ANything beat onkyo for ht receiver $500?

I have the TX SR-605 and it sounds amazingly natural and musical from bottom to top and the dynamics are fantastic. I can't really fault it except that it runs a bit hot. I doubt if any receiver under $1000 sounds noticeably better. Can't comment or compare the more recent SR-606 as I haven't heard it.

The HK AVR247 is cleaner and more neutral sounding, IMO. Also, better current deliver historically on the HK's. It's a consideration. Also, companies that mod them available.
Good luck

HK's have great sound for the money, but their reliability has been lower than the Japanese brands. Onkyos are pretty good for the money - you can get a new Onkyo TX-SR706 for under $500 on Amazon. I assure you this machine will sound good.

If you get an Onkyo, be sure to set the listening mode to "Direct" instead of "stereo" for all serious two channel listening. This makes a VERY BIG difference in the quality of the sound.

And yes, Onkyos run HOT, but that seems to be within design parameters for these receivers. To be on the safe side,allow room above for air flow and use in a well ventilated space.

Onkyo TX SR805/806 have 1.3A HDMI... 3 in, 1 out.

By lessening the load on the receiver, ie., more eff speakers or adding an amp, the hot running aspect becomes a non thing. My 805 drives the center, and two surrounds only. I use an outboard amp for the mains. Mine doesn't run any hotter than any other reciever I've owned. In fact I think my sony rec in another room actually feels hotter to me.

The 805 does sound pretty good though, especially if any budget issues are involved. it's a nice enough rec that I paid way more than any 500 or 600, as I got mine right after they first came out... and they come out pretty doggone often it seems.

705/706 and 805/806 are rated for continuous 4 ohm load - may have power reserves that allow them to easily handle more difficult loads than lower models rated only for 6 ohm loads.

Going from 70X to 80X gives 30 more watts per channel of power (100W to 130W) and about 10 lbs more chassis bulk. If you need the power, you could probably find a slightly older 805 with the features you are looking for used under $500.

I guess to answer the original question - no, nothing really better than Onkyo in each class for the money. Some makes just as good, but Onkyo has been on a roll in making value laden and good sounding receivers for quite a while.