Onkyo A-9150 Integrated Stereo Amplifier Sets a New Standard for Musicality in the Entry Class
The 60 W x 60 W (4 Ohms, 20Hz-20kHz, 0.08% THD, 2 Channels Driven, IEC) integrated amp will appeal to listeners that enjoy music in any format, from CDs and vinyl to digital streaming services. Backed by 70 years’ experience in hi-fi component design, the A-9150 benefits from intensive R & D that has delivered the true atmosphere and energy in the musical performance, and resulted in new technologies that involve the listener more deeply in music.
These advancements comprise a refined power amplifier featuring a customized high-current transformer; two large, custom-made audio capacitors; and discrete output-stage transistors that deliver fast, full-spectrum dynamics, lively transient response, and excellent speaker control.
Instead of commonly used IC chips, Onkyo’s groundbreaking Discrete SpectraModule™ generates a class-leading 500 volts per microsecond slew rate for flat linearity up to megahertz bandwidth. Full-bandwidth signals are served to the power amp to express musical nuance with freshness and enthusiasm. Furthermore, high slew rate significantly improves instrument definition and placement on a more spacious and open soundstage.
Analog enthusiasts will appreciate the gold-plated MM/MC phono input backed by an independent phono circuit board with dedicated MM and MC equalizers and custom head amp, which operates in discrete configuration for MC signals. Users can connect any type of turntable with confidence.
Music on CD, as well as other high-quality digital sources, is reproduced with uncommonly high fidelity. AKM’s premium 768 kHz/32-bit AK4452 digital-to-analog converter offers outstanding S/N performance, and is further enhanced with Onkyo’s original DIDRC Filter technology. Developed for the company’s flagship stereo components, DIDRC Filter outperforms conventional output filters by completely removing ultra-high-frequency noise from the signal. This noise, despite being beyond the range of hearing, can alter the character of audible sound.
The technology preserves the original recording’s true personality without creating an unnatural “synthesized” feeling that’s sometimes associated with lesser processing systems.
The A-9150 is comprehensively equipped with quality audio terminals, including four gold-plated RCA line inputs, two gold-plated coaxial digital inputs, two optical digital inputs, and gold-plated speaker posts with A/B selector for simple switching between pairs of connected speakers.
Thick aluminum faceplate is screwed firmly onto a robust full-flat chassis, and the aluminum volume control and overall sense of solidity makes the amp a pleasure to touch and use.
These design elements, together with separate digital and analog circuitry and hand-selected parts, announce the A-9150 as a product built to restore musicality to the listening experience for decades to come, and joins a long line of celebrated stereo components from the Japanese brand.