Onkyo HT-6100 or 7100

They are the exact same system except for 1 pair of speaker stands, Sirius ready, and the audio and video capable ipod dock (6100 is ipod audio only).

Here is the official S6100 thread...lots of good info here.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1048206

And yes...the 6100 will provide the same quality as the 7100 for your devices.

I'd also consider the 5100 for your needs, no audio via HDMI, but besides that it seems like it would satisfy.

^^^Not if the OP is planning to use the PS3 as a Blu-ray player.

Hey everyone. I'm pretty noob at home audio but after much shopping around I purchased the Onkyo 7100 set up. I don't usually shop at Visions Electronics because they can be sooo pushy but it was the only store in town that carried Onkyo (As I live in Northern Canada and basically have a choice between Visions, Future Shop and online purchasing).

I haggled with the store clerk over the Onkyo 7100 and eventually I walked out of the store with it in hand for $840 tax included (tax here is 12%).

All in all I'm very happy with this product. The system was only being installed in my living room area with my 47" LG, PS3 and HD satellite receiver which together make for nice TV/ game use but is not a home theater.

I am currently working on my unfinished basement and I am in the design stage of planning a proper theater. Because of this I did not want to spend too much on my living room sound system. Visions original price tag for the 7100 system was $999 Canadian and I believe Onkyo is asking $899 US. Visions original price tag on just the Onkyo receiver is $629 Canadian. So after walking out the door with the entire system for $840 I have to say I was pretty satisfied.

Upon initial set up I used the included "set up mic" to adjust speaker levels. I used the system for 2 days with the automatic set up but was not happy with the sound. I then manually set up each speaker and am very impressed with the quality of my "theater in a box" system. I would like to make note that the "automatic set up" preset some of the speakers to a good level but then lowered other speakers to a mysteriously low level which was odd because I have a fairly basic/ normal living room layout.

The added pair of speaker stands was a nice bonus as the stands alone are over $100 for the pair here. The stands are pre-wired with color coded left front and right front speaker wires. The supplied wiring is also color coded making life easier for Noobs like myself when running the wiring under the floor to the speakers. The included wiring is 18 gauge which of course after installing I have already decided to replace with 14 gauge meaning that the color coding although a nice feature was a waist for me.

The speakers provided have slots on each end for easy wall mounting in either vertical or horizontal positions and a package of "sticky rubber circles/ spacers" is provided to keep the speakers from touching directly on the surface of the wall.

I have not used the Ipod doc yet as I only have an ipod shuffle (small newer style with clip).

For some unknown reason the receiver would not allow me to run my PS3 audio via an optical cable. As I mentioned Im noob and the reason I originally choose to run the PS3 video via HDMI and the audio via optical was because the store clerk who sold me the unit advised me to "keep every signal you can separate". As I said the receiver disagreed and I am currently running the PS3 video/ audio via HDMI with no complaints. Actually I like having one less cable in my rats nest hehe.

I would like to seek opinions on the above advice given by the store clerk because I am currently running the video from my HD satellite receiver to the Onkyo via HDMI and the audio via optical cable. The Onkyo is allowing this with no issues but i don't know if this is the best solution or whether I'm just wasting more space with the added optical cable. I apologize if this should be asked in another thread but this kinda relates to everything I've been writing so far.

Anyways I hope the above input on the Onkyo 7100 helps anyone who's looking for a good theater in a box. This is the first receiver I have purchased and I was mildly intimidated at ths thought of hooking it up but due to the color coded wiring and connections and the receivers over all ease of use I can once again say that I am very satisfied with this purchase.

As mentioned I would appreciate input on video/ audio via HDMI Vs. separately carried signals.

The 7100 is the 606 receiver, the 6100 is not the 606 receiver, it is missing the Sirius and multi-room setup (play a separate source in stereo in a second room). I believe the 7100 can play iPod video as well.

Yup it comes with the 606, the ipod dock allows for audio and video play back, it is sirius capable (need extra gear) and it allows for multi room set up but you have to sacrifice your 2 extra speakers leaving you with a 5.1 set up. Not a horrible thing as there isn't much media supporting 7.1 at this time, but I decided to run the 7.1 set up in my living room for more dramatic PS3 game audio and music playback.

As per my last post can anyone comment on the differences between running Video/ Audio via HDMI Vs. running Video/ Audio via separate connections ie. HDMI and Optical cable.

Thanks!

Just picked up a 7100 from frys (699 over the weekend btw) and am pretty impressed.

Wondering if the 6100 box has a picture of an ipod touch in the dock (NOT SUPPORTED!>!>!>!) how annoying!

Which brings me to my next point, how different is the bundled ipod dock from the (ds-a1xp vs the ds-a2x) one on onkyo's site?

The bundled iPod dock comes with the connector to plug into the back of the receiver and is controlled through the receivers remote. I love how my iPod is seemlessly integrated with my reciever.


