Customer Reviews

Onkyo A-5VL A-5VL Integrated Stereo Amplifier

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I purchased this amplifier because I wanted something better than even a high-end iPod dock (such as the Bowers & Wilkins Zepplin.) I wanted to use my iPod (actually iPhone 3GS) as the source for a small and mid-priced, but high-end audio system and I didn't want to sacrifice music quality or convenience. I also wanted something smaller than a full receiver that wouldn't stick out in my den/library that could accept a digital audio signal, which is almost impossible to find in a mini system, but this has it.

So here's what I did: I purchased the Wadia 170i Transport ($399) which is the only product on the market which can bypass the iPod/iPhone's internal digital audio converter and output a true digital audio output via a digital coaxial cable (it officially only support iPods, but my iPhone works fine). I plugged this digital coax cable output (included with the Wadia) into the Onkyo A-5VL ($599) and added a high quality pair of bookshelf speakers (Boston Acoustics for $600 a pair). So, it is a total of $1,600 for the whole system, but it is more flexible and MUCH, MUCH higher quality and better sounding than a B&W Zepplin or mini system and even cooler in its low profile, audiophile system approach.

When I play a recording from my iPhone (Apple lossless format is best) on this system, the sound is AMAZING and rivals even much higher priced and much larger systems. The sound is effortless and pure (especially with direct bypass of tone controls) and can be played very loudly without losing quality or becoming harsh. I listened to some songs I had listened to many, many times, on my existing mini system (and high end car system) and I heard many instruments in the background that I never noticed before, which is another true testament to high quality amplification. It is more expensive than mass market iPod capable systems, but is actually fairly cheap by audiophile standards and a very good value.

I love the simplicity, lack of flash and very high quality of this product. It's kind of a throwback to old stereo audio days of high quality separate components but easily it handles digital content. It really has only two functions: i) convert from digital to audio and ii) amplify the signal to drive speakers, but these are the only two functions I needed for my high end system it does these two things EXTREMELY well. It has a very high quality Burr-Brown DAC and a higher quality amplifier than found in the already very good Onkyo receivers. This amplifier is solid and weighs a lot for its small size due to its high quality components and thick copper plate. I feel like I spent my money on higher quality rather than features like surround sound, a tuner, etc that I did not need.

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 sure 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.
Other observations:
1) Both receivers have very good headphone output, but they really lack quality phono input. An LP played with Technics 1200MK2 sounded more like a cd than vinyl record. Harman Kardon is I believe a better choice for analog media. It is clear that the Onkyo was primarily designed for digital media and that's were it really shines.
2) I did not test MP3's as I truly and absolutely despise any decrease in audio quality.

Pros: Build quality, power, functionality (build in DAC)
Cons: Usability, sound quality

I had the A-5VL for about two weeks before returning it. I give the A-5VL 5 stars for features. It is a relatively powerful integrated amp WITH a high quality DAC. Better quality than the DAC in your typical A/V receiver, and WAAAY better than the DAC in your computer or ipod. There are simply no other hi-fi integrated amps at this price point (or anywhere near it) that have built in DACs. From that perspective, it's a great value.

The build quality is very solid. It is a heavy unit, and feels sturdy when you handle it. The knobs move smoothly with no play.

My problem with the unit is two-fold: usability and sound.

The amp has a remote, but it literally only does one thing: controls volume. The input selector is not motorized, so the remote cannot change inputs, and the unit has no standby mode, so the remote cannot turn the unit on and off. This was pretty frustrating to me.

The main reason I returned the unit is the sound. It was too harsh for my taste. Highs were shrill, and caused listening fatigue after extended listening. Mids sounded compressed and lacked detail. I know not everyone is a fan of "warm" sound, but this was far on the other end of the spectrum. Still, I suspect it's a taste thing, and some people may like it.

For reference, my speakers are Definitive Technology Studio Monitor 350's, and my source was a computer playing CDs and lossless compressed audio via an optical connection. Since I returned the unit I have purchased a Musichall A15.2 integrated amp and 25.3 DAC. The sound is MUCH more to my liking. Warm, but not too warm, extreme amounts of detail in the mids and highs, and GREAT presence in vocals, keys, and guitar. Granted, that combo cost more than twice the A-5VL.

Conclusion. If you need a hi-fi amp with built-in DAC at this price, then you should try it out. Maybe you'll like it. If you love that warm sound that audiophiles crave, you'll probably be disappointed. If you don't need the DAC, then I would definitely look elsewhere.

I ordered this integrated amplifier from amazon and got it the next day. Great job amazon! I was on a tight budget when I decided to put together a small stereo system for my bedroom. I didn't want to go with the mass market stereo receivers since the sound quality is not that great. For the project, I didn't need much power since my bedroom is only 12x14 ft. I've done alot of research and tried many amplifier and found that this Onkyo integrated amplifier is superior in many ways. Do not be fooled by its small size. This unit is very well built and heavy for its size. The digital input with a built-in DAC is very helpful since I can now connect my PS3 and media player using this digital input. I also bought an Onkyo CD player to go with this amplifier and it looks really great together since they are meant to be paired together. I've decided to use Dali Ikon 2 MK2 bookshelf speakers for this project. After hooking everything up, I let the amp breaks in for about 3 days. The sound was tight and warm initial but it really opens up after hours of usage. I couldn't believe my ears what this little monster could do. My Dali speakers never sounded better. Very musical sounding with no hints of harshness anywhere. I also have the Yamaha A-S700 integrated amplifier and I could do a quick comparison. The Yamaha sounds more powerful and refined in the high frequencies. The Onkyo got the edge when it comes to midrange and bass. Overall, the Onkyo sounds warmer and more full. The Yamaha would sound more forward and refined (thin sometimes). Both are great integrated amplifiers but I prefer the sound of the Onkyo over the Yamaha. As for the built-in DAC is concern, it actually sounds very good compared to an AV receivers. Definitely audiophile sound and quality. At the price amazon is selling this unit at, it's for sure a steal. Well of course it doesn't matter how much I talk about this amp, it wouldn't do you any good if you don't try it out for yourself. If you're in the market for a budget amp, please take this little baby in consideration.

Before you judge this amp, you must let it break-in for at least one week. It sounds very hard in the begining. But with time, the sound really smoothes out and the presentation becomes very musical.

I love this little amp. I bought it as a backup for my main system when one of my UcD400 modules failed in my power amp right before Christmas 2009. It is replacing an Aikido tube pre (using NOS 12SN7) and a Hypex UcD400 based dual mono Class D power amp. Both built and well tweaked by yours truly.

The Onkyo sound is very detailed and smooth. Very musical. It doesn't have quite the transparency, refinement and slam as my main components, but it is very enjoyable. At moderate volume its sound is very cohesive and natural with great imaging. Things start to fall apart if I push it too hard (by that I mean very loud), but for most listening situations, it works perfectly. I haven't tweaked this circuit yet, and I don't really feel the need. But I will try some Black Gate nonpolar caps to replace a few signal coupling caps in the circuit. That should help in the refinement department. And possibly some FRED diodes if it's easy enough.

I haven't tried the phono stage yet, but it looks well designed and very competent. No op-amps!

The built-in DAC is excellent. Somehow better than my main DAC for movies. But not quite as good for music as my AKM based DIY DAC (still very good though). But I have to do more critical listening for a definite conclusion. Who knows, I might use this amp as a DAC when my UcD module gets repaired.

Overall built quality is high inside and out. Sound is definitly audiophile quality. Excellent for movies in 2.1. My only complain is that the volume and source selector are hard to read. But the amp does look slick so I wouldn't change it.

This integrated amp is perfect for anyone interested in an audio only system. I paired it with 90dB speakers (Monitor Audio BX2's) and could not be happier. The sound is clean, open, and marvelous. Incredible level of detail lets me spend hours just listening to music without fatigue. I originally had reservations due to the 40 watt rating but no longer. This thing cranks out serious music. I have yet to turn the volume past the halfway mark. After auditioning other integrated amps (Marantz PM5004, NAD C 316BEE) at local shops I was unable to determine a significant difference in sound from the group to justify the additional cost of the other two. The Onkyo sounds every bit as good if not better in my opinion and has an onboard DAC which saves me money since I don't need an external DAC for my digital music. A/B speaker output for bi-amping my MA BX2's, digital direct, and ohm stable. The A-5VL is paired with its mate the C-S5VL SACD (also excellent) player and a Cambridge Audio iD100 digital dock for my iPod. Both are connected via digital inputs to the A-5VL and the Burr-Brown internal DAC does the magic. Finally aesthetically it looks great with minimalist lines like the Marantz. Get this if you are in the market for an audio only system that looks and sounds fantastic. You will be hard pressed to find an amp/cd player combo that rivals the pair for the money. You will not be disappointed.

There is a huge movement in the entry level audiophile arena to move towards Pre-Amp or Intergrated AMPS with a solid DAC. Onkyo delivered and the DAC in this AMP is Burr-Brown 192 kHz/24-Bit DAC - one that you would see in many $2k plus Preamp DACS. Great DAC, two digital inputs (to bypass DAC on the ipod or CD), and enough juice. I had listen to the system and at the $350 price point it was a no brainer - but wait.

NO PRE-OUTS?!?!

That is an audiophile (even an entry level audiophile) No-No! How could Onkyo deliver a possible DAC-Preamp killer and leave out the Pre-Outs?

For those of you that don't know what I am talking about, let me explain the delima. Many audiophiles want to add (or be able to add) more Amplifiers or for that matter bi-amp their speakers. If the Intergratred Amp or Receiver does NOT have any pre-outs (or line outs) you can't add another Amp to it. The only outs are too speakers. This limits this product significantly to those that want this product to ONLY power their speakers with no option to add a second or third amp.

Pre-outs (or line outs) are becoming standard on most entry level audio equipment, especially integrated amps such as this one.

How many sales has Onkyo lost because of this - I am one and after a little research I found 3 more. All of them agree - it is a great amp, great sound, great dac, at a great price. However you just handcuffed them by not being able to add another AMP.


I guess I have to go back to buying a pre-amp DAC, I was really hoping this integrated DAC amp was going to be the answer. Probably a Emotiva XDA-1 (while not a Amp - it is a pre-amp. The problem with that is that it is only digital, no analog.)

I hope Onkyo reads this and makes this rather SMALL addition, it could mean a significant boost in sales to that growing entry-level audiophile group looking for Intergated Amps with a solid DAC and PREOUTS!

Open to suggestions...

This amp is connected to my Mac Pro via an optical cable. There are only a few simple amps (i.e., not video decoders) that take optical in.

This is a slender, elegant, study amp, and I love the sound.

It sounds better than my prior Pioneer Elite (which was a video receiver too) which cost 3x the price.

One of the best for me.
The sound is great, the DAC is very good quality, powerful enough.
I recommend it!

As advertised, great sound in a small package especially if you want to use it with digital inputs. Compared it with Marantz and NAD. Paired with B&W spkrs