Big Picture Big Sound

Onkyo has introduced three new packaged home theater systems that deliver everything needed for surround sound, in variations delivering 5,1, 6.1, or 7.1 channel audio. All of the systems include a high power multichannel A/V receiver, powerful subwoofer, and a complete set of tonally matched two-way satellite speakers.

HT-S580 5.1 Channel Home Theater System

The HT-S580 system features a 5.1-channel receiver that provides 100 watts per channel, including a sixth amplifier channel to power the external subwoofer. The receiver features 192 kHz/24-bit digital to analog converters for all channels, and a powerful 32-bit DSP engine that is fully compatible with Dolby Digital and DTS multichannel audio. It also features processing for Dolby ProLogic II and DTS Neo:6, each of which are capable of deriving realistic 5.1-channel audio from stereo sources. There are both optical and coaxial digital audio inputs, and four A/V inputs for connection of a variety of source equipment.

Each of the HT-S580's front L/R and surround speakers features a two-way bass reflex design employing a 3-1/8 inch woofer and 3/4 inch tweeter. The system's center channel speaker uses a pair of 3-1/8 inch woofers flanking a single tweeter in a horizontal arrangement, providing improved imaging and superb dialog reproduction. Deep bass duties are handled by an 8-inch bass reflex subwoofer that is powered by one of the receiver's 100 Watt amplifier channels. All of the front speaker channels are magnetically shielded, so they can be placed near video displays without affecting picture quality.

The HT-S580 system includes a full-function remote control. It is currently available in an attractive silver finish, and carries a suggested retail price of $300

HT-S680 6.1 Channel Home Theater System

The step-up HT- S680 system receiver delivers 100 Watts per channel into each of the six full-range satellite speakers. It features the same 192 kHz/24-bit DACs and 32-bit DSP processing found in the HT-S580, but adds compatibility with Dolby Digital EX and DTS-ES expanded surround systems, accommodating the sixth rear surround speaker. Connectivity is also expanded with 5.1-channel analog audio inputs, making the receiver compatible with SACD and DVD-Audio sources.
The HT-S680 speaker system employs the same front, center, and surround speakers as the HT-S580, but adds an additional surround speaker for placement directly behind the listener to improve soundfield immersion. The HT-S680 subwoofer features an 8-inch low mass cone in a bass reflex enclosure, and is powered by an internal 150-Watt amplifier.

The HT-S680 system includes a fully functional remote control, and is currently available in either black or silver finish at a suggested retail price of $400


HT-S780 7.1 Channel Home Theater System

The HT-S780 system delivers the highest level of performance and features found in its price range, including complete 7.1-channel reproduction and component video switching for progressive scan and HD video sources. It features a 7 x 110 Watt receiver that is fully compatible with all major surround sound formats, including Dolby Digital EX, DTS-ES and DTS-96/24. Dolby ProLogic IIx processing is included to seamlessly derive realistic 7.1 channel sound from any stereo or multichannel source, making full use of the system's enveloping surround capabilities.

For connectivity, the HT-S780 receiver features three component video inputs and one output that are fully capable of switching high definition video sources without picture degradation. There are three A/V inputs and two outputs, including S-Video connections. There are three optical and one coaxial digital audio input, accommodating a wide variety of source components. Color-coded 5.1-channel analog audio inputs are included for SACD and DVD-Audio compatibility. There is even a front panel A/V input for quick and easy connection of portable devices such as a video camera or MP3 player.

The HT-S780 includes seven satellite speakers, and a powerful 10-inch, 230 watt powered subwoofer for deep bass reproduction. The front L/R speakers each feature a pair of 5-1/4-inch OMF (Onkyo MicroFiber) cone woofers and a high quality 1-inch balanced dome tweeter, while the center channel speaker uses two 4-inch OMF woofers and the same tweeter. The four surround speakers are two-way designs using 3-1/8 inch cone woofers and tweeters for a coherent and timbre matched surround field.

The HT-S780 includes a preprogrammed universal remote for complete control of an entire home theater system. It will be available in May in either black or silver finish at a suggested retail price of $500.

Onkyo, which means 'audio' or 'sound' in Japanese, has been producing precision audio components for over a half-century. The company's philosophy is to deliver products that are superbly designed and built to a consistently outstanding standard of excellence. Today, Onkyo is at the forefront of the home theater and digital revolutions. For more information about this and other fine Onkyo products, visit www.onkyousa.com or call 800-229-1687.