Onkyo Cable Amplifier

Yamaha's RX-V663BL high-performance home theater receiver features full support for HD audio formats, HDMI video upconversion and deinterlacing, iPod and Bluetooth audio compatibility, improved YPAO for sound optimization and speaker setup in any room. 4 SCENE buttons make operating the receiver easier than ever when switching between audio sources. 2 volume-setting functions are included on this receiver for additional convenience. Initial volume setting allows you to set the volume level that will be heard each time the power is turned on. Maximum volume setting prevents unexpected loud sounds. You have a choice of 8 unique CINEMA DSP surround programs to bring out the full audio potential of your entertainment sources. The RX-V563BL receiver is capable of delivering large amounts of reserve power for accurate reproduction of high-energy peaks that are especially prevalent in digital audio sources. It is XM ready with XM HD surround sound powered by Neural Surround, and is also SIRIUS satellite radio ready. Other features include improved YPAO for automatic speaker setup, iPod compatibility via optional dock, Bluetooth A2DP compatibility with optional YBA-10 wireless audio receiver, 1080p-compatible HDMI (2 inputs, 1 output), analog video to HDMI digital video with upconversion and deinterlacing, CINEMA DSP and adaptive DSP level for accurate surround sound reproduction, an improved compressed music enhancer for compressed music files, adaptive DRC (Dynamic Range Control), 40-station preset tuning / Auto preset tuning, and a preset remote unit.

Amazon Sales Rank: #22151 in Receiver or Amplifier Color: Black Brand: Yamaha Model: RX-V663BL Dimensions: 6.75" h x 17.13" w x 15.50" l, 26.01 pounds 7-channel 665W powerful surround sound (95W x 7) HDMI 1.3 with Deep Color, xv Colorspace, 1080p compatible, and support for HD Audio formats. Analog video to HDMI up-conversion and also de-interlacing from 480i to 480p Independent 2 Zone, 2 Source operation Bluetooth music streaming using Yamaha YBA-10 Bluetooth Audio Receiver

From the Manufacturer Yamaha's new 665-Watt 7.1-Channel RX-V663 Home Theater Receiver offers full support for HD audio formats and ensures maximum enjoyment of all high-definition sources. Other exciting features include HDMI video upconversion and deinterlacing, iPod and Bluetooth audio compatibility, improved YPAO sound optimization, Adaptive Dynamic Range Control, multi-zone custom installation options and four SCENE buttons. Multiple inputs make the RX-V663 your home theater hub View Larger

Most helpful customer reviews 142 of 145 people found the following review helpful. Currently, the best value for a full-featured "future proof" AVR! By Lars Milano Before you go out and buy a fancy $1k+ AV receiver with all the bells and whistles, please ask yourself, do you really need all the extra little features like HD-radio, network connectivity, USB ports, a bazillion HDMI ports, fancy video processor, etc? If all you want is a basic receiver that will allow you to enjoy the latest lossless 5.1 or 7.1 audio codec from blu-ray movies (Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master), or even just multi-channel PCM tracks from movies or the latest generation game console, without having to pay for all the other extra stuff, look no further! Yamaha did us all a favor with this unit. It does everything most people will ever need (unless you're the most technology-hungry of audiophiles) and does it all remarkably well. Sure, it is not the prettiest looking AVR out there and the OSD (on-screen display) will look like you just found that old Atari 2600 from childhood and plugged it in to your big 1080p plasma. The text and menu system looks prehistoric! Presentation and esthetics are definitely not this receiver's forte. But rest assured that in designing this receiver, Yamaha has skimped on such aspects only so they could splurge on components that count! Burr-Brown DACs and other high quality bits and pieces normally found on receivers that cost many times more are utilized in this budget AVR to deliver outstanding sound. Yamaha spent the money on things that count: the sweet sounds of music or the immersive 7.1 channels of your favorite movies delivered to your ears with uncompromising sonic quality. I also have the much pricier Onkyo NR905 and Denon 4308 that I use in my main home theater and living rooms respectively and this little Yamaha RX-V663 that costs a small fraction of those units rivals their sound. I originally picked this up so I could also have a home theater experience in the bedroom but have been floored at how it performs so much so that I will likely find myself watching more movies in bed. It does have its limitations though. For one, it is probably not suitable for a very large room unless you use a separate multi-channel amplifier. Don't get me wrong, 95 watts per channels is probably suitable for many, but rooms upwards of 300+ square feet might be a stretch. Secondly, it only has 2 HDMI inputs (not a big deal for many, and is actually ideal for most who just have a PS3 or Xbox connected in addition to a Cable or Satellite box). Even if you needed more HD capable inputs, there are some component inputs that can still be transcoded to HDMI so you still retain the luxury of having a single HDMI cable going to the TV and use the receiver as a true AV hub. Thirdly, it has a cheap feeling and looking remote that lacks enough buttons to control other component functions (not a big deal if you use a Harmony). Lastly, it doesn't upconvert all video sources to full 1080p (again, not a big deal since most TVs do a better job at video scaling anyway). The only 1080p upconverting AVRs that are worth using for their upconverting/video-processing abilities are those with the HQV Reon or Realta chip like the higher end Onkyos and the $5000 Denon 5308. That all said, you really do get a hell of a lot in the box with this $500 Yamaha. In conclusion, everything listed on the features list on Amazon's page about this receiver works as advertised. The YPAO automated sound optimization/calibration works flawlessly and in some ways even better than the Audyssey system used by Denon & Onkyo. Lossless audio decoding of DTS-HD Master and TrueHD works perfectly and even HDMI switching operates quick and smoothly unlike the long pauses and sometimes buggy HDMI handshaking issues Onkyos has with earlier firmware. I can confirm that there are no LFE flaws, DTS-HD Master issues, or other major problems that have often been discussed about the first

