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Entered CNET Catalog: 10/10/2007
SKU: 0751398007866
Manufacturer: Onkyo USA
Manufacturer description
Take a look at Onkyo's first home theater system capable of passing 1080p video and studio-master-quality audio, such as DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby TrueHD. With HDMI version 1.3a as your link, the HT-SP908 becomes a home theater dynamo with some real versatility. The 7.1-channel A/V receiver and HD conversion DVD/CD/MP3 player combine to expertly handle DVD, broadcasts, CDs, digital music and video files from your computer, and satellite radio. You can also bring your iPod to the party with the included RI Dock, which neatly integrates the device into your home entertainment system. With many of the features found in Onkyo's high-def A/V receiver line-up - Audyssey 2EQ, Faroudja DCDi, RIHD, HDMI and component video upconversion - the HT-SP908 looks every bit the total solution.User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4
User Rating: 
4/10
In for service more often than in use
Pros: price, features, capabilities and 7.1 options
Cons: Onkyo makes a very poor product. Their customer service is nonexistent and their network of repair shops is GARBAGE.
Review:
I purchased the HTSP908 from Amazon in January (2008). It has been in for repair (local shop) twice and subsequently shipped to United Radio for Onkyo to repair. Since the first week of January 2008, the receiver has been out of my possesion for more than 80 days. The unit repeatedly went into standby mode when the volume was raised above "28." Over-the-phone troubleshooting with Onkyo didnt solve the problem so I brought it in for repair. I cant say it was the repair shop's fault, but the issue did come back after 4 weeks. I sent it back to the repair center and since they couldnt fix the problem, they shipped my unit to United Radio for Onkyo to fix:
Replace integrated circuit in function switching circuit
Repair intermittent solder connections in output circuit
Replace malfunctioning printed circuit board in video processing circuit
When it works, it sounds great, however I will never purchase another product from Onkyo ever again. Inferior manufacturing doesnt make up for an attractive price and high power. My initial purchase research never uncovered the Onkyo problems I would encounter after throwing away my money. $750 for a slow DVD player, ipod docking station, 7 speakers, and a subwoofer... I wish I could return the whole thing and/or simply get Onkyo to replace it with a working model. When the unit arrives next week, I am less than optimistic that it will work flawlessly.
Buy anything other than Onkyo. Its worth the piece of mind and satisfaction to spend the money on a receiver that actually resides in your home rather than in the repair center. However, If you really like this model, check out Craigslist... thats where my unit will be by the end of September.
Replace integrated circuit in function switching circuit
Repair intermittent solder connections in output circuit
Replace malfunctioning printed circuit board in video processing circuit
When it works, it sounds great, however I will never purchase another product from Onkyo ever again. Inferior manufacturing doesnt make up for an attractive price and high power. My initial purchase research never uncovered the Onkyo problems I would encounter after throwing away my money. $750 for a slow DVD player, ipod docking station, 7 speakers, and a subwoofer... I wish I could return the whole thing and/or simply get Onkyo to replace it with a working model. When the unit arrives next week, I am less than optimistic that it will work flawlessly.
Buy anything other than Onkyo. Its worth the piece of mind and satisfaction to spend the money on a receiver that actually resides in your home rather than in the repair center. However, If you really like this model, check out Craigslist... thats where my unit will be by the end of September.
User Rating: 
9/10
Very good system at a great price
Pros: This system can decode just about every audio format. Everything you need right out of the box
Cons: Comes with very cheap wiring. I bought my own upgraded cables.
Review:
At first I agreed with the other two user opinions about it not being loud enough, but I figured out that you can adjust the volume by pressing setup on the remote, then go to number 4 Source Setup, and the raising the "Intellivolume" level. You would have to do this for each individual source, but it works just fine.
User Rating: 9/10
Excellent for the intended home theater use.
Pros: Single package, small speakers (meeting wife's requirements), easy system and speaker set-up (except for running wire and cables through wall), exceptional sound as an HTIB (best HTIB overall).
Cons: Reduced capability in home theater when using Zone 2. A better DVD player is needed. Default volume level.
Review:
Overall, this is an excellent HTIB system. My wife requested small speakers and this system was the best package overall (without building from the ground up or spending 4-5X the amount for the Bose system with no improved capability). However, you must make sure you review the speaker and room set-up relative to the recommended speaker placement from Dolby, see:
http://www.dolby.com/consumer/home_entertainment/roomlayout2.html
The location of the speakers and distance and angles to the listener matter alot. Unfortunately, this is not clearly provided in the ONKYO literature or website. The only deviation in my system was that I placed the sub-woofer in the back corner (actually closer to the seating). The four side and back speakers are mounted on the ceiling while the three front speakers are on the front wall (all using $4 per pair Monoprice.com speaker mounts). The Audyssey set-up easily managed the cross-over settings and various delays. The included iPod dock that works seamlessly with the included remote was the final push needed to get rid of my old Sony 100 disk CD changer.
