Onkyo HT-S9400THX

The Onkyo HT-S9400THX is one of the priciest HTIB systems available, but reviewers say you get a lot of value for your money. Critics and consumers alike say the audio quality is second to none with this 7.1-channel system. This is one of the few home theater systems to carry THX I/S audio certification, which means the sound you enjoy in your living room will be the same as you would enjoy in a movie theater, as long as your room is not too large.

On the video side, the Marvell Qdeo video processor is top shelf, more typical of something found in sophisticated video components than a HTIB. Its capabilities include the ability to upscale video to 4K, though TVs and projectors that support such high resolutions won't be available until late 2011 and are expected to be extremely expensive. Set up is simple, thanks to the color-coded connections and Audyssey 2EQ automatic speaker calibration feature. To top it off, the HT-S9400THX sports a variety of connection options, including four HDMI 1.4a inputs. You can even use the HTIB to power speakers in a different room (Zone 2 operation).

There are some downsides, of course. Despite the price tag, you'll need to budget a little more for a Blu-ray Disc player as one is not included in the kit. There's also some grousing from owners about the thin wires included, though the use of standard connectors makes upgrading the wire easier (as long as you don't mind losing the benefit of the color coding). Network connectivity is part of the feature set, including DLNA compliance, allowing you to get media from your personal computer. However, some complain that Internet sources are limited to radio stations and a few audio-only content providers. If the price of the Onkyo HT-S9400THX is too steep, the Panasonic SC-BTT370 (*Est. $400) might be worth considering. Performance isn't as robust, but it includes a built-in and high-quality Blu-ray Disc player and great streaming capabilities.