Harman Kardon AVR-354 7x75 watt 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver is your all-in-one receiver for your home theater system. This 7.1-Channel A/V receiver includes HDMI switching and audio/video processing. With 525 watts (75 watts x 7 channels) at your fingertips, movies will put you into the heart of the action. Picture this! The AVR-354 not only includes a host of powerful features such as DCDi® by Faroudja video processing, Simplay HD™-verified HDMI™ 1.1 connectivity with full audio processing as well as EzSet/EQ™ and XM Ready technology – it uses a colorful user interface to make system setup and operation easier than ever. Add full multi-room capability with A-BUS® connectivity and you have pure Harman Kardon sound everywhere in the house.

Amazon Sales Rank: #47298 in Receiver or Amplifier Color: SilverBlack Brand: Harman Kardon Model: AVR 354 Dimensions: 6.50" h x 17.30" w x 15.00" l, 37.72 pounds Home theater receiver includes the Bridge II docking station for iPod playback, control, and charging HDMI 1.3a with Deep Color and Faroudja DCDi Cinema video processing with upscaling to 1080p Signal-to-Noise Ratio (IHF-A): 100 dB Includes full suite of Dolby surround decoding, including Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Digital Plus XM Tuner Ready

Flexible Connectivity and Ultrawide Bandwidth at a Great Value Driven by a passion for music and cinema, Harman Kardon engineers are fanatical about maintaining a balance between pure technology and a quest for artistic truth. Their devotion to detail and love for all types of music and cinema have produced some of the finest audio/video and stereo receivers available. The AVR-354 reflects Harmon Kardon's commitment to bringing you high-quality components that are packed with features, all at an affordable price. The Harman Kardon AVR-354 provides a host of connections and features View Larger

Most helpful customer reviews 23 of 23 people found the following review helpful. Incredible! By Timothy Hendrix It's unfortunate about the previous poster but I have the same unit and it is incredible! The unit has all the bells and whistles that you would expect on a much higher priced receiver. Do some research on the the chips used in this thing, they are incredible and are found only in a $5000 high end competitors line. The weakness of this receiver is that it can sometimes be too rich of a sound and lacks the crisp high that some look for because, honestly the degraded sound that we have received from companies like Sony and what we listen to in our cars have ruined our idea of what even sounds are. Just a side note, one of my buddies was the one who brought this "weakness" to my attention because he said it didn't have enough high range. I told him well watch the whole movie and lets see how fatigued your ears feel. Afterward, he was amazed how nice and easy it is to listen to this HK. The strength is it's punch and ability in the home theater to make gun fire sound like gun fire and not rocks being thrown against a tin roof. HK doesn't disappoint in my opinion with this receiver and it's too bad one customer, and the only review had a experience that is honestly out of this world. HK customer support is probably one of the best in the world, and are often recognized for that fact. Besides one month old and breaks, why not take it back to Best Buy? 22 of 22 people found the following review helpful. The Sound's The Thing By Stephen R. Kowarsky I would encourage anyone to purchase this product. I have been researching and listening to receivers for more than three months, ever since a lightning strike wiped out my NAD T-762. I was getting ready to pull the trigger on the NAD's successor, T-785, which would have run about $2,000, when I saw this on sale for $599 and read the specs. What's not to like? I am a musician, and to me, it's all about the sound. Harman Kardon was where I had begun, more than 20 years ago, and I knew it had sounded good. I am still using my 20-year-old JBL speakers, and when I plugged them in to the 354, I felt like I had come home. The sound is heavenly. I have no other word for it. I've been listening to Denon, Pioneer Elite, Yamaha high end products on high end speakers at Best Buy Magnolia, and couldn't quite go ahead. I know I would have liked the NAD. But why pay so much more? I don't think anything could sound better than this. I can listen to this for hours on end, and enjoy the bliss of warmth, clarity, and resonance. I'm also very satisfied with the video. I had to tweak the brightness on my TV up a hair, no big deal. I really wanted 4 HDMI inputs, and this has only 3, but I worked around that using component for a non-HD source - ROKU Netflix player - that happens to have an HDMI output, and that has worked out well. So I have room for HDMI from my media server, DVD player, and HD cable/satellite. The upscaling works very well, ordinary DVDs look almost HD, and my ROKU Netflix player, which is putting out SD at best, looks better than DVD when upscaled through this. The NAD did not upscale, by the way. Be ready for a few quirks. I think every product has them. HK is addressing them through firmware updates, and hopefully they will keep improving. I can bust at least one myth you may read about. Noisy fan? If my unit has a fan, which I doubt, either it's never on or a stethescope couldn't hear it. I am a fanatic about this. My PC is completely fanless. I am mildly disappointed in a couple of things. Zone 2 has separate source and volume control, which is nice, but it works with analog input only, no digital. I use it for my outdoor speakers, and it's annoying that I have to put in analog connections just to use those. The PCM lock can be a little slow, so you can miss the beginning of a CD track occasionally, if it starts very quickly. My NAD did that too, so I'm used to it. I hope HK

The Harman Kardon AVR-254 7x50W 7.1-channel home theater receiver with HDMI 1.3a repeater is an affordable home theater system that gives you more bang for your buck. 7.1-Channel A/V receiver includes HDMI™ switching and audio/video processing. With 350 watts (50 watts x 7 channels) at your fingertips, movies will put you into the heart of the action. This is upscale video without an upscale price. The AVR-254 is Harman Kardon's most affordable receiver and allows you to upscale incoming analog video signals to high-resolution 720p output or select two HDMI™ inputs for audio processing - all with a Simplay HD™-verified, single-wire connection to an HDMI-equipped display. And the sound? Pure Harman Kardon audio, with the clarity possible only with EzSet/EQ™ technology and our high-current, ultrawide-bandwidth amplifier design.

