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Cables/Wires Upgrade advice for Onkyo HT-S 800

1600 Views 19 Replies 7 Participants Last post by Wozzer73, May 16, 2007

D2uCeTr3y

Discussion Starter · May 14, 2007

Hey guys, just to get it out of the way. I am a self proclaimed "noob" when it comes to Home Audio. I just purchased the HT-800 today, and plan on installing next weekend. Which brings me to my next question: I have done my research as far as the 800, but I am being told an upgrade in speaker wire IS A MUST. Any suggestions on gauges of wire I should buy? Or a particular brand name? Any feedback on optical/hdmi solutions VIA (Online) would be helpful as well. I figure there has to be some type of dealer or outlet with decent prices online. Any info would be great.

Thanks guys

1 - 20 of 20 Posts

Tulpa

· #2 · May 14, 2007

16 or 14 gauge for speaker wire. Home Depot has GE brand, and I've seen RCA brand at Frys. They're probably as good as anyone.

As for optical cables, monoprice.com has their own brand that is highly regarded. It's usually around or under $10.

dbrowdy

· #3 · May 14, 2007

Might as well get speaker wire at monoprice while you're at it. They have good pricing. The advantage of Home Depot (etc) is proximity.

D

Tulpa

· #4 · May 14, 2007

Monoprice tends to sell out of speaker wire frequently, but if it's in stock, might as well snag some.

D2uCeTr3y

Discussion Starter · #5 · May 15, 2007

16? Yea, that's what I am hearing is a good idea for my system: Onkyo HT-SR800. Thanks for feedback.

D2uCeTr3y

Discussion Starter · #6 · May 15, 2007

monoprice, I will check them out. thanks.

D2uCeTr3y

Discussion Starter · #7 · May 15, 2007

Thanks, for the feedback. Yes that is what I am hearing as well. I should go 16 (as far as gauge) wire. I also have read (as stated in this forum) that the speakers on the 800 are a downgrade from 790? Let me know what type of speakers you have: For reference.

ANYONE READING THIS POST: Lets get a quick poll of the pound for pound best speakers for Home Audio?

I plan on running only one HDMI to the reciever which will be (Direct TV DVR) & using optical for the audio. And composite cables to the Reciever for (Xbox 360 premium). **SIDE NOTE** Still ****** Microsoft released the Elite. I feel so dooped. Anyways, going FWD I will purchase PS3, therefore I will save the last HDMI slot for that. They will be running to 50" Samsung 720p/1080i Ti DLP. I think I should be okay switching for audio/and getting video via: HDMI. Your thoughts?

Tulpa

· #8 · May 15, 2007

Quote:
Originally Posted by D2uCeTr3y /forum/post/0

I also have read (as stated in this forum) that the speakers on the 800 are a downgrade from 790? Let me know what type of speakers you have: For reference.

I have the 790, but the speakers on the 800 aren't THAT much of a downgrade. If you get speakers from a dedicated speaker company, you'll be ahead of either system.

Quote:
I plan on running only one HDMI to the reciever which will be (Direct TV DVR) & using optical for the audio. And composite cables to the Reciever for (Xbox 360 premium). **SIDE NOTE** Still ****** Microsoft released the Elite. I feel so dooped. Anyways, going FWD I will purchase PS3, therefore I will save the last HDMI slot for that. They will be running to 50" Samsung 720p/1080i Ti DLP. I think I should be okay switching for audio/and getting video via: HDMI. Your thoughts?

I bypass video on my receiver and run all video to the TV. I also have a 50" Samsung DLP.

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G-star

· #9 · May 15, 2007

Quote:
Originally Posted by D2uCeTr3y /forum/post/0

ANYONE READING THIS POST: Lets get a quick poll of the pound for pound best speakers for Home Audio?

good luck getting a consensus on this one. here's a hint...you won't find them in an HTIB package.

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D2uCeTr3y

Discussion Starter · #10 · May 15, 2007

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tulpa /forum/post/0

I have the 790, but the speakers on the 800 aren't THAT much of a downgrade. If you get speakers from a dedicated speaker company, you'll be ahead of either system.

I bypass video on my receiver and run all video to the TV. I also have a 50" Samsung DLP.

Hey, what's up G-Star. Thanks for the feedback man.

It's encouraging to hear the 800 speakers arent too shaby, but I plan on upgrading eventually. So, what is your definition of dedicated speaker company? (( I am new to home audio )) Perhaps, Polk or Boston Acoustic?

Nice, Samsung DLP is the way to go my friend

I think they look way better than the Sony 3 LCD's & Rear Projections. (Hope I did not offend anyone).

You said you run video straight to TV: I am curious now. So are running optical to your 790 for audio or? Long story short: Give me a brief overview of your set-up. I am looking for ideas. Thanks man.

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D2uCeTr3y

Discussion Starter · #11 · May 15, 2007

Oops, mistake guys!

I quoted that from G, when I was referencing both of you (( G & Tulpa)).

Juat wanted to clear that up.

D2uCeTr3y

Discussion Starter · #12 · May 15, 2007

2

Quote:
Originally Posted by G-star /forum/post/0

good luck getting a consensus on this one. here's a hint...you won't find them in an HTIB package.