Both the ds-a1xp and ds-a2x are for receivers that are not iPod ready.

ds-a1xp is for audio and ds-a2x is audio and video. They come with their own remote control, a/v and RI calbes, and a seperate power supply.

Neither do these docks support iPod Touch.

Hi,

I just ordered this same system. Thanks to posts that I read on this site, I was able to get it for $699-$200 (from the eBay Live search 30% cash back offer) so I only paid $499 + $59 shipped!! I had been looking to buy the HT-S6100, but the cheapest price I found was $579 shipped, so with the included speaker stands I figured this was the best deal I would ever find.

Anyway, I am complete noob to this, but after reading many of the informative posts, I have concluded that I should upgrade the speaker wire to at least 16 gauge wire. None of my runs are longer than 25 ft. Is this correct? Or do I really need to upgrade to the 14 gauge wire?

But my question is do I have to remove the 18 guage wire from the speaker stands and replace it with the 16 (or 14) gauge wire? Or can I just run the 16 gauge wire to the speaker stands and splice them together? Finally, I was planning on placing the front speakers on the included stands, and these will be at the most 8 feet from the receiver. According to the Onkyo website, these speakers have an 8 ohm load. If that is the case, can I use the included 18 gauge speaker wire for these two front speakers? The chart on http://www.roger-russell.com/wire/wire.htm suggests that for speakers with an 8 ohm load, 18 gauge speaker wire is adequate for runs of 24 ft or less.

Bruno

Hey guys. I just purchased an onkyo s7100 and samsung plasma a550, and was looking for any advice on optimizing my setup. I am fairly new to the home theater hobby and was hoping for some quick advice to make my experience worth my money. I would also appreciate any advice on keeping the neighbors in my apartment from complaining about the noise. Much appreciated

newb here...

when i check power specs at onkyo, the 606 shows 90W /channel, while the 7100 set lists as 130W/channel.

Is there a documentation issue or something that the discrepency can be attributed to?


I was just going to buy a 606 and plug it in to my stuff... but the price on the 7100's has me thinking now it may just be worth buying the whole matched set.

I just picked up the 7100 myself & I have a silly question.I'm currently trying to connect the front speakers to the speaker stands & there doesn't seem to me an easy way of doing it. I purchased a refurbished system so I'm guessing I might be missing a piece. Either that or how they connect is SO obvious, I completely missed it!

Turns out it was #2. Hidden in one of those peieces of foam were the screws I needed! .. oh well... carry on..

Someone on another thread pointed out that it is a difference in a way they rate the power output. They are the same receiver, but they rate it different for the 7100 so they can inflate the advertised power of the system. For the 7100, they rate it at a fixed frequency (1000 Hz, I think), and I believe there were a couple of other differences too, but I'm too lazy to look it up right now If you look closely at how they write the power spec in each place, you'll see the differences. It seems that the 90W rating is the more "honest" rating.

The 7100 is available refurbished from Onkyo for 489 with a 10% off discount and free shipping. So you can get it for about 440-450 + tax. And only until 11/26. And for a limited time they are sending you a second set of stands if you are a club member (which also nets you another 10 dollar discount).

Great deal if anyone is interested. And refurbished sets usually come with everything, just like new. Ours was only missing the speaker wire labels, or maybe I misplaced those... but it was the only thing I could not find in the giant box.

I didn't have to pay any tax, but I'm assuming that just depends on what state you live in. Also, the free set of stands is only if you buy new, not refurbished. Their site says "AS-140 speakers", however, as you mentioned, AS-140 is the model of the speaker stand, not speakers.

hello everyone,

I am sad to say that this is the first time I am actually posting on this forum although I have used it extensively for research in my purchase of my Samsung LNT-5271f and my PS3 as a blu ray player almost a year ago now. Since I was always able to find everything using the search button I never found the need to ask any questions...and for this reason I feel AVS Forum has to be the best research option on the net.

Now to my question...

I am currently running Logitech Z-5500 speakers for my "home theater" since when I purchased them almost 4 years ago I was a little short on cash. In short the speakers have been great and provide amazing sound quality and strength for the price I paid.

I am now however looking to upgrade my sound system to take advantage of DTS HD in Blu Ray. I was originally going to build a system in time when I had the money to spare but after finding this deal for the refurbished S7100 it seems hard to pass up on.

I have always been nervous purchasing a refurbished product. Has anyone had any experience purchasing refurbished from Onkyo? I know this is also a tough question but can anyone provide any input into how this system would compare to my current Z-5500? I am aware of obvious DTS-HD capability but overall sound quality and power?

Any help you can provide would be great.

The refurbished stuff is done at the manufacturing plant, so it is virtually new. As you can see in examples above, and I can atest from personal experience, the product comes indistinguishable from a new one. The only thing mine was missing was speaker cable labels, which I may have lost myself... You even get a 1 year parts and labor warranty.
So I would not hesitate to get a refurbished product from Onkyo or form an authorized dealer.

