Onkyo ht-s650 vs. Denon dht-682xp vs. kenwood htb-505 (Page 4)
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| I'm thinking about getting the Onkyo HT-S650 and after reading alot of the reviews here, i'm almost convinced. However, what's this i hear about the receiver overheating and shutting down? Is that a common occurence? I have a spot in my cabinet in which it will fit perfectly, but there is very little space on top. Think this will present a problem? |
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JRod | I did my homework about Home theathers with a price tag less than $500.00. Went to multiple places. Checked/listen Onkyo, Bose, Kenwood, HK, Philips. The winner Onkyo HTS 650. Got it at Sound City for $434.08. That is a great deal................ |
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| I am looking into a new HTS and I have read through all the posting on this page. It really appears that most of the people here are big fans of the Onkyo HT-S650. I have recently been looking at the Denon DHT-683DVD or the Kenwood HTB-805DV. Both of these systems come with a Progressive Scan DVD player but the Kenwood seems to be a little more powerful. I have found them both at Sears for $700-$750. This will be the first surround sound system for me. I am looking for something that sounds good that I can use in a 18x21 foot living room. Price is a large concern with me like it is for most people. If anyone has any comments on either of these systems, please let me know. Thanks. |
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Anonymous | When I first picked up my Onkyo HTS-650 I noticed that it got unusually hot during DVD playback at fairly loud volumes. Now suddenly this isn't happening, everything works great. Anyone run into this? |
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Anonymous | Brent, Onkyo has a package containing a DVD player if you would like to examine that as well. Onkyo HTS653DV; It's basically the HTS650 with a dvd player; I've seen it listed for about 700 bucks. |
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Anonymous | Rats! I wish I had the $436.08 that for the HTS650 that SoundCity.com had two days ago! Unfortunately, the price jumped back up to $499!! I guess with free shipping and no tax, it is not a bad deal. I am contemplating paying the local tax at Circuit City because of their liberal return policy, however, if something goes wrong with the system, I just return it for another.. |
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Anonymous | SoundCity regularly has the 13% off everything deal. Just keep checking the next few days to catch the sale again. |
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| I recently purchased the Onkyo HTS 650 and I'm very happy with the system. I used to be into the high-end, audiophile equipment, and the Onkyo does not compare to any of those systems. However, if you want to watch and feel movies as if you were in a theatre, I think you will be happy. I had the Kenwood HTB 504 previously, but the receiver konked out the first weekend I had it. I didn't want to take another chance with the Kenwood so I researched the Onkyo, which always had a good reputation with receivers. I wasn't too impressed with what I heard in CC. The set up was horrible and the salesman cranked up the base. It sounded like mush, but I worked with it bit and made an allowance for the store's poor accoustics. I didn't care for the Sony htibs, so I took a chance with the Onkyo. The accoustics at home made a big difference, and I'm very happy with the system. I left the crossover at 80hz and I keep the sub volume resonable. The system overall sounds fine, and I'd recommend it. I think I would have been happy with the Kenwood if it didn't crap out. If you are still on the fence, I recommend trying to listen to the systems in someone's home. BB and CC and the other high-volume sales stores do not do these systems justice. |
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Anonymous | Nelson, What high end audiophile equipment did you used to own. Why would you downgrade to an HTIB? |
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| Actually, I still have my old audiophile system set up in my guest bedroom. The system is about fifteen years old, and includes Precision Fidelity separates, a CJ Walker Turntable with Grace F9E cartridge, NAD tape deck, and DCM Time Window speakers. The speakers are very large and the system is a two-speaker system which doesn't accommodate surround sound. Also, the audiophile systems tend to emphasize clean sound with good imagery that lean towards being understated; this is especially true of the Time Windows. I still enjoy the system when listening to good, well-recorded music. I had my DVD player hooked up to it for a while, but it was nothing near the experience of a home theatre. I bought the HTIB because it is better suited for my entertainment center. Since the system is strictly for movies, I couldn't justify to myself investing in separate home theatre components, which would have cost more than double what I paid for the Onkyo system. Anyway, everything considered, I am pleasantly surprised by how good the system sounds for movie listening, and I think it was a relative bargain. I bought it at SoundCity for $434 (delivered) based on a recommendation from one of the messages on this board, and it was a pleasure dealing with them. If you are considering buying separates for your home theatre, I would encourage you to do so. The HTIBs do have a lot of trade offs, but there certainly is a market for them because of the cost and the fact that you only have to make one decision. Good luck... |
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Brooke | Does anyone know how the Onkyo HTS 650 compares to the Cambridge Soundworks MovieWorks 58 (recommended by my ex-boyfriend)? I'm looking for speakers and stereo for my new apartment, and I want good sound without a lot of hassle, for listening to music and watching movies. |
