Price Paid:  $250.00 from j&r

Summary:
I originally chose this 502 over yamaha and hk due to additional features at this price (such as pre-outs all channels, a&b speakers). Set up was quite easy and the manual was easy to follow, even with no osp. The sound for both music and ht was very good, although I felt it may be slightly under-powered for the 12x24 room , with one end 1/2 open to kitchen. But it was a clean, detailed sound, not too bright, no distortion. I have paradigm speakers with sub in a 5.1 ch set up. My tv audio signal was lower than dvd, and I needed to run it at over 50db (I believe the scale was 0-70) for a small super bowl party. Then, after about 2 weeks the center channel died. It would occaisonally come back and then go out again, crackling when that happened. I decided to return the unit and go with another brand, as it appeared there were quite a number of refurbs on the market for a 2004 model. (Note this is a 2004 model, this review would not let me enter 2004 above).
But, overall I enjoyed this unit, so I rated it an overall 4, assuming you do not have a bad unit.
My next choice was a yamaha 5740, which I also returned as I did not like the sound (among other things). I wound up spending a bit more for an hk 235, which I am happy with. I'll review those in near future.

Strengths:
sound quality
build quality
features for price (pre outs, a/b speakers)
easy to set up

Weaknesses:
reliability??
may be underpowered in larger open rooms
remote would not skip back/forward to next track for dvd

Similar Products Used:
hk avr 15, avr 235, yamaha htr 5740

Price Paid:  $388.00 from Hai Ba Trung Str., H

Summary:
I was considering between Denon AVR 1604 and Onkyo 501 and eventually decided to pick up Onkyo. Running to the shop with enough money but that model (Onkyo 501) had sold out already so I had to wait several days. One week later, they informed me of a new model (Onkyo 502)just arrived: more advanced, more powerful and much better remote control with the SAME price. Holly sh*t! No hesitation!

I never thought a change of amplifier could make such a big improvement on sound quality until my speakers were connected to this monster (12.5kg) People around my home started to complain about the thunder from my room when I watched movies. That amazing result implied a very high power consumption so I checked the backside of the receiver: an incredible 470W/h. Oh my poor electricity bill!

While I was totally impressed by the surround sound, I was a little bit less impressed by the stereo. Obviously no one expects aodiophile level for a budget receiver but its impression with surround brought me some hope for the same result with stereo. Anyway, I'm happy with this one.

I finally found out that the additional weight of Onkyo 502 over 501 comes from bigger aluminium heatsink. I guess Onkyo increases 502'w power so it needs more efficient cooler system.

Strengths:
- Good design. (Mine is yellow version)
- Rich function remote
- Powerful surround sound
- Crossover to 60Hz which only found in higher price range receivers.

Weaknesses:
- Bought it for one week and broke one optical port cover plate => Stupid design for optical ports.
- Funny speaker termials. Need good eyes and small fingers to handly speaker connection!
- Should have one more coaxial port.
- Manual could be more comprehensive.

Similar Products Used:
None! But I have tested many entry level 6.1 receivers from Denon, Yamaha.

Price Paid:  $390.00 from sm mega mall phil

Summary:
this one of the best receiver,good sound quality w/my wharfedale speaker...and this is a 75 watts per channel but as if
u're listening to 100 watts per channel...
i will recommend this receiver to anyone.

Strengths:
crystal clear sound.and it's power

Weaknesses:
none for me at this time

Similar Products Used:
my prev. onkyo's

Price Paid:  $165.00 from eCost

Summary:
For $300 this cannot be beat. For $165 (recconditioned) it's an outright steal!

Setup is relatively easy. Integrates well with my Infinity, Boston, SVS 5.1 speaker setup.

The Hero DVD is sparkling lifelike. Dts vs Dolby digital differences can actually be noticed. Standard Pro Logic decoding from cable box 2-channel digital source via SPDIF is probably about the best that can be attained from that format.

When combined with my 300W SVS subwoofer, there is more than enough power (75W x 5 plus 300W) for the moderately sized HT room.

Strengths:
Clear, un-muddied sound.
Source signal information.
Re-assignable backpanel connections.
Varied decoding schemes.
Cross-over adjustability for sub/mains

Weaknesses:
The use of just one video format (or the inability to reformat video).

Similar Products Used:
NAD, JVC, Pioneer.

Price Paid:  $299.00

Summary:
This unit pumps out a lot of clean power for a 75W receiver. I am hearing sounds in my CD's that I didn't know where there. It's nice to hear fingers strum across the strings on flamenco guitar tracks from Ottmar Liebert!

Viewing DVD's like The Matrix is a new experience with the surround sound of Dolby® Pro Logic® IIx and the near master quality of DTS® 96/24.

Blend this Onkyo with a good quality digital source - quality CD player or DVD player, and rich, warm speakers and you will be very happy.

I like the direct input option that links directly from source without the Stereo translator intervening.

Strengths:
Clean power
Hansome Design
Serious Heat syncs
Customer support from Onkyo

Weaknesses:
Speaker connection posts could be a better designed.