Amazon Sales Rank: #43775 in Receiver or Amplifier Color: SilverBlack Brand: Harman Kardon Model: AVR 254 Dimensions: 6.50" h x 17.30" w x 15.00" l, 33.35 pounds Harman-exclusive Logic 7 Movie, Music, and game surround sound processing in 5.1 and 7.1 channels HDMI 1.3a with Deep Color and Faroudja DCDi Cinema video processing with upscaling to 1080p EzSet/EQ equalization for quick and accurate system setup Full Suite of Dolby surround decoding, including Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Digital Plus XM Tuner Ready

From the Manufacturer Flexible Connectivity and Ultrawide Bandwidth at a Great ValueDriven by a passion for music and cinema, Harman Kardon engineers are fanatical about maintaining a balance between pure technology and a quest for artistic truth. Their devotion to detail and love for all types of music and cinema have produced some of the finest audio/video and stereo receivers available. The AVR-254 reflects Harmon Kardon's commitment to bringing you high-quality components that are packed with features, all at an affordable price. AVR-254 - 7 x 50W 7.1-Channel A/V Receiver with HDMI 1.3a Repeater, Audio/Video Processing and Upscaling to 1080p The Harman Kardon AVR-254 is the most affordable Harman Kardon receiver to feature both Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding on the audio side, and Faroudja DCDi Cinema video processing to 1080p on the video side. That's not all though, the AVR-254 includes three HDMI inputs, connections for external amplifiers, EzSet/EQ technology to fine-tune your system to the acoustics of your room, and an RS-232 port for future firmware upgrades. The AVR-254 also features a high-current, ultrawide-bandwidth design that provides maximum fidelity and 50 Watts of power to each of its 7 channels. The Harman Kardon AVR-254 provides a host of connections and features View Larger

Most helpful customer reviews 130 of 142 people found the following review helpful. Would be the king of the hill, if it just worked... By Pierrick Verilhac I spent several months researching my new receiver for my home theater. I spent countless hours hanging out on the avsforum, read everything I could about receivers. I was looking for a receiver that would have the following features: - at least 2 HDMI inputs - great sound quality for music as well as movies - HD audio codecs (Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA) support - would cost $650 MSRP or less The choice is clear: - Onkyo 606 or 705 - Yamaha 663 - Sony 820 or 920 - HK 254 - Pioneer 1018 - Denon 1909 or 988 I didn't even try the Onkyos, because I was afraid of the overheating problems and the humming noise reported on many units. Plus, they are downright ugly. The Yamaha had only 2 HDMI, and did not pass BTB/WTW, the Sonys are notorious for having the worst sound quality (unless you tap into the really high end models) across the board, so I didn't consider those either. I was then left with the HK, Pioneer and Denon receivers. I first bought the HK 254. All the users on avsforum swore by the HK sound. Well, they were right. The sound is nothing short of outstanding. The GUI is light-years ahead of the competition too. And finally, it is by far the slickest looking receiver of all. Now, on the negative. HK is notorious for releasing products that haven't been thoroughly tested, and that don't work properly until the firmware update is released, and even at that point, it doesn't always work right. Well, they got that right too... 1 - the fan noise on 2 different units was unbearably loud, and not only was it loud, it wasn't a constant noise: it was pulsating. Crappy quality control from HK, can't afford more than $2 on a decent fan! 2 - if you connect your PS3 to the HK receiver using HDMI audio out + Linear PCM (the only way to take advantage of the HD audio codecs), here's what happens: you get sound drop outs that last for several minutes in many bluray movies (There Will Be Blood is a good example). Also, in GTA IV, you cannot hear the dialogs from the person you talk to on your cell phone. When I say "you cannot hear the dialogs", I mean: there is NO sound at all, it's not that the volume is low. 3 - the surround sound never "locks" on the one you want, it always reverts to Logic 7 eventually, and even if you can sometimes get it back by cycling through the surround sounds, it doesn't always work and it is a major hassle. 4 - it can't pass HDMI video with video processing turned OFF (it's always on!), and it won't pass BTB/WTW either. I don't want to go into the details of all these bugs, but they completely kill all the enjoyment you could get from the unit. I exchanged my first unit, thinking I got a lemon, but the 2nd unit showed exactly the same problems, all of them. I finally returned the unit, disgusted with HK's quality control. I then tried the Pioneer 1018, the Denon 1909 and the Denon 988. All 3 of them performed flawlessly, without a single hickup. The Pioneer worked great but sounded a little weak, lacked punch and attack compared to the HK. It also had a very annoying bright blue LED that you can't turn off, and the worst remote I've ever seen. The Denon 1909 and 988 were very similar, the 988 having a very slight edge in terms of SQ for music, but lacked the extra HDMI input and didn't have the Audyssey Dynamic EQ and Volume features. The 1909 was the only receiver I tried that could maintain the surround field perfect at any time and any given volume. I ended up keeping the 1909, because of its great sound quality and of its superb handling of surround field, thanks to the Audyssey Dynamic EQ and Volume. Oh, and did I mention that it just works? ;) After my disastrous experience with the HK, I wouldn't touch that receiver with a 10ft pole. If you consider this unit, wait until HK comes up with a firmware update, and make sure that it actually fixed all

