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Entered CNET Catalog: 06/30/2005
SKU: TX-SR503
Manufacturer: Onkyo USA
Manufacturer description
Finding the perfection of HDTV is an undeniable pleasure. The discovery of home theater is a revelation. Anchored around Onkyo's build quality and proprietary technologies - Wide Range Amplifier Technology (WRAT) and Optimum Gain Volume Circuitry - the groundwork is laid for powerful audio reproduction without the noise and distortion that limits other receivers. The TX-SR503 7.1-channel home theater receiver incorporates 192 kHz/24-bit digital-to-analog converters for all 7.1 channels to preserve the quality of your audio, and it also offers HDTV-capable (50 MHz) component video switching to give you connectivity and versatility with the latest displays (with still enough options for those who haven't made the change). With superb functionality and ease of use, the TX-SR503 is perfectly suited for those looking to explore quality home theater in the HDTV environment, now and in the future.User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 User Rating: 
9/10
great value from a proven company
Pros: value, feature set for the money
Cons: lowish power ratings
Review: I needed a relatively basic, dependable receiver to go with my JBL scs160si (6.1) speaker system. This receiver has never let me down. The variety of audio modes is excellent.
Although it is only rated for 65 watts per channel, I have never had a problem with lack of volume or quality even during the most intense movie scenes.
-paid $260 in summer 2003/4 (not sure which)
-system has never had any issues
Although it is only rated for 65 watts per channel, I have never had a problem with lack of volume or quality even during the most intense movie scenes.
-paid $260 in summer 2003/4 (not sure which)
-system has never had any issues
User Rating: 9/10
A great value
Pros: tons of features
Cons: Won't support low impedance speakers, no phono input.
Review: I just bought this from Circuit City after my 20 year old receiver died. I was considering a couple other receivers from Denon and Pioneer, but the $50 rebate and $15 discount were too good to resist. The setup was a bit complicated, but the manual is clear and thorough. The number of features and listening options is amazing. I'm playing it through a pair of Infinity 160 speakers, and they have never sounded better. The receiver's only weaknesses are the sort of features you would find on much more expensive models, so I have no complaints.
Updated
I just bought this from CC after my 20 year old receiver died. I was considering a couple other receivers from Denon and Pioneer, but the $50 rebate and $15 discount were too good to resist. The setup was a bit complicated, but the manual is clear and thorough. The number of features and listening options is amazing. I'm playing it through a pair of Infinity Primus 160 speakers, and they have never sounded better. The receiver's only weaknesses are the sort of features you would find on much more expensive models, so I have no complaints.
I just bought this from CC after my 20 year old receiver died. I was considering a couple other receivers from Denon and Pioneer, but the $50 rebate and $15 discount were too good to resist. The setup was a bit complicated, but the manual is clear and thorough. The number of features and listening options is amazing. I'm playing it through a pair of Infinity Primus 160 speakers, and they have never sounded better. The receiver's only weaknesses are the sort of features you would find on much more expensive models, so I have no complaints.
User Rating: 9/10
teriffic!one HOT receiver lol
Pros: everything--just the heat is of concern but can be fixed
Cons: hot!this unit runs every hot on right side
Review: i own the top 696 model-3xs as much as this unit cost-i didnt want to use it for regular tv listening--because the tvs spkrs on the sony 50 inch a10 sound muffled to me-grat buy!! unit runs HOT on right side=go to =windywilly.com and get the variable speed fan-fans ultra quiet-unit runs cool now!! lol just place atop the 503--all in all a superior unit--driving power hungry infinity kappa 8s in front and NOOOOO problem
User Rating: 
8/10
great sound quality for the money
Pros: sound quality, reliability
Cons: runs hot, little tone control, weird tunner control
Review: I only have two dissipointments with this reciever. First, it only has a bass and trebble tone adjustments, not a frequency equalizer. I finally decided to get a standalone eq for my cd changer, but the tunner isn't going to have much frequency control. The tunner also will not scan from the remote, only from the face, so you can only go by channel, and both am and fm are in the same grouping.
I am verry happy with this reciever and my freind with a $700 yahamaha is envious.
I am verry happy with this reciever and my freind with a $700 yahamaha is envious.
User Rating: 9/10
Great 7.1 Reciver!!!
Pros: Great sound, Volume, Clarity, features, and Value
Cons: Cheaper reciver so not as many features as higher priced
Review: This is a great litle reciver! I love it sounds great, and goes really high in volume! I got it for 199.99 from OnkyoUSA referb and it got here next day.. Even though its a referb and said might have "Minor cosmetic dammage" i looked at it and it looked BRAND new... Mabye just lucky (For once lol) and so pluged it all in and set it up (Is a little tricky) and GREAT!!! This reciver is well worth the money, it was between this one and a Pionner VSX-815 and i heard both of them and this one was better despite this one is rated at 75 watts a channel compared to 100 with the pionner.. Don't worry i was when i saw the 75 watts a channel, but its running all composite now Not even digital and sounds clear.. Can't wait until i get my Xbox adapter to plug it in to Digital Fiber Optic! Only downside is not alot of features compared to other high tech recivers, however this is fine and great for me... I saved 100 dollers buying this one compared to Pionner and couldn't be happier....
