I'd have to say that because I'm a casual listener, I went into the store lookin to buy a pioneer or sony receiver, but I soon realized that the onkyo receivers made sony sound like ass. The receiver does only come with four sound modes, but it doesn't matter because I just use prologic for movies and hall mode for music. The sound is very clean, and it sounds unbelievable on my makeshift system. The only problem I have with the sound is that the surround speakers sound muddy, but it's probably because I made the mistake of buying Bose speakers. For just 250 dollars, I feel that I got my money's worth, and although it doesn't have a dolby-digital decoder, it is DD ready.
system specs:
front speakers: friggin old Yamaha NS-6 (sounds good though)
center channel: Polk Audio CS-275
surround speakers: Bose 141 bookshelf speakers (worst speakers I've ever had)
subwoofer: Crate BX-100 (it's actually my old 100 watt bass amp)

Decent sound quality, dolby digital ready.

No preamps, no light in the volume nob

I had this receiver for a couple of years now and I've been very happy with it. It's a very good receiver in the low-end. I have compared this with a few others receivers as mentioned above. I used to have a kenwood received rated at 100w/c but this receiver just blows the kenwood away. The kenwood sounds clear but doesn't have enough bass. Yamaha sounds more neutal but lacking clarity. Harman kardon sounds most dynamic but it is not very clean and accurate. Onkyo sounds neutral without sacrifying anything.

Similar Products Used:

Harman kardon, yamaha, kenwood.

I haven't had it long, but it seems to do a great job. Sounds very clean to my ears and sounds great at any volume. My only complaint would be that the rear channels are a bit too quiet, but you can turn them up so they match up with the front channels better. 3D-Bass sounds good without a sub, but with a sub I'd leave it off for clearer sound. Also, I get zero hiss from my speakers, so the other person must have a setup/interference problem or a faulty unit.
Only other (minor) drawback: the remote's buttons are a bit too small and it's not a multi-brand remote.

Bought this strictly for HT/Movie use... Wanted to get the Harman Kardon AVR40, but it wasn't digital ready.This model is VERY noisy, even with the volume all the way down, tons of hiss come from all speakers. The high-end isn't so great, either; rather harsh and excessive. But, the Surround Sound was pretty decent. And the fronts were plenty powerful.
Consequently, I bought the new Harman Kardon AVR5 to replace this Onkyo. It is clearly better in all the departments the Onkyo was lacking, but the Surround Sound with the Onkyo seemed to have more separation/isolation, and the Onkyo's tuner seemed a little better. I'm opting for the smoother and nicer (warmer) sounding HK and willing to accept it's slightly lesser DPL Surround (at least it's high-end isn't killing my ears!)

I am a proud owner of this unit, it set up is very simple to use and anyone could quickly become an expert on the unit. I am an employee of Circuit City I had a great many receiver to choose from, but I think I found the perfect one for me. I am running my Infinity RS5s, cc2 center and QPS1GRAYs for rears off of it IT SOUNDS GREAT. I have experienced no hissing what so ever, I am very pleased and would and do recommend it.

Great receiver for the money - $200. Great separation from the pro logic decoder, far more effective than any other I've heard, even without the Motorola chip that the higher Onkyo models provide. The live mode doesn't sound too great, but it's something you can easily overlook. Plenty of clear, concise power, especially at higher volumes (20 to 20,000 on every channel with even more on the roll-off). Though it's rated at 70 watts it can actually go to 130, with mild distortion. There is a bit of hissing at low volumes with crappy speakers (or decent ones with high sensitivities). But turn it up and there's no problem. This is definitely the best receiver you're going to find for under $300. It even has a cool remote that learns what your other remotes do. Really nifty.

I purchased this unit for under $250 plus tax. DD ready, bass is too clear (when I play rap CD's) we're talkin' next to no distortion! Luckily it has pre-amp sub out. WHOA BABY! No hiss (My RS-3's, or my friends RT 55, RS-4). I have NO complaints about Prologic mode. Looking for Savage bass to your mains? I recommend a Pioneer. Comes with learning remote, really useful. Doesn't have the most bells and whistles but it gets my music and movies done right! I highly recommend this unit over anything that is selling at or under $300. With my knowledge, or lack thereof, I consider myself lucky to have found this bad boy! Forget braggin' rights, we're talkin' quality.
I gave it five two-way speakers for value

Multichannel 5.1 Ready

No bass managment for 5.1

Great receiver for the price range, I paid $159. I had bought a Technic 5.1 ready receiver for $399. and took it back after a week. Then I picked this receiver up and have loved it ever sence. It does a good job with 5.1 Dolby Digital DVD's.

I bought the 454 because I do not yet have a DVD, and for the poor reviews I've heard about the 555's fan. This receiver replaced a Sony STRAV-1020. 120W/Ch dolby prologic. Let me tell you this receiver lives up to the Onkyo name. The Sony, while "rated" at higher wattage, sure was lacking in the bass department. The 454 is quite refreshing. The 454 doesn't have all the bells, but it gets the job done. I also have heard MINOR hissing from my main speakers. BUT only when I place my ear up next to them. I'm powering Infinity SM 122's, Video 1 center, and BU120 sub. One thing I didn't like was the volume knob does not have a light on it. Hard to tell where the volume's at. I'm using DSS, so I wish the IPM worked on the video 1 input. Surround modes are adjustable with the remote, this is a plus. I got mine at sound city for $199, but www.netmarket.com has them for $179. I give it 4 speakers overall.

I just got this from netseller.com for 165 (haggle with them...they'll go down this far). I am replacing my Technics SA-AX720 with this receiver because of all the damn hiss from the center and surround speakers. So, I hooked this up and the surround sound is amazing. The pro logic decoding was really nice and provided excellent separation and the hall and live modes were good too. The 6 discrete channel inputs were solid too. Plus, the hiss is not noticeable (there is a little bit but only if you get close to the speaker). The sound quality when playing CD's is excellent. Lacking in bass a little bit, but I plan on getting a powered sub really soon, so that should take care of that. This is an excellent buy for 165.