Onkyo has a thing about the number six. For years, the company's CD changers held six discs while the rest of the audio world topped out at five. Now, while a majority of A/V receivers have 5.1 channel capabilities, the Onkyo TX-SR502 has a 6.1 configuration.

The TX-SR502, which is available in either black or silver, has up to 75 watts into six channels at 8 ohms, with a line-level subwoofer output. There are two sets of main speaker outputs, so one set can power stereo speakers while the second set matches a surround sound speaker system. There is built-in processing for Dolby Digital, DTS, and the six-channel Dolby Digital EX and DTS-ES, along with Dolby Pro Logic II to create a surround image from stereo and Pro Logic sources.

This model has nine digital signal-processing modes to create ambient sound fields. A late-night mode tones down the effects channels while keeping the dialogue in the center channel audible. The TX-SR502 has six 96kHz/24-bit digital-to-analog converters. Ideal for DVD-Audio and SACD, the TX-SR502 has a frequency response of 10Hz to 100kHz, along with 5.1 channel inputs.

The TX-SR502 has two analog audio inputs, four A/V inputs, four S-video inputs, and one coaxial and three optical digital inputs. There aren't any digital audio outputs, but there is a headphone output, as well as a component video input and output. Onkyo makes some of the best-sounding components, and the TX-SR502 is no exception.

Warranty
2 years