the woofer, so the bass won't be unduly affected by corner placement. The rear panel houses a single RCA line-level input and a volume control.
The HT-S907 earned its home theater stripes when we played the Mission: Impossible III DVD. The helicopter chase sequence in the field of windmills--with rockets firing and things blowing up every minute--places enormous demands on the system, so sure, we detected the satellites straining to keep up. The subwoofer maintained control, but it wasn't as powerful as the sub Onkyo is using in the HTIB. When the action level scaled back in the scene where Tom Cruise enters Vatican City, the HT-S907 sounded full-bodied, with impressive dynamic range and beautifully balanced, natural dialog.The TH-S907 did a great job on Led Zeppelin's eponymous DVD; the huge surround mix filled our home theater, and the front three speakers' soundstage had a nice sense of depth. Jimmy Page's guitar raw distortion sounded great, as did Robert Plant's vocals. The little speakers can rock out.
A lot of HTIBs stumble when they play CDs, but here again, the Onkyo shines. The satellites' sound was certainly crisp and clear on jazz pianist Hank Jones' West of 5th CD. The subwoofer provided musical bass free of boom or bloat.
As much as we respect what Onkyo has achieved with the SKS-HT740 speaker package, it is the HT-S907's weakest link. However, bettering its sound will require an investment approaching a very significant percentage of the cost of the entire HT-S907. The Mirage Nanosat 5.1 System ($799) and Klipsch's Quintet III ($500) with its Synergy Series Sub-10 ($400) would deliver substantially upgraded sound with superior tonal quality and more powerful bass.
The XM radio sound was, as usual, not so different than a low-bit MP3, but we did note the TX-SR604's FM radio was better, with greater overall clarity, treble detail and "air"--however, it had more background noise and hiss than the satellite radio.
We also took a quick look at the video performance of the DV-CP704 DVD changer, starting with Silicon Optix's HQV test suite. The Onkyo started off on the right foot, acing the first resolution test by depicting all of the detail without any flickering. The next test wasn't as great; the rotating line broke up quickly as it approached horizontal positioning. The shifting three lines test was even worse--all three lines were filled with jaggies and the entire test pattern juddered along. The rest of tests followed a similar pattern--the Onkyo isn't a great upscaling DVD player, but it's also not that bad for one that is included in an HTIB. For the vast majority of people, the DV-CP704 is perfectly capable DVD player.
The Onkyo HT-S907 is an outstanding value, but if you don't need its HDMI connectivity, the DVD changer, and the small speakers, check out the Onkyo HT-S990THX. Both models are among the best-sounding HTIBs you can buy.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 User Rating: 
8/10
Almost Perfect
Pros: Excellent Value and Superb Quality
Cons: Missing A Few Capabilities
It looks great in my living room with the 4 satellites mounted to the ceiling and back walls, reminds me that I am at a True Theater!!!
The sound is as good as could be expected with the technology present at the time of purchase. When I play BluRays the sound engulfs me and I can feel the deep rich bass wash over my body sending chills up my spine.
The price was fantastic at less than $800 for one of the best upconverting dvd players and receivers availible at the time. Looking at other dvd players and receivers of comparable quality you would spend more for the two of them than buying this whole system.
The only downside is that the receiver doesnt have hdmi1.3 or the ability to decode Dolby True HD and Dts-hd. I really cant fault this package for that because at the time of purchase no receiver had thoes capabilities.
I believe Onkyo has released a new HTIB that includes the receiver that does allow the decoding of DTHD and Dts-hd.
I personally will be upgrading to that new receiver asap and once installed will have the best Home Theater available for the best price around.
I recommend this package and the next one up to anyone it CAN NOT be beat!!!!
User Rating: 
10/10
very pleased! great package deal!
Pros: powerful sound + advanced setup options
Cons: cant think of any
with this price, i guess i can only say, "it's too good!".
this system is very powerful and it will definately rock your house.(literally)
if u dont want to spend too much, and yet, still have a great sound experience, THIS IS THE ONE.
i tried Panasonic SC-PT1050, sony, samsung with similar price range at Fry's. There is NO comparison.
check this set out. you wont be disappointed!
