Onkyo HT-SP908 1000 Watt 7.1 Channel DVD Theater System

Cinema-Sized Sound For Your Living Room

Ever want to avoid soda stained theater floors without missing the surround sound experience? Stay at home with the HTSP908 DVD Theater System. This 7-channel surround sound system (complete with a booming 230W subwoofer) will allow you to hear each tread squeal of the getaway vehicle. And don't worry about finding seats for your crew of friends. The 6 satellite speakers cover such a large listening area that there really is no bad seat. The HTSP908 can also handle your HD components with ease. With 1080p pass through, you can connect your 1080p HD source and see the highest defiition on your 1080p television.

When It Comes To Sound, This Receiver Has The Competiton Surrounded

Standing tall as the first of Onkyo's new A/V receivers built to embrace high-definition media, the TXSR605 brings high-definition A/V processing to Onkyo's renowned approach to sound and gives this A/V receiver a distinct advantage in the home. Delivering the latest in usability and versatility — such as multi-room playback, a full connectivity suite (with switching and upconversion), satellite radio connectivity, room calibration and integrated system control — the TXSR605 is poised to set new benchmarks in performance-driven home theater.

HDMI: Ready For The Future — But Here Now

Because HDMI was desined specifically for consumer electronic applications, it offers an array of additional consumer enhancements. As digital content can manifest itself in a variety of sizes, resolutions, and formats, HDMI-enabled systems will automatically configure to display content in the most effective format In addition, HDMI enables a single remote point and click, allowing manufacturers to deliver home theater systems that automatially configure from a single command from a remote control — turning on or off the components necessary to view a DVD, listen to a CD, or watch cable or satellite TV.

Video Did NOT Kill The Radio Star

No need to be concerned about losing the ability to enjoy your commercial free radio when you bring this Onkyo system home. The HTSP908 is XM Radio® and SIRIUS Radio ready right out of the box. XM Satellite Radio offers 160 digital channels, including 68 commercial-free, diverse music channels; more than 40 channels of premier sports, talk, comedy, children's and entertainment programming; and 21 channels of traffic and weather information. Simply plug an XM Passport System into your XM Ready A/V receiver, and activate the service to start receiving uninterrupted radio programming of your choice. Now, in conjunction with Neural Audio, XM Satellite Radio offers XM HD Surround, which provides 5.1-channel surround sound on selected programming. SIRIUS brings access to over 130 digital-quality channels, including 69 channels of 100% commercial-free music, plus exclusive channels of sports, news, talk, entertainment, traffic, weather, and data. This model has a SIRIUS jack on its rear that connects to an optional SIRIUSConnect home tuner kit.

WRAT Is Where It's At

The Wide Range Amplifier Technology will fill your room with noise-free, impressively powerful, true-to-life sound. Originally developed for Onkyo's most expensive high-end amplifiers to handle the sonic demands of today's digital age, you'll now find WRAT even in Onkyo's lowest-priced A/V receivers. The WRAT family of technologies includes a broader frequency range with lower noise entering the signal path.

Need A New Look?

Okay, now you've got an awesome flat panel plasma HDTV but your're worried that you low-defintion incoming signal won't look any better. Here's the HTSP908 to the rescue. It comes equipped with HDMI video upconversion, doing you the favor of onverting incoming composite, S-Video signals (like a VCR to S-Video equipped TV), and component signals all the way to HDMI. All said, this means that the HTSP908 upgrades your incoming signal to an optimal, higer-definition resolution. If you think that sounds good, you can bet that it looks even better.

RI Makes It Oh-So-Easy

iPod® users unite! With Onkyo's exclusive RI (Remote Interactive) system capability, you can integrate and operate all compatible components on your HTSP908 through a single remote control. RI capability enables you to simply connect the iPod to your receiver through Onkyo's RI Dock for the iPod (DS-A2X). Your iPod effectively becomes another Onkyo component from which you can relish a fuller sound that just can't be experienced through headphones. RI capability will also give you remote operability of your iPod for hands-off control over your digital music.

Write A Review

Onkyo HT-SP908 - Good buy (June 03, 2008)

Ease of Use		(5/5.0)
Value		(5/5.0)
Performance		(4/5.0)
Overall Rating		(5/5.0)

Reviewed By: Scott B. - San Jose, CA

I went with the Onkyo HT-SP908 for our game room. We have another room setup for watching Movies with a better speakers but more on that later.

When looking around for a solution my requirement was to have full HDMI support so I would only need to run a single HDMI cable from the unit to our 1080P TV. Any device w HDMI support should be able to carry FUL HD-Audio & Video 1080P to the receiver and be under $1000 this took out almost all other system out of the running for me.

I currently have a wii, PS3, Xbox 360, HD-Comcast configured for the inputs and single HDMI out to TV.

The Speakers out the box look pretty nice and using the super cheap speaker wire included sound just OK about what you expect here.