Yes i have some refurbished products and its all the same, maybe in that model the diferrence is the speaker cable labels and no batteries for the remote, but that price is crazy.

These will blow the Z-5500 away. I was also using the Z-5500's but sold them two weeks after getting the HT-S5100 (the 7100's small brother without any HD audio support). You can read more about my comparison in the other thread.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1078553

Let me know if you have any questions.

I've been using the ipod dock that came with the HT-S5100 with my iphone 2g and my wife's ipod touch gen 2 and so far its been working fine. I don't think it can do video out though, no connection on the back of the dock. Is the dock that comes with the 7100 different? On Shop Onkyo the specs for both systems list it as the R1 Dock however a poster in this threads mentions that these are two different docks. I'm Confused !!!

Thanks for the help everyone. I actually pulled the trigger and purchased them last Friday so I'm hoping to get a "Shipped" email soon. Sammykismail, thanks for the input. It was awesome to hear someone similar to my situation say the Z-5500 away. I was nervous as to how a HTIB system would compare but I guess I have nothing to worry about and am now even more excited than before. I am not sure myself since I haven't received it yet but from what I have read stated multiple times in multiple threads is that one the main differences btw the 7100 and 6100 is that the ipod dock supports Audio and Video out, so I am sure that it does.

Congratulations!!!
I'm sure you'll be happy with these. Be sure to post about the dock once you receive them along with the pictures of your setup

I've been looking into purchasing one of the Onkyo's myself. My current setup is a Samsung plasma (720p/1080i), Xbox 360, and Dish Network VIP 722 DVR. I'm wondering which of the Onkyo systems is going to work best for me. I'm going to be purchasing a Blu-Ray player also, so I can change my purchase for that depending on the stereo. I would like the home theater setup to handle HD audio, since that's half the point of going blu-ray right? Someone mentioned the S-5100 not handling HD audio, so would I need to go with the 6100? Or would I be able to get by with the 5100 and some tweaking? Any help you guys can provide would be appreciate.

The 5100 will handle it via analog inputs. So you would need a Bluray player with analog outputs.

Your best bet it either go for the 6100 or the refurb 7100 deal going on right now. The 6100 and the 7100 have a much better and more future proof receiver.

Question about hooking up the PS3:
I've conected the PS3 to the 7100 reciever via HDMI. However, once I turn on the PS3, even if i do not switch the TV over to game input, the PS3 music takes precedence and I hear that out of the speakers instead of the TV. This is a problem, because sometimes I like turning on the PS3 and downloading Demos, while still watching TV... Is there a way I can force the TV's audio to take precedence over the PS3's audio unless I instruct it otherwise? The TV outputs audio to the 7100 via the white & red compnent cables.

So you have:

PS3 ---- HDMI ---- 7100 ------- HDMI ------- TV ------RCA red white yellow----7100?

You can assign PS3 in the 7100 to Game. And the RCA input to TV. Then use the 7100 remote to select TV or Game depending on what you want to listen to.

I have a question or six about using old video cables.

Just purchased the refurbished Onkyo 7100. Am currently using Panasonic Viera TH-50PZ85U 50" 1080p Plasma HDTV and I have already purchased a PS3 (waiting until Christmas to open).

Now, I had purchased a system about 9 year ago. Was using a sony receiver and huge cerwin vega speakers etc. At that time I purchased a ton of monster cable video/audio/speaker wires.

My question would be: is any of this salvageable to be used in my new system, or should I just go out and purchase new speaker wire through monoprice.com or is what I currently own good enough to get decent sound quality through.

Currently own:
-About 100 foot of Monster XP Compact precision stranded high resolution speak cable with magnetic flux tube and LPE dielectric (no idea real wire size)
- 3 foot of Monster 3 High performance ultra fine resolution maximum velocity composite video interconnect cable
- 10 foot of Monster Cable Interlink 400 MkII (this is what i used previously on my subwoofer)
-10 foot of Monster Standard Interlink 200 (used perviously also on subwoofer).
-6 foot of Monster video 3
- 6 foot of Monster Cable interlink digital fiber optic digital audio interconnect

Main questions of course would be, should I purchase another/separate cable for the subwoofer, or would what I have suffice. Also, will my speaker wire be good enough, or should I run out and purchase a different newer brand. Don't think that speaker wire would decompose throughout the years, as I know that I've had these for more than 8 now, but just curious if I'll lose any quality with it since it's been sitting in storage for so long.

If any more information is needed, just ask. Been a long time since I bothered to pay attention to what my system sounded like and now I'm trying to make up for 8 years of not paying attention.

Appreciate the help

Nick

Yes, thats how it's connected. Well, I don't have seperate TV & game input selection on my remote (they combined into a simgle Game/TV button) but guess I could just as well assign the PS3 to DVD. How would I go about making the assignment? The manual doesn't seem to make it too clear...