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The asking price is right around fair for this model, sitting a bit below the US$200 median and comfortably under the US$260 75th percentile, so it reads as a sensible buy rather than a stretch. It is not a screaming bargain, but at US$190 it is priced attractively enough that a clean example should move quickly.
What makes it worthwhile is the usual Onkyo muscle: the M-501 is a solid-sounding power amp with the kind of control and headroom that suits efficient speakers and older-school two-channel systems well. If the unit is truly well cared for, that matters more than chasing the lowest sticker, because a tidy, unmolested example can deliver a lot of amp for the money. With condition unknown, the main thing to verify is quiet operation and no signs of repair drift.
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.
