after own this system for a few month , I can say for sure this be a wonderfull home Theatre System . the purpose for which it be intend be for Home Theatre specifically -lrb- movie -rrb- , and not for Home Audio . never the less , it be quite nice for music application , depend upon the recording , as it be a digital system . with older recording , and those not surround enable , the bass may be quite inaccurate , sometimes almost non existant . it be a tremendous help if the recording be surround enable , even when in stero mode . I recently have a chance to audition the highly tout ht-s760 . that system have larger woofer cone on the front speaker , and do have more bass kick , but the speaker cabinet be of a much lower quality . thinner , lighter , more resonant , produce a tone less dense and detailed than the ht-s670 , so the tradeoff be not worth it . the ht-s770 have the larger 5.25 '' woofer on the front , but I have not hear it , and it be more expensive . the best solution be of course to add good floor standing speaker to the alternate b speaker set on the receiver . that be why there be a alternate b setting . because this be not specifically a audio system . this be why I feel some of the more critical review of this system be a little disingenuous . for it be intended purpose , it be tremendous , and can be easily add to for better , more accurate audio reproduction without a large cost . this I feel would be necessary even if you purchase the ht-s770 , from what I have hear from owner . the subwoofer stand in a pedestal configuration on both system , with the LFE bass be pump down to the bottom platform for dispersion . the effect with movie if unbelievable . rolling thunder so real you 'll look outside . explosin , shudder , suspense build , incredible . it be not mean to kick and punch as with audio application . if you add speaker , make sure the sub be not active on the b setting . I have not add yet , but if it remain active , just shut it off . I assure you , audio will sound better and more accurate without it . to summerize , this be a great buy for around $ 300 . I pay exactly $ 337 ship from 6th ave , and they have superb sustomer service . much better than Onkyo itself . I know , I talk to both of they . almost all the 6th ave guy be record engineer in trade , and musician . they answer pile of question I have kindly , in steep contrast to the tone and attitude I receive from onkyo level 1 support people . that be as far as I have the patience to go after the initial rigamarol , so I can not speak for there higher level support . they 'll also beat any online price . additionally , I would not worry to much about the debate of 5.1 as oppose to 6.1 surround . the sat be up high so that the ear will be fool , and will not be able to pinpoint the exact location of sound withe the cross soundfield . this be also true with 6.1 , and my feeling be the difference be not so signifigant unless you be spend a lot of money on a thx certify system . at this price range , it be just not a big deal . one final additional note . if you be look for a dvd\/cd player for this or any other system , I would highly recommend the Philips dvp642 . I spend many hour research player . there be a site title dvd player compatability list . it have just about every player ever make , past and present , with worldwide product review and comment . I look at just about everything ever make , no kidding . literally thousand of make and model from over the last two decade , and of all highly rate and currently available , this be the one . 8.4 out of 10 rating out of 250 review wordwide . extremely high , as almost no product reach a 9 rating , particularly with so many review . I just buy 2 more as Christmass present , in addition to the one I own . I spend $ 64 per unit with shipping . Plays more format than any player on the market , include Divx . component , s Video , composite video out with progressive scan . Digital Coaxial , toslink fiber optic and analog audio out . Super slim . weigh almost nothing and can fit anywhere . my older tv only have composite input , and the picture be beautifull . one owner comment that Component Video with progressive scan cause he some problem with picture artifact , so he keep it in interlace mode , but he still give it a high rating give it be cost , and a high picture quality rating as well . I can not comment on this , because I do not have the component option at this time . give the cost , it be a hell of a deal either way . also , I have hear it have be upgrade several time since the date of that gentleman purchase , and can be bio upgrade easily at home , though I would never do that myself . I be just not that savy . I be a techno moron , but maybe you be savy like that . this player be make to be easily set to region free so you can buy dvd 's for it anywhere in the world if you do a lot of travel . I do not , but maybe you do . if you be wonder what would be a good match , trust I . get it . there be a bunch of site that carry it . I have buy from 2 different site . both be good , but shippment go in and out fast , so you might have to try a couple to see if it be currently in like I do . again , hope this help you . Ge