Blu-Ray Home Theater

Amazon Sales Rank: #17542 in Home Theater Color: Black Brand: Samsung Model: HT-BD7200XAA Number of items: 1 Dimensions: 8.03" h x 18.11" w x 4.13" l, 32.00 pounds Integrated Blu-ray 400W output power iPod video, audio + iphone support Stream Blockbuster, Netflix, YouTube & Pandora HDMI out with CEC + 1080p Comes with Bluetooth

HT-BD1250 (October 9, 2009) Expand your entertainment choices to a degree never before possible with Samsung’s HT-BD7200 2.1 channel Blu-ray Home Theater System. In addition to the hi-def pleasures of a Blu-ray Disc Player that also up-converts regular DVDs, it provides the personalized entertainment options of streaming Netflix and the music of Pandora. Enjoy stored music and media favorites using the iPod dock with video, audio and iPhone support. And the WiFi* ready and PC Connected/Streaming features let you wirelessly view pictures, listen to music and more from virtually any PC in the house directly to your Home Theater System.                        Key Features 1-disc BD/DVD 400W Output power 2.1 channel home theater audio system with virtual surround Half tall speaker Crystal Amplifier Technology iPod video, audio + iphone support Bluetooth: Privately listen to TV with wireless Bluetooth enabled headset. WiFi ready Compatibility: DVD/DVD±R/DVD±RW, CD/CD±R/CD±RW, MP3/Jpeg viewer, DivX 1080p video up-scale Anynet Plus (HDMI-CEC): allows peripheral AV devices such as a Home Theater to be controlled by a Samsung TV remote control. Smart Volume Netflix + Pandora PC Connected/streaming FM tuner Energy Star Compliant: reduces energy consumption. USB Host Play: you don’t need to burn CDs or DVDs to enjoy music, video clips or photos on your home theater system—just plug a portable digital device into the USB port for instant entertainment. Power Bass Kelp Cone front speakers Terminals Component video out: 1 Composite video out: 1 HDMI-CEC out: 1 Audio input: 1 Headphone jack Optical in: 1 *Samsung WiFi dongle required

Most helpful customer reviews 41 of 44 people found the following review helpful. Very impressive list of options.... By Morley Dotes Okay, so first lets start with what has not been listed in the product listing: Blu-ray Profile 2.0 compliant for playback of BD Live material on compatible discs(needs internet connection) Upconverts DVDs selectable 480i/480p/720p/1080i/1080p output via HDMI Plays Blu-ray discs, DVD-Video discs, DVD-RAM, DVD-Rs, DVD-RWs, DVD+Rs, & DVD+RWs Plays CDs, audio CD-Rs, CD-RWs, CD+Rs, CD+RWs, & MP3 CDs Plays digital picture CDs (JPEG) and DivX videos Built-in decoding for Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital True HD, DTS, and DTS-HD Master Audio (No DTS ES Discrete 6.1 DTS 96/24 DTS Neo 6) 3-channel amplifier (133 watts x 2 for front speakers, 134 watts for subwoofer) Has a USB port for connecting an optional thumb drive or hard drive Wi-Fi capable (needs optional USB adapter) and Ethernet port Built-in support for Netflix movie and Pandora music services (you need to subscribe) Has built-in iPod dock with audio, video, and iPhone support Bluetooth-enabled (listen to your TV with a wireless Bluetooth headset) No component or composite inputs No coax input No XM or AM radio So, with all of these features, I can tell you that this is ok if you have a small space and no children. The finish is very glossy and shows every bit of dust and fingerprints and likely will easily scratch. The sound is a bit lacking when compared to a a true 7.1 system with a good (Onkyo) receiver. So, even though this decodes DTS-HD as well as DD True HD, it's kind of useless with this system. While it will decode those, you will not really get to appreciate it. Also, the sub is a bit weak. You have a 3 channel amp to run 2 speakers and the sub. So, if you simply do not have the room and you have to worry about neighbors, this is an okay system. I was thinking about giving this 4 stars, but after all, you can do better without spending that much more. 20 of 23 people found the following review helpful. Great Choice! By Jonas I put in a lot of research and bought the BD-7200 as soon as it was available. There is not another product out there that has the same features in such an attractive, compact package. Wireless Netflix, Ipod, Blu Ray w/ quick load times...The sound is good but not quite as powerful or encompassing as a true 7.1 or 5.1 system. If you have a small space or simply don't like the wires all over, and want all the latest functionality then this is for you! 8 of 11 people found the following review helpful. Doesn't sound like 5.1 even a little. By Mitchell Strasner Don't get me wrong the sound is good, but it's not surround sound. I've had this system for several months now, I've watched a lot of movies, and maybe it's me, but in reading the product description from the manufacturer, this system, using 2.1 channel, is supposed to simulate 5.1 surround sound. I think it should do that better then it does, especially for the price of the system. If you want surround sound, this ain't it. If you want easier setup and a system that sounds good loud, this might work for you. I don't recommend it. See all 13 customer reviews...

