f o c u s

AV RECEIVERS

ONKYO TX-SR502

BUDGET Bonus
he eternal dilemma facing AV and audio enthusiasts is the issue of money. Spending too little often yields results not even in tune with the investment, let alone with expectations. Spending too much can have obvious, and even painful, repercussions. Fortunately, there are gems such as the Onkyo TX-SR502 receiver.This 6.1 AV design has many of the bells and whistles usually associated with larger, more powerful, more expensive designs, but in conjunction with a refreshingly reasonable price tag. Do I hear concerns about this being a candidate for the cheap n nasty club? Such fears would be doing the receiver a grave injustice. So, lets banish any thought of price for now, and concentrate on what this Onkyo is capable of - and what not. Its certainly an AV receiver that looks the business.The all-metal enclosure and the alloy faceplate exude a certain solid appeal that also looks expensive, while the front-panel switchgear operates with a reassuringly positive action. The current trend to keep the fascia layout as simple as possible is repeated here, too. Bar a big rotary controller, a row of clearly marked pushbuttons and a large display, theres nothing that requires rocket science. Even the rear panel, which so often appears to be an impenetrable battery of inputs, outputs and binding posts, seems less crowded and more cohesively arranged. Colour-coded speaker binding posts are a simple but effective touch, and one the other brands could learn from. The array of inputs and outputs is adequate,

p e a k s

VERDICT This receiver has value written all over it, but not at the expense of performance or features. A great AV all-rounder. PRICE..RSUPPLIED BY Audiotronic 011-784-5353 www.onkyo.net

WEBSITE

with two dedicated audio and four AV inputs. You also get four digital inputs, and a choice of composite, S-Video and component video inputs and outputs. Onkyo credits the SR502 with a healthy 90 watts (at 6 ohms, 1 kHz, DIN) for each of the six channels: left and right main, centre, left and right surround, and a centre back channel. That it does have the 6.1 facility will be a nice-to-have for many, but at least means that a measure of future-proofing is built in. Not surprisingly, the SR502 is compatible with virtually every surround sound format currently employed: Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, DTS-ES Discrete and Matrix, DTS Neo:6 and DTS 24/96. Onkyos reputation for focusing on sonic capability is borne out by the SR502s circuit
design, which incorporates a special, highcurrent power supply and wide-range amplifier technology to cope with high-resolution, extended-bandwidth formats such as SACD and DVD-Audio. Importantly, the Onkyo offers bass management facilities, allowing the subwoofer crossover point to be adjusted in 20 Hz steps between 60 and 150 Hz.This allows the subwoofer output to be tailored to best suit the main front speaker characteristics. The comprehensive remote control handset deserves special mention: although quite bulky, with what initially looks like an intimidating array of buttons, its actually simple and intuitive to use. This remote also allows for full control over your other units as it is pre-programmed - all that is needed is to simply enter the correct code. The only chink in the SR502s armour - and one that one would expect at this price point is the lack of an onscreen display. Fortunately, the receivers own fluorescent display is bright and clear enough to ensure that this is not an insurmountable handicap. However, what really matters here is the performance of the Onkyo - and on that level, theres much to be pleased about. In its primary AV role, the Onkyo always sounds more muscular than its rated output would suggest. This is a receiver with real urge and impetus, allowing it to take even challenging soundtracks by the scruff of the neck and deliver the goods with true authority. It provides pace in abundance, and is never intimidated by effects. By the same token, the SR502 can translate

A U D I O

V I D E O
more delicate details with aplomb, never glossing over or masking elements that could otherwise be lost in the excitement of the bigger picture.
This is a receiver intent on preserving and translating everything the input signal provides. As a result, surround sound performance
is impressive for a receiver at this price point, ensuring a believable and enjoyable movie experience. It seems to favour DTS over Dolby Digital, though, making the most of the formers dynamic range and ensuring close audience involvement. I liked the Onkyos treatment of stereo music, too, even though this is unlikely to be a determining factor among buyers of this unit. Its smooth tonality, with plenty of midrange detail, and the control and authority provided by its current-rich delivery make the SR502 a competent music-only performer. As one has come to expect of the marque, the Onkyo TX-SR502 is a persuasive, high-value AV receiver that delivers in virtually every front.That its built to last, and is priced for value, makes for a persuasive package.

