 "Onkyo A-5VL VS. A-9555" | 2009-09-22 |
| - Reviewed By User: A3EP93SN0L245P |
After years of getting mixed result from multi-function receivers, I have decided to try a dedicated stereo amp to see if the music really sounds better. And it turns out that it does. There are many brands out there but the real choice (testing the equipment) is quite limited. Since my favorite mid price brand (Harman Kardon) does not offer much in the integrated amp area, the focus shifted to another popular and easily available name -Onkyo. The A-9555 got pretty good marks, but there was very little information on its A-5VL successor available in September 2009. Thanks to generous return policy I got both models and tested them with two sets of headphones - Denon AHD 2000 and Sennheiser HD 800.
Staring with the newer A-5VL model, the moment I turned up the volume knob there was the "WOW" factor. I have never before experienced that excellent sound quality from a mid priced amp and instantly felt this is something to hold on to. However, after a while I have noticed that that the sound does have that sharp digital quality different from the "tube-like" softness and warmth I was looking for and found in its predecessor.
Thus, the A-9555 is a real winner here - sonically more realistic, with a wider sound stage and twice the (Watt) power coming at a lower price tag. I can honestly recommend this amp to anyone looking to boost the CD sound without spending thousands of your hard earned dollars.
Both receivers have very good headphone output, but they really lack quality phono input. A Vinyl record played with Technics 1200MK2 sounded no different than a CD.
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 "Missing balance control knob!" | 2009-06-06 |
| - Reviewed By User: ASSIXP9FJK2GS |
| I agree that this is a good amplifier. However, it lacks a balance control knob, making it is impossible to adjust the relative loudness of the left and right channels. I consider this to be a major design flaw. |
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| "Amazing" | 2009-04-10 |
| - Reviewed By User: A28AW9Z5N0TV6L |
| See my full review posted at www.audioasylum.com for the complete descrition. Ths amp in my 20k system really shined. Onkyo is to be commended for building an amplifier of this qualit at this price level. I said it in my review. A new classic iis born. |
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 "A solid integrated amplifier" | 2009-03-11 |
| - Reviewed By User: A2AA8QVEDLKJTT |
There are already lots of review of this product over the internet, so I will only focus on what is not being mentioned often.
First, this amp requires a fair amount of break-in. Right out of the box, it sounded edgy and unrefined. After a long break-in, it transformed into a very solid amplifier. I always like Onkyo product due to its solid construction and no-frill-but-well-thought-out appearance. This one is no exception.
I do have two operation issues with this amp. First, it should have a balance knob, besides the bass and treble knobs. Second, this amp has only a power button and no standby button. So you can only use your remote to wake up the amp from standby. There are these two buttons on all the Onkyo home theater receivers, and Okyo should put a standby button on this amp also!
Performance wise, it is a very solid amp, which has been appraised by so many people. |
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| "Astonishing Product" | 2009-01-09 |
| - Reviewed By User: ATW0Z57E2G30I |
| This is one of the best products I have ever purchased. If you are a crazy audiophile, you will no doubt be able to find some kind of fault with this. If you are a normal person who appreciates gorgeous sound reproduction in a stylish, elegant package, with top-notch build quality, you will be filled with gratitude to have this equipment, at any reasonable price. Of course, the price is ridiculously low, even at list. At the price it is actually selling for, you literally cannot go wrong. Put in the HiFi-Tuning fuse too (see the Stereophile review). It makes it even better. And buy the matched CD player to go with it. |
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| "Superb clarity and power to spare." | 2008-12-29 |
| - Reviewed By User: A34JGR3LMV1I64 |
I researched many products before settling on this baby. I looked at many Yamaha products, a few Denon, and several others. I looked into 5.1 and 7.1 systems as well as dedicated stereo receivers and, of course, stereo amplifiers.
I chose this amp for two reasons: 1) a great price considering it's retail, and 2) I wanted a dedicated stereo machine because I am probably not going to use home theater sound any time in the next several years (because of budget constraints).
So, if I have constraints why almost $500 for this amp? Because it's big and powerful with a great rating for low distortion. I wanted great sound and power to spare. This amp has got that. I replaced a Sony receiver (STRDE197) with this amp and I have to say that the clarity of sound differential between the two systems is amazing. This Onkyo brings fuller, clearer, more vibrant power to the experience of listening to music. I am running a set of polkaudio TSi300 speakers with this amp and the music is just full and complete like never before.
I am writing this review on the spot, giving you the benefit of my first impressions in a comparison with my previous receiver because I want you to realize in these paragraphs the difference a more well developed sound system can make to your experience. I knew I was getting a very good system (the reputation of Onkyo precedes them) and I believed that the clarity and power would be better across all volumes, but I never realized just how much better a system could really be.
The range of sound (frequency response) is much fuller. Highs are higher than before. Mids are far more potent, and the bass is deeper and richer. I'm thoroughly enjoying the music I've got playing right now. I made a good decision in getting this amp.
You must make up your mind if you need a dedicated stereo system, or want home theater diversity. I'm certain that there are many good home theater products available out there. I think that Onkyo has some good dedicated home theater receivers. But, if you want a dedicated music playing system then why not look at this powerhouse? The features are very basic and standard (I never even looked at the instruction book when hooking up the amp to my computer, CD player, and speakers). The remote control is nicely functional, though I haven't found out yet whether or not it has universal capability for anything.
The pure direct function brings startling clarity to the sound of your music.
Hopefully, my review has given you a little clue as to what kind of quality lies with the Onkyo A-9555 amplifier. I bought mine without having heard it and I'm more than pleased with what I've received here.
If you do buy, then have it shipped quickly, put all the system together yourself, and relax and enjoy the greatness of the best of your favorite music artists. Believe me, with this amplifier the music will come through crisp and clear, and it's capable of blowing you right out of the house. |
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