Onkyo HT-S5100

Onkyo has a habit of making higher than average quality home theater systems for those who want just a bit more from a home theater in a box. The HT-S5100 is certainly no exception.

With its 7.1 channels of surround sound, the HT-S5100 is a solid choice for anyone looking to get a decent home theater system without having to take out a second mortgage.

Standout Features

• 7.1 surround sound

• Built in iPod cradle

• 110 watts per channel

• HDMI switching

• 290 watt powered subwoofer

Features

To most accurately reproduce as many sounds in as many locations as possible, it helps to have as many speakers as possible. If you have ever been to a movie theater, surely you have noticed the dozens of speakers placed all about you. The Onkyo HT-S5100 features full 7.1 surround sound to most accurately recreate the movie theater atmosphere. This means there are 7 discrete, full range speakers and one subwoofer.

With its built in iPod cradle, listening to tunes stored on your iPod is even easier. Simply place your iPod in the cradle, and you’re set. The remote control included with the system will even control your iPod. It doesn’t get much easier than this.

The 110 watts per channel amplifier supplies the necessary muscle to move all those speakers. While moving all those speaker drivers, the amplifier manages to maintain only 0.08% total harmonic distortion and 100 db signal to noise ratio, allowing you to hear as much of your music as possible.

There was a time when HDMI was new, and we were lucky to have only one component that required an HDMI connection. Gone are those days. It seems everything has an HDMI connection on it now. The Onkyo HT-S5100 features HDMI switching. Now you don’t have to switch inputs on your TV and amplifier. Just press the desired input on the amp, and you’re set.

The subwoofer will make or break a home theater system. An under powered subwoofer is painfully noticeable, and one that is too powerful will drown out the other speakers. Onkyo seems to have found the right balance by including a 290 watt powered subwoofer. It isn’t too powerful, and it certainly isn’t under powered.

Summary of Reviews

Expert reviewers liked the 3 HDMI inputs and the ability to switch 1080p sources. The amplifier was powerful and the Audyssey Dynamic EQ did a good job of making music audible at any sound level. This was also Onkyo’s first system with an iPod dock, and it worked well.

Consumers liked the easy setup and powerful sound. Most purchased this system for its sound quality. There were also a number of digital inputs that made connecting gear even easier. The subwoofer was able to produce deep and powerful bass.

Summary

The Onkyo HT-S5100 is a featured packed home theater in a box system that gives you more for your money’s worth than other systems in its class.