Deon Schoeman

Cover_Cs Page 1 Tuesday, May 11, 2004 12:00 PM

TX-SR502 TX-SR8250

SN 29343632B

I0405-3

S3125A

Center Center

Speaker Cable
Front Left Front Left SP-B / Zone 2 Left SP-B / Zone 2 Left
Front Right Front Right SP-B / Zone 2 Right SP-B / Zone 2 Right
Surround Left Surround Left
Surround Right Surround Right

Center

Surround Back Left Surround Back Left Zone 2 Left Zone 2 Left
Surround Back Right Surround Back Right Zone 2 Right Zone 2 Right

MASTER VOLUME

TUNING

STANDBY/ON

PRESET

STANDBY SETUP RETURN

A SPEAKERS B

STEREO

LISTENING MODE

DISPLAY

DIGITAL INPUT

MEMORY

TUNING MODE

PHONES
VIDEO 3 INPUT MULTI CH DVD VIDEO 1 VIDEO 2 VIDEO 3 TAPE TUNER CD

S VIDEO VIDEO L AUDIO R

T U VW

PURE AUDIO

OFF TONE PURE AUDIO LISTENING MODE DISPLAY DIGITAL INPUT MEMORY TUNING MODE

VIDEO 3 INPUT

G B H I C J K D

V O W P X Q

COMPONENT VIDEO
VIDEO 1 / 2 / 3IN DVD IN OUT

ANTENNA

Class 2 Wiring

AC OUTLET

FRONT SPEAKERS B

FRONT SPEAKERS A

SURROUND SPEAKERS

CENTER SPEAKER

SWITCHED 100W MAX.

VIDEO 2

REMOTE CONTROL IN

VIDEO 1

OUT IN

MONITOR OUT

DIGITAL IN

3 OPTICAL 2 COAXIAL 1

VOLTAGE SELECTOR

S VIDEO

CENTER

AV RECEIVER

SURROUND BACK SPEAKER

220-230 V

SUBWOOFER PRE OUT

MODEL NO. TX-SR 502

CD TAPE VIDEO 2 VIDEO 1

SUB WOOFER

K B C D E L F

TX-SR502/ TX-SR8250

TUNER/ TAPE

A B C D

STANDBY

MULTI CH

7 +10 --/--REMOTE MODE

DVD CD MD CDR

T V VOL

REMOTE MODE

CD CDR

AMP/ TUNER

O P Q R S

F G H I J

TV VCR CABLE SAT

DIMMER

TV INPUT

CH DISC

PREV CH

MUTING

RANDOM

SUBTITLE

ALL ST

LAST M

REPEAT

A-B DIRECT

SEARCH

TEST TONE

CH SEL

LEVEL -

LEVEL+
OPEN/CLOSE VIDEO OFF L NIGHT CINE FLTR

RC-567M

REPEAT PURE A

RC-569M

O A B C D E F G H I J K L P Q R S T

ON STANDBY

7 +10 --/--TONE

S9 T U0 VA W X Y ZB

J K L 6M N 7O P

M N O P

Q R S T U V W X

6 Y Z A B

L6 M7 N8 O P

TV INPUT TV CH TV VOL

DVD CD CDR
Main_Cs Page 17 Tuesday, May 11, 2004 12:04 PM

LINE INPUT

AC 120 V 60 Hz SWITCHED 120 W 1 A MAX.

6 mm mm mm

1/4" 1/8" 1/4"

5/8"

