The Onkyo SKF-4800 was a budget pair of 2-way floorstanding speakers, often bundled with or sold alongside Onkyo receivers. It offered the look and scale of tower speakers at a low price, with twin woofers and a dome tweeter in each cabinet.
The SKF-4800 is an older model that is no longer part of Onkyo’s lineup, so it’s mainly found used. This updated review explains its design, its realistic strengths and limits, and what we’d buy new instead. (We’ve removed customer-rating claims and corrected some details from the original version.)
How we researched this: This guide is based on manufacturer specifications, owner documentation, published third-party measurements and professional reviews. We have not hands-on tested these speakers unless a section says so. Our methodology
Design and features
- 2-way bass-reflex design: twin woofers handle bass and midrange; a dome tweeter covers treble. A port reinforces bass output.
- Sold as a pair — unusual for towers, many of which are sold individually.
- Wood cabinet (rather than plastic), with a black finish.
- Flexible connections: terminals accept banana plugs, pins or bare wire.
- Power rating: Onkyo listed a maximum input power of 130 W. A “maximum” rating describes short-term peaks, not continuous power — it’s not a measure of how loud or good the speaker sounds.
Realistic expectations
As an entry-level tower, the SKF-4800 delivers fuller sound than small TV speakers and plenty of volume for a small or medium room. Its limits are typical of the price: modest deep bass, less refinement than better-engineered budget towers, and basic cabinet finishing. Adding a subwoofer is the most effective upgrade for movies.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Sold as a pair — simple budgeting.
- Wood cabinets rather than plastic.
- Easy connections (banana plugs, pins or bare wire).
Cons
- Older model, used only.
- Limited bass depth and refinement.
- Rear port benefits from space behind the speaker.
Current alternatives
The original comparison featured the Polk TSi400 and other speakers that are no longer sold. Current budget options:
Polk Audio Monitor XT60
A slim, light entry-level tower that uses passive bass radiators instead of a port — an easy, affordable first step up from bookshelf speakers.
- Slim 7.5 in. wide cabinet is easy to fit
- Passive radiators instead of a port ease near-wall placement
- Wide 25–200 W amplifier range
- Design2-way passive
- Drivers1 in. Terylene dome tweeter, 1x 6.5 in. bi-laminate paper woofer, 2x 6.5 in. passive bass radiators
- Sensitivity86 dB (1W)
- Impedance4–8 Ω amp compatible
Sony SS-CS3
A long-running budget 3-way tower with a super tweeter. Availability in the US varies — check the listing is new stock.
- Light, narrow 3-way design
- 88 dB (2.83V) sensitivity
- Super tweeter extends treble
- Design3-way passive
- Drivers25 mm (1 in.) soft-dome tweeter, 19 mm (0.75 in.) super tweeter, 2x 130 mm (5.1 in.) cone woofers
- Sensitivity88 dB (2.83V)
- Impedance6 Ω nominal
Yamaha NS-F210
A very slim, light tower with tiny 3-1/8 in. woofers — best treated as a stylish TV speaker paired with a subwoofer.
- Very slim and light (16 lb)
- Neat for TV setups
- 6 Ω nominal load
- Design2-way passive
- Drivers7/8 in. balanced dome tweeter, 2x 3-1/8 in. cone woofers
- Sensitivity86 dB (2.83V)
- Impedance6 Ω nominal
Need a pair sold together? The Fluance Signature HFF is sold as a pair, though it sits above strict budget tiers.
A tall 3-way tower with dual 8 in. woofers sold as a pair — lots of cabinet and driver area for the money.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Onkyo SKF-4800 sold as a pair?
Yes, the SKF-4800 was sold as a pair. Many current towers are sold individually, so always check listings.
What does the 130 W rating mean?
It’s a maximum input rating, describing short peaks the speaker can tolerate. It doesn’t tell you how loud it plays or how much continuous power it needs. Sensitivity and impedance matter more for amplifier matching.
Can I use the SKF-4800 with any receiver?
Most entry-level AV receivers and stereo amplifiers will drive it. Use our compatibility checker if you’re unsure.
Is it worth buying used?
Only if it’s very inexpensive and undamaged. New budget towers offer better engineering and a warranty for a modest premium.
Verdict
The Onkyo SKF-4800 is a basic but serviceable tower pair. Used, it can fill a small room cheaply; new buyers should look at the Polk Monitor XT60 or Sony SS-CS3.
Related guides: Best budget tower speakers · Floor-standing speakers under $500 · How to wire floor-standing speakers
Leave a Reply