Photos: Sound systems for home theaters

Onkyo HT-S790

Editors' rating: 7.7

The good: The Onkyo HT-S790 is a home-theater-in-a-box system (HTIB) that combines seven large two-way, multidriver speakers; a 10-inch, 230-watt powered subwoofer; and a full-size A/V receiver that offers generous connectivity and ample power. It's also XM Satellite radio-ready with the latest XM HD Surround.

The bad: The speakers and subwoofer might be too big for some buyers, and you'll need to supply the DVD player. The receiver lacks component video conversion and an onscreen menu. The optional XM antenna caused some background noise when connected.

The bottom line: If you put a higher value on sound quality than on trim dimensions, Onkyo's HT-S790 home-theater system is a slam-dunk choice.

Read CNET's full review

Photo by Amazon.com