The system works well with a 35 foot Monoprice HDMI cable with my Panasonic 50" plasma TV. I love being able to push one button and have it all turn on at once--similarly, when I change the input on the TV (with either the ONKYO or Panasonic remote), the receiver automatically switches over (even though the DVD player doesn't power up--see below).
Other CONS:
The DVD player is slow to start up and load and it would be better if the DVD player powered up when the TV (via HDMI) is switched to the DVD input. I also agree with the previous review that it is annoying that the system volume starts around 50, however, the power is more than enough for all movies/TV watching.
In other areas it would be nice if the receiver could serve as the digital cable box.
Overall I would highly recommend this system to others.
http://www.dolby.com/consumer/home_entertainment/roomlayout2.html
The location of the speakers and distance and angles to the listener matter alot. Unfortunately, this is not clearly provided in the ONKYO literature or website. The only deviation in my system was that I placed the sub-woofer in the back corner (actually closer to the seating). The four side and back speakers are mounted on the ceiling while the three front speakers are on the front wall (all using $4 per pair Monoprice.com speaker mounts). The Audyssey set-up easily managed the cross-over settings and various delays. The included iPod dock that works seamlessly with the included remote was the final push needed to get rid of my old Sony 100 disk CD changer.
The system works well with a 35 foot Monoprice HDMI cable with my Panasonic 50" plasma TV. I love being able to push one button and have it all turn on at once--similarly, when I change the input on the TV (with either the ONKYO or Panasonic remote), the receiver automatically switches over (even though the DVD player doesn't power up--see below).
Other CONS:
The DVD player is slow to start up and load and it would be better if the DVD player powered up when the TV (via HDMI) is switched to the DVD input. I also agree with the previous review that it is annoying that the system volume starts around 50, however, the power is more than enough for all movies/TV watching.
In other areas it would be nice if the receiver could serve as the digital cable box.
Overall I would highly recommend this system to others.
User Rating: 
6/10
Was expecting more power
Pros: functional... everything connected through receiver
Cons: not enough power
Review:
I started out with ONKYO and switched to Sony for it?s bells and whistles. I reverted back to ONKYO to regain the robust sound Onkyo provides. I was on the market for a home theater system to accompany my Samsung LST4671F and after reading the specs and the consumer reviews, I made my decision. I chose the HT-SP908 which upconverts up to 1080P which I thought was good.
When I got it, set it up, I could not get sound. I raised the volume up to 50 before I heard anything. 70 is standard and it only goes to 100. I thought this was pretty low in power. I thought the system was defected. The sound is clear and you have minimal control over the subwoofer. I called customer service and found out that that is just the way it is.
I know I can get a more powerful system but I know that I would have to build it and pay triple the amount.
Overall I?ll deal with it.. It?s perfect for my bedroom because in honesty, how loud do you want it to go, but I like to have that option.
Am I settling?
When I got it, set it up, I could not get sound. I raised the volume up to 50 before I heard anything. 70 is standard and it only goes to 100. I thought this was pretty low in power. I thought the system was defected. The sound is clear and you have minimal control over the subwoofer. I called customer service and found out that that is just the way it is.
I know I can get a more powerful system but I know that I would have to build it and pay triple the amount.
Overall I?ll deal with it.. It?s perfect for my bedroom because in honesty, how loud do you want it to go, but I like to have that option.
Am I settling?
Updated
OK? I?m revisiting my user opinion. I love this system. It?s clean, and that one switch action per input totally works for me. The sound is perfect for my bedroom. I watch movies and the sound puts you right there in the middle of the action. PS3 is also amazing. Everything runs through the receiver and the sound and clarity of the images are astounding. The DVD player I don?t use anymore because it is slow and it takes to long to rev up. By the time it?s up and ready to play, I?m over my desire to watch a movie. Overall I am pleased and glad I have it?
OK? I?m revisiting my user opinion. I love this system. It?s clean, and that one switch action per input totally works for me. The sound is perfect for my bedroom. I watch movies and the sound puts you right there in the middle of the action. PS3 is also amazing. Everything runs through the receiver and the sound and clarity of the images are astounding. The DVD player I don?t use anymore because it is slow and it takes to long to rev up. By the time it?s up and ready to play, I?m over my desire to watch a movie. Overall I am pleased and glad I have it?
