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£999 is on the high side versus the usual used market for this amp; comparable listings cluster more around the mid-hundreds, with recent examples around £425-£800 and a rough typical zone near £600-£700 for clean, working units. At £999, this is more ambitious than fair unless it’s genuinely exceptional.
The M-5550 is a solid late-’80s/early-’90s dual-mono Onkyo with 140 Wpc, good current delivery, and the kind of build that still appeals to two-channel fans. If it’s original, quiet, and fully serviced with proof, it has real appeal; without that, age-related recap or relay work can quickly eat into value, so I’d want strong photos, service history, and confirmation it’s working properly before paying this asking price.
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.
