Component Systems

Component HTIBs are most flexible

While reviewers are currently directing most of their attention toward all-in-one home-theater systems that include a Blu-ray Disc player, experts have long said that those willing to sacrifice a little bit of convenience in favor of greater flexibility and better performance will find some great choices in home theater systems built around component-grade AV receivers. These systems are bulkier than those featuring an integrated receiver/Blu-ray player, and they typically come with much beefier speakers.

Only a few reviewers weigh in on the 7.1-channel Onkyo HT-S9400THX (*Est. $1,000) , but the home theater system is the latest in the line of 7.1-channel Onkyo receivers that have earned high ratings and editorial recommendations from a host of experts and widespread praise from users. The HT-S9400THX looks to continue that pedigree; About.com's Robert Silva names it the second-best HTIB in the land, while over at Audioholics.com, Tom Andry awards the system a "Gotta Have It!" rating in an extensive First Look review of its specs.

The HT-S9400THX carries THX I/S Plus certification, designed to evaluate the audio prowess of integrated systems -- i.e. AV receiver and speaker bundles. The THX certification means that the electronics and the speakers together should deliver the same listening experience in smaller settings (seating positions that are six to eight feet from the screen) at home as would be enjoyed in a movie theater.

The receiver in the HT-S9400THX more closely resembles a mid-range component-class home theater receiver than the electronics normally found in all-in-one HTIB systems. It supports almost every decoding format you would need for excellent home audio, such as all of the major Dolby and DTS formats, including Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio (used on Blu-ray Discs) and Dolby Pro Logic IIz, which lets owners substitute two front height channels for the two rear-center channels in a 7-channel surround-sound set up. Audyssey Dynamic EQ and Dynamic volume are also on-board.

Although connectivity is a sore spot with most all-in-one systems, it is a strength in the HT-S9400THX. The system includes four HDMI inputs, so even more complex home-theater setups can be accommodated. It can upscale everything to 1080p for output over HDMI, and it can do so with videophile-quality performance thanks to the on-board Qdeo video processor, the same powerhouse that provides the graphics oomph in the top-of-the-line Oppo BDP-93 Blu-ray player (see our report on Blu-ray players for more on that). The receiver is also able to upscale content to a gargantuan 4K resolution (3,840 by 2,160 pixels) for HDTVs and projectors able to display such images -- the first of which are scheduled to become available late in 2011.

Getting back to the here and now, the HDMI output is compliant with the latest HDMI 1.4a standard, which means it can pass 3D video from a 3D Blu-ray player of your choice (none is included in the package) and supports features such as HDMI pass-through (which lets signals pass through to the TV even when the home theater system is off) and audio return channel (for passing back audio from the TV to the HT-S9400THX via the HDMI cable). The system is also DLNA certified and supports several streaming Internet radios apps via a wired Ethernet connection or using an optional Wi-Fi adapter.

Because it uses standard connections, setting up the HT-S9400THX can be difficult for home-theater novices, but Onkyo equips the speakers with color-coded binding posts and supplies color-coded speaker cable to make things easier -- and that also makes upgrading or replacing cables or speakers easier down the road, should the need arise. Onkyo includes Audyssey's 2EQ automatic speaker setup system, which experts say does pretty good job of automating the process for the best sound quality and surround-sound effects in any room.

Users rate the HT-S9400THX very highly on Vanns.com, Newegg.com and Amazon.com. The number of critiques is limited, but nearly every owner who checks in says he or she is blown away by the system's performance chops and vast array of connectivity options. The users on Vanns.com provide especially in-depth reviews.

For those looking to spend a bit less, we saw some good recommendations for the 7.1-channel Onkyo HT-S5400 (*Est. $500) . Although only one professional critic -- Tom Andry at Audioholics.com -- takes a look at the system, and his report is specification rather than testing based, user reviews are highly complementary at several websites. Owners say the sound is clear and detailed, and the down-firing sub delivers adequately deep bass after warming up.

The Onkyo HT-S5400 offers some useful performance features that help it stand out in this price range, including a bevy of connection options. Like most other 2011 models, the receiver supports HDMI 1.4a, including 3D capability, HDMI pass-through and audio return channel. The four HDMI inputs should be enough to handle most home theater setups, though they might not be sufficient if you have lots of gear to connect.

Audio format support is complete, and it includes the Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio high-definition audio formats used on Blu-ray Discs, as well as Audyssey Dynamic EQ and Dynamic Volume. Standard connections are used, but color-coded speaker wires are included. Consumers say that between the color-coded cables and the included Audyssey 2EQ calibration program, setup is a snap.

One negative often cited, however, is that the HT-S5400 lacks video processing features. That means that any video upconverting has to be left to either your Blu-ray Disc/DVD player (or source component such as a cable box) or your HDTV, a fact that irks many users. Most also say you'll want to replace the wires that come in the box because they're too short and very thin. Additionally, this budget system isn't built for networking; there's no Ethernet port or Wi-Fi capability. Although that's a black mark, many of the components that you would connect to the HT-S5400 might offer those features, so the absence of networking might not be a huge loss for many people.

If you're looking to spend less, reviewers say the 5.1-channel Yamaha YHT-395BL (*Est. $350) is an attractive option. At only 600 watts of total system power, it packs less of a wallop than some other component-grade HTIBs, but reviews say the system achieves a lot of sound with the power at hand. "Unless you are a REAL hardcore audiophile, you cannot tell the difference between this system and one costing hundreds more," one enthralled Amazon.com user reports.

The one professional review we found of the YHT-395BL places it near the top of the HTIB heap, saying it provides very good overall audio, especially for the price point -- a comment echoed in multiple user reviews on Amazon.com and Newegg.com. Almost every single user review reports a thrilling audio experience after configuring the speakers with the system's easy to use controls. Most call the bass response deep, tight and entirely satisfactory; the lone professional critic is also pleased by the overall performance of the subwoofer but says that lower and upper bass notes can sometimes sound "weak" or "thumpy," respectively. The audio capabilities are backed up by all the top surround-sound decoding formats and a wide number of Yamaha's own preset sound modes, such as Silent Cinema, Virtual Cinema DSP and Cinema DSP Digital. The included speaker wire is the source of most complaints; as with the wire included with the Onkyo HT-S5400, users find it too thin to be of use.

Video- and connection-wise, the four HDMI 1.4a inputs handle 3D video, HDMI pass-through and audio return channel signals. You'll also find a number of composite, component, coaxial and optical digital inputs, and you can pick up an optional iPod dock or Bluetooth adapter. Unlike some other HTIBs, all of the connections are standard issue – you won't find any proprietary plugs here. That's a lot of connectivity for $350, but Yamaha needed to exclude a few features to achieve that low price point. The YHT-395BL doesn't include an on-board video processor, so analog-to-digital conversion needs to be handled by a separate component, as with the Onkyo HT-S5400. Also like the HT-S5400, networking is not part of the package. In fact, the receiver doesn't contain USB or memory card ports.