Onkyo HT-S780 - Home theater system - 7.1 channel - black
Excellent quality for traditional home theaters
OK, if you are looking at this review you are probably the owner of a room that you are calling your \\"theater room\\" or the like and you are looking for a good system for around $500 or less.  Well, I have good news, you just found one. <br /> <br />Before I go into more details about the highs and lows of my experience with this Onkyo system, let me address who this system is not indented for (and who will not be happy with this system).  If the room that you are installing this system into is really large, let's say bigger than 30ft. x 30ft., then you might consider something with more power and bigger speakers.  If you are a highly critical audiophile who has much, much more than $500 in aftermarket sound equipment in your car, you might consider something a bit more inline with your taste. <br /> <br />On the other hand, if you simply want the best sound and quality for the money and you only have $500 burning a hole in your pocket, this is the system for you.  Here are my findings after purchasing this Onkyo system for my home theater: <br /> <br />1. As you will read elsewhere, the speaker cables are sub-par.  I found a great deal on woot.com for a 5.1 home theater cabling system from Monster.  $35 after shipping.  Can't beat that.  But you need two since this is a 7.1 system.  If you are lucky you will find that deal on woot again soon.  If not, definately find better cables somewhere.  I mean, you can use the stuff that comes with the Onkyo system, but the sound quality difference is slightly perceivable if you have a good ear. <br /> <br />2. I would not say that the speakers in this system are the best... in fact, they are far from it.  Are they adequate?  Absolutely.  And the best part is that there is a pre-defined equalizer setting in the amp that is specially designed for the speakers that come with this system.  It works really well and essentially makes up for the lacking sound quality that these speakers exhibit. <br /> <br />3. You will need to position the speakers carefully.  You  should do a lot of research on proper placement for surround sound systems and analyze your room to figure out exactly where your speakers should go. <br /> <br />4. My recommendation for anyone/everyone (whether you buy this system or not) is that you should at least attempt to soundproof your home theater room as much as possible.  The sound quality of any system will be dramatically improved if operated in a properly designed room. <br /> <br />Overall, I can assure you that you will not be unhappy with this purchase.  Do your research and will almost certainly come back to this system again and again due to the unbelievable price and the overwhelmingly positive reviews on every site that sells this system.