Im looking for a entry level Receiver and like the Onkyo TX-SR502. Does anyone have this receiver ?

Online stores say it has DD EX but the Onkyo website say it doesnt so im not sure who to believe.

Im thinking of pairing it with Polk's 6700 speaker package (inc the 303 subwoofer). These sounded quite nice in the shop but i havent heard them with this receiver. Does it sound like a decent combination ? My living room is fairly small ( probably15x20ft) so I dont think I need anything more powerful.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Always believe the manufactures website over a retailer. In fact this receiver does have Dolby Digital EX.

http://www.onkyousa.com/news.cfm?id=81

Although . . .

The specs page says it doesn't

http://www.onkyousa.com/model.cfm?m=...class=Receiver

Hmm?!? Well the Polks should sound fine but you might want to do more research first if Dolby EX is important to you!

Yeah, I couldnt see it listed on the specs page although the press release says it does. I believe the 501 had EX so im assuming the spec page is wrong and the 502 has it too (but ill confirm this before buying of course ).

Thanks

Alright, I'm just going to have to create a macro or something.

You can STILL get the Celestion Avp305/s20 package at BB.com for $300 w/free shipping. This is still selling at BB B&M at the reduced price of $450, normally $600. Most on-line and B&M stores sell this package for $600-$700.

Celestion is a well respected, well made speaker in England. Celestion are normally carried only in specialty stores and rarely discounted.

BTW, the 502 should do well for you. You might also look at the H/K AV130 or 230

A better press release about the 502:

http://hometheaterhifi.com/newsflash...er-4-2004.html

The 502 is the replacement model for the 501, which was essentially the best bang for the buck entry level HT receiver around in terms of sound quality and features.

The Polk speaker package should go well with the Polks. If you live near a CircuitCity, they sell both Onkyo and Polk, so you might be able to audition them together.

Another option might be to look for a 501, since their prices are being knocked down to clear them out.

Celestion was purchased several years ago - they are not that well respected anymore and the speakers are now made in China (not necessarily a bad thing).

I picked up my 501 for $149 at CC two weeks ago. Great amp. BTW - there is practically no discernable difference between 65 and 75 watts.

On your repeated reccommendations, I went to BB to check these out. I was underwealmed. I felt the speakers sounded small and boxy and the sub was overly boomy. It was ok with movies but terrible with music. I did some internet surfing and found all of those were common complaints.

Honestly, I think for $499, the Onkyo HTIB kills it.

I live in Vancouver, Canada so dont have access to Circuit City, I will have to check out some online retailers who ship to canada as well as some local stores.

I'll also look into the 501 and check out what the differences are, other than less wattage.


Thanks