The A-9150 Integrated Stereo Amplifier has just been launched by Onkyo today in Munich.

Onkyo is sure that this integrated amp will reaffirm it as the preeminent brand for delivering natural musicality at a realistic price.

Onkyo A-9150

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.

This integrated amp has you covered whether you listen to CDs, vinyl or digital streaming services.

The amp benefits from intensive R&D that has resulted in new technologies that involve the listener more deeply in the music.

These advancements comprise a refined power amplifier. This features a customised high