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- Good sound quality
- Good value
- Powerful
- 7.1-channel system
- Large speaker size
- Sound quality not as good as more expensive systems
- So-so bass
Experts and users are impressed by the sound and build quality of the 7.1-channel Onkyo SKS-HT540, and are blown away by the value. Professional reviews say that it outperforms some speaker systems costing twice as much. Most home theater speaker systems in this price range can't produce the power needed to give high-action films their full visceral feel, but that's not the case with the SKS-HT540, which can fill even a large room with sound. Compared to more expensive subwoofers, the quality of the bass doesn't quite measure up, but it's still pretty good and certainly better than what most home theater speakers this low priced can produce. Cabinets are solid and attractive, but very large. If you have a little more to spend and need a speaker system that blends more easily with the aesthetics of a room, the Klipsch HD Theater 300 (*Est. $400) has satellites that are just a fraction of the size of the ones in the SKS-HT540, yet it performs admirably with movies and music.
Though the 7.1-channel Onkyo SKS-HT540 hasn't been widely reviewed by professionals, we found a good testing-based report at CNET. Owners have also had their say, and the most user-written reviews are available at Amazon.com. A smaller selection can also be read at JR.com and Vanns.com.
Klipsch HD 300 Compact 5.1 High Definition Theater System (Set of Six, Black)
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Average Customer Review: |
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| Onkyo SKS-HT540 7.1 Channel Home Theater Speaker System | |
(112 reviews) In Stock. Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping |
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Our Sources
1. CNET
Steve Guttenberg sums up his opinion of the Onkyo SKS-HT540 by saying simply that it is "the best-sounding surround-sound speaker package you can get for less than $300." Sound and build quality are said to be better than many more expensive home theater speakers. The large speaker enclosures are the only significant negative cited, though the bass is no match for that from better -- and significantly more expensive -- subwoofers. A handful of user reviews here give the system even higher grades.
Review: Onkyo SKS-HT540, Steve Guttenberg, July 21, 2006
2. Amazon.com
More than 65 pleased owners contribute to the Onkyo SKS-HT540's overall rating of 4.5 out of a possible 5 stars, most of them citing value as the key reason. Sound quality is called good with movies and music, and many say they are impressed with the build quality. On the downside, many owners note that the speakers are very large.
Review: Onkyo SKS-HT540 7.1 Channel Home Theater Speaker System, Contributors to Amazon.com
3. Vanns.com
Though there are fewer of them, the owner-written reviews here of the Onkyo SKS-HT540 follow the same pattern of satisfaction as at Amazon.com. The most enthusiastic recommendations are based on value, but sound quality earns its share of accolades as well.
Review: Onkyo SKS-HT540, Contributors to Vanns.com
4. JR.com
There are only a handful of reviews here, and most are short. Still, all owners weighing in say that they would recommend the Onkyo SKS-HT540 to a friend.
Review: Onkyo SKS-HT540, Contributors to JR.com
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Klipsch HD 500 Compact 5.1 Home Theater System (Set of Six, Black)
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Average Customer Review: |
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