Onkyo 609 Speakers

Onkyo 609 Suggested Speakers

Choosing the right audio speakers for the Onkyo 609 can be really tough. In this post I'll discuss some of the issues of choosing speakers, including expanding from 5.1 to 7.2 channel surround sound. I'll then give you my short-list of speaker sets that are a good match to the both the 609 and 608 receivers.

Onkyo 609 Speaker Selection

First off, never choose speakers based on just their specifications.  A few numbers just can't capture the sound quality.  (Though there is one number that matters – be sure your choice can handle the power of your receiver.)  If at all possible, go listen to the speakers you're considering in person.  If you have a good ear you can tell exactly which make and model of speakers you prefer.  If you don't have a good ear, well make your way towards less expensive speakers until you can hear a difference, then maybe go back up a step or two in your purchase.  Actual owner reviews can also be a great guide.

The Economics of Speaker Upgrades

It may be a surprise to people just getting into audio systems, but the general advice is to put at least as much money into speakers as you do into the receiver.  Great-sounding speakers are hard to design, and time-consuming to manufacture.  On the other hand, advances in electronics keep making receivers costing less and less while performing better and better.  Plus, newer receivers keep adding really great features.  Here's the list of improvements that lead me to upgrade my old Yamaha receiver.

• HDMI video switching and upscaling for home theater
• USB port for iPod
• MP3 sound-quality enhancement
• Network interface for internet radio

So you'll probably keep a good set of speakers through a couple of receiver upgrades. 

That said, modern receivers like the Onkyo 609 (and 608) include automatic equalization.  After placing the included microphone in a few locations the built-in software will automatically adjust the receiver's frequency response.  In many cases this will compensate for speaker weaknesses, making them sound a grade or two better.  So my own tip is to try any speakers you already have after auto-equalization before thinking about new speakers.

Moving from 5.1 to 7.2 Channel Surround Sound

5.1 Channel surround sound systems have been around for a while, so most people already have 5 speakers and a sub-woofer. Where you go from there depends on your budget and how important sound is to you for your home theater.  The cheapest route, of course, is just to keep your system 5.1 channel speakers.  Or you could add another pair of speakers of similar quality to move to 7.1 channels.  Better still, but a bit more expensive, you could purchase a pair of really good speakers for the 2 main front speakers and use your old ones for the additional front pair.

You could also grab a new and better 5.1 channel set of speakers, and use the best pair from your old rig for the additional front speakers.  This also gives you 2 sub-woofers so you're at 7.2 channels (rather than 7.1).  But it may be a little tricky getting their volume balanced.  That also gives you a surplus pair of speakers.  The Onkyo 609 and 608 let you use these as satellite speakers in a completely different room & a different audio feed.  'Not sure what to do with that extra center speaker

I've been looking around, and I'm surprised I haven't any speaker systems that have 2 sub woofers.  So if you want the full 7.2 experience you'll need to buy an additional sub-woofer (around $100) or use your old one.

Note:  Many people will say it's very important to match all your speakers, and presumably sub-woofers as well.  My personal opinion is that this isn't too important with proper equalization.

Onkyo 609 Speaker Choices

Here's my suggestions for speaker systems that are a good match to the Onkyo TX-NR609 and TX-SR608 in terms of sound, power, and price.  I base this on a few listening checks, and reviews by actual owners.

SKS-HT540 7.1 Channel Surround Sound Speakers

The Onkyo SKS-HT540 is the lowest price 7.1 set I'd go with.  Their great sound backs up their specs.  The front, center, and surround pairs are two-way bass reflex with excellent high-frequency response.  The sub-woofer has a hefty amplifier and a 10” driver  At well under $300 they're also a great value.  The Onkyo SKS-HT870 is also often recommended for the Onkyo 608 and 609.  Costing about $50 more, the only significant difference is that the two main speakers are floor-standing towers.  If you want to step up a bit in sound quality the SKS-HT750 is also a good 7.1 channel set, featuring 2-way suspended speakers and magnetic shielding.

If you're on a budget, many owners are happy with the Klipsh HD300 set.  It's only 5.1 channels,  has lower high-frequency response than the Onkyos, and the sub-woofer is 6.5”.  If you're a Klipsh devotee, you might want to take a look at their HD500, also a 5.1 channel set.  If you're a fan of Boston Acoustics, their Soundware XS 5.1 set is more expensive than Onkyo's 7.1 channel sets, but well worth looking into for high-quality sound.

Many people would classify all the above systems as “entry level,” but they're great for most people and priced appropriately for the 608 and 609 receivers.  For a big step in speaker quality, some people have recommended the KEF KHT 2005.3.  This is a 5.1 channel speaker system that will set you back well over $1,000.  If you're looking to upgrade your main pair of speakers, the JBL L880s are often recommended.

Wrap Up

I hope this has given you some help and some good options.  In brief, I'd say give any speakers you already have a try with auto-equalization, then go for the best speakers your own ears like and your billfold can comfortably afford.  Personally, I'm still with my old Yamaha “sub-entry-level” 5.1 speakers with my Onkyo 609, but I'll probably get the Onkyo SKS-HT870 before long.