Price Paid:  $310.00 from www.supert.ru

Summary:
Of course it is obsolete in terms of current standards, but my goal was to buy a good stereo receiver at a reasonable price (after reading loads of reviews that Nak in stereo mode outdoes many much more expensive models by other brands I decided to give this very unit a try).

And it seems it's true.

Sound quality is incredible. It completely beats my previous unit (AKAI AA-39). Well, I know that AKAI receivers were rather bad, so I have to say that it also sounds much better than different Pioneer, Technics and Marantz units owned by my friends. And once more, even with my old AKAI CD-49 CD player and Bose AM 3 speakers sound quality became AMAZING while with the old receiver it was quite average. I agree with all good words already said by other people, thanks for advising me.

About fan noise - I disagree that it's irritating. I'm a fan, in particular, of classical guitar music (rather quiet genre) and I don't hear the fan when I'm further than 1 m from the unit.

Strengths:
Outstanding sound quality
Absence of poppy unnecessary features
Price/Quality ratio

Weaknesses:
No RDS
Non-programmable remote control
No PHONO input
NO 5.1 input (but for such price it is OK)

Similar Products Used:
AKAI, Pioneer, Technics, Marantz

Price Paid:  $550.00 from sound city

Summary:
having no background on nak performance, I got a great deal on this receiver. For about 500, it compares to the power of my 1100.00 luxman, and beats the sound of it. I setup 5 channel Mini-Infinity hanging bookshelf speakers with an old dbx sub-woofeer in my basement, and let me tell you, I have NEVER heard stereo-sound with such seperation and clarity as
this... I have sinced moved the setup to my master bedroom, where I sometimes sit and change radio stations for hours... Whether its jazz, classical, rock or whatever, the depth, precision and sharpness of every instrument SIMPLY POPS right out of the speakers... I am amazed. If you havent heard sound like this, you are missing out. Demo and Buy one.

Strengths:
True Ear-Candy Sound.
Nice-Remote.
Mega-Bass feature.
Black with Orange LED's looks cool.
Big Fat Buttons.

Weaknesses:
The FM scan mode has trouble locking Weak signals.
To change the Pre-Set FM stations, you have to press the Next Key twice and it only goes forward, should have a next-previous feature.

Similar Products Used:
Luxman, Philips, Teac.

Price Paid:  $325.00 from Hi Fi store

Summary:
I wanted a simple, uncomplicated A/V receiver for my secondary (video) system. The Nak would have to do duty as an amplifier AND processor. I've always liked the Nak line and, for the price paid, the AV2s is a good value. Simple, relatively uncomplicated design which is good for a no-nonsense entry-level home theater setup. The build quality is not as good as previous Nak components (see below)

Strengths:
Unusually musical for stereo use. Nice, clean design. Decent power overall.

Weaknesses:
Noisy as hell with fan running. This is fine for movies but if you are listening to a Chopin CD it's way too noisy. Flimsy speaker selection buttons. Red + white insulation pieces on at least 3 rear RCA jacks broke off. I am very gentle with my gear so this was really weird to me.

Similar Products Used:
Nak BX-300 tape deck
Panasonic LaserDisc
Panasonic DVD
Paradigm Phantom v. 2 speakers
Synergistic cable.

Price Paid:  $300.00 from Used

Summary:

being a nak-fan, i'm biased toward nak decks ... but not on its receivers ! my first experience with re-1 was not so good (but sr4 & 3 receivers are so much more better). on a/v stuff i was a victim of most audio magazines' hype on yamaha. frankly speaking yamaha did sound better than sherwood on pro logic, but music was so lifeless. even my bright b&w speakers sound dull.

i decided to give nak av a try after reading audioreview, and what a difference this receiver made !! music suddenly came alive, just like in 'normal' stereo. punch, clarity, everything is back there again. if you listen to music at all, compare this nak with any yamaha, onkyo, sony, denon avrs before you make the purchase. too bad nak shoot itself by providing lousy service. best bet is to buy used - 'proven burn in period' - and get a hell of a deal compared to other avrs at 3-4 times the price. movie fans who are into dts and dd need to check av10 out (i will).

system: denon dvd 3000, b&w p6 & cc6 (later replaced with kef 104 & paradigm cc300)

Strengths:
sound quality

Weaknesses:
no preamp out, service

Similar Products Used:
avr: sherwood, yamaha 690, 890. audio: nak receivers, b&k, rotel, adcom, bryston, nak stasis amps.

Summary:
I cannot believe the sound quality from this reciever. Nakamichi should be congratulated for for producing a reciever of this quality for a price of less than $1000.
I recently purchased it for $299 cdn. at the local Costco - WOW score. This unit will now be used for stereo front only, I don't use surround much. After listening to and studying music for 35 yrs I feel I should support a company like Nakamichi. If you can get your hands on a AV2 take it home and listen - amazing.

Strengths:
Sound Quality

Weaknesses:
Surround Sound - not necessary for me.

Similar Products Used:
Bryston 3b with Adcom and SAE preamps.