These days, more wireless and Bluetooth-enabled home theater systems are released into the market, offering the best sound streaming and incredible sound quality.
However, most of these home theater systems don’t come at affordable prices, and this is where users seeking a low-budget setup become frustrated.
In this Onkyo HT-S3900 review, our experts will discuss a home theater system at an affordable price.
What We Like
- Compact
- Comes with Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio inbuilt decoders
- Has various connection cables for a versatile listening experience
- Supports 4K TVs
- Includes Bluetooth wireless connectivity
- Minimal impedance
What We Don’t Like
- No Wi-Fi connectivity
- Produce average quality sound in a larger room
Onkyo HT-S3900 Design
The Onkyo HT-S3900 is a 5.1 channel home theater system that includes five satellite speakers and one subwoofer. The home theater system is the smaller version of the Onkyo HT-S9700, a 7.1 channel home theater.
Its compact design is impressive, although common among home theater systems within the price range. For users with limited space, this home theater system would fit in impeccably. It will complement easily to the high-rated home theater chairs available in the market.
The left/right front speakers and the center speaker (AV receiver), with the surround speakers, include a 3-inch driver. The left/right speakers weigh 1.3 lbs while the center speaker is 1.5 lbs in weight. The Onkyo HT-S3900 is not only compact but also lightweight.
Features of the Onkyo HT-S3900
Sound Quality
The sound quality of the Onkyo HT-S3900 isn’t different from what you would expect from an affordable home theater system. It delivers a clear voice with good treble sound quality, which is nice.
The home theater system also creates good quality bass that fills the room, thanks to the 6.4” subwoofer that produces up to 100W of power [1].
However, the home theater system lacks a little bit of EQ settings, which means differentiating sounds is somewhat impossible. Our team of experts was unsurprised by this since it’s a 5.1 channel home theater system.
For larger rooms, the Onkyo HT-S3900 isn’t the most suitable because of its mid-power range. The power is significantly less than what other high-end home theater systems produce, like the Klipsch Reference Series’s new line.
During our experts’ testing on viewing the movie John Wick, the Onkyo home theater system performed well, but not extraordinarily as an audiophile and ardent movie lover would.
If theater-grade sound quality is what you are looking for, the Sony HT-S40R will not disappoint.
Onkyo HT-S3900 Drivers
The Onkyo HT-S3900 front left/right speakers, center speakers, and surround speakers feature full-range drivers that deliver powerful sound, capable of filling a small room.
The drivers produce the right sound that won’t overwhelm the speaker system’s interior design.
Sound Formats
Unlike some 5.1 channel home theater systems that our experts tested, Onkyo HT-S3900 has built-in decoders, such as Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master audio formats.
The AV receiver decodes these soundtrack formats for better voice clarity, making watching movies on Blu-ray exciting and fun.
Wireless Connectivity
The home theater system includes Bluetooth wireless technology that allows you to play music content and video via Bluetooth on your mobile device, PC, etc. The Bluetooth technology is featured among the top-performing wireless home theater system in the market.
Additionally, Bluetooth technology features Qualcomm aptX audio codec and Advanced Music Optimizer. Qualcomm aptX codec allows for low-latency playback, while the Optimizer enhances compressed audio for a better music listening experience.
The speaker system also supports 4K viewing via the HDMI output.
Connections
The Onkyo home theater system features 4x HDMI inputs and 1x single HDMI output, 2x analog RCA video inputs, and 1x RCA audio input for seamless connections. It also includes coaxial cables, optical digital inputs, with AM and FM antenna inputs.
The connection ports on the AV receiver are well-defined, and the wires are colored so that connection will be seamless for even a newbie. You can connect to your TV, game console, DVD, etc., for more immersive sounds.
Additionally, you can enjoy clear and compelling music via USB input on MP3, WMA, and AAC files.
You can also use HDMI CEC when connecting your devices, too.
Onkyo HT-S3900 Setup
Most newbies will find the Onkyo HT-S3900 setup very convenient. Installing an impressive home theater is easy with this Onkyo HT-S3000.
As earlier explained in this expert Onkyo HT-S3900 review, the included wires are colored for convenient setup, so you know which external device’s cable can connect to the speaker’s designated port without guessing.
The overall setup and connecting to the speaker and external devices are made easy, thanks to the simplified connection guide that’s clearly illustrated on the rear panel. To make sure that your home theater setup is protected and maintained, our experts recommend using the top-performing home theater surge protectors as well.
Price
Onkyo HT-S3900 price is not as extravagant as other speaker systems with similar features. The home theater system is one of the most affordable speaker systems available, making it an excellent choice for buyers on a budget.
Usually, a 5.1 channel speaker system that costs as low as the Onkyo will have fewer features, but the reverse is the case. Our experts were satisfied with what the HT-S3900 offers at such an incredible price.
Onkyo HT-S3900 Review Conclusion
Undoubtedly, the Onkyo HT-S3900 is a good quality home theater system that will offer an immersive audio experience at an affordable price.
This speaker system produces great bass, powerful enough to fill a room. Besides, various speakers feature full-range drivers that result in a superb and clear treble output.
As stated in this Onkyo HT-S3900 review, the speaker system has an in-built Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master decoder for improved voice clarity when watching Blu-ray movies.
Looking for an unconventional home theater system? Why not try our list of the high-quality home theaters in a box here. Read next!
