Onkyo TX-4500MKII Stereo Receiver
Quartz locked, high fidelity vintage audio receiver
$289.00
The Onkyo TX-4500MKII was one of Onkyo’s most respected mid-to-upper class stereo receivers of the late 1970s, representing the company’s dedication to high fidelity and precise engineering. Marketed as part of Onkyo’s “MKII” line, it combined elegant styling with robust performance, designed for audiophiles who demanded both power and accuracy.
Design & Aesthetics
Classic 70’s Silver Faceplate with a brushed aluminum finish, accented by solid, machined knobs and toggle switches.
Large Analog Dial with smooth flywheel tuning for precise AM/FM station selection.
Illuminated signal strength and tuning meters, along with FM stereo indicator for clear readability.
Woodgrain Cabinet sides and top, adding warmth and style to the modernist design.
Performance Features
Power Output: Approximately 55 watts per channel into 8 ohms (RMS), delivering clean, distortion-free sound even at higher volumes.
Wide Frequency Response ensuring accurate reproduction from deep bass to extended highs.
Low Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), demonstrating Onkyo’s commitment to pure sound.
High Damping Factor for tight, controlled bass performance with demanding speaker loads.
Tuner Section
Sensitive FM/AM tuner with excellent selectivity and stability, designed for low noise and minimal drift.
Multipath and muting circuits to reduce interference and ensure clear reception.
Quartz-locked tuning stability in higher models of the MKII series influenced its design.
Connectivity & Flexibility
Multiple inputs for phono, auxiliary, and tape, supporting both moving magnet phono cartridges and line-level sources.
Dual tape monitoring with dubbing capability.
Pre-out/main-in jacks for system expansion or integration with separate amplifiers.
Speaker switching for two pairs of speakers (A/B) with flexible listening arrangements.
Legacy
The TX-4500MKII was praised in brochures and reviews as an ideal blend of style, power, and musicality, offering performance comparable to higher-priced receivers. It embodied the “receiver wars” era, where manufacturers competed to deliver the cleanest, most powerful sound in beautifully crafted enclosures. Today, it remains a sought-after vintage receiver among collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate its warm sound signature and rugged build.
