Price Paid:  $320.00 from local second hand st

Summary:
I moved to a bigger place and I needed a stronger amp. Therefore I sold my TX-DS474 and bought the 555. I think itis better than the 474. It is especislly a good amp for dolby digital movies. Do not expect to hear high quality stereo music though. This is a DD amp not a high end stereo amp. However you can get better results by increasing the levels of front speakers to +10.(as in many onkyo AV receivers) Not only the volume gets higher but also the sound quality. Still better stereo sound than many of the digital amps in the same price range. The fan noise is only audible in the sudden silences. The tuner reception is pretty good. And yes the volume is touchy. No DTS or 6.1 but I dont care, DD is good and popular enough.

Strengths:
Great reliable strong DD amp. Stereo sound is better than most of the AV receivers around. Even better than the later Onkyo receivers.

Weaknesses:
No DTS, toucy volume, ugly and big remote(but I use a universal so I dont see it around) In stereo bass is a bit strong and boomy with my speakers(Mirage 490)

Similar Products Used:
Onkyo TX-DS 474

Price Paid:  $450.00 from Circuit City

Summary:
I am using Polk speakers and sub all the way around and it almost sounds as good as my car! (Dont get me wrong my '84 Camaro has a $2000 video head unit with a 6.1 DTS DD decoder 3 amps and 9 speakers: PPI 4x6 in front, 5 1/4 center, 6x9 rear surround, and 4 Audiobahn 12's in the hatch. All the speakers except subs have carbon fiber cones and titanium tweeters. So I do know what good audio sounds like) This unit sounds extremely good for the price I paid. Very clear sound through all ranges. I agree with previous reviews about the remote. I never hear the fan because we use it mostly for watching DVD movies. The surround is excellent if you get it set up just right. Does need S-Video and more Digital Audio inputs both composite and Toslink. I do like the Phono input allowing me to listen to Led Zeppelin Vinyl style!

Strengths:
Great sound and surround imaging!

Weaknesses:
Remote is a little difficult to get used to and not enough Digital inputs!

Similar Products Used:
H/K, Sony, and Pioneer

Price Paid:  $350.00 from Circuit City

Summary:
This unit is a marvel. For the price I paid, I don't think I could've got a better unit. Turn it up to half way on the dial, and you have just immersed yourself in some of the clearest, most distinguished natural sound. Use Monster Cable for the best results.

Speakers: Infinity IL-10 x 4
Infinity EntraCenter
Infinity EntraSub

Strengths:
Extremely Clean Power and sound, easy to use interface, natural vocals, Fan

Weaknesses:
Remote. Argh. That's about it. Oh, and no DTS..

Similar Products Used:
Harmon/Kardon

Price Paid:  $550.00 from RCWILLEY

Summary:
GOOD QAULITY , BUT WOULD EXPECT BETTER FOR THE MONEY.
SUCH AS HIGHER THD THAN YAMMAH,LUXMAN,GENRAL AUDIO.
OVER ALL NOT A BAD UNIT. EXCEPT FOR 200$ TO MUCH.

Strengths:
LOOKS, EASY TO USE, GOOD SOUND QAULITY

Weaknesses:
LACK OF POWER NOT ENOUGH PROGAMABLE BUTTONS

Similar Products Used:
YAMMAH,MARANTZ,SONY,LUXMAN,GENRAL AUDIO

Summary:
I can't disagree with what has previously been written, especially regarding getting one as an open box discount. I've been very happy with mine. I do agree that the fan is quite noisy if you are sitting next to the unit, however when playing music, I've never noticed it.

Strengths:
Good sound overall

Weaknesses:
Fan noise

Similar Products Used:
Pioneer, Yamaha