Onkyo HT-S5100 7.1 Channel Home Entertainment System (Set of Nine, Black)

Amazon Customer Reviews

(3 out of 5)

You don't actually want this

Yeah, it's a 7.1 system in the sense if you have a decoded 8 channel analog output you can get a full 7.1 surround as it was intended.

But, for any other source, there's no real 7.1, end of story. Optical and coax inputs can only handle encoded formats with more than 2 channels. So any Dolby True HD or DTS HD Master 7.1 sources you may have will not work over optical or coax. Sure, you can get 5.1 through them and setup the Onkyo to "fill in" the missing speakers, even though you actually have the data for them on your source. That's not what you want, though.

The reason is the HDMI Pass Through, which, ironically is touted as a feature. The only way to get 7.1 digital audio is over HDMI, and this Onkyo receiver cannot process HDMI audio of any format. It simply passes it through to the TV, acting like an HDMI switch. Your TV ultimately demuxes the audio: displaying the video, and sending the audio back to the Onkyo through an optical or coaxial audio cable.

So, unless you have a standalone Blu Ray player with 7.1 analog outputs or a PC with a 7.1 surround sound card and are going to use the analog outputs (over 4 mini stereo to RCA cables), keep on looking for a receiver that decodes HDMI audio rather than passes it through. You simply cannot get 7.1 audio from this over a PS3 or a cable box. Blu Ray movies would need a standalone BD Player, and not a cheap one that only decodes to 5.1.

On the other hand, if you were looking for a 5.1 system, this is a pretty good 5.1 system. The speakers are pretty nice, and the subwoofer is more than capable. It has no problems playing 5.1 through optical and coax sources, and has 2 of each, which is plenty for most people. And you get a free HDMI switch with it, if your TV is short 1 HDMI input, that's a good $150 savings over a seperate HDMI switch.

(5 out of 5)

Awesome!

This system is insanely incredible.

I baught this system with both eyes open. I knew the HDMI connections were video pass-through only. I knew the connections available weren't up to snuff with the 'bigger boys' (Onkyo 606 and on). But I didn't care... The quality I get for the price tag is a complete steal.

In this package, you get 7 speakers and a beasty powered subwoofer (290 watts). The receiver has 2 HDMI inputs and 1 output, 2 component ins and 1 out, 2 optical inputs and I believe 1 coaxial. There are a bunch of extra connections for VCR's, DVD players, game consoles, etc.

Now, for quality....
This system is LOUD!!! I owned a sony htib before this and they're child's play compared to these. After some manual calibrating, I popped in the HD DVD version of 'Transformers' and... WOW!! I was hearing stuff I didn't know was in the sound field. Music is very crisp and clear. You could hear every instrument during jazz or acoustic sessions. Games are unbelievable on this setup.

The calibration mic setup didn't sound too good to me. It was a bit flat for my standards. But, to each his own, right?

One last thing, for people who say, 'this system runs too hot', gimme a break. IT'S SUPPOSED. For the amount of things the receiver does, be happy that it doesn't blow up. Just be sure have it in a property ventilated area and you're good for 20 years.

Overall, I highly suggest this system. It even comes with an iPod dock. Oh... and be sure to upgrade to 16 guage or lower wires. The ones supplied are crap. =]

(5 out of 5)

Very good entry level system

Really simple to setup. 2EQ audio calibration works wonders... The sound became more clearer and very crisp after the calibration. If you plan to upgrade your existing dvd player to a blu-ray in the near future then DO NOT get this system! You will loose out on Dolby True HD and DTS Master Audio decodings(True 7.1). Better get a THX certified system capable of decoding these HD formats!
The receiver runs really hot!!!You need an air conditioned room to keep it running longer. I purchased a $6 small fan from Target and it keeps the system running very cool. If any of the speaker wires gets short circuited or if the system becomes very hot then automatically the system shuts down to protect the circuitry and there are instructions in the manual on how to reset the system...pretty neat feature.
Also you need speaker stands especially for the satellites and the front speakers. you can get Gemini I and II speakers stands from circuitcity or bestbuy. Not very expensive...Goes great with the black speakers!

Overall very good entry system and so far the best sound you can hear from this set is a DTS ES 6.1 Discrete (Lord of the Rings)based DVD. The DTS decoding is amazing!!!
Also if you connect your cable box to the receiver, try using digital optical out and then use DTS Neo6 (I found this to be better than Dolby PLIIx) DSP setting. The surround effect is really very good.
Iam very happy with this system so far...

(2 out of 5)

Like it today, will hate it in the future

If you intend to use this with a DVD player using coax or optical connectors, then this system will be great. The is my current set up and I like the quality of sound and the ease of set up.

But my praise ends there. With the understanding that this unit has HDMI (plastered on the box and on the receiver), I was confident that I would be able to plug the Sony S-350 into the HDMI port and be able to enjoy the lossless format from Dolby. Regardless what the Circuit City sales guy had to say, this system is NOT capable of playing lossless formats. This was confirmed when I called Onkyo technical support.

As an alternative, I thought that I could buy a Blu Ray deck that has analog outputs. I would then connect it to the analog inputs on the receiver. Though you would think that the lossless formats would work, Onkyo technical support insists that it will not produce what I am looking for.

In sum, I suggest that those who are looking to migrate to Blu Ray should consider the HTS-6100 and be ready for the future.

(5 out of 5)

Great Sound, Low Price

If you're looking for a complete solution, this is it. For the price, this delivers some of the best sound available in a complete receiver and speaker package with 7.1 sound! I had it recommended by two different people, one who went to a store and heard it side by side with other systems, and one who is a major audiophile and who has read many reviews on different systems. I didn't have to do any research, but I did go and listen to a few systems before buying, just in case. The system didn't dissapoint. And set-up was very easy. Being a technician, I didn't need help setting the unit up; however, if I was less technically inclined, the color coded wires and easy quick set-up diagrams would have been very helpfull. If you are new to audio and looking for the best 7.1 system under $800, or if you are a seasoned audiophile looking for a good system without a high price tag, this is the stereo for you!