Was that response with a little bit of *SALT*?

LoL

I hear alot of people hate on HTIB?

What is a poor man suposed to do ! ?

And I thought I did well with the Onkyo HT-S800

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Buckeye911

· #13 · May 15, 2007

Quote:
Originally Posted by D2uCeTr3y /forum/post/0

Was that response with a little bit of *SALT*?

LoL

I hear alot of people hate on HTIB?

What is a poor man suposed to do ! ?

And I thought I did well with the Onkyo HT-S800

You did do well, I really enjoy my SR800.

steve7100

· #14 · May 15, 2007

Quote:
Originally Posted by D2uCeTr3y /forum/post/0

Was that response with a little bit of *SALT*?

LoL

I hear alot of people hate on HTIB?

What is a poor man suposed to do ! ?

And I thought I did well with the Onkyo HT-S800

The 790/800 are both good budget systems, but when you ask a question about the "best" speakers for home audio you leave alot open for debate.

Try finding your amount you are willing to spend on your speaker upgrade. Also, check out G-Star's HTIB alternative thread. Alot of good info you will be interested in.

D2uCeTr3y

Discussion Starter · #15 · May 15, 2007

Quote:
Originally Posted by Buckeye911 /forum/post/0

You did do well, I really enjoy my SR800.

Thanks, Buckeye.

I havent even hooked mine up yet honestly. Moving in this weekend. Anyways,

hey what is the best feature of this system Buck? I heard it at CC, but the envirnment was wide open and speaker placement was horrible. I figure HDMI for video and optical for audio; I will be fine. Too bad I don't have PS3 for 7.1 signals. What is your setup?

D2uCeTr3y

Discussion Starter · #16 · May 15, 2007

Quote:
Originally Posted by steve7100 /forum/post/0

The 790/800 are both good budget systems, but when you ask a question about the "best" speakers for home audio you leave alot open for debate.

Try finding your amount you are willing to spend on your speaker upgrade. Also, check out G-Star's HTIB alternative thread. Alot of good info you will be interested in.

LoL @ Budget. That's so Walmart, but you're right what can I say. There is a alot to be missed on this 800 system from I read, but your still getting the most bang for your buck.

Let me rephrase my question: Best speakers for (upgrade) in your home theatre setup. I didn't mean: (Already apart of your HTIB).

Bonus: Can anyone explain why Bose is so praised? When they don't give you any connection/component hook up options?

Tulpa

· #17 · May 15, 2007

Quote:
Originally Posted by D2uCeTr3y /forum/post/0

So, what is your definition of dedicated speaker company? (( I am new to home audio )) Perhaps, Polk or Boston Acoustic?

Yep, they specialize in speakers. Onkyo makes speakers only as a side project (or they outsource to someone who won't give them top of the line stuff.) Best to let Onkyo handle the receiver and get speakers from someone else if you want true performance. But the Onkyo speakers aren't terrible, especially if you just want to get up and go.

Quote:
You said you run video straight to TV: I am curious now. So are running optical to your 790 for audio or? Long story short: Give me a brief overview of your set-up. I am looking for ideas. Thanks man.

Here's what I have:

Onkyo CP-DV704 DVD changer:

Optical digital audio to Onkyo HT-540 receiver

HDMI to Samsung DLP

Cable box

Coaxial digital audio to receiver

DVI/HDMI to DLP (for HD channels)

Component to DLP (for SD channels) (This setup just works for some reason.)

Panasonic VCR (for legacy VHS tapes)

Analog audio (red/white) to receiver

Composite video (yellow) to DLP

Basically, video to TV only, audio to receiver only, and switching both. Takes a couple extra keystrokes on the remote, but no biggie. Plus, you can get remotes that can be programmed for one button "macro" switching (basically, they run through all the commands with one button.)

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Buckeye911

· #18 · May 15, 2007

Quote:
Originally Posted by D2uCeTr3y /forum/post/0

Thanks, Buckeye.

I figure HDMI for video and optical for audio; I will be fine. Too bad I don't have PS3 for 7.1 signals. What is your setup?

That's what I do, HDMI to my Panasonic 42PX60U, optical out from my Sony upconverting DVP-75H to the Onkyo receiver. DVI out from Motorola HD STB to HDMI in on the receiver. I also have a Go Video DVD recorder/VCR hooked up via component with RCA L/R out.

Have fun moving and enjoy your system.

G-star

· #19 · May 15, 2007

Quote:
Originally Posted by D2uCeTr3y /forum/post/0

What is a poor man suposed to do ! ?

And I thought I did well with the Onkyo HT-S800

i'll clarify. the onkyo HTIB's are about as good as HTIB gets, and you do get a lot with the system, especially for

these are the strengths of the onkyo systems.

the best bang for the buck speakers is a question with no easy answers, but you'll have to look at dedicated speaker companies that make products that can survive on their own merits. onkyo doesn't sell many stand-alone speaker packages for a reason...there are better options out there. that is just the reality of the situation.

Wozzer73

· #20 · May 16, 2007

I was planning to get 14awg speaker wire...max run is 35ft, is 14 overkill? 16 would be a little cheaper...

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