User Rating: 
7/10
Insane (Refurb) Deal. Great for audiophiles, better for penny pinchers!
Pros: 7.1 Sound, 3 component inputs, ProLogic IIx.
Cons: No video format conversion, manual must be read for setup. gets very warm on right side.
Review: I am on a very limited budget and thought I would have to live with a stereo or HTiB receiver. After shopping around, I found Onkyo to have the right combination of features and price for me ($179 shipped Refurb via Ecost.com). 7.1 surround sound and all the latest Dolby digital DSPs turned me on to this receiver, but the 3 component and digital audio inputs really sold it for me. I was hesitant for a bit about the audio and video conversion (with this receiver if you have both an S-Video and Composite video component, you must connect both S-Video and Composite to your television) but I realized as soon as I upgraded my television and video components, I would not have to worry at all about the quality. Remember, no video conversion just means the quality is JUST as good as what was input, no better, no worse. I rated this product an 8/10 because its overall build quality is excellent, but
Updated
...I rated this product an 8/10 because its overall build quality is excellent, but the lack of video upconversion, it's manual-required setup, and uncomfortable warmth on one side knock it down a notch. Otherwise, the sound quality and plethora of DSPs make it a superb entry into the market for Onkyo.
...I rated this product an 8/10 because its overall build quality is excellent, but the lack of video upconversion, it's manual-required setup, and uncomfortable warmth on one side knock it down a notch. Otherwise, the sound quality and plethora of DSPs make it a superb entry into the market for Onkyo.
User Rating: 9/10
Fantastic Reciever !
Pros: Works great , Sounds Great and is very inexpensive.
Cons: Can't think of any.
Review: This is my first A/V reciever so perhaps I don't know what I' missing, but I'm on an extreme budget and still wanted great sound. Sounds like an impossible situation I know. Well I got this reciever for 165.00 Refurbished and coupled it wirh the Fluance SX-HTB+ Speakers for 259.00 and couldn't be any happier. For what I paid this little system I have sounds remarkable.I just have a sub to purchase yet which will open up another level to this experience I'm sure. I'm using it with my PC so far, through a Bluegears X-Mystique soundcard and would highly recommend this alternative to any plastic PC speaker setup. The sound is simply wonderful, setup was effortless and with a little manual reading you should have a fully functional PC/ Hometheatre setup on a budget. Don't wait just do it! I got mired down in watts, and reciever envy with other more expensive models but for the price this thing can't be beat IMHO.
User Rating: 9/10
Reply to previous review
Pros: Does not have to have all 7 speakers connected in order for Dolby Digital and DTS to work
Cons: None at this time
Review: I spoke with a tech support person from Crutchfield after reading the review about having to have all 7 speakers connected in order for the Dolby Digital and DTS processor to kick in. The tech support said the extra speakers simply need to be turned out in the menu. I am going to purchase the receiver and hope the tech support is not leading me astray. Thank you to the previous reviewer for bringing this to my attention and making me away of a potential draw back in the very reasonably priced receiver at $259 at Crutchfield.
User Rating: 8/10
Great Value
Pros: Very Clear Sound and Lots of power for small to medium size rooms
Cons: No video upconversion, speaker calibration can be complicated
Review: I was initially looking for a thx certified receiver, but the only ones in my price rage were the pioneer 1015 and the kenwood 9070.
After much consideration, I decided to go with the Onkyo to save money and because of its low total harmonic distortion.
I have the receiver connected to the TSS-450 infinity speakers and the system sounds amazing. The receiver has so much power, that I havent been able to turn up the volume past half way, because my walls start to vibrate more than I would like them to.
It is important to note that inorder to get the dobly digital and DTS processor to activate, all seven speakers must be connected. If all seven speakers are not connected you will receive sound through the PCM channel...which is not bad at all.
Also, it may take a little calibration to make certain that the speakers sound perfect, but if you don't care, you probably wont notice the difference if your speakers are not calibrated perfectly.
Overall, its a great system for the price, and, unless you have a large theater room or living room (1500 square feet or more), you probably wont need any more power.
After much consideration, I decided to go with the Onkyo to save money and because of its low total harmonic distortion.
I have the receiver connected to the TSS-450 infinity speakers and the system sounds amazing. The receiver has so much power, that I havent been able to turn up the volume past half way, because my walls start to vibrate more than I would like them to.
It is important to note that inorder to get the dobly digital and DTS processor to activate, all seven speakers must be connected. If all seven speakers are not connected you will receive sound through the PCM channel...which is not bad at all.
Also, it may take a little calibration to make certain that the speakers sound perfect, but if you don't care, you probably wont notice the difference if your speakers are not calibrated perfectly.
Overall, its a great system for the price, and, unless you have a large theater room or living room (1500 square feet or more), you probably wont need any more power.
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