Home > Consumer Reviews > Onkyo HT-S6200 7.1-Channel Home Entertainment Receiver/Speaker Package with Dock for the iPod

I spent a couple months researching various components, HTIB packages and every option in between for a combination of good quality, upgradeability and low to mid price range. I finally decided on this because of the reputation behind Onkyo, the 7.1 package and component style receiver which was missing in most of HTIB I found. Set up was with a Sony 42'' Bravia LCD and PS3, which turned out to be super easy. Speaker wires were of good length but may decide to upgrade to better ones later down the line. The auto calibration mic was simple to use and essential for someone like me who isn't the greatest with sound setup.

The receiver has everything you'd need for any basic setup you have including a couple game consoles, tv, stereo equipment, ipod dock (really great addition), etc. The audio presets work wonderfully, the menu is easy to navigate even if you can't control it on your tv screen.

The speakers sound phenomenal! Coupled with any blu ray movie, they are a world of difference between any other HTIB or low end component systems I've tried out. If this is your first surround sound system, trust me this is a huge upgrade from a 2.0 system! The sub has great boom, tons of power to handle even the most bombastic soundtrack. The speakers themselves are crisp, clear, aesthetically attractive and sound great when turned up loud. I've tried them out with dialogue heavy movies like Casablanca, action flicks like Live Free or Die Hard, concert movies like Los Lonely Boys (Live in Texas), games like GTA4 and Killzone 2, and they all sound absolutely incredible.

Music when played through the system sounds really incredible. The receiver comes with various settings for different listening modes, all of which have their own unique character and enhance the listening experience.

If you are looking for a great start to surround sound systems cheaply priced and not cheaply made, BUY THIS!!! 7.1 receiver means you can upgrade as need be in the future, but imo most everyone would be more than happy with what you get right out of the box. Highly recommended.

Pros

* Has the latest HD Decoders for Dolby TrueHD and DTS Master Audio (lossless audio for bluray movies).
* HDMI passes through sound, therefore no need for extra audio cables (unlike the HT-S5200)
* Sound gets very loud, but maintains clarity. Bass response, tonal balance, dynamic range are very good.
* Several listening modes that enhance your experience (Virualize stereo sound into surround sound, i.e. DTS Neo:6)
* IPOD dock included. This is normally a seperate item to purchase. Get more use out of your IPOD.
* Quality product all around, solidly built. Sleek piano black finish for the speakers. Receiver, clean and simple. Not too large or heavy either, unlike past Onkyo HTIBs.
* Affordable! (Amazon had the cheapest price, plus free shipping, plus no tax!)

Cons

* Does not upconvert sigals to 1080P. Therefore, if your Nintendo Wii displays 480P, then this receive will not upconvert and you will still see 480P.
* Does not convert analog signal to digital. Basically, does not convert component signal to HDMI. Therefore, if you have a component connection like an old DVD player, you will need to install component out to the TV as well. You cannot connect all connections to this reciever, and have them output through the HDMI. No conversion between signal types. Component in/Compononet out, HDMI in/HDMI out, Composite in/Composite out.
* Remote control is average at best, which is to be expected. Currently working with Onkyo support to use remote as universal remote for all components. I just dont want to invest in an expensive universal remote :-)

Additions

* Bought my own speaker wire and speaker stands from [...]. Very cheap, good quality products.
* Ran speakerwire under carpet and baseboards. Suprisingly, very clean, although its not the most ideal.

Overall, I am very pleased with this purchase. I recommend this to everyone is looking to install a quality HTIB, that sounds as good as more expensive custom systems. Of course, you can get better sound, but you maybe paying three to four times more. Therefore, for the price and features, you are getting a great value. Five stars.

I am very pleased with my purchase it sounds great and was not that hard to set up.

It comes with a mic for the audesy auto tuning it took about 10 min but now they sound great.

All of the speakers except the sub which is very large are made to hang on the wall but they do come with little rubber stickers for the feet it you want to place them on something.

The system is very loud putting it above 50 is sure to upset the neighbors.

But it is very clear and the dialog in movies is much easier to hear than just my normal tv.

The ipod dock is nice the remote will control some basic ipod functions.

It makes my ps3 sound great also it gave a level of depth to games i play that i have not experienced before.

I would recommend this system to my friends.

I will edit this review if there are any problems.

Pros
+ Amazing sound details - excellent sound processor
+ Woofer producing good bass
+ Maintains perfect balance of sound quality for different modes: Music, Movies, Games (This you find not in all HTIBs)
+ Full HDMI support (both audio and video).
+ Music:
* The detailed original sound from every instrument is great
* Very good voice level and quality
* The drums and the bass guitar sound is very real.
+ Movies/Games:
* Nice voice clarity
* Explosion, gunshots, accident sounds are great

Cons
- Not the best looking overall
- Could have had a better display
- Auto calibration reduces bass (so I turned down the woofer before calibrating and it is much better)
- Expensive
- Neighbors are not happy

Other thoughts

* Heavy! 70lb
* It warms up a bit, but I live in Buffalo so that is not a problem...,lol
* I noticed a little delay (may be in few milliseconds) when I connect and play my Yamaha keyboard. Then I turned down something like a sych settings and it is much better.
* So far I am satisfied

How long do I own? 2 Weeks
Would you recommend to a friend? Yes

PS: This is not a complete review as I am using the product for 2 weeks only. I ordered 6 speaker stands and I need to set it up and have to observe surround effects more. Most probably I'll update this in a month or so.


UPDATE: Its been a month now and it is a phenomenal audio system, I brought some cheap speaker stands from e.b@y and it sounds and looks even better.

Price is reasonable. Shipped fast and FREE
Setup is simple - but don't rush it. I'd advise ordering banana plugs, and better (longer) speaker wire, 16ga max.

Watched '300' Ultimate on PS3 in TrueHD.... WOW!
The sound is amazing, the lttle sub is brutal, it really thumps strong and clean. 2.0, 5.1, 7.1, etc. they all sound great, excellent seperation from all speakers, mp3s & CDs are awesome too.

-A sad tale with a happy ending-
The unit switched into 'protect mode'. Tried all the fixes that I could google, 'cept for opening the unit myself, but why risk voiding the warranty, I'd only had it for 1-2 weeks. Onkyo tech suggested I call Amazon, and without hesitation Amazon sent a replacement, no questions asked. Another 70+lb box arrived 2 days later. I replaced the receiver and a rattling speaker that worked, but had some loose parts inside, the speakers seem sealed. No issues with the new receiver so far. I'm very pleased.