Features of Onkyo amplifiers

Even the most powerful speakers are useless without a good amplifier capable of delivering correct sound reproduction, wide frequency response, and high signal levels. Premium Japanese technology provides near-perfect sound quality, but is not yet very familiar to most Russian audiophiles. Therefore, it is worth considering the features and range of Onkyo amplifiers.

Onkyo was founded in Osaka, Japan in 1946... Since its inception, the company has been developing and producing various audio equipment. Even the name of the company was chosen so as to emphasize the scope of its activities, because "On" is translated from Japanese as "sound", and "Kyo" - as "harmony". Already in 1950, the company released its first Hi-Fi product, the OP-670 4-Speed ​​turntable. In 1955, the production of stereo amplifiers was launched. And in 1970, the first representative of the Integra lineup appeared - the A725 amplifier. In 2015, a successful and well-known Japanese company in the world market acquired a division of the famous Pioneer company, which was engaged in the production of AV-receivers and Blue-Ray players.

As of 2019, the company employs nearly 2,000 people and has an annual turnover of over $ 55 billion. Now all the company's products are supplied under two brands - Onkyo itself (basic and more budget models are produced under it) and Integra (this line includes upgraded versions of basic amplifiers, adapted for use as embedded and having wider functionality).

The main advantages of Japanese amplifiers include:

• the highest build quality;
• elegant design and convenient minimalistic control;
• the use of the most modern electronic components;
• matching the characteristics of semiconductor elements located on different channels;
• voltage stabilization due to the installation of toroidal transformers;
• durable body of products;
• the highest sound quality, regardless of the model chosen - there are no "good and expensive" and "bad and cheap options" in the company's assortment, all products manufactured by the company provide clear sound, and the differences between the models are reduced mainly to power and additional functions;
• parallel push-pull architecture on a 3-stage circuit, and only discrete elements are used in the output stage;
• The AV receivers support the latest Dolby and Audissey DSX technologies.

This technique has several disadvantages, the most notable of which are:

• high price - almost all amplifiers belong to the premium segment and are more expensive than not only Chinese and European counterparts, but also products of other Japanese companies (for example, Sony);
• difficulties with maintenance and repair - the official representative office of the company is open only in Mokva, in other cities the AT Trade company is engaged in authorized repairs, whose representative offices are far from all regions of the Russian Federation;
• lack of unofficial firmware with extended functionality and a small selection of official ones;
• implemented in Audissey DSX receivers does not support the generation of additional surround channels, so for full immersion you will have to search for recordings with 7.1 channels.

The assortment of the company is very wide, while in the Russian market both all current models and the options discontinued by the company are quite available. Therefore, we will consider an overview of the most popular of them.

• PA-MC5501 - 9-channel amplifier for Hi-Fi home theater systems with 220 W / ch and THD + N distortion of only 0.05%. The implementation of WRAT technology provides a wide frequency range (from 5 Hz to 100 kHz). Thanks to its enormous power and high quality amplification, it is certified THX Ultra2 Plus. The connectors are gold-plated to ensure high-quality contact and no noise.

• PR-RZ5100 Black - 13-channel home theater preamplifier (11.2 format). THX Ultra2 Plus certified, supports DTS: X, DTS Neural: X and Dolby Atmos. Has the function of automatic calibration of AccuEQ speakers using a setup microphone. Equipped with 8 HDMI inputs, 4 video inputs, 5 digital and 7 analog audio inputs, Phono MM input, full USB input, as well as WiFi, Bluetooth and Ethernet input, which allows it to be integrated into a home audio-video system of any complexity. VLSC technology ensures high clarity of sound. Decodes many video formats, including 4K / 60 Hz, HDR10 / Dolby Vision and 3D.

• A-9150 Silver - an integrated stereo amplifier with an output power of 60 W / channel with a distortion factor of 0.08%. Frequency response - 10 Hz to 100 kHz. Provides ± 10 dB amplitude control for both bass and treble. Equipped with 4 RCA inputs, 2 coaxial inputs, 2 audio-optical inputs and a separate MM / MC connector. SpectraModule technology provides slew rates in excess of 500 V / μs to maintain linearity even in the high frequency range. Combined with DIDRC filters, this results in excellent high frequency sound quality.

• A-9000R Black - integrated stereo amplifier with a power of 140 W / channel with a distortion of 0.006%. Equipped with 5 analog RCA inputs, 2 coaxial digital inputs, 1 optical audio input, balanced digital AES / EBU input, MM / MC input and USB port, allowing you to connect to almost any audio equipment without using a mixer. A separate 192 kHz / 24-bit DAC is used for each channel. Reinforced housing with anti-vibration elements eliminates any noise and distortion.

When connecting any signal sources, you should carefully study the maximum power level for each of the inputs, indicated in the instructions. The same applies to the characteristics of the speakers connected to the output. Onkyo technology is capable of delivering very high levels of power that, if not matched correctly, can damage the speakers.

In the next video, you will find an overview of the Onkyo A-9150 integrated amplifier.