Amazon Sales Rank: #10453 in Speakers Color: Black Lacquer Brand: JBL Model: CS6100BG Number of items: 6 Dimensions: 22.00" h x 25.30" w x 19.80" l, 58.80 pounds 10-inch subwoofer rated at 300-watts (peak) Titanium-laminate dome tweeters for outstanding high frequency sound Dual 3.5" midrange satellite drivers Video shielded Wall brackets included for satellites and center channel

Got your widescreen HDTV for your living room? That's only part of the experience. HDTV sound goes beyond 2-channel stereo, dividing sound into 5 channels. Get yourself a 5.1 channel surround receiver and add these speakers and you've got home theater to enjoy and love! JBL's CS6100 6-Piece Home Cinema Speaker Package is a high-performance home-theater speaker system that beautifully complements your living room. The four satellites, matching horizontal center, and 300-watt (peak) subwoofer deliver unbelievable sound. The satellites and center channel feature JBL's advanced titanium-laminate dome tweeters and dual 3-1/2" drivers for unsurpassed power and realism. The voice-matched center channel speaker uses components that are identical to those used in the satellites for seamless pans. The black, high-gloss finish brings a touch of attractive contemporary design to your home and complements any flat-panel television. Wall brackets are included for the satellites and center channel. From the Manufacturer JBL CS6100 Complete 5.1 Home Theater PackageHave you been to a movie or gone to a concert recently? There’s a good chance that you were enjoying the show on JBL loudspeakers. For more than 60 years, JBL has been the loudspeaker brand of choice for recording professionals around the world. JBL engineering, power, clarity and technical accuracy are legendary. And today’s high-resolution digital media demand nothing less than a loudspeaker that can handle their sonic range. So, why not enjoy your movies or music on loudspeakers that probably helped to mix and master them? With JBL speakers, you can enjoy the thrill of the show or the excitement of a live concert--right in your own home. Hollywood Excitement, JBL Style High-performance satellites and a powerful subwooferdeliver every little detail from your music and movies

Most helpful customer reviews 30 of 30 people found the following review helpful. Great sound, great value By Kelly A few weeks back, I decided it was time to replace my 12 year old Sony TV and 17 year old "stereo" system with its two cheap speakers. End result, after lots of research, was the purchase of the following, all from Amazon. - Samsung LN40A650 LCD TV - Onkyo TX-SR606 - JBL CS6100 6-Piece Home Cinema Speaker Package - Logitech Harmony 550 Universal Remote Also connected are; - Scientific Atlanta cable set top box from Time Warner - Sony SLV-D300P DVD/VCR which is 2-3 years old - Nintendo Game Cube Installation was in a 20'x30' room. My goals were to have a high quality TV with decent sound, and keep the entire cost under $2500 if at all possible. Goal achieved, even with the purchase of the incidentals; some speaker wire, banana clips for speaker cables, an optical digital audio, cable, etc. - Speakers... even if you go to all of the places you can visit to hear speakers, you have no idea how they will actually sound in your own environment. And, speakers are an object thing. My concerns here were that the only review I could find on the audiophile web sites was for the smaller CS480 speakers. the CD480s have a single woofer and tweeter in satellites vs. the dual woofers in the CS6100 package. The reviews of the CD480s indicated that they were a bit bright, a bit lacking in mid-range under some conditions. I don't find that to be the case with the CS6100s, maybe because of the dual woofers. Having all the mounting hardware in the box is a real plus, and they give you two choices of mounts, fixed and swivel. Enough high quality speaker wire in the box for a medium sized room. Sub-woofer speaker cable included. A nice, classy look as well.. The opening sequence from Top Gun (with the windows closed and the wife gone)was the first test. No disappointment here. Next, a bit of Opera. Again, they performned well. Country and classical music, movies with dialogue... these do a very nice job and compare VERY well with speakers which cost twice as much. A definite "I'd buy again". 21 of 21 people found the following review helpful. Good speaker system at affordable price By David N. I purchased the JBL CS6100BG Home Theater Speaker System for my bedroom. Overall, I've been really impressed with the quality of sound. The subwoofer packs a powerful punch. Installing the wall brackets for the rear channel speakers was really simple. It took me about 15 minutes. This system comes with fixed and adjustable brackets for the rear channel speakers. I used the adjustable brackets. It also comes with a wall bracket for the center channel speaker. One thing the product description doesn't say is that this system does include speaker wire for all 5 speakers and a 15' subwoofer cable. The speaker wire is black #18 gauge with polarity coding. The only negative thing about this system, which really isn't that big of a deal, is that it doesn't include wood screws needed to mount the speaker brackets. I highly recommend this system for a bedroom or a small to medium sized living/family room. For a large room, I would go with bigger speakers. 10 of 11 people found the following review helpful. An unbeatable deal for the price! By Armando Angel Jr. I was actually a little hesitant about these speakers. I was torn between these and the Harman Kardon HKTS-18's. I actually found these on eBay for an unbeatable deal. Well, anyways, on to the speakers.... Wow! I never thought these speakers could so good! I bought them to replace some old Sony satellites that just had to go. And boy, am I ever glad that I bought these speakers. I bought them along with Onkyo TX-SR606 and they sound incredible. I've played Blu-ray movies on them and heard DTS-HD MA, Dolby TrueHD, and PCM sound. OMG, I've never heard sound so clear. After hearing these tracks, I will never go back to standard DVD ever again. The speakers are so clear and have lots of punch. The

