Onkyo intros 'entry-level' HT-S5200 and HT-S3200 HTIB systems

Hope you won't be confused by two more HTIB systems from Onkyo, 'cause they're coming at you fast and furious. Starting things off is the 7.1-channel HT-S5200, which packs 1,200 total watts of power and includes a 10-inch, 290 watt subwoofer. Said setup is Sirius-ready and features an HDMI-equipped audio-video receiver, four DSP gaming modes, Audyssey 2EQ room correction technology and Audyssey Dynamic Volume to keep levels, um level. The lower-end HT-S3200 consists of a 5.1-channel, 660 watt system that bundles in the HT-R370 receiver and includes a trio of HDMI pass-through inputs, DTS and Dolby Digital surround processing and an 8-inch subwoofer. Both rigs are available now in black or silver for $599 and $379 in order of mention.

Onkyo intros entry-level HT-S5200 and HT-S3200 HTIB systems

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 16th 2009 5:06PM]

HDMI is pass-through only. Surround sound requires an optical or coaxial connection.

So, what's the point of 7.1 on a system with no support for inputting HD sound formats?

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 16th 2009 8:11PM]

Agree completely on the HDMI pass-through. For $50 less than list on the HT-S6100 you cab get the HT-S6100 from Onkyo that includes 4 HDMI 1.3a repeaters. The 6100 is also my likely choice for my new Home Theater and one of the best "bang for the bucks" out there.

Of course with the release of the 5200 and 3200, surely the 6200, 7200 and 9200 can't be too far behind. The 5 series was the highest level HTiB Onkyo sold with pass-through HDMI in the last generation as well.

[lee7n Posted Mar 17th 2009 5:23PM]

Pass-through is garbage people, Onkyo makes good stuff but not these. I think the HT-S6100 is the cheapest non pass though system that is 7.1