Good 2 channel receiver
I didn't need a 7.1 or even a 5.1 system, all I needed was a good two channel receiver/amplifier to go with 2 Sony bookshelf speakers left over from a previous component system. The Onkyo fits the bill just fine. It has plenty of power for my wants and has alot of connection options. I have my TV, CD and DVD hooked up to it and it still has a couple of open connections. The sound, including the internal FM radio, is very good to my old, untrained ears. So far the unit has met all of my expectations and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a relatively simple 2 channel receiver.

I am extremely satisfied with this receiver!!!
After my old receiver broke down (which was just a bad radioshack model)I went looking for a good receiver for a reasonable price. I came across this model and saw all the reviews all over the internet. I didn't know much about Onkyo, and had assumed they weren't good receivers. I was very, very wrong. This receiver is pretty much THE receiver to get if you can't afford a really expensive product, but still want a great sound. It amplifies beautifully with a rich and fantastic sound! It can go EXTREMELY loud, but I wouldn't recommend turning any receiver up so loud that pictures are falling off the wall, that would probably blow out your speakers, too. If you want a good deal on a receiver after your old one goes bad, this IS THE ONE TO GET!!! One last thing, I also have to mention the greatness of it's phono inputs, for people like myself who still love vinyl, its hard to find a newer receiver with phono (or one that sounds good) this receiver truly delivers with all its capabilities. This receiver is one of the best you can get without spending a lot of money. Onkyo has truly delivered!

Among the best buys for a two-channel system
For the past two years, the Onkyo 8222 receiver has served me well -- powering a pair of BIC bookshelf speakers with room to spare from a CD changer, DVD player, and gaming platform. No fancy bells and whistles from this unit, which appeals to the simple logic of "less complexity = less likely to break." Just good, clean sound from a 2-channel receiver with only the essentials. A small indicator light on the volume knob would have been a nice feature, but that's a nit-picking flaw. What continues to amaze me is the stable price point -- when purchased in 2006, the one-fifty-ish price remains unchanged in 2008. Quite the bargain! An excellent buy overall.

Excellent product
I purchased this receiver for use in my woodshop, which is in a basement. It is able to tune into radio stations with fairly weak signals as well as clearly driving a CD player, tape deck, and iPod. Programming the radio presets is quick and easy. The remote works for approximately 10 feet. Additionally, the rear of the unit is clearly marked so "set-up" was simple. Thank you Onkyo.

Good system at a budget price.
This amp allows you to get a taste of what higher quality audio is like without gimmicks, and with a budget the average person can afford. If you don't need a 5.1 system, this stereo is the one for you. The main selling point for me, being a fan of classic vinyl and owning a vintage turntable, was the fact that it had a proper phono input, something that is pretty hard to find these days, even on higher end systems. 50 watts might not seem like much on the surface, but this system packs a surprising punch; at least enough to power my 10" loudspeakers. The biggest downside is that the sound is a bit shrill, but enough fiddling with the bass and treble settings will allow you to find a happy medium.