Equipped with the latest video and audio processing functions, the AVR-789 brings high performance surround sound and extensive video flexibility at a truly affordable price. For the ultimate audio experience, the AVR-789 features Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding to handle the explosive soundtracks found on many of today’s advanced Blu-ray high definition discs, along with Dolby Digital Plus and DTS ES 6.1 surround decoding functions. The video section includes Faroudja’s renowned DCDi processing and upconversion to provide near-HD picture quality from conventional sources such as cable, satellite and DVD, while at the same time providing a single video output connection to your HDTV. In addition, the video section features the latest specification HDMI v1.3a signal handling, with three inputs capable of handling Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio soundtracks as well as uncompressed LPCM multi-channel sources. Setup and operation are a snap, aided by Denon’s enhanced icon-based on screen display that also features a screen saver. To eliminate jarring shifts in volume between TV shows and commercials, the AVR-789 features Audyssey Dynamic Volume automatic volume-leveling system, as well as Audyssey Dynamic EQ to ensure rich bass and smooth tonal balance, even at low volume levels. Audyssey MultEQ in-room acoustic optimization and enhanced multimedia connectivity are just a few of the many additional advanced features that the AVR-789 offers.

Amazon Sales Rank: #63735 in Receiver or Amplifier Brand: Denon Model: AVR789 Dimensions: 25.00 pounds 7.1 channel home theater receiver 90 Watts per channel 3 HDMI v1.3a inputs, 3 component inputs, 3 composite inputs, and 3 S-Video inputs Audyssey Dynamic EQ, MultEQ, and Dynamic Volume 7-Channel Equal Power ensures highly balanced output

From the Manufacturer Denon AVR-789: 7.1 CH/5.1+2 CH Independent Zone Home Theater Receiver The Denon AVR-789 delivers power and performance and is ready to take on HD video sources with its HDMI v1.3a capabilities that support deep color video signals and digital surround audio signals. This makes setup and operation a snap for the beginner or expert user. Attention to audio detail and accuracy has been improved with the addition of Audyssey MultEQ processing, assuring audio room balance even with difficult acoustical conditions. Dolby Digital and dts Digital signals are masterfully decoded and reproduced, yielding a stunning surround sound presence like never before. The Denon AVR-789 provides a host of connections and features

Most helpful customer reviews 27 of 27 people found the following review helpful. GREAT AVR By Jason E. Marentette I've done tons of research on a receiver in this price range. I can tell you that this unit is the best for the money. I've research the yammy 663, onkyo 606, and the 789/1909. The 789 and the 1909 are the same unit just made for different retailers. The four digit receivers from denon are for local retailers and the 789 is manufactured for higher volume retailers like BB or CC. I tried two 606s before spending the extra $150 on this model. The first 606 i had suffered from the humm/buzz problem that's all over the avsforum. The second unit i had dropped the video signal after a couple minutes of switching sources or powering the unit on and off. So i went with the 789 and couldn't be happier. My new 7.1 sounds amazing and the Audessey features are the best. i wouldn't attempt to set up a 7.1 with out it. The remote kinda sucks, but i got a Harmony 890, so all remotes go into storage anyway. I have it hooked up to a ps3, 360, comcast cable box, denon dvd, vcr, and ipod. All the SD signals get pushed to 1080p. The upscaling is so much better than the 606 it's not even funny. i would recommend anyone looking for a hdmi receiver that upscales to get this model. 12 of 12 people found the following review helpful. 2nd Denon - Love IT - Great AVR By Tarun Chachra HI. I already own a Denon AVR-4308CI which I use for my main home theater.....now I needed a receiver for my family room because our LCD tv sound was horrific. I decided to try a bunch of Home Theater in a box and a sony receiver...but NO can Do....I had to get a Denon. I decided on the 789 which is similar to the 1909 ( the 1909 has some extra capabilities for multiroom remote controls etc...which I dont need). The 789 is a great 7.1 Channel Receiver with Audessey setup and Dynamic EQ/Dynamic Volume. For those that know what this is, GREAT...for those of you that do not know what it is...I will quickly explain. Audessey simply runs a program on the receiver with the included calibration microphone...u plug it in and off you go. The microphone tests and measures all of your speakers and then adjusts them according to your room, speaker type, distances etc... It does the work so you dont have to. Dynamic EQ is like above....it controls the sound - bass/treble/etc dynamically based on the content that is being fed in to the receiver. Dynamic Volume - AWESOME - this is that feature that we all have been waiting for. Ever watched a football game in Hi Def and had great sound...then a commercial comes on and its either too LOUD or too LOW.....you keep having to fiddle with volume buttons....NO MORE. Dynamic volume adjusts the volume (based on day/evening/night) for the source. Its pretty amazing. Pros: 7.1 Receiver with plenty of power. 3 HDMI Inputs 1 HDMI output Up conversion of all analog video to HDMI. Audessey - all 3 features. Denon Quality and Build.... Ethernet connectivity for future upgrades. Cons: 1 - REMOTE I cant stand the remote - Its very functional on the main side...but if you need to adjust menu's etc...you have to flip it over, open the door, and go at it....this annoys me....but its a personal preference. Apart from that I cant say enough good things about this receiver and so it will still get a 5/5. ps. If you are a dish network vip hd dvr user....your remote will control the power and volume on the Denon without issue....another reason I chose Denon. Enjoy! 11 of 11 people found the following review helpful. Denon 789 Is A Winner By D. B. Wills I recently upgraded from a Onkyo TX-SR601 to the Denon 789, WOW how things have changed, Audyssey MultEQ, Dynamic EQ, and Dynamic Volume are unbelievable!! Don't get me wrong my Onkyo served me well but there is a huge difference, compared to the Denon on a scale of 1 to 10 I would rate the Onkyos sound quality a 3, and this is from a guy who liked Onkyo. I almost bought the Onkyo 606 but the reviews