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| Hello, I am new to this discussion board but found this information very usefull. I am looking into buying a home theater system and not sure what to get. I sounds like the people who post here do not like the home theater recievers with the dvd player inside of it. From reading the posts here the Onkyo HTS 650 sounds like a good option. Since my funds are limited due to twins on the way. What would be a good a dvd player to compliment the Onkyo, to be able to use all the features the onkyo provides. Please keep price in mind. Thanks in advance jd |
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| jd442, I bought the Panasonic DVD VR32. I am very satisfied with it. The only feature of interest that it doesn't have is Progressive Scan, which is only of concern if you have or plan to have an HDTV at some point. Otherwise, you will be very happy with this unit. It plays all the other audio formats, including MP3. The VR32 can be purchased for $119 or less, plus there is now a $20 rebate offer. This is a great unit for that kind of money. The unit has been very highly rated by critics and owners alike; you can search the web to see the reviews yourself. If you are going to buy your unit on-line, I highly recommend Crutchfield. The unit cost me $130 delivered and they are the most reputable company I have dealt with on-line. They have, for example, a no questions asked return policy, and they pay for shipping. They also have a free technical assistance hot-line if you need it. I hooked up my VR32 to the Onkyo using digital optical audio and S-video cables. I connected the Onkyo to my TV using an S-video cable. I am very happy with this set up and would recommend it. Note that if you don't have a S-video or component video input for your TV, you will lose a lot of the benefits of the DVD player. I hope this was helpful. |
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Anonymous | jd442, You can get the Onkyo system mentioned earlier in this string, which is basiclly the HTS650 which comes with a DVD player for around $700. And the dvd is seperate from the receiver. Or you can get the HTS650 and find another brand DVD. There are many DVD players now for under $100. It was either Best Buy or Walmart, where I think I saw a DVD player for $58. |
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Bozo | hook up question? I bought the panasonic rv-32 dvd player and hooked it up to my hts650 using otptical cabe, but didnt get a picture, salesman told me i needed to access my tv menu and change setting for digital. Original remote was broken few yrs ago..cant access menu options on tv (It's a Sharp). So, I connected the video from dvd to tv(front jack) and the audio cables to the receivers front jacks (red, yellow, white cables). This worked. I have monster cables hooked up from reciever to tv. When i play the dvd the receiver must be set to video 3 for the sound and picture to work. When I watch just TV and want to pipe the sound thru my home theater, I must select video 1 for the sound to work properly, the same thing when i use my vcr. When watching a dvd movie I see DTS enacted on the receiver..does this mean I'm getting the best signal source? I'm new to this stuff and don't mean to sound confused....but it is a little confusing. Any alternative suggestions? Thanks in advance  . |
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Anonymous | Thanks! You were right! SoundCity.com has their Onkyo s650 system on sale again for $434.08 with free shipping until tomorrow! I am short a few C-notes, but keep an eye out for another 13% off sale. There are quite a few on eBay now, but you really have to read the fine print. Most of them are reconditioned units and they have been selling for around $440 but add in another $65 in UPS shipping charges and you have racked up over $500. |
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Scott | I just purchased the Onkyo 650 at CC who matched Sound City's price of $434 and about $200 in all the cables I needed. However, I have one question for hook ups. If for some reason I actually want to watch a movie on cable that is being broadcasted in surround sound, how do I get that sound to the receiver? Currently, my cable enters my VCR and then to my TV. I do have audio cables going from the VCR to the receiver, and RCA cables from the TV audio output to the receiver, but I'm not sure either is proper. I'm just trying to determine the best way to take advantage of the surround sound from my cable source. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. |
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Tom L. | -scott CC priced matched it????? who did u do it? did you order online? i bought it in the store a week ago, and you think they can price match my $499 that i have paid for it? THANKS! |
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Anonymous | Scott, RCAs from your vcr to the receiver should work fine. This is a better choice than routing from the TV because it's more of a direct route reducing the chance of signal loss. On the receiver, you'd then just need to set that source to PLII Movie (Dolby Prologic II for movies). |
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Scott | Tom L. - Yes, CC typically will match prices for up to 30 days after your purchase. I should note that you will have to pay the sales tax, which makes it a little higher than $434. Personally though, I thought the sales tax cost was worth being able to walk into a CC and return it if I do ever have a problem with it. |
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Anonymous | hello everyone. could anyone tell me if there is anything bad about buying the onkyo HTS650" for my small 8x12 room? i saw a user comment on another website that said you couldn't hear the 650 until you have crunk it up really loud. i have my parents' room seperated from mine by a wall so i was kind of worried about the loud noise. |
