TV with DVR & Internet: $89.90/mo
- Average user rating:
- My rating: 0 stars
Full user review
-
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful
4.5 stars
"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.
Summary: 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.