Dolby Digital Surround Receiver

Amazon Sales Rank: #40680 in Receiver or Amplifier Color: Black Brand: Denon Model: AVR888 Dimensions: 12.05" h x 20.71" w x 19.61" l, 27.78 pounds 7.1-channel 2-zone/2-source A/V home theater receiver with 100 watts per channel power output Supports Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, DTS Neo:6 Surround, and DTS-ES Extended Surround multichannel formats Audyssey MultEQ calibration process makes setup easy; Faroudja DCDi video processing 2 HDMI v1.3a digital video inputs and 1 HDMI monitor output; compatible with iPods and XM satellite radio receivers Measures 17.1 x 6.75 x 16.55 inches (W x H x D) and weighs 27.75 pounds; 2-year warranty

From the Manufacturer Denon AVR-888: Your Affordable Entry Into High-Performance Home TheaterDenon has long been one of the elite names in home theater receivers, offering a combination of advanced technologies and user-friendly features that transform even the most mundane living rooms into rich, powerful audio environments. Now Denon has updated its audio and video circuitry to produce the AVR-888 7.1-channel receiver, which delivers high-end surround performance in a mid-priced body. The AVR-888 incorporates such features as HDMI v1.3 inputs and outputs, which allow the receiver to play back many of today's leading audio/video formats; low THD rated amplifiers that deliver pure, clean, high-power sound for enhanced listening enjoyment, even through demanding speakers; serial I/O control ports for better integration into home control systems; and Denon's Audyssey MultEQ calibration process, which makes setup easier than ever. Under the Hood: Component Technology With a power output of 100 watts per channel, the AVR-888 multizone 7.1 receiver can handle a variety of audio applications. The AVR-888 offers a power output of 100 watts per channel, but adds a number of engineering advancements to get the most out of the technology. One of the most significant--7-Channel Equal Power--lets you connect seven speakers independently without connecting individual power amps via pre-outs. That's because the AVR-888 comes with a built-in internal amplifier for each speaker in your collection. This makes it possible to do things like connect a second surround back speaker directly off the main amplifier to play 7.1 surround formats. The receiver also boasts a 32-bit floating-point digital signal processor (DSP) to improve audio quality. In addition, the receiver is equipped to handle the latest in HD video support, with such features as Deep Color up to 36 bit, 1080p video pass-through, 10-bit encoding and decoding, and Faroudja DCDi video processing. The latter employs advanced algorithms to remove the jagged edges that appear when standard interlaced video is viewed on progressive scan displays. Diverse Sound Modes As with the best surround receivers, the AVR-888 is capable of reproducing a host of 5.1-, 6.1-, and 7.1-channel audio formats, with several processing technologies layered over the top. In addition to providing standard Dolby Digital, DTS, and Pro Logic II formats, the receiver also supports Pro Logic IIx, which allows 5.1-channel sources to be played in up to 7.1 channels, and the expanded multichannel capabilities of DTS 96/24, Neo:6 Surround, and DTS-ES Extended Surround, all of which improve the digital surround impression for 5.1 or 6.1 channels. To assist with film soundtracks, the receiver offers a Cinema Equalizer that corrects for the placement of your speakers vs. the way they're placed in the movie theater. Theaters that locate their front speakers behind the movie screen tend to emphasize the high frequencies, which can sound too strong in a home with a conventional surround setup. Denon amplifiers adjust the high-frequency range so that the sound is cleaner and easier to listen to than uncorrected audio. Listeners can also improve the image detail of their audio sources using Neural Surround technology. This audio breakthrough--which is 100-percent compatible with stereo--offers superior spectral resolution and channel separation, thereby drawing the brain's attention to the sonic details in musical instruments, vocals, and ambience that are typically masked by other playback systems. This allows the listener to fully experience the richness and subtleties in recorded performance as never before. Neural Surround is the chosen format for XM satellite radio's XM HD surround programming. Finally, the receiver offers a seven-channel stereo mode that enables top-quality two-channel stereo output through your surround speakers. Convenience Features The AVR-888 offers 2 HDMI inputs, 1 HDMI output, and a host of other connectivity options. Modern A/V receivers are increasingly designed for multi-room listening, and the AVR-888 is no exception. The two-zone, multisource system lets you select different audio sources for listening in different locations, letting you simultaneously listen to the DVD player in the main room and the iPod in the bedroom, for example. The receiver also offers compressed audio restoration, an audio technology that restores the fidelity of compressed MP3, WMA, and AAC formats to reproduce a higher frequency range and deeper bass performance. And to make iPod playback easier, you can connect the receiver to Denon's separately sold ASD-1R iPod docking station, which lets you control your iPod through the receiver's display. Other user-friendly features include XM satellite radio compatibility (requires a subscription and an optional plug-and-play XM antenna), a night mode for neighbor-friendly listening, an auto surround mode, and a volume limiter that lets you set maximum volume levels. Connectivity and Setup The AVR-888 offers a host of inputs and outputs for connecting to diverse audio and video sources. The most significant is HDMI v1.3a, the digital interface standard for next-generation TV. With the receiver's two HDMI inputs and one HDMI monitor output, you can easily connect to such devices as HDTVs, DVD players, video game consoles, and cable and satellite boxes, each through a single cable that handles both high-definition video and multichannel audio signals. HDMI is also compatible with High-bandwidth Digital Contents Protection (HDCP), a technology for protecting copyrights that encrypts digital video signals. If your components don't offer HDMI outputs, you still have plenty of options, however, as the receiver also offers three component inputs, five S-video and five composite inputs, six total digital audio inputs (three optical and three coaxial), and nine analog audio inputs. The receiver also lets you input multichannel audio signals, whether in high-definition MUSE 3-1, SACD, or DVD-Audio formats, via the eight-channel input. Made using eight standard RCA cables--one each for front left, front right, center, surround left, surround right, surround back left, surround back right, and subwoofer--the eight-channel input receives discrete analog audio signals via a digital source such as a DVD player, creating an immersive multichannel audio performance. Setting up the AVR-888 is easier than ever thanks to Denon's Audyssey technologies. Audyssey Equalized was the first technology to properly measure sound information throughout a listening area, and then combine the information to accurately represent the acoustic problems in the room. Based on these measurements, Audyssey calculates an equalization solution that corrects for both time and frequency response problems. Denon also employs Audyssey MultEQ XT technology, which automatically determines how many loudspeakers are connected, whether they are connected in phase, and whether they are satellites or subwoofers. After processing, it then analyzes all the physical details--speaker level, size, and distance--and determines the correct frequency response for up to eight listener positions simultaneously. It's a must for people who want to get the most out of their surround systems. AVR-888 Accessories The AVR-888 is compatible with the following Denon accessories (sold separately). The Denon ASD-3N iPod/network connectivity dock The Denon ASD-3W iPod/network connectivity dock with WiFi The Denon AK-HM100 HDMI cable

