As a two channel music type of audiophile, I had been a hold out on home theatre for a long time. Nevertheless, I saw a compelling price on a Nak AV500 receiver and thought I'd give it a try. I was most familiar with Nakamichi from their earlier days of cassette deck excellence, but I was a bit skeptical about how good an AV receiver they could put out.
All in all, this receiver is impressive. In my eagerness to see what it could do, I attached an antenna and plugged my headphones in just because it was more immediate than unhooking my connections and reconnecting my other equipment. My expectations were exceeded, and I could tell that this receiver was going to be a keeper. Naturally, now that I have it hooked up completely, I am still impressed with its sound. In particular, I suppose as a result of the high current capability, this receiver has an authoritative sound - strong even at low volumes, yet without alot of electronic coloration often heard in lower priced receivers.

I am still assembling the full complement of home theatre gear, so I don't have a center channel or subwoofer yet. However, even in "phantom" mode, the ProLogic modes are very entertaining. This setup seems to have expanded the size of my TV with both movies and regular broadcasts. The sound is very full and very expansive. I haven't gotten the volume knob more than 1/4 of the way up yet the volume is quite satisfactory. Needless to say, this receiver does not at all sound strained.

I expect to get a DVD player with a built in decoder for 5.1, so I was only looking for a receiver that was 5.1 ready. For now, I can only comment on the ProLogic modes and they are quite nice.

The receiver is well made and easy to operate. The learning remote is an added nicety. My only disappointment is with the spring loaded connectors for rear and center channel instead of binding posts or banana jacks. I believe the newer Naks such as the AV-10 have those. Otherwise, the AV500 seems to have similar specs in comparison with the newer models. Aestetically, the front panel is basic but functional with a look a bit different from some of its competitors. I'm not sure why so many hear gripe about its look. I don't find it ugly at all, but quite frankly don't consider that a criterion to rate it on either.

I understand that this is a discontinued product so it may become difficult to find. However, I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking to dive into home theatre. It's a great value and its AV quality brings new life into video presentations in ways that my older and more expensive separates cannot. With respect to the digital world that we live in, this receiver reproduces detail and ambience in digital source material (and I expect this will be true when I can test the 5.1 mode) well in excess of what I expected at this price level.

As for rating, it gets a solid four stars for for audio performance, four for function and operation (only because of the spring connectors) and five stars for overall price/performance. In the interest of rounding up with one overall rating, I'd have to give it 5 stars.

I was so pleased with this receiver that I bought another one. I don't mind the panel layout at all (the simpler the better), and I didn't have a need for a dozen or more soundfields. I paid an average of $265 for them.

I would like to state that this reciever is definetly one of the greatest componets created, in its class, with all things considered. I will not go into detail as a grip of people have below. Ignore the downplays on the av badboy, it does not mess around. Drag yourself away from your denon and get to know what its really all about.

Overall good performer. Adequate, clean power supply for nearly any stereo/HT needs. Adjustable levels for rear channels. Manufacturer focused on doing the basics well without wasting your money on a lot of useless "features". Learning remote is a nice addition especially for the price.

Less than stellar build quality. Could be a bit prettier. Cheesy spring-loaded speaker connections for rear surrounds that aren't suitable for good quality cables. Fan is noisier that I would like. No phono stage - perhaps a blessing as I can only imagine the quality of a built-in at his price and point in time.

All in all a good little tank for the money (I paid 285.00).
I'd like a smoother top end and a bit more definition etc. but I didn't put out that kind of cash either. Never thought I'd buy anything at BB but I needed something to make noise until I found equipment I really liked (got cleaned out in a burglary). I was shocked to see a Nak in such a place but after checking out the specs and all in the manual I realized that that it wasn't a knock off so I bought it. Finally got some decent speakers (Sonus Faber Concertino's) and this receiver shows them off better than I thought it would. So I think I'll keep it around for a while till other more important pieces are bought then replace it with something better. Ya can't do better for the money in an AV receiver.

I am very precautious to make some review about this receiver so praised here.I purchsed this one from BB two weeks ago and haved burned with variouse genres of music. Actually I am just oriented to classics and jazzes and I configured this receiver with Infinity SM155. When I brought this home and connected with others I found some annoiness about this receiver. First, hum level is too noisy so I volumed up a little the hum noise easily took out my attention. Because of this reason, I already tried another one in BB, but same story. Maybe use of unproven parts in the process of manufacturing. Second, like in the other review, rear fan noise drived me unpleasant. Third, mistake of wiring of internal connector makes me use another button for VCR.
When it comes to music, considering the features of my speaker, it sounds very easily through whole band and shows solid responses in high volume.
So I think, based on its melody, it deserves to be poseted with over 4 however it is a sorry to keep me to give only 3 because of its physical defects.

I bought the Nakamichi after reading all the positive reviews here. I wasthrilled with the performance at first, but I began to realize that I could
get more features with the Harman Kardon AVR75(from Onecall @$590). You
could get even more feature with the AVR45, but with slightly less power.
While the AV500 is only $300 and the AVR75 is $590, you would have to pay at
least $300 for a Dolby digital decoder. The only decoder I could find in
that price range was the Technics. I didn't really want a Technics, so I
returned the AV500 and ordered the AVR75. I think I made the right
decision. The AVR75 sound better a high volumes because it doesn't let the
soundstage collapse. The HKAVR75 sounds much better up front in surround
mode, where the Nak sounded muddled. I don't miss the quoted power
difference. The HK is high current as well.

I saw this thing in Best Buy and was impressed that a high current system was priced at $279. The first thing I noticed was how cheap the front looks for a Nakamichi. The reviews on this site made me decide to take one home. It replaced an old Onkyo TX-108. I had it paired up with a set of Bose AM-10s and was somewhat disappointed. (see the Bose reviews) I traded the Bose for Polk RM-7300s,even trade at Circuit City. This combination is one of the best systems I have ever heard. The powered subwoofer made all the difference. This Nak is without a doubt the best value in a quality reciever out there. The Polks are a perfect match. My thanks to all the reviewers on this site.

BUILT WELL'Great Headroom,simple.reliable and Cheep

? No phono stage

Running w/ DQ -10's and Passive Polk sub-- to all the esoteric-absolute sound fools. This thing for under $300 just simply SMOKES the like's of pioneer-sony-yamaha-nad-and other so called Quality AV recivers

Similar Products Used:

Sony Ta-5650 V-fet

Power, Layout, Simplicity, Lack of unecessary soundfields, Price.

None that I am aware of.

I am using this receiver to drive a pair of MMG's. It does so with authority and precision.

I just brought this unit and i must say it is a solid receiver, also i planed to get a decoder. any advise or comment. thanks