Y PB PR

OPTICAL

COAXIAL

Composite

S-Video

Composant

Optical

Coaxial

Analog

Multichannel

MONITOR OUT VIDEO

VIDEO IN

OPTICAL 2 COAXIAL 1
S VIDEO IN DIGITAL OUT OPTICAL DIGITAL OUT COAXIAL

PB PB PR

3 OPTICAL 2 1

REMOTE CONTROL

IN OUT IN IN IN OUT IN FRONT SURR

COMPONENT VIDEO IN

AUDIO OUTPUT L R

DVD IN

VIDEO OUT

DIGITAL OUT OPTICAL

DIGITAL OUT COAXIAL

S VIDEO OUT

COMPONENT VIDEO VIDEO 2

VIDEO 1 / 2 / 3IN DVD IN

FRONT L R
SUB WOOFER IN OUT IN IN IN OUT IN FRONT SURR CENTER

COMPONENT VIDEO OUT Y

R L AUDIO OUTPUT

FRONT SURR CENTER L

S VIDEO IN IN IN OUT IN FRONT SURR CENTER

SUBWOOFER

FRONT R

FRONT L

SURR R

SURR L

VIDEO 1 IN VIDEO S VIDEO IN

R R FRONT SURR

SUB WOOFER OUTPUT VIDEO 1
VIDEO 2 IN VIDEO S VIDEO IN
VIDEO 1 OUT VIDEO S VIDEO OUT

VIDEO 1 / 2 / 3 IN Y

PR COAXIAL

S VIDEO IN

R L AUDIO INPUT

OPTICAL 2

COMPONENT VIDEO OUT

CD COMPONENT VIDEO

TAPE VIDEO 2 VIDEO 1 DVD

VIDEO 2 IN

IN IN IN OUT IN FRONT SURR CENTER

VIDEO 2 VIDEO 1 DVD

CD TAPE

S VIDEO OUT OPTICAL

L AUDIO R

REC PLAY (IN) (OUT)

COAXIAL 1
S VIDEO IN OUT IN IN IN OUT IN FRONT SURR CENTER IN OUT IN IN IN OUT IN FRONT SURR CENTER
TAPE AUDIO OUTPUT L R IN OUT

AUDIO OUTPUT L

COAXIAL R TAPE

AUDIO INPUT L R

AUDIO INPUT

R TAPE

IN L R TAPE

AUDIO OUTPUT R L R

FRONT SPEAKERS B FRONT SPEAKERS A SURROUND SPEAKERS CENTER SPEAKER

R L ANALOG AUDIO OUT

STANDBY/ON

DIGITAL INPUT ON STANDBY

RETURN
A SPEAKERS B TONE STEREO LISTENING MODE DISPLAY DIGITAL INPUT MEMORY TUNING MODE
ON A SPEAKERS B OFF A SPEAKERS B

ON OFF

VCR VIDEO 2 VIDEO 3

UP SET

Small Large

Small Large None

STANDBY SETUP

SP A SP B CH SEL

LEVEL +/

LEVEL-

MASTER VOLUME PRESET TUNING DISPLAY

MEMORY TUNING MODE

VIDEO 3

TUNER TUNING MODE

FM STEREO

TONE//+

--/--TONE

U S ET

LEVEL LEVEL +

ALL ST SURR DIRECT

STEREO DSP

ALL ST SURR PURE A DIRECT

STANDBY/ON STANDBY/ON

PURE AUDIO STANDBY
ON A SPEAKERS B TONE STEREO LISTENING MODE DISPLAY DIGITAL INPUT
OFF TONE PURE AUDIO LISTENING MODE DISPLAY DIGITA

STEREO LISTENING MODE

PURE AUDIO LISTENING MODE

DVD VIDEO 2

CINE FLTR

L NIGHT

DVD, CD, MD, CDR, TV, VCR, CABLE, SAT

D G UI

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Samsung

Sansui Sanyo SBR Schaub Lorenz Schneider Scott
Watt Radio Wega Yamaha Yoko Zenith
Sears SEG SEI Seleco Sharp Shorai Siarem Siemens Singer Sinudyne Solavox Sonoko Sonolor Sony Soundesign Starlite Stern Sunkai Sylvania Symphonic Tandy Tashiko Tatung

Philips

Phoenix Phonola Pioneer Portland Price Club Prism Profex Proline Proscan Protech Proton

STANDBY ON

--/--TV

UP S ET

REC SP A SP B RANDOM

U M EN

ENTER CH
Main_Cs Page 59 Tuesday, May 11, 2004 12:05 PM
Sales & Product Planning Div. : 2-1, Nisshin-cho, Neyagawa-shi, OSAKA 572-8540, JAPAN Tel: 072-831-8023 Fax: 072-831-8124 ONKYO U.S.A. CORPORATION 18 Park Way, Upper Saddle River, N.J. 07458, U.S.A. Tel: 201-785-2600 Fax: 201-785-2650 http://www.onkyousa.com ONKYO EUROPE ELECTRONICS GmbH Liegnitzerstrasse 6, 82194 Groebenzell, GERMANY Tel: +49-8142-4401-0 Fax: +49-8142-4401-555 http://www.onkyo.net ONKYO CHINA LIMITED Units 2102-2107, Metroplaza Tower I, 223 Hing Fong Road, Kwai Chung, N.T., HONG KONG Tel: 852-2429-3118 Fax: 852-2428-9039
HOMEPAGE http://www.onkyo.com/