Onkyo LS-V501 review

Performance
What little set up we needed to do on the player was nice and easy. There are a few user configuration options that you may want to adjust and getting to them is as simple as pressing the menu button. While the menus do look slightly rough around the edges, they work logically.

Regarding the sound performance we so desire, the Onkyo produces brilliant vocal quality with clear, audible speech. The bass was never overwhelming and was boomy enough to make us feel like we were enjoying a true home cinema experience. Unfortunately, there were times when we felt there could have been some more kick to the low end.

While testing the system on the deep, pounding soundtrack on Mission Impossible:II -- specifically, the flamenco scene -- proved it's more than capable, but we didn't feel the bass growling deep in our stomach. This isn't necessarily a bad thing -- not everyone likes overpowering bass, after all.

Our only reservation about the system is its size. The main unit is compact enough, but the subwoofer is massive. The left and right speakers are also fairly large, though not in a freaky, Peter Crouch kind of way.

We'd also prefer that the speaker cable was more substantial. The supplied wire is directly attached to the speaker so you can't change it, and it's not especially thick. We're really picking nits here, though, because Onkyo has clearly gone to the effort of balancing the system to make it work with all its components.

Conclusion
When it comes to getting a great sound out of your TV, the Onkyo LS-V501 may not provide a sonic boom, but it's certainly not whimpering. Unfortunately, at around £580, it's at the high end of what we'd be prepared to pay. That said, it's simply designed and does a good job with the picture. It'll give your system a nice boost -- not your wallet.

Our best suggestion for an alternative to the Onkyo is the LG HT902TB, which offers a 5.1 channel system for far less cash, and we were genuinely impressed by its performance. If 5.1 really isn't for you, there is no obligation to plug the rear speakers in.

Edited by Jason Jenkins
Additional editing by Shannon Doubleday