You have to look closely to see what the second device actually is—but it’s worth it.
Sometimes you find gold, even if you don’t see it at first glance. It’s not uncommon for people to leave old and unwanted items on the street for others to take. Often, these are books or old DVDs.p>
In the case of a gamer on Reddit, he may have stumbled upon a small treasure trove. Historical-Big4593 found two technical devices on the side of the road: a PC and an AV receiver.
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Found this free pc, should I pick it up?
byu/Historical-Big4593 inpcmasterrace
Historical-Big4593 only has eyes for the PC and therefore asks in the subreddit r/pcmr: “Should I take it?”
The community’s response is prompt. The most highly rated comment by far refers to the receiver standing on top of the PC tower.
Let’s talk more about the receiver. I love good receivers.
One commenter writes directly below:
Right?! It’s probably worth more than the computer.
What kind of receiver is that?
Let’s go into detail first. What kind of receiver is this? Our research has revealed that the dusty device on the computer is an Onkyo TX-SR502.
- The Onkyo TX-SR502 was a solid home theater receiver in the mid-2000s.
- Its strengths include 6.1-channel connectivity, fine-tuning options, and an excellent remote control.
- Its weaknesses include that it is only suitable for small rooms and does not have on-screen menus.
- CNET was very impressed with the device in a 2004 test.
The technical data can be found below:
Technical data
- Channels: 6.1-channel AV receiver
- Power: approx. 75 W per channel at 8 Ω (20 Hz – 20 kHz)
- Audio formats: Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Pro Logic II/IIx, DTS, DTS-ES, DTS Neo:6, DTS 96/24
- DACs: 96 kHz / 24-bit on all channels
- Video: 2x component video inputs (HDTV-ready, 50 MHz), composite & S-video
- Audio inputs: 4 digital inputs (3x optical, 1x coaxial), multiple analog inputs including 5.1 analog input
- Subwoofer output: Yes, with selectable crossover frequency (60/80/100/120/150 Hz)
- Radio: AM/FM tuner with 30 presets
- Technologies: WRAT (Wide Range Amplifier Technology), CinemaFILTER, Pure Audio Mode
- Dimensions: 435 x 150 x 376 mm
- Weight: approx. 10.2 kg
Why the receiver is the real treasure
The receiver is easily 20 years old. Is it still worth taking it with you?
Absolutely! Audio devices are known for staying up to date for years and decades.
- Robust: Older hi-fi devices often have thick metal housings, large heat sinks, and solid transformers. This ensures thermal stability and protection against wear and tear.
- Analog: Many amplifiers and receivers are based on analog circuits, which are relatively insensitive to software errors, firmware bugs, or obsolescence.
- No obsolescence: Smartphones and TVs are regularly updated with new software to keep them up to date. If these are not installed, the technology becomes outdated over time and slows down or even becomes unusable.
- Stable standards: Connections and interfaces on audio devices hardly ever become obsolete. Optical inputs and outputs are used today in exactly the same way as they were 20 years ago.
However, the receiver lacks HDMI slots. In principle, this is not a major issue, as many speakers and TVs are equipped with optical inputs.
How much is the Onkyo TX-SR502 worth?We have a used offer on Fein HiFi , where the receiver is offered for €135. In the comments on Reddit, the estimated price fluctuates around $80 (approx. €68), assuming the device still works. We would agree with that.
Nevertheless, it might be worth taking the PC with you. Who knows what parts are hidden inside the case that can still be used today?
