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Onkyo SKS-HT540 Speaker System: Need your opinion please :)

post #1 of 17
6/9/11 at 9:04am
Thread Starter 
Hi all. I'm about to purchase Onkyo SKS-HT540 7.1 Channel Home Theater Speaker System. From all reviews and my research online seems it's pretty decent system, especially if you don't want to spend tons of money. I'm moving to new apartment and need good home theater audio system. I'd like to hear your opinions about that speaker system. Also, I would like to complete it with Onkyo receiver. Any recommendations? I would be connecting PS3 as Blu-ray thru HDMI. I want to use it for music listening as well as movies and need bang for a buck system. Any input would be much appreciated.
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post #2 of 17
6/9/11 at 9:24am
What's your budget for speakers and a receiver? Cant really make any recommendations until you tell us what you're willing to spend.

I'm not a fan of the Onkyo speakers but if you're only willing to spend $190 or so maybe is the the best decision for you.
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post #3 of 17
6/9/11 at 9:55am
Thread Starter 
Actually, I can buy those speakers for $169, so I said to myself - let's start there, it's a pretty good deal considering they sell for $300
Budget? It could be $500 - maybe $800 for receiver & speakers. Not really looking to spend more at this time.
Thanks!

PS. It's really important that the system plays music well.
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post #4 of 17
6/9/11 at 10:16am
Well if music is really important to you I wouldn't get those speakers. But we all have different levels of expectations and for $169 you can't expect a whole lot from 7 speakers and a subwoofer for that price.

I've heard those speakers and I wouldn't buy them. But depending what you're coming from previously you might think they sound great. What type of music do you listen to?

If you need a full system for your $800 maybe get something like this.
Onkyo NR509 and Jamo S426 HCS 5.0 system, $419.
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...323&CatId=4586

Then add the subwoofer of your choice. HSU STF-2 would be a good place to start.
http://hsuresearch.com/products/stf-2.html
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post #5 of 17
6/9/11 at 10:37am
Thread Starter 
I'm moving to bigger apt, so now I will have some decent room to set up home theater for music & movies. Now I have just simple Sony tuner/receiver plus 2x front speakers from Sony as well, nothing special, really basic stuff - bought it like 8 years ago (sic!) . My logitech computer speakers + subwoofer sound a bit better than that So, time to get some better system. Usually, I listen to music in my car (it's heavy metal)
So, probably those speakers would be a big step for me

The system you showed here looks good but it's more for music listening but I would really like to use surround with my PS3 blu-ray.
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post #6 of 17
6/9/11 at 10:53am
WTF?

Didn't you just say "PS. It's really important that the system plays music well."

Now you're saying "The system you showed here looks good but it's more for music listening but I would really like to use surround with my PS3 blu-ray. "

That Jamo-HSU system is better than those Onkyo speakers in every way possible. Music, movies, games, whatever!
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post #7 of 17
6/9/11 at 11:02am
Thread Starter 
Maybe you misunderstood me, sorry. First of all, I want to listen to music on it but want surround for Blu-ray movies as well. Is it possible to get system that combines the two? I'm just not sure what am I losing with getting 5xspeakers instead of 7... ??? Thanks.

BTW - that Onkyo/Jamo system looks great but the sub seems kind of expensive, any other suggestions?
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post #8 of 17
6/9/11 at 11:15am
5.1 and 7.1 are both for home theater. Generally people who just listen to music only have a two speaker setup.

I watch/listen to Blu Ray all the time. I have two 5.1 systems. You don't need 7.1 for Blu Ray. In fact most BD movies are 5.1, only a few are 7.1. And any A/V receiver will convert signals 7.1 to 5.1.

And if you don't setup your 7.1 system properly it's worse than a good 5.1 setup. Do you have the space to do it right?
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-janXkyK...placement.html


People get hung up on the number of speakers vs the quality of the speakers. You're doing the same thing.
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post #9 of 17
6/9/11 at 11:29am
Thread Starter 
Yes, I have space and I think you convinced me already. I guess I just need a bit less expensive sub, how about those:

http://www.amazon.com/Jamo-Sub-250-S...7643880&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.com/Jamo-A70-450W-...7644117&sr=8-3

What do you think?
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post #10 of 17
6/9/11 at 11:41am
This BIC F12 is the best bang for the buck in your price range.
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/show...ource=googleps

or from Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/BIC-America-F1...5M/ref=lh_ni_t

These guys carry it to but looks backordered. Supposed to get more on 6/12.
http://www.shopblt.com/cgi-bin/shop/...er_id=!ORDERID!

It does come with a speaker grille too, just not show in the picture.
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post #11 of 17
6/9/11 at 11:47am
Thread Starter 
I guess you have just helped me set up my audio system! I'm placing an order this evening! THANKS!!!
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post #12 of 17
6/9/11 at 1:25pm
You're welcome, good luck!

That Onkyo receiver has an ethernet connection so you can stream Pandora and internet radio too.
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post #13 of 17
7/8/11 at 9:09am
Thread Starter 
OK, got the whole setup already. The only thing missing is cables, would you please recommend anything? Also, how to install side/back speakers on the wall to hide the cable? Any clues? Thanks!
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post #14 of 17
7/8/11 at 9:17am
monoprice for cables if you do not have them. You need 2 hdmi cables at least (blu ray to avr, avr to tv). Plus any other devices.

As for hiding the wires, there is a couple options. But, how long of a run are the speakers from ceiling or floor? Are you able to install them in your wall (besides the ability to actually do it, do you have in-wall speaker wire, etc).
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post #15 of 17
7/8/11 at 9:34am
Thread Starter 
I have HDMI cables but would need speaker cables.

It's 5.1 system so, I need to install 2 speakers on the wall behind the couch. The cables would run from tv stand, I believe I can put them under the carpet and then it will split behind the couch and will run by the floor moldings and then up on the wall to the speakers (this is the part I want to hide). From tv to the back wall it's like 12-14ft (not sure though).
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post #16 of 17
7/8/11 at 10:05am
Do you have an area rug in your apt living room? We had one that did a great job of hiding the wires running to the rear channels. That way you don't risk paying for damages to the carpet, etc when you move out and it's easily changed if you rearrange furniture.

I agree on Monoprice for whatever cables you need. If you just need speaker wire, Walmart is faster and won't be much more. Be sure you get a decent gauge of wire, though... I think I went w/ 16 gauge for my speakers.
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post #17 of 17
7/8/11 at 10:43am
Thread Starter 
I meant living room rug (not the carpet) my bad. I think that's the best option to run the cables under the rug.

Can you suggest any speaker wires from monoprice for Onkyo NR509 and Jamo S426 HCS 5.0 system?

Thanks for all input.
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