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| Hello, I just bout my Onkyo HTS650 at Circuit City for $429. I printed the ad from SoundCity.com for the HTS650 and they matched it @ 429. I also bought the panasonic rv32 dvd player. So in total I paid $429 for the Onkyo, $119 for the Panasonic dvd player + you get to mail in a $20 rebate for the dvd player so it will be actually $99. So in the grand total I paid $580 including tax plus you get interest free for 12 months. |
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Anonymous | I just set up my Onkyo HTS650 and it sounds as expected. I have been playing CDs and a DVD movie since this afternoon and noticed that there were many instances where the remote speaker switches do not work. I had to do this several times because I was testing my old Tannoy speakers as B speakers. There were also many instances when I would touch the receiver and it would toggle to either on or off, depending on where it was before the finger touch. Has anybody else experienced these unintended remote control "actions"? Could this be caused by grounding of some sort? Would appreciate responses or ideas on why .... CC is accepting returns till end-January. |
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Tom L. | -jd442 and scott  i just checked the price @ soundcity.com and it went back up to $499 did anyone saved it to their computer? and can maybe email it to me? or will soundcity.com have another 13% off sale soon again? and did you guyz just walk in there and showed them the print out and they gave you the money back? i mean didnt they ask anything about it being an online store? THANKS!!! |
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Anonymous | Soundcity has the 13% off everything deal practically on a weekly basis. Never buy anything from them unless you're getting it during their 13% off sales. |
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Anonymous | Soundcity has the 13% off everything deal practically on a weekly basis. Never buy anything from them unless you're getting it during their 13% off sales. |
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| I looking to hook up my Onkyo HTS650. I just came back from Radio Shack. I looked at the 14 gauge speaker wire (50ft) is $20. I looked at the pin connectors (2 pair gold plated) is $10. I will need 5 pairs total. I will also need banana plugs plus a s-video cable and optical cable. Is there any store or a place on the internet where you could purchase them for cheaper? I did not think I would have to spend over $100 in connector,plugs and cables. Thanks in advance jd |
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docwarri | Is the remote for the HT S650 a learning remote? If so, how does it work for making it learn new functions not already coded? I have seen this answered sometime before on these boards, but cant find the message anymore. Please help! |
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| It is not a learning remote. I saw someplace where someone contacted Onkyo to see if there were additional codes. The answer he/she received was no, but that you could upgrade the remote for the TX-SR600 for $35. That remote is listed as a learning remote. I saw the remote listed at the OnkyoUSA site for $40 plus shipping and handling. I left them an e-mail message two days ago to see if they had any specials, or would consider creating a special, for those otherwise happy HTS 650 owners, but I have yet to hear back from them. If anything comes of my request, I'll post a message on this board. I'll wait before I decide whether or not to make the plunge. I'd be interested to know if anyone upgraded the remote to this or any other, and if they are happy with the remote they have. P.S. Good choice with the HTS 650. Enjoy! |
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Spruce | Reliable Audio has a price of $427.92 for the onkyo 650... http://www.reliableaudiovideo.com/onhtnewinsto.html haven't ordered anything from them so i don't know how reliable they are...also not sure if they charge for shipping... |
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Anonymous | I was wondering what the deal was with componenet inputs and outputs on the receiver? I have both a xbox and dvd player that i'd like to get the best possible picture from. I'll also be getting a 32" sony with a component input which i could probably hook the dvd player up to, but shouldn't all the accesories run through the receiver? |
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Chris | Could Scott, jd442 and anyone else who has purchased the HT-S650 with a price match from CC with an internet add please tell us geographically where the CC store is that the purchase was made at? I'd like to try this as well, and be able to tell the sales person where they have accepted internet prices in the past. Thanks |
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Paklid | NS and docwarri, Regarding remotes; The remote that comes with the hts650 didn't have any codes to control my dvd or my tv. I was getting sick of having a bunch of seperate remotes all over the place so I bought a Phillips universal learning remote for $25 from Sears. It had codes to control each component; receiver, tv, vcr and dvd. There is a similar Phillips remote for $20 that I saw at Best Buy, but it didn't have a seperate switch for receivers, whereas the one that I got, does. I picked the Phillips remote because it supported all the brands of components that I have, plus it was a learning remote. The price was reasonable; I don't see a need to spend any more than 25 bucks for a stupid remote control. The buttons were large and varied shaped for tactile control without having to look at the remote. Also it looks kinda cool; silver finish with rubberized multi-colored glow in the dark buttons. |
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Jrod | Got the HTS 650. Great sound. I also have an Onkyo DVD but I lost the R1 cable to connect it to the A/V receiver. Any one know where to get Oone?? |
