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This US$295 ask for the used Onkyo M-501 is ambitious, sitting well above the market median of US$200 and clearly exceeding the 75th percentile of US$225 based on nine recent comparable listings. The price is roughly US$70 higher than the typical median, making it a tough sell unless the condition is exceptional or includes rare extras, which the listing doesn’t specify.
Still, the M-501 is a well-regarded vintage power amp delivering 150W per channel into 8Ω with impressively low 0.09% distortion and a wide 5Hz–100kHz frequency response. Its solid 10.5kg build and 60 damping factor make it a reliable, high-current companion for demanding speakers. If this unit is truly clean, original-owner, and boxed, it could justify the premium for a collector; otherwise, wait for a US$200–US$225 deal.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Onkyo traces its roots to postwar Japan, founded in 1946 in Osaka by Takeshi Goda, an engineer at Matsushita Electric who envisioned high-quality Japanese loudspeakers. Initially established as Osaka Denki Onkyo K.K., the company began production in 1948 with the acclaimed ED-100 speaker featuring a 25 cm driver, quickly building a reputation through LP concerts and innovative designs that resonated with audiophiles.
The brand excels in premium home audio, renowned for AV receivers, hi-fi amplifiers, and surround sound speakers that deliver exceptional clarity and power. Its portfolio spans turntables, DACs, headphones, and cables, bolstered by acquisitions like Pioneer's home electronics division in 2015, enabling cutting-edge integrations such as internet radio and high-resolution streaming.
Onkyo holds a solid mid-tier position in the hi-fi market, prized by discerning buyers for reliable performance and value rather than ultra-high-end exotica. Despite bankruptcy challenges in the late 2010s, its revival under new ownership preserves a legacy of technological innovation and pure sound enjoyment, appealing to both vintage enthusiasts and modern home cinema setups.
See all Onkyo listings on RADAR.
