Thanks to everyone who provided reviews on the AV500. I got one fromBest Buy and I have to agree with all other reviewers about its
crystal clear Highs and lows expecially at low volumes.

BTW It is the same as the Nak AV1 as confirmed with Nak product support.
Here is what they say.

The units at Best Buys are designed & built by Nakamichi for Best Buys
exclusively.

The main differences between the two lines are -- for example:
The AV-1s have superior cosmetics over the Best Buy models.

The AV-1s have 3 year warranty parts & labor through NAKAMICHI exclusively,
the Best

Buys AV500 has 1 year parts & labor through Best Buy.

By the way, there is one important similarity between both models -- they
both have been discontinued.

Sincerely,

NAK Tech Support

You can always get extended warranty through best buy.

On the whole a great receiver except for the remote which does not
have numbers.

Im just posting to counter balance PB's review, The problem with hese Nak units is all perception. Its a Nak so it has to be better, They cant sound any better than Sony recievers, because they are Sony recievers! Ive listened to them all and they simply are not that good. The Yamaha's in the same price bracket simply outclass the Nak pieces, even Nak knows it thats why they've stopped making them. Ive heard alot of recievers in the last 2 years and the Nakamichi product are average at best, The new av-10 DD/DTS unit from them is a great piece and offers alot for $850 street price. They are trying to recover from there big failure at Best Buy and this is a good start. If your shopping in the 200-300 price range and want DD readt go for the Yamaha or the Denon, clearly better pieces with better warranty.

Well said! John!

Since the comments of some have become quite heated, I would like to add my positive opinions of the AV-500. I bought mine a couple of months ago at a local BB for $185 after reading about the deals on this review site. I replaced a simple two-channel HK that I'd had about ten years.
I've been very please with the sound, power, high current, features, flexibility, and remote. The only thing that could be better is less fan noise and of course a built in DD/DTS decoder would be handy(what do you expect for under $200?)

I'm giving it 5 stars because it I believe it out shines almost everything that I've listened to for several hundred more. I saw that the local BB still had few in stock a couple of weeks ago, so get 'em while the gettin is still good!

Great sound and performance at a very reasonable price

Cosmetically challenged

I picked up mine mint on auction after reading the reviews here. It replaced an old Technics receiver--I figured it was time for a stereo that would do justice to my growing CD collection. Frankly the looks leave me cold and I could care less for any of the home theater stuff on it--I bought it to play music. I first hooked it up to my little JBLs. Not bad but I knew it needed some decent speakers. I bi-amped a pair of new Polk RT55s from Circuit City and that did the trick. I doubt very much that you could do better unless you wanted to spend some very substantial dollars.

Affordability, power, exotic appearance, simple controls, simple addition of DVD with build-in Digital Decoder will provide that $1,500 dollar "THX" experience.

Too heavy for smaller females.

AFFORDABILITY & POWER – Whether you pay $350, or $150, you can’t find a 120/w (R,C,L) & 70/w (rear) receiver with this SOUND CLARITY for less than $500.

LOOKS - very exotic, different, awesome appearance.

CONTROLS (receiver) - Finally, a receiver so simple that you don’t have to schedule a training session for your guests every time they want to adjust the volume. Vision problems? Big, fat fingers? No problem.

CONTROLS (remote) – Wow, a learning remote too.

VERSATILITY – Just add a DVD with build-in Digital decoder and forget about that audiophile snub crap.

IN SHORT - If you have outgrown your Sony or Pioneer, but you either cannot or don’t want to make a rent payment for a receiver, this is it. IF YOU CAN FIND ONE USED, run away with it. Remember, decent speakers are crucial.

Similar Products Used:

Denon, Yamaha