However after using the Audyssey calibration feature the sound from the room got a lot better. Levels and ranges were correctly adjusted. But again these are cheaper speakers but for my requirement here Im pretty happy. Its not bad sounding, just not amazing. Again what can you expect w the price

While this unit doesnt support 1080P up-conversion, im sure this is really isnt needed. If the source is low quality to begin with how can you expect it get better? just get a blue-ray DVD player if you need 1080P

Pros
- Great value
- True HDMI inputoutput
- Audyessy makes a huge difference
- Easy setup
- Lots of inputs
- 7.1

Cons
- Speakers are OK, not great
- Sub isnt great
- Only 2x HDMI inputs
- Remotes is cheap

Onkyo HT-SP908 (May 11, 2008)

Ease of Use		(4/5.0)
Value		(5/5.0)
Performance		(5/5.0)
Overall Rating		(4/5.0)

Reviewed By: Jay B. - West Bloomfield, MI

I ordered my 908 from vanns and it was at my door within the week, thanks for the fast shipping.
The system was easy to hook up with the enclosed instructions. The sound is amazing for speakers that small. The sub is decent.
I am still playing with the settings to dial it in. Im sure it will get better as I learn to select the correct decoding for the different disc formats. The automatic speaker levels set by the system are very close to perfect.

For the money spent you cant go wrong.

onkyo (May 01, 2008)

Ease of Use		(4/5.0)
Value		(5/5.0)
Performance		(5/5.0)
Overall Rating		(5/5.0)

Reviewed By: MALCOLM A. - indianapolis, in

WOW, the system is WONDERFUL The sound quality is great. The set up can be a bit complicated due to the instructions. But over all just be sure to read the instructions very ,very carefully. For the price you CANNOT go wrong with this system and i plan on many years of enjoyment form it. My good friend has a much more exspensive system and he says this one sounds better than his.

Fantastic system! (April 28, 2008)

Ease of Use		(5/5.0)
Value		(5/5.0)
Performance		(4/5.0)
Overall Rating		(5/5.0)

Reviewed By: Jesse H. - Moore, Oklahoma

This system is great. Setup is incredibly simple and the sound is phenomenal. I believe you would have to spend 1500 to get the kind of sound Onkyo provides with this unit. The audyssey setup works wonders for easy configuration. I do recommend buying heavier gauge speaker wire it ships with 24 gauge i believe. I used 16 gauge and the receiver stays cooler although still gets a little warm and the sound output is greater. The only issue i had with this unit, and i knew about it when i bought it, was its lack of hdmi audio capability. It will pass the audio and video through to your tv but you can only hear the hdmi audio through the surround if you attach another cable digital coax or optical audio between the receiver and the hdmi device. Its kind of aggravating but nothing compared with the savings this setup has built in. I recommend this system to novices and pros alike.

Great sound (April 26, 2008)

Ease of Use		(3/5.0)
Value		(5/5.0)
Performance		(5/5.0)
Overall Rating		(5/5.0)

Reviewed By: Tom P. - chesterton, in

Hands down this system rocks. THis unit runs everthing Xbox 360, dvd player, TiVo, Zune player, and Playstation 3 thru the receiver. that means I only have one HDMI going to my TV for everyting. THe power is great for the price. It will take a little bit to get the sytem set up for someone that is not into computers or home audio. Once set up the 7.1 sound is awsome. The first thing me and my son tried was Halo 3 on xbox 360, let me say it gave me goose bumps to hear everything that was going on around my son while he played. Upconveter works ok, it improves lower resolution. The manual EQ for each speaker is impressive. I have to express that if you are not into newer audio componets or computers this unit may drive you crazy in set up. Dont worry though the instruction wil guide you throough any problems. You will need to read.....

Onkyo 908 (April 22, 2008)

Ease of Use		(4/5.0)
Value		(4/5.0)
Performance		(4/5.0)
Overall Rating		(4/5.0)

Reviewed By: Michael T. - Burlington, Vermont

I tested a number of Onkyo products prior to making my purchase. This system, while a bit more pricey than the other systems, is well worth the money. Good clear sound, tight, reverberating bass and stellar 7.1 surround!

Vanns offered the best pricing of anybody out there, coupled with free shipping this was a no brainer! Ill be back again.

Onkyo HT-SP908 (February 12, 2008)

Ease of Use		(5/5.0)
Value		(5/5.0)
Performance		(4/5.0)
Overall Rating		(5/5.0)

Reviewed By: Muddasar A. - Beltsville, MD

Packaging was sectionalized by Onkyo, helped me take equipment out quicker and set it up.

User docs are easy to follow. Odessey set up is senstive, so make sure room is silent when you do auto caliberation.

Make sure you read, it has menu based set available if you hook up TV, you select proper output for display.

My decision to purchase was price and features.

