Which Onkyo Receiver to buy?

[owsballa]

I bought an Onkyo LR552 from circuit city for $189 a couple of days ago, but am now considering the SR503 since it is only like $80 more. I don't really know the difference in features. Any suggestions or opinions.
Thanks, Chris

 

[malvado78]

You should definitely switch. The LR552 pushes 65W while the 503 only adds 10W more but the 552's measurement is at 5% THD (Total Harmonic Distortion). This is basically how much distortion is added to the signals as they are amplified. The 503's measurement is at 0.08%THD that is like 60x less! I'm sure there are also more input and options but that reason alone is a reason to switch.

While you are at it you should look at last year's model the 502. It can be had for $119 dollars at www.ubid.com. But you could also get the 602 for only $239 which is less that you were thinking about buying the 503 for.

 

[MDS]

- LR552 uses digital amplification, whereas the sr503 is a traditional analog amplifier.
- LR552 is slightly lower power than the 503 but way higher distortion (THD) due to its digital amplifier.
- LR552 6.1 vs SR503 7.1
- Spring clips for the speaker terminals on the LR552 vs Binding Posts on the sr503.
- Differences in the number of inputs.
- etc.

The best way to figure out the differences between two models you are considering is to go to http://www.onkyousa.com and in the downloads section pick the manual for each receiver. Read and compare.
You can get the basic differences by reading the intro, features, and specifications section for each receiver under the Products menu.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Return the 552 and purchase the 602 from www.ubid.com for $239. That's a no brainer IMO. Stay away from digital for now. It's not a proven means of full range amplification just yet. It's great for bass, but not the mids and highs. Too much distortion.

 

[CaliHwyPatrol]

Yeh, go with the 602... I think the only reason the 552 is around is for guys who have a very low WAF. It is skinnier and looks pretty compared to the other Onkyo products...

~Chuck

 

[nibhaz]

Return the LR552

Return the LR552. And go with something from Onkyo's 500 or 600 series that fits your needs. Why Onkyo would put their name on something that has 5.0%THD at rated power is baffling.

 

[owsballa]

Ok, so I now know I will be returning the 552, but the question is now the 503 or 602? Any "stand out " features on one over the other? The components I will be connecting are a tv (s video), dvd/vcr (component or s video) combo unit, satellite receiver (s video), & Gamecube (composite). I also have a set of Polk audio RM6000 speakers 5+ a sub. Can I purchase just 2 speakers for the 7.1 & or do i need a whole new set that has 7?

 

[CaliHwyPatrol]

The 602 has 10 more watts/channel, one more of each digital audio, <b>zone 2</b>, composite to s-video conversion, microphone calibration, learning remote... etc.

For the surround backs, get whatever you want, just as long as you dont over do it. What I would recommend doing is getting some bigger bookshelf speakers and use them for your front speakers, then use the 5 you have as your center and your surrounds. If you get the 602, you can use the zone 2 elsewhere and use whatever speakers you want.

~Chuck

 

[owsballa]

The 602 is a refurbished model should I trust it?

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

It's fine

The 602 is a refurbished model should I trust it?

1 yr warranty through Onkyo. If anything is wrong, send it back and they'll fix it. Many guys here have bought refurbs from Ubid with great luck. A brand new unit could have similar issues. These units have the "twice over," so IMO they're even less likely to have problems.

JR Music World has it for $10 more, but shipping is $28. If you don't trust Ubid, JR is probably one of the best internet sites around.

Here's a list of authorized dealers:

http://www.onkyousa.com/locations_intdealer.cfm

Here's J&R's listing for the 602:

http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product=4018708

 

[nibhaz]

1 yr warranty through Onkyo. If anything is wrong, send it back and they'll fix it. Many guys here have bought refurbs from Ubid with great luck. A brand new unit could have similar issues. These units have the "twice over," so IMO they're even less likely to have problems.

That's the way I look at it too. I bought my refurbised 800 directly from Onkyo 2 years ago. Not a single problem...saved 400 dollars.

 

[dillweed]

I recently purchased an onkyo 502 from ubid for my new game room. Good unit, Fast shipping, Everything worked. However having experience with many onkyo receivers through the years as my roommate was CC employee (I have had experience with Onkyo 700,800,900 series) I would not choose 502 as a main receiver due to it lacking amp. I would give the 602 on ubid a hard look as that is a great price. You could also call up JR and see if they will ship for free...you never know until you ask.

 

[owsballa]

Ok I now have the 602 & bought a pair of Polk audio r15's. They are hooked up the same way as the LR552 but I have to have done something wrong as this system sounds horrible compared to the LR552 with 5.1 setup. The main thing is that with the LR552 I heard sound @ a good quality at low volume levels & on up almost to the max volume setting. With the 602 I dont hear ANY sound until it is @ level 30. Is that normal? any ideas?

 

[Ron Temple]

The volume(gain) doesn't equate. I've seen this for my self in a demo room. The 602 for some reason doesn't start hitting until you are over 50. The scale goes to 99. From 50 on it sound pretty good. Listen at higher levels, it should sound better, don't pay attention to the scale.

If not contact Onkyo...

 

[Hanse18]

The components I will be connecting are a tv (s video), dvd/vcr (component or s video) combo unit, satellite receiver (s video), & Gamecube (composite).

How come the only thing using component is your dvd? If your TV is hd and has component, i don't understand why you wouldn't have everything using component... And if your tv doesn't, and you are just going to run component from your dvd to your receiver... don't bother. There will be no PQ upgrade by doing so... if anything, it might lower the quality since the picture has to be converted from 480p to 480i. Save yourself $40 and do everything s-video if you don't have HD.