User Rating: 8/10
This is a great system however It is really hard to set up the system
Pros: Tons of features and connections, great system
Cons: Hard to Set up and operate the System. One must read the user manual from start to end before even touching the System
First thing I noticed when I unpacked my system was the lack of the cables. The only cables that were included were the colored speaker cables besides that nothing.
I had to order the cables from monoprice.com and had to wait 3 days to them to arrive. When I had the cables I tried to connect the system. Well it didn't go that well. It took me around 4h to make the system work. At one point I was thinking of returning the system.
To make the long story short when the system was connected everything was ok. It delivers the result that you are looking for.
One other thing is that I don't like about this system is the volume control, from 0-30 you get almost no sound at all, beyond 30 the system wakes up and the fun begins.
The set-up menu for the receiver is not shown on TV-set when you connect it using HDMI cable. You must have another cable "RCA" to connect the TV and the receiver.
The receiver gets hot very easily so do not place the DVD player on top of it.
The speakers sound great when the volume is high and there is no need to replace the speaker cables.
Bottom line is this is a great system if you can manage to set up the system and you don't mind the wire around your house.
User Rating: 
9/10
I got this package for only $599
Pros: Incredible price for the product, great sound, HDMI
Cons: The AV Rece. does not upconvert video sources to HD
User Rating: 9/10
Outstanding
Pros: Excellent Sound
Cons: The device listening settings hard to understand
User Rating: 
7/10
Great sound, easy set up, stylish speakers that your wife will approve of.
Pros: HDMI is a big+ , auto set-up, powerful enough
Cons: Using Powered zone 2 will not work if only using HDMI, video switching is limited (i.e. cannot convert from analog to HDMI)
User Rating: 9/10
Great buy!! Every thing that you need for the latest HDTVs
Pros: Great sound from both music and movies, auto calibration wizard, HDMI connections, easy to set up, price
Cons: Speaker cables (the sorround back and sides) are too short (30 feet), no conversion from RCA component to HDMI
User Rating: 9/10
Excellent sound, enough inputs, outputs both analog, digital
Pros: 7.1 channel, excellent 604 receiver, up converting DVD player
Cons: Not found any yet,
Some have pointed out that wires provided are too thin. To my basic physics knowledge thin wires still transmit only thing is that they have more resistance. One may opt for monster cable 14 gauge. I am going to change speaker wires shortly with that. I do not have HDTV. Therefore, I cannot say much about DVDs up conversion feature.
Over all I am very satisfied.
User Rating: 9/10
Excellent Quality for the Money
Pros: Great Sound
Cons: On Screen Display
I've now had the system up in running my living room for nearly three weeks... and I have nothing but good things to say. The upconverting dvd player works great and the sound is amazing! Buying the entire system as a whole saved me a lot of money and this system blows other HTIBs away. It is also very comparable to many component systems that I have heard in the past!!
The setup was fairly easy, though if you're not used to all of the wires that go along with a 7.1 system - you could be a bit overwhelmed. I cannot however, comment on the quality of wires that came with the system because I opted to use my own.
The only two drawbacks to this system that I have come across are:
One, for some reason I am having trouble with the on screen menu. I have read though, that when using hdmi - the on screen menu will not appear (a little annoying in my book, but not a major problem by any means).
And second - the speakers are fairly large (6-5/16"W x 13-3/8"H x 3-11/16"D). My wife isn't a huge fan of the right/left surround speakers due to their size and placement - however, I did get the onkyo speaker stands and it definitely added a nicer look to the overall appearance. The front speakers, however, look excellent next to my 46" lcd.
Also - it is possible to get a good deal on this system with stands included (I payed $800 for both the system and one pair of onkyo stands off amazon - and most places want $150 just for the stands!).
Overall, if you want to spend less than a thousand dollars for a system with quality - I would strongly suggest looking at the Onkyo HT-S907!!
