HT-S9400THX finally arrives!

[Islandcapture]

This is Onkyo's latest HTIB system. This will be my first home theater after 10 years. This is so new, I couldn't find a review for it. I chose it because, it's on the top end of my budget, it's THX which I've had good experience before, matched speakers that looks solid on paper/picture, it plays Pandora, etc.

First impression (I haven't connected it yet):

Huge box! I expected it to come in separate boxes but it came in one humongous box which I had trouble moving (requires at least three people IMO) so I ended up opening it and transporting the pieces individually.

Because I have to be at work, all I can do is read the manuals. Everything looks good except for one thing... Zone 2.

Zone 2 is also one of my deciding factor. I thought I could have another set of stereo speakers in another room. Yup, it does work that way but... Big BUT... I have to use the system as a 5.1 instead of 7.1! Not an option. And I just bought a pair of Polk Audio speakers for that zone 2! Have to return the speakers or sell it somehow.

I have an embarrassing confession -- I underestimated the size of the speakers. You see, I would rather be over than under and this unit is significantly oversized for the room. Get ready for this... A 10x12 bedroom! Probably smaller.

I did consider other receiver/speakers (not HTIB) but none fits my requirements. Either they have limited features (receiver) or beyond my budget (speakers).

This unit has an MSRP of $1,099 but I got it for only $799 with free shipping. I think that's a good deal. B&H has it for $100 more with $130 shipping.

That's it for now. I'll continue unpacking tonight and maybe start thinking of the placements. It won't be easy. I did consider putting it in a larger room but it'll be tedious to move things around and I doubt my wife will agree moving the new 3D TV out of the bedroom.