search expand
View Specifications >>

Onkyo SKF4800 Floor Standing Speakers Review

First Impressions

Today, I introduce you to my recent obsession- the Onkyo SKF4800 2-way Bass Reflex Front Speakers. Upon receiving these ‘bad boys’ and hooking them up to my Onkyo 7.1 receiver, they simply rock. I was initially bothered about their hefty weight – around 70 pounds, but once these monstrous speakers propped up in my family room, all my concerns evaporated. The size might be a bit off-putting for some, but I like to reflect on it as a trendy flashback to the eighties! So, this Onkyo SKF4800 review will give you the lowdown on how these speakers might upgrade your home theater needs.

Sound Quality

One word to describe the sound of these speakers? Superb. They integrate seamlessly into my Atlantic Technology THX speaker setup, and without a doubt, they perform nothing short of amazing, even without a sub. With a smooth, bright, warm, natural tone, they wonderfully reproduce how audio is meant to be heard. Nevertheless, for a complete home theater experience, I would still recommend pairing these speakers with a sub-woofer. Combining these Onkyo speakers with a sub-woofer becomes a game-changer for those seeking that deep, all-engaging, gut-reaching bass. My only critique is that the low-frequency response was lacking compared to some previous models.

Size and Setup

Undeniably, these speakers are pretty large. Swapping out my petite Samsung speaker for these made me slightly apprehensive, but it was a change that has proved worthwhile. Although I had to reorient my furniture to accommodate them, their sound fills my room impressively, compensating for all the physical adjustments I had to make. Setting them up was a breeze – I had to reconnect the existing wires to the new ones. They came with some cables, but I preferred to use the ones already in place.

Performance

These speakers do a marvelous job delivering clear, detailed, and balanced audio, regardless of the music genre. Although some users have noticed a lack of punch at lower frequencies, I found them perfect for a smaller room. They’re well-engineered units, capable of producing natural sound close to what you’d hear in a concert hall. The highs and mids are full-bodied and crisp without being overly aggressive, while the subtle lows blend perfectly for an engaging listening experience. One major downside is that they tend to be less forgiving of lower-quality recordings, but that’s a small price to pay for audio as close to the original as possible.

Onkyo SKF-4800

Comparative Analysis

I don’t doubt that the Onkyo SKF-4800 features and the price range it caters to do not coincide. The speakers I had before this – the Mirage Towers Omni 550 – couldn’t compete with the Onkyo’s regarding the overall sound translation. These speakers do not simply create an environment; they reproduce music with a depth and accuracy rarely seen in this price range. Furthermore, they are so intoxicating that it’s easy to find oneself constantly in their presence.

The Downsides

No product review is complete without addressing its potential shortcomings. In my case, one of the Onkyo speakers arrived defective, which was quite disheartening. Returning became an issue due to the window return period expiring. Customer service didn’t weasel its way out of the chopping block either, for I found their response to my issues less than impressive. I advise other buyers to critically listen to their speakers within the first 30 days of purchase to avoid the same predicament.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • High-definition sound quality
  • Easy setup
  • Great integration with other devices
  • Modern, stylish design

Cons

  • Quite large
  • Lack of punch at lower frequencies
  • Not forgiving of low-quality recordings

Final Thoughts

If you’re considering an audio overhaul or simply contemplating an addition to your sound setup, the Onkyo SKF-4800 floor-standing speakers should be on your list. Despite a few hiccups, I would not stray from saying that these speakers are a keeper. Investing in them has turned out to be a great decision – one I am not regretting, even if the return service request didn’t go as smoothly as I desired. Put: Onkyo SKF-4800 is a fantastic set of speakers worth every penny spent.

View Full Specs >> Check Price >>
Bass Response
7.7
The speakers produce good bass tones that are quite impressive for their size. But, they aren't top-performers. The bass may lack a bit of 'punch' or 'kick,' especially in the low range, and doesn't quite meet expectations based on the reviews. A subwoofer might supplement the bass response effectively.
Treble Detail
8.5
The Onkyo SKF4800 speakers deliver high frequencies with precision without being overly harsh. The silk dome tweeters render vocals and horns beautifully. However, they might be too revealing with less-than-perfect recordings and close miking, which generates some minor harshness.
Midrange Clarity
8.2
The speakers consistently deliver midrange sounds with a clean and clear output. They blend well with both high and lower frequencies for an overall balanced sound. However, they may falter slightly when handling busier portions of music or soundtracks.
Design
7.8
The large size and solid build of the speakers are a bonus for some and an issue for others. Some reviewers felt they came off as bigger than they expected, but most found them visually appealing.
Sound Quality
8.3
The sound quality of the Onkyo SKF4800s is generally strong, producing clear, strong sound with an impressive range. Some reviewers note they don't color the sound and produce true-to-recording output, apart from some minor harshness in less-than-perfect recordings.
Value for Money
8.6
The Onkyo SKF4800 speakers provide solid, quality sound for a reasonable price. Some reviews noted that they perform beyond expectations for their affordable price point. However, a couple found them lacking, diminishing the overall perceived value.
8.2
Total Score
Rating Summary
The Onkyo SKF4800 speakers provide a notable value for the price, thanks to their generally strong sound performance. Bass tones are good, but might lack a bit of oomph, something that can be sorted with a good subwoofer. Highs are delivered with precision, with silk dome tweeters lending a nice touch to vocals and horns, though harshness can occur with less-than-perfect recordings or close miking. Midrange sounds are clear and well-delivered, creating an overall balanced sound despite occasional stumbles with busier soundtracks. The sound quality overall is commendable with a broad, clear, and powerful range. As for design, the size might be overwhelming for some, but many find them to be appealingly hefty and solidly built. All in all, the Onkyo SKF4800s offers pretty much bang for the buck except for minor pitfalls.