The SA-EX500 is a super buy, particularly when you find it at a "close-out" or clearance price. (I paid $219 for mine in May; since then, I've seen them for even less.)Lots of good, clean power. Five soundfield modes. The soundfield modes are actually usable with your hi fi recordings, as opposed to sounding like a 1970's-era reverb box. Easy to use, and compatible with other Technics components, e.g. cd player, tape deck, etc...
I've used Technics hi fi components for over eleven years with very good results.