Onkyo HT-SP908 Review:
The Onkyo HT-SP908 becomes a home theater dynamo with some real versatility. The 7.1-channel A/V receiver and HD conversion DVD/CD/MP3 player combine to expertly handle DVD, broadcasts, CDs, digital music and video files from your computer, and satellite radio.You can also bring your iPod to the party with the included RI Dock, which neatly integrates the device into your home entertainment system.With many of the features found in Onkyo’s high-def A/V receiver line-up Audyssey 2EQ’s, Faroudja DCDi, RIHD, HDMI and component video upconversion the HT-SP908 looks every bit the total solution.

The Onkyo HT-SP908 Home Theater System delivers 1080p video and studio-master-quality audio, including DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby TrueHD, all in a complete, affordable package. The HT-SP908 includes a powerful 7.1 channel A/V receiver with HDMI 1.3a, HD conversion DVD/CD/MP3 player, and a set of slim, wall mountable speakers with 230W powered subwoofer. Onkyo even throws in a matching iPod dock. All in all, a pretty sweet setup.

The 7.1-channel A/V receiver and HD conversion DVD/CD/MP3 player combine to expertly handle DVDs, broadcasts, CDs, satellite radio as well as digital music and video files from your computer. The Onkyo HT-SP908, which is Microsoft Windows Media certified, can play DRM music downloads from Napster and CDquality files from MusicGiants with Windows Media Player serving as its command center. You can also bring your iPod® to the party with the included RI docking station, which neatly integrates the device into your home entertainment system.

For internet radio, you can access stations that use MP3 or WMA streaming. Onkyo HT-SP908 includes some stunning innovations like Audyssey 2EQ™ to correct room acoustics, multi-room playback, a full connectivity suite (with switching and upconversion), it is fully XM and SIRIUS ready, and has an integrated system control. These features elevate this system into a league of its own. With many of the features found in Onkyo’s high-def A/V receiver line-up — Audyssey 2EQ™, Faroudja DCDi, RIHD, HDMI and component video upconversion — the Onkyo HT-SP908 looks every bit the total solution.

Multiple HDMI inputs and outputs enable you switch four of the latest high-definition components between either of the HT-SP908’s two assignable HDMI inputs and one HDMI output. This offers a simple, one-cable solution for connecting your Blu-ray and HD-DVD players, satellite and cable boxes, media centers as well as gaming consoles. The High-Definition Multimedia Interface delivers the latest high-definition audio formats — Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby® Digital Plus and DTS-HD® High Resolution Audio — which are then processed by the HT-SP908’s onboard DOLBY and DTS decoders. These new formats enable unprecedented quality, including bit-for-bit reproduction for TrueHD and Master Audio. Also, HDMI 1.3a gives you greater bandwidth to deal with higher resolutions, 36-bit Deep Color™ and high frame rates.

Onkyo HT-SP908 User Review:
When building our house last year, we opeted to wire a “media room” for a 7.1 system. I had been in a Bose store in 2006 and learned about 7.1 systems, but naturally couldnt afford Bose. The store itself was using an Onkyo receiver to power their systems. From that point on, I knew Onkyo was a brand I would enjoy.

Anytime I spend upwards of $500, I do my research. Both Consumer Reports and CNET had very positive things to say about the Onkyo HT-SP908, and even the previous model that came with a multi-disc DVD player.

Setup wasnt bad, but you truly have to take it step by step according to the manual. Despite the urge to slip in Saving Private Ryan and watch them storm Utah Beach in glorious 7.1, I had to set things up properly. In order to get the best sound, I did the auto setup Audessey thing and then tweaked it so that my rear speakers were louder. My room dynamics of course will e different from everyone elses, but I wanted to have a more complete sound rather than minimal echoes.

Since very few TV broadcasts come in 5.1, let alone 7.1 using Onkyo’s predetermined sound options has been great. The HDMI hookups are nice, but I wasnt able to get Dolby Digital sound through that connection. I had to “double up” and use an optical cable. For my setup it wasnt a big deal as I am playing everything on a DLP. My stand hides all the wires.

If you need HDMI cables, ignore the temptation to buy them from any big box store and go to monoprice. com. The savings will make you think its a rip off, but I cant find any valid reason to pay through the teeth for cables.

All in all, the Onkyo HT-SP908 is worth the money and time. Its loud, its got the ipod hook up, and price wise it cant be beat.

By LN

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