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Onkyo A-5VL Review: Integrated Amplifier

Posted to Audio Components 2010-04-28

The Onkyo A-5VL features some space saving features that help give it a slim appearance, while still possessing all the necessary things you could require out of a home audio amplifier. Added in this version is the ability for attachment of Onkyo's optional Remote Interactive (RI) docks to give your IPOD connectivity to your amplifier, giving maximum flexibility for sound playback.

Onkyo has also included the Burr-Brown (integrated circuits) 192 kHz/24-Bit digital-audio converter (DAC) system in the A-5VL to given an increase to audio dynamic performance that the unit is capable of. Power consumption of this unit is 110 watts during full operation and can drop to as low as 0.3 watts when in standby mode to really reduce the impact your home audio setup might have on the environment and your electricity bills.

Rating:

4.0 out of 5

Performance

Channel output should be important when you are looking for an amplifier that will effectively control all audio output in your home. The A-5VL provides 2x40watts channel output at 8ohms and has 4 audio in and 4 audio out ports. There are no video inputs in this unit so be careful when choosing this to be your main amplifier as it is only for audio. The gold plated Banana Plug speaker terminals help control sound output across the ranges to give higher quality audio to each of the connected speakers.

Ergonomics

The slim design of this amplifier helps it to stand out amongst a very crowded category in the home audio market. Its dimensions range from 17-1/8 wide, 3-1/8 high and 13-3/8 deep, making it small enough to fit into most home theater cabinets or setups. Blue power indicators on the front are a change from the standard red or green LED's that a number of amps have and the dials that are accessible via the front of the amplifier are easy to use an understand.

Summary

Without the inclusion of video in/out in this unit, it is hard for it to become the only amplifier in your home theater setup. If you are looking at keeping your audio system separate from your video system then there could be a case to include this unit in your considerations, especially with its optional iPod docking.

Pros

No Video in/out
Slim design
Optional iPod docking
Burr-Brown DAC
Small power consumption

Cons

There are no cons for this product

Recommended accessory:

Monster Cable I300MKII-2M : Solid Core Technology Audio Interconnect (2 meter/ 6.56 ft)