Onkyo CS-325 CD Receiver System

by Onkyo

Product Details

• Item Weight: 8 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 31 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B0016K990K
• Item model number: CS-325
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (43 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #34,671 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Built Around Proven Amplification Design, Solid Build Quality and Impressive Musicality

Mini audio systems are all about improving your lifestyle. Beyond merely saving space, though, the right mini system adds functionality and style in an integrated package.The CS-325 CD receiver system takes things a step further, thanks to its exceptional ability to reproduce audio. Here, Onkyo has applied the same approach used in its acclaimed two-channel audio line-up.The end result is a system best described with one word: musical.The system’s multi-format-capable receiver sports a robust chassis designed to suppress vibrations. Meanwhile, the accompanying speakers feature a gloss finish on the front, as well as proprietary Onkyo speaker developments designed to deliver audio signals with punch, clarity and emotion.

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Amplification Design Built Around the Onkyo Sound

Add the Onkyo RI iPod dock to add your iTunes music to your Onkyo CD system (sold separately)

Due to their obvious size limitations, mini audio systems present various challenges to amplification design.The concept behind the CS-325 was to design a compact system with audio quality as the key consideration.Therefore, Onkyo’s engineers incorporated the same technology used in our renowned full-sized amplifiers and receivers:Wide Range Amplifier Technology.WRAT gives the CS-325 three distinct advantages: 1) A wider frequency response compared to similar mini audio systems; 2) Reduced amplifier distortion at high volume; and 3) Better control of current and electrical/mechanical kick-back from speakers.This enables the CS-325 to deliver audio of surprisingly high quality from such a compact component.

Exclusive Onkyo Circuitry to Maintain Clean Audio Signals

Lower-quality mini audio systems usually employ just one circuit at the output stage.With multiple transistors crammed onto a single circuit, excess heat is generated and the audio signal is compromised.The CR-325 CD receiver is different. It uses discrete amplifier technology similar to that found on Onkyo’s full-sized amplifiers and receivers. Keeping the transistors separate at the output stage enhances cooling, so the CR-325’s longevity is extended and interference to the audio signal is reduced. Conventional volume attenuation methods involve initially dropping a signal close to the noise floor at low volumes.This taints the signal with noise, which increases when the signal is amplified. By contrast, Optimum Gain Volume Circuitry adjusts the gain so that less than half the usual amount of attenuation is necessary.The signal never comes close to the noise floor, and the risk of noise is therefore reduced.

The Option of iPod Playback Through RI Dock for the iPod (sold separately)

Onkyo’s Remote Interactive (RI) function enables Onkyo component owners to integrate compatible components for operation via a single remote control. It also enables you to integrate the iPod with the CS-325 through Onkyo’s optional RI Dock. Simply connect the dock to the CS-325’s receiver, then place your iPod in the dock for control via the CS-325’s remote.The RI Dock offers a "heftier and more detailed" sound than can be experienced with an RCA stereo cable.

Gloss-Finished Speakers with Proprietary Onkyo Features

The accompanying D-325 two-way, bass-reflex speakers have a gloss finish on the front that will impress in any environment. Musically, they incorporate a
range of Onkyo speaker developments designed to match the CR-325 CD receiver. For example, the woofer cones are made from Onkyo’s A-OMF
Monocoque—a diaphragm fiber designed to support the range of piston motion. Also, to deliver high-frequency sounds with finesse, the speakers include
a ring-drive tweeter that contributes to the restraint of low-frequency interference from inside the speaker. Finally, a duct—the Aero Acoustic Drive—
is included to further mitigate interference between high and low frequencies.

Simple Yet Comprehensive Control over All Your MP3s

With more and more music being bought online, the CS-325 is an ideal solution for bringing greater audio fidelity to MP3s. As MP3 files can be organized hierarchically in folders, you can use either of two modes--Navigation or All Folder--for selection and playback. In All Folder mode, all folders appear at the same level, making it easy to select one. If no specific file or MP3 is selected, all tracks will be played back in numerical order. On the other hand, Navigation mode lets you move through the folder hierarchy. The display button on the remote also enables you to see information about the MP3 being played, including the artist’s name and the song and album titles.

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Technical Specifications

• Power Output: 14 W + 14 W (8 ohms, 1 kHz, FTC); 19 W + 19 W (4 ohms, 1 kHz, FTC)
• Dynamic Power: 22 W + 22 W (3 ohms); 20 W + 20 W (4 ohms); 14 W + 14 W (8 ohms)
• Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.9% (Rated power), 0.4% (1 kHz, 1 W)
• Tone Control: ±6 dB, 80 Hz (Bass); ±8 dB, 10 kHz (Treble); +7 dB, 80 Hz (Super bass)
• Speaker Impedance: 4 ohms–16 ohms
• Audio Dynamic Range: 95 dB
• Power Supply: AC 120 V, 60 Hz
• Dimensions: (W x H x D) 8 1/16" x 4 9/16" x 14 7/16"
• Weight: 8.8 lbs.
• Speaker Type: 2-way, bass reflex
• Frequency Response (Speakers): 50 Hz–100 kHz
• Crossover Frequency: 6 kHz
• Max. Input Power: 70 W
• Nominal Impedance: 4 ohms

