Onkyo SKS-HT500 or Acoustic Research HC6?

Ryan Peter · 05-26-2003, 08:48 PM

I can get them for about the same price point so just wondering which one is considered better for movies? Sorta leaning toward the Onkyo but interested in opinions for either one.

Thanks

AR HC6
http://www.bestbuy.com/detail.asp?e=...cat=15&scat=23

Onkyo SKS-HT500
http://consumerdvreviews.cnet.com/el...tml?tag=rating

Brett DiMichele · 05-26-2003, 11:16 PM

Ryan,

May I ask why you are leaning towards the Onkyo? I can not
recommend the HC-6 system highly enough. Onkyo is known for
building good electronics, not speakers. AR is known for
building great speakers.

The HC-6 system is a very warm and inviting sound and the
build quality is phenominal.

I would listen to both (if you can)

You can get the HC-6 directly off eBay for less than $400.00
and that's an absolute bargain.

Ryan Peter · 05-26-2003, 11:27 PM

Hi Brett,

Thanks for the opinion! I'll definitely take it into consideration. I was leaning towards the Onkyo because of all the reviews I read on bang for its back. A review I saw of the HC6 complained about loss of detail when the volume goes up.

The problem might be the enthusiastic reviews I've read about the Onkyo were more aimed at its low price to quality ratio, while the HC6 is a more expensive MSRP and the reviews for that were based on a higher expectation?

If I get the HC6, I'm going to get it from etronic for $340 shipped. Hmm... now you have me leaning towards that one.

JohnGoggan · 05-26-2003, 11:32 PM

I was researching this last week -- I ended up ordering the AR HC6s from etronics... I expect them on Thursday and think I'll be quite happy with my choice!

- John...

Brett DiMichele · 05-27-2003, 12:26 AM

Ryan,

The problem with any of these smallish systems is that
people cram them into large rooms and expect high SPL's from
them. That is not going to happen with the HC-6 or even
thousands of dollars worth of small satelites from high end
companies.

If the HC-6 is used in a small to mid sized room you will
get plenty of clean, detailed sound that won't be hard on
the ears or wallet.

Another option would be to check out the JBL NSP1 package
and a Sony SAWM-40 or Dayton DLS 10" Sub Woofer from Parts
Express.

**HTF Ads**

terence · 05-27-2003, 12:37 PM

I can say that this system sounds great and i too recommend you use it in a mid to small room. Below are consumer reviews on this system.

audioreview.com/PRD_130388_4282crx.aspx

http://audioreview.com/PRD_140765_4282crx.aspx

RISUG · 05-27-2003, 06:08 PM

RYAN SAID:
If I get the HC6, I'm going to get it from etronic for $340 shipped. Hmm... now you have me leaning towards that one.

Brett (poppa AR) tends to have that effect on people when it comes to AR.

Dale B · 05-27-2003, 07:55 PM

Hi Ryan. U Bid super store has the black hc 6's and the silver ones. They are 266 dollars with $2.49 shipping. Seems like a great deal.

Brett DiMichele · 05-27-2003, 08:24 PM

DaleB,

the HC-6 only comes in Gloss Black Piano Laquer Finish. I
bet the setup UBid has is the HC-5 (which is nice but not
as nice as the HC-6 and yes it's less money everywhere).