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| Chris, I bought my Onkyo HTS650 from Circuit City in Northern, New Jersey. I just showed them the printed ad from Soundcity.com. They honored the ad since they are a legit company. |
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Anonymous | It turns out Soundcity has a retail store in New Jersey so Circuit City may have been honoring their local ad policy. |
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Michael | Hello, Did anyone purchase the extended warrenty for Onkyo HTS650? Circuit City has 3yr at $90. |
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Anonymous | Hi. I am planning to buy a HTIB. The reviews in this thread are very encouraging, and I am leaning towards buying Onkyo HTS650. Just one question for future upgradability. What is component switching (2 ins and 1 out)? Suppose I connect my DVD payer with component out (progressive scan) directly to TV, and my son wants to use Playstation thru receiver, would that be an issue? Thanks very much in advance. |
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Steve | I need to know the approximate weight of the rear speakers for the HTS650. OnkyoUSA lists the rears as 28 lbs and the sub as 4.5 lbs. I am assuming that they just flip-flopped the data by mistake. Can anybody confirm the actual weight of the rears? ALl I really need to know is that they weigh less than 10 lbs each. Thanks. |
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Anonymous | The rears weigh 4.5lb each. This receiver does NOT have component switching. It does have a fair number of Svideo connections. As to whether that is a problem, it depends on how many inputs your tv has. Some claim that running video through the receiver (any receiver) adds another connection and degrades the signal. As a result, it is better to connect directly to the tv no matter what the switching capabilities. I wouldn't know if that is true. My PS2 has sound run to the receiver and video to the tv. I use it as my dvd player and am happy. |
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Anonymous | BTW, the HT-S650 is an incredibly amazing system for under $500. Go to Circuit City and read the reviews. I thought they were pretty outrageous until I set mine up and watched LOTR with the DTS soundtrack. Umm, not to be too much of a fanboy, but the reviews understate the sound of this system, lol. Our tape of Harry Potter was amazing in DPLII. If they added component switching, (which is not a necessary feature for me), Onkyo could sell this for 1000+ and have very happy customers. |
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Anonymous | Sound City has againg the sales of 13% but you need to use the Coupon Code: scw13. Good Luck |
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Steve | Thanks for the speaker info- I am picking it up today. |
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Anonymous | Any thoughts on upgrading to the Onkyo LS-V950 Home Theater Package ($789.00) with the progressive scan DVD player? I have thoroughly appreciated the information presented in the messages in this strand. |
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Anonymous | The Denon dht-683DVD can be purchased at Sear's for $630; the price is reduced from $899 to $699; with 10% off sales for a price of $630. A 5.1 ststem, it has 2/1 component in and out and 6.1 in for compatability with new audio products. This is another system to be compared in the price range discussed here. |
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Anonymous | What is a Sub cable? Is it different than the other speaker cable for the 5 speakers? Thanks. Also, do I need any connectors or can I just stick my Radio Shack 14 gauge right in the 650 and the speakers? |
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Peter Klose | Bought the Onkyo HTS650 a while back and also go directv. The directv salesman told me the reciever would be dolby digital compatible. It wa not so they credited me the start up cost to buy another reciever. I bought a SAMSUNG with digital audio outputs. Sounds great and now I get Dolby digital from the satelite. It works great. But one question i do have about the digital satellite image. It looks great and much better than the old cable I had...however. When I am watching a something and there is smoke or mist in the scene....the smoke or mist seems very broken up and makes the picture look bad. Is this becasue my TV doesn't have good enough resolution? Any help? I am running the s-video throught the ONkyo reciever for switching purposes. I will have to bypass and see if it makes a difference but i don't think it will. |
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Peter Klose | Another question....to get DTS sound. Does the source need to be hooked up with the 5.1 inputs? Or will the optical and coax digital audio inputs work too. So far movies on HBO and such will only decode to "Doly D" |
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po | Peter, You're saying that the Onkyo does not do Dolby Digital? Funny, because I've got the HT-S650 and it does Dolby Digital just fine. It has two coax and one optical cable inputs in the back. All three are viable transport for Dolby Digital or DTS. I'm assuming you are just connecting the coax or optical cable from your satellite box to your receiver. If so, that's all you needed to do with the Onkyo. Connect the cable, select the audio source and off you go. Onkyo defaults to use the coax inputs (I believe) so if you used the optical, you have to select it explicitly when setting up the sources. Otherwise it should work fine. For either Dolby Digital or DTS, always use coax or optical digital cables when possible. As they are digital there is no signal degradation due to the cabling. po |
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po | BTW, the image distortions you see are just artifacts of video compression. Very common complaint about Digital TV when the compression ratio is high. po |
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