ONKYO TX-SR500 A/V Home Theater Receiver

Rating:
Summary: excellent value even if it is
Review: I purchased my Onkyo TX-SR500 from J&R six weeks ago and I am delighted with it. I can't comment on it's attributes as a home theatre system since I am using it in stereo mode with only two speakers. My system also includes a 13 yr. old Onkyo cd player and 30 yr. old KLH model 5 speakers. As such, it sounds great, a very nice improvement over the 15 yr. old sony receiver it replaced (obviously, I don't upgrade components until they stop working). It provides strong, tight bass response as well as very clear, detailed mid and high end. I know it's a cliche, but I am hearing a lot of details in the music that I never heard before.
Regarding the refurbished aspect, there was an almost invisible cosmetic blemish on the edge of the faceplate. Otherwise, it appears as new. Consumer Reports called this model a "very good performer and a very good value" even without the steep discount as a refurbished item. I agree completely