Onkyo HT-S990THX

Features of Onkyo HT-S990THX

A lot of home-theater-in-a-box (HTIB) manufacturers can't resist the temptation and splash 1,000 watts in bold typeface across the side of their HTIB shipping boxes--it's just that those power boasts are almost always pure hype. In the case of the Onkyo HT-S990THX--with THX certification backing up the receiver's 110-watt-per-channel rating--we believe the numbers. The receiver uses 192 kHz/24-bit digital-to-analog converters to handle surround processing options for Dolby Digital, Dolby EX, Pro Logic IIx, DTS, DTS-ES, DTS Neo:6, DTS 96/24, Neural (used to decode XM HD Surround channels), THX Cinema2, THX Music, and THX Games.

The receiver isn't sold separately, but it shares most of the features of the company's least expensive THX (Select2) receiver, the Onkyo TX-SR703 ($800). In terms of connectivity, however, the HT-S990THX's receiver was a mixed bag. There are three A/V inputs, each of which can accept composite, S-Video, or component-video connections; a fourth composite-only A/V input is located on the front panel. The HT-S990THX also offers component video conversion, which enables any analog video input (composite, S-video or component) to be transmitted via the component video outputs. That means you need to run just one set of component cables to your TV. But the HT-S990THX has no HDMI connections or switching capabilities. That's hardly a dealbreaker, but it is a disappointment given the Onkyo's cost.

On the audio front, the receiver has four digital audio inputs (one coaxial and three opticals), but, annoyingly, no digital outputs. Compatibility with Blu-ray, HD-DVD, or SACD/DVD-Audio players is assured, thanks to the inclusion of 7.1-channel analog inputs. Two analog audio-only inputs--one with a Tape Out loop for recorders--round out the standard connections. Speaker connections are high-quality binding posts for seven amplifier channels and spring-clip connectors for the B stereo speakers.

There are also a couple of specialty connections. The RI (Remote Interactive) jack can be used with the Onkyo DS-A1 ($100) iPod docking unit. XM Satellite Radio hookup is easy as can be--just plug in an XM Connect-and-Play or an XM Pass antenna--and keep your monthly XM subscription up to date, of course. The HT-S990THX even includes Neural Surround processing, which is extremely effective in providing a surround-sound experience on the two XM channels that are currently encoded with HD Surround.

The front-left, -right, and -center speakers each feature a pair of 5-inch woofers and a 1-inch dome tweeter, while the four surround speakers use a single 5.2-inch woofer and a 1-inch dome tweeter. Instead of the usual cheesy spring-clip wire connectors, the Onkyo speakers are all fitted with sturdy binding posts. The subwoofer sports a 12-inch woofer and a 230-watt amplifier. The sub's single RCA line-level input is your only connection option, but line-level is always our first choice for subwoofer hookup.

As with all but one of Onkyo's home-theater systems--the older Onkyo LV-S955--the HT-S990THX package doesn't include a DVD player; you'll need to supply your own.

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