I've had both the xr50 and the LR552 in my system, and I think the Onkyo is much better built, offers a better crossover (40,60,80,100,120), and has a much better remote. The sound is also a lot smoother and less fatiguing with better bass slam. I'm still in the process of burning in the xr50, but after 3 days it still makes my ears bleed. The Onkyo is less transparent than the Panny, but so far the Panny is unbearable for me. I'm going to give the Panny a few more days and if it doesn't smooth out I'll keep the Onkyo or Kenwood 7100 which I also have. The Kenwood seems to sound in between the two as far as transparency and smoothness. The Onkyo though, is a conisderably nicer looking unit than either. As far as power, the Onkyo has just as much and is also plagued by the inability to power lower efficiency speakers that dip in impedance. Overall, as of this moment, I would choose either the Kenwood or the Onkyo over the Panny because they do seem more musical. Time will tell for the Panny.