This Onkyo TX-2500 receiver is a low to mid-range offering from Onkyo with the TX-8500 being the big dog at the time. I’ve always liked the look of the Onkyo receivers – even the bolt on front dial glass. When all the bulbs work and they are lit up they have the warm glow of candle light. This particular TX-2500 is the MK II version which does differ slightly from the regular TX-2500. I believe the TX-2500 came out around 1976-77 and the revised MK II around 1978. The MK II had a retail price of around $360.00.
Onkyo’s TX-2500 is listed at 27 watts per channel while the Tx-2500 MK II is listed at 40 watts per channel. Of course, the late 70’s were the height of the receiver wars where each manufacturer was trying to outdo the other with more watts per channel and other features. This is probably why Onkyo decided to up the ante with the power output. Total harmonic distortion was lowered as well from 0.5% to 0.1%.
The late 70’s Onkyo receivers are very good performers and you be hard pressed to find someone that does not like them. They very regularly sell for quite a bit less then a comparable Pioneer or Yamaha receiver. So, for the money I would consider them sleepers and if you have a chance to pick one up cheaply you should do so.
I just recently purchased an Onkyo TX-2500 MkII and wish to replace the tuner, locked, meters and dial lamps. I am having a very difficult time finding these bulbs. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks tons!!
Hi there,
I’ve got this classic receiver, the MKII, paired with infinity Primus surround sound, and am very curious if there’s any way to wire it for 5 speakers so that I can include the amazing center speaker. Any suggestions greatly appreciated! thanks
I’ve owned both an Onkyo TX-2500 and a Marantz 2226b. I found the Onkyo to have a better tuner and superior phono section, as well as better sound overall, at least to my ears.
Does anyone know if the lamp referenced by Lucas could be used on the Onkyo TX-3000?
Thanks!
Rick
The specs match (close enough anyway – 6.3v .25A). As long as the TX-3000 uses fuse style bulbs then they should work.
George…just curious as to why you would want to have a center channel?? on clearly a 2 channel stereo receiver?….fyi it can be done although ilIm still not sure as to why?
Anyone know of a source for replacement dial glass for the 2500 MkII?
Ebay I have found most of my parts on there also replacement lights.
Rich, hallo!
I just hade some fum with 4500 MK II. Acidentaly I made a single schratch in the middle of dial “glass”
In the end I find out it can be polished verry good with special “polywatch polish” I left that deep spot but it was just a tiny dot left.
The other option woud be manufacturing new one. I had a serious plan but after polywatch abandoned it.
It takes a pice of acryl glass, some some manual skils on a table saw (And maybe router) and in the end laser engraver.
You engrave mirored dials on the back and voila. I am shure it could be done verry well.
All the best, Miro
This receiver is very nice. It works well with a pair of BA A100 speakers I’ve used it with. At 40 wpc it can easily make speakers with 90+ db sensitivity get loud fast with the volume dial. The sound from this receiver is excellent. It is easily on par with another Sanyo receiver I have sound quality wise and also compares equal to a Pioneer SX550 I have. The onkyo is actually better for me because I can get another 3db of headroom using the extra watts. Very nice looking receiver as well.