Onkyo HTX-22HDX (black)

Pros: upgradeable to 5.1 -> oh yeah! Also 7.1 replication, seamless high-def audio with 3d pass through, hdmi 1.4's, digital optical audio, various listening modes and tweaks, sub-woofer vibrates floor far smoother and realistically than my 250w Onkyo sub.

Cons: Wireless satellite speakers would be gravy.

Summary: First off, crank the sub to peak performance and correctly set listening distances for each channel. Buy the expansion speakers (HTX-22HDX) that include the center speaker, and two back surround - this makes the listening experience flow buttery smooth and outrageously fun to mess around with all of the receiver's selectable listening modes. Right now I'm watch "First Descent" with my PSP connect to the HDTV with optical audio output connected to the Onkyo. Unbelievable! I have also owned an Onkyo 7.1 HD home theater system that cost triple the price of a HTX-22HDX...that said this mighty little HTX-22HDX has smoother sound with more intricacy. This 50 watt sub-woofer really impresses when manually adjusted to max output - outperforms my 250w sub with perfect delivery and silky smooth bass that booms the floor with favorable vibrant sound. Amazing. The craftsmanship is unparalleled. Next test will be when my Dell XPS 17 3d arrives to get a truly phenomenal experience of 3d video and audio! Note: this editor has clearly not spent enough time with this system OR gotten a complete 5.1 package (?!) sorry Matthew Moskovciak and Steve Guttenberg but that's embarrassing and haphazard presentation. The U.K. CNET site review was precisely done so well and rated this system FIVE STARS because they took the time analyze a complete 5.1 HTX-22HDX fully loaded system with the SKS-22X speakers specked - which explains why they insist the expansion is a necessity. Also, recent breakthrough's in a study of realistic sound explains the many advantages of 3d sound versus 7.1 or 9.1 respectively. This discovery has proven that even a 2.1 3D system can provide far superior depth and precise sound experience when compared to 7.1 or 9.1 systems. (reference: http://wn.com/Princeton_invention_delivers_3D_sound_from_ordinary_laptop_speakers)

Editor's of this site: Please step your game up because the U.K. CNET has come the forefront of intelligent observational review that correctly highlights the latest elite tech with the kind of style and savvy today's generations eagerly demand.