March 17, 2009

Onkyo bows entry-level HT-S3200, HT-S5200 HTIBs

Onkyo has spilled the beans on a pair of entry-level home theater systems for 2009--the HT-S3200 and the HT-S5200.

The more minimal of the two systems is the HT-S3200, a 5.1-channel system that cranks 110 Watts out of each speaker. The two-way front and center speakers each have a 3.25 inch woofer and 0.75 inch tweeter, while the smaller rear speakers each settle for a 3.25 inch woofer. The 110 Watt subwoofer has an 8 inch driver. The receiver features Audyssey Dynamic Volume and Audyssey Dynamic EQ, 3 HDMI inputs, 2 component video inputs, two optical inputs, and a single coaxial. Available in black only, the Onkyo HT-S3200 lists at $380.

One rung up the ladder is the Onkyo HT-S5200. This HTIB features 7.1-channels, each with 130 Watts of power. The two-way front speakers each have a 5 inch woofer and 1 inch tweeter; the three-way center channel has a pair of 3.25 inch woofers and a 1 inch tweeter; the smaller rear speakers each have a 3.25 inch woofer; and the 290 Watt subwoofer has a 10 inch driver. The AV receiver opts for four HDMI inputs, Audyssey 2EQ automatic speaker calibration, a minijack MP3 connection, 2 optical and 2 coaxial audio, Sirius satellite radio-ready and compatible with the included UP-A1L iPod dock. Available in black and silver color options, the Onkyo HT-S5200 is a bit more expensive with a list price of $600.

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