Onkyo TX-1500MKII (1978–1981)
A refined receiver with a face full of knobs and a servo-locked tuner.
Overview
The Onkyo TX-1500MKII is a stereo receiver from the turn of the 1980s. It is not one of those hulking 1970s receivers that promises 200 watts and delivers distortion. Onkyo favored precision over raw power in this period. It was built between 1978 and 1981, when Japanese receivers were getting smarter, with more stable tuning, better build and careful circuit design. It hit the market at 650 DM in 1978, a mid-to-upper-tier choice for European buyers who wanted a dependable, well-sorted AM/FM receiver without stepping into separates territory.
The "MKII" does not make it a rare flagship. It is a classic Onkyo workhorse with a cult following among people who appreciate clean signal paths and tactile control. The chassis is metal with a wood-grain finish, and the front is a forest of knobs. It may not roar like some of its contemporaries, but it was designed for balanced, stable performance and tuning accuracy, which counted when FM stereo broadcasts were still a novelty.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Onkyo |
| Model | TX-1500MKII |
| Years | 1978–1981 |
| Power Output | 17 watts per channel, min. RMS, at 8 ohms both channels driven, from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, with no more than 0.3% total harmonic distortion |
| Voltage | 110-240V |
| Power Consumption | 150W |
| FM Mono Sensitivity | 18.3 dBf (4.5 µV), 50 dB quieting |
| FM Stereo Sensitivity | 39.2 dBf (50 µV), 50 dB quieting |
| Intermediate Frequency | 10.7 MHz |
Key Features
Servo-Locked Tuning: Stability Over Showmanship
The "Servo Locked" badge on the front is a real circuit, built to keep the tuner locked onto weak or drifting FM stations. This wasn't universal in the late '70s, and Onkyo's implementation cut down the constant need to tweak the dial. The intermediate frequency is 10.7 MHz, a standard for FM receivers of the era, and it gives solid reception with decent immunity to interference. The FM MPX decoder uses the LA3350 IC, a common but reliable chip for stereo demultiplexing, which keeps channel separation stable when the signal allows.
Knob-Filled, Wood-Textured Presence
Owners note it has a "very pretty design furnishing many knobs." Everything from input selection to tuning is handled with physical controls, and the metal chassis has a wood-grain texture. It's not flashy, but it feels substantial. The front panel also has a "Locked lamp" circuit, which likely lights when the servo system has acquired and stabilized a station.
Integrated Circuit Amplifier Design
Unlike the discrete, dual-mono monsters of the time, the TX-1500MKII uses the STK-459 IC for its power amplifier section. It was a cost-effective, compact solution that Onkyo used across several models, with a lower parts count. Some purists dismiss IC-based amps, but they are reliable and sonically clean when properly implemented. The ripple filter transistor is a 2SD234(O) or (Y), and the dial illumination sits on a dedicated PC board (NAPL-474), which makes replacement easier for restorers.
Collectibility & Value
The TX-1500MKII trades in the €40 to €250 range, with recent listings (2025-2026) clustering between €100 and €180 for working units. Prices vary with cosmetic state and function. €86 listings are likely untested or cosmetically worn, while €200+ examples are often serviced or freshly cleaned. Restoration kits are available, marketed as "Onkyo TX-1500 MKII restoration kit filter capacitor repair rebuild fix," and they target aging electrolytics in the power supply and signal path.
Service manuals are accessible through outlets like Manualslib, Elektrotanya, and eBay, which makes repairs feasible for DIYers. That availability matters—without documentation, even simple fixes become guesswork. While there’s no widespread data on common failures, the presence of repair resources suggests the model has a small but active support base. It’s not the most powerful or exotic Onkyo receiver, but for those who appreciate the brand’s clean, functional design language, it’s a satisfying piece to own and maintain.
eBay Listings
As an eBay Partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our independent vintage technology research.
Related Models
- Onkyo TX-666
- Onkyo TX-4500II (1975)
- Onkyo INTEGRA-A-815 (1978)
- Onkyo TX-2500II (1975)
- Onkyo TX-3500 (1971)
- Marantz 2226 (1974-1976)
- Marantz 2226B (1979-1980)
- Marantz 2235 (1974-1977)
- Marantz 2238B (1978-1980)
- Marantz 2250B (1978-1980)