Few complaints that I was aware of before purchasing

1 Speaker cables not upto standard at all
One has to get right cables for better sound.

2 Dont but AVR in a closed shelfcabinet, it gets hot. I ran it for 3 hours and temps were high. YOu should keep it on open shlf system if you plan to use it for extended time.

Over all, I am happy with the product, have nto seen any reason for second thoughts.

Well worth the money... (January 25, 2008)

Ease of Use		(5/5.0)
Value		(5/5.0)
Performance		(5/5.0)
Overall Rating		(5/5.0)

Reviewed By: Jim W. - sacramento, California

I purchased this system from Vanns a little over a month ago. My old system was top of the line when I purchased it back in the mid-70s. Magnapan speakers, Phase Linear amps, M&K sub-woofer. Great technology, but dated, considering the CD wasnt available when this stuff was purchased. It was time for an upgrade. So, after surfing the net and comparing many different web sites for prices and reviews, I made the decision to go with Vanns and the Onkyo HT-SP908 system.

Vanns staff was a pleasure to deal with over the phone when I had questions. And, thru E-mail, they kept me informed where my shipment was every step of the way. Vanns will see my business again.

As you may have read in other reviews, it comes in a big box. This is not a small system. The speakers have a nice, gloss black finish to them and a suitable for hanging on the wall or mounting on stands. The sub-woofer is large and matching in design. The receiver is large and heavy. The entire system gives the impression of a well built, solid stereo system. Even the wires are color coded and the instruction manuals are user friendly.

Movies come alive with this system! With plenty of power to spare, the receivers volume can be adjusted from soft and subtle to powerful and booming. And the powered sub-woofer is pure fun for the explosions from the DVDs. In fact, Ive had to adjust the volume of the sub-woofer to almost half that of normal to keep the peace with my down stairs neighbor. Another nice feature of the system is the receivers ability to turn mono or stereo input sources into surround sound And, it can do so in many different formats. Now my cable television sound fills my room.

Sonically, this system is GREAT for home theatre. It is far better that anything available from a discount department store.. You wont be disappointed. It does lack in one area, however. For music lovers, you may want to upgrade the front speakers. Musically, these speakers can not reproduce the rich, low frequency tonal quality that a large, floor standing speaker can. That aside, I highly recommend this system.

Highly Underrated (January 07, 2008)

Ease of Use		(2/5.0)
Value		(5/5.0)
Performance		(5/5.0)
Overall Rating		(5/5.0)

Reviewed By: Matthew S. - Columbus, OH

Dont let the title decieve you I dont mean to imply that the SP908 has received bad reviews from people. More that it hasnt received nearly enough good reviews. I absolutely love this system and I am replacing my old SP908 which was destroyed when my basement flooded a few weeks ago. I didnt think twice about buying this system again, despite the wide range of alternatives.

I cannot say this any more emphatically No other home theater system comes even close to the HT-SP908 in terms of its pricefeatures ratio.

The good
-1080p switching and analog upconverting. This is the #1 selling point for this model. Very few competing models offer this feature at the same price.

- One cable to your TV. You only hook the single 1080p HDMI cable up to your TV which makes it much easier to hide all your cables if youre going for a high-end home theater look.

- Audissey EQ - This feature can be buggy sometimes but when you get the hang of it, it will automatically calibrate all your satellite speakers and sub-woofer to ensure the sweet spot is located on your couch, or wherever else you decide to put it.

- Good quality construction and design. The unit gets hot but not too hot. The connectors are all well labeled. Nothing feels cheap on the receiver.

The Cons
- Complicated setup. Make sure to read the manual thoroughly or you will drive yourself insane.
- HDMI issues - Yo may have some issues getting your sources to play through the HDMI output. Most of these problems can be solved by reading the manual again however, they are annoying.
- Onkyo support - If you have a problem, their support is hit-or-miss. Some people will know the answer right away and be very helpful, others will make you want to break something.
- Speaker quality - The speaker quality is NOT bad. However, true audiophiles will whine a bit about the sound quality from the system. However, your average consumer wouldnt even notice the problems unless somoene pointed them out. And even then, they probably wouldnt care.

Summary
If you want to build a good home theater on a tight budget, you cannot beat this system.

Comparison Specifications

Output Power: 110 W/Ch x 7 Ch
Decoding Processing: DOLBY Decoder DD Plus/ TrueHD, DTS Decoder DTS-HD Master Audio, Neural Surround
Satellite Speakers: Six 2-Way Speakers
Center Speaker: 2-Way, Dual Woofer
Subwoofer: 230W Powered Bass Reflex With 10" Down-Firing Cone
Best Video Connections: HDMI 1.3 (2 Input/ 1 Output), 3 Component Video Inputs
Digital Audio Connections: 3 Optical/ 2 Coaxial Inputs
Other Connections: Component Video, Multi-Channel Input, S-Video
Control System: Onkyo RHID
Remote Control: Pre-Pro/Learning Remote