Most helpful customer reviews 61 of 63 people found the following review helpful. Looks and sounds great but not without drawbacks By David I bought the Denon AVR-888 when I realized that the Sony STR-DG820 wouldn't meet my home theater needs (the Sony does not support HDMI to DVI conversion). Compared with the Sony I have to agree with other reviewers: the operations guide and remote are unnecessarilly complex. Compared to the Sony remote the Denon is just a laugh and something they should be embarassed shipping with a product in this price range. All that said, the sounds and picture quality from the Denon are amazing. The unit will convert most inputs to HDMI so there is one cable from the receiver to the TV. This is a great feature that simplifies the tangle of cables. The automated sound optimization for the surround speakers works great and it is worth going through the six sound station checks. Again, funky controls can make this a hassle, you really need to look at the direction of arrow buttons to get through the process. I don't know who at Denon thought that the backward arrow was a good use for "next" but it is used often in configuring the system. The system also defaults to coax input for sound instead of HDMI so I had to go to the HDMI settings and make the proper selection. One other drawback is that there are only 2 HDMI inputs, which was frustrating given that the Sony had 4 inputs. To connect my PS3, DVD, and TiVo I ended up buying the OPPO 3 to 1 HDMI switch. The OPPO unit works great, auto-switching between the PS3 and DVD based on port (the low number ports take priority over the high number ports). This makes it easy for the family to use. Lastly, the remote ... it really is poor, it does not provide the ability to easily switch between all inputs; instead, for some of the inputs you have to turn the remote over, open a flip panel and select the input. To solve this issue I bought a Logitech Harmony 1000 that controls the Denon, TV, TiVo and DVD and makes using the system very easy for everyone. 70 of 84 people found the following review helpful. A bit too high tech By Bill Panzer Seems like this could be a kick a@@ system, but I have been having a problem since we brought this home - surround sound cuts out randomly - have tried switching from analog to Digital Coax this did not fix the problem - receiver says H/P on when it cuts out and H/P off when it goes back on.... I have called Denon cust svc 3 times with an average wait time of 1 hour and 20 minutes each time (I am currently on hold @ 56 minutes with 4 calls ahead of me.... Q started @ 14 calls ahead This sucks 15 of 16 people found the following review helpful. this receiver rocks By C. D. Stevenson I love this receiver and give it a 5star because right now it's very cheap to get ahold of. Less than $400 is a bargain. Do the research on this and compare to others at the same price and you'll agree. Some reviews say it's difficult to setup and for an hour i agreed. After figuring out that i couldn't use an analog signal for audio with the digital video and plugging in optical rather than the white/red cables that come with component this thing sparkled. It replaced an older Kenwood that I paid about $500 for several years back and the sound difference was amazing. Everything is so clear and the darn thing is smart. After going through the auto setup the receiver knew exactly where and when to play certain noises. It's so easy too once you get the hang of it. I recommend using component to perform setup because it gives the full menu on your TV screen...other wise you have to guess on it's little display to move up or down, which isn't obvious. The menu is a little vague but people who have played with these things will catch on quick. The remote is a little wierd but works fine if you look at the directions. This previous year model doesn't come with the new hd converters but most newer hd equipment have their own. Comparing to the Onkyo