Product Description

The Onkyo CS-325 CD receiver system combines functionality and style in an integrated package. With the CS-325, Onkyo has applied the same approach used in its acclaimed 2-channel audio line-up. The system's multi-format-capable receiver sports a robust chassis designed to suppress vibrations. Accompanying speakers feature a gloss finish on the front, as well as proprietary Onkyo speaker developments designed to deliver audio signals with punch and clarity. It has an AM/FM radio with up to 40 programmable station presets. A CD player also plays discs encoded with MP3 files. Support for an optional iPod dock is available so you can play your iPod through the Onkyo CS-325. Neat and compact, this mini stereo system delivers sound quality and entertainment that is better than can compete with many more expensive systems.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

59 of 60 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good value, October 17, 2008

By 

Ron (NewJersey) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Onkyo CS-325 CD Receiver System (Electronics)

In the price versus performance competitions, I always think Onkyo gives you the biggest bang for the bucks. I have a full size Onkyo 5.1. It sounds great and has been very reliable. Lately I have been looking for a mini system for my mom's apartment. After listening to Bose and other brands, I think the CS-325 gives the best value for the same money. I am an electrical engineer and had opened countless electronic equipment packagings. Let me tell you, I've never seen any packaging as neat and impecable as this one. The set up was simple and straight forward. The speaker feels very substantial, a sign of quality. Overall, the system looks very nice. Once set up, the controls are very user friendly. It is an excellent choice for a smaller space such as a city apartment. I am happy with its high to mid frequency range. I could ask for better bass perhaps due to its smaller woofer. Some may complain that the Ipod docking is optional. Still, it beats many systems that cost twice as much. At $200, it is a great buy. Onkyo CS-325 CD Receiver System

34 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Upgrade your boombox!, March 19, 2009

By 

andy_lar (Boston, MA USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Onkyo CS-325 CD Receiver System (Electronics)

If you consider yourself an audiophile, this product is not of interest for you. But if you, like me, is looking for an upgrade to your good old boombox, but not yet ready to spent hundreds or even thousands for this purpose, seek no further - this is a great purchase! For just twice the price of a decent boombox you get a higher class system.

The sound is clean and rich; it is also rather powerful - with maximum volume at 42 I normally keep it in low to mid 20's. If you prefer a deeper bass, you might need to add a subwoofer - a special output is present. Personally, so far I am satisfied with SUPER BASS mode (besides I don't like having an extra switch to turn on and off, though, subwoofer Auto Standby feature should eliminate the need).

I also strongly appreciate the ability to play MP3 CD's. The display can show all the relevant information about the files. Navigation within the folders is also relatively easy considering the small size of the display. I haven't experienced any problems with reading particular CD's which other reviewers reported.

In terms of physical dimensions, be aware that the main unit is rather deep - 15", and won't fit a typical bookshelf. The speakers, though generally of a small type, are also quite deep - 11" (see the picture I added to show the system depth.)

With all that positive feedback I have to add some criticism. Three main complains so far:

1. No AUX (3.5 mm stereo) input for quick connection of an external portable player. With current ubiquity of such devices, this looks rather strange. True, that there is an optional iPod Dock, but (1) it is considerably overpriced - half a price of the main system; (2) other brands and types of portable players exist apart from iPod.

That said I should note that the problem is actually minor as you just buy a Stereo Mini-to-RCA3 "Y" cable splitter and connect your player through one of two inputs on the back of the unit. (I used the DOCK input for this purpose; another one, TAPE, I connected to TV, renamed it to VIDEO through a special option, and now can have a "home theater" whenever I feel a mood.)

2. No USB input. There exists a CS-525 model which main difference from this one is just a presence of USB port (in fact, even the user manual is common for 525/325), but for some reason it is not available in US. Weird marketing policy!

3. No resume function - CD playback starts from the beginning of the disk, not from the point of interruption, if you stop playback, switch to another source (like radio) or turn the unit off. This is a common deficiency for vast majority of mini and upper class systems. While virtually any car audio or portable CD player remembers the point where it was stopped and effortlessly continues from it whenever re-started, the more expensive systems do not provide this feature (so far I found the resume only on Bose Wave system, which is ridiculously overpriced). This is a total mystery for me! The feature is really missing when you listen to MP3 disks which may contain dozens or even hundreds of tracks.

With all the above I give only 4 stars, though I'd say that 4.5 would be probably more appropriate.

37 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Do yourself a favor..., December 20, 2008

By 

R. Armstrong "AudioMan" (NW Alabama) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Onkyo CS-325 CD Receiver System (Electronics)

This is probably the the greatest piece of electronic equipment that I currently own. This CD receiver is built very solid: all metal housing, aluminum front panel, and pretty hefty at about 30 pounds altogether. Speakers are attached to the receiver through binding posts instead of spring clips and the speakers themselves sound outstanding. After a few days of use, the sounds really start to open up. When set up correctly to your room this system offers outstanding clarity and sound separation. I also love the bright, easy to read blue display which Onkyo uses (it is also dimmable on several levels). You will find that attaching a powered subwoofer to the sub pre-out will give you complete coverage of all audible frequencies. I have listened to all of my CD collection again, hearing things I have never heard before, making well-produced albums a true sonic experience.
Please don't go buy a sub-par, cheap, overpriced CD receiver (such as the sad excuses which sony make!). This is the best that money can buy. Hands down.