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Should you jump on it at US$985, or hold out for a cleaner example? At the asked price, it’s basically right on the market’s sweet spot: just under the US$1,000 median and a touch below the US$985 25th percentile, so this reads as a solid fair buy rather than a steal, but not at all ambitious.
The reason it stays attractive is simple: the M-504 is a respected vintage Onkyo muscle amp with real drive, a handsome build, and enough output to anchor a serious system without feeling flimsy or fashion-driven. If it’s complete, powers up cleanly, and the meters/protection circuit behave normally, this is the kind of listing a fellow enthusiast can buy with confidence; at this level, I’d mainly want confirmation of service history and that no cosmetic or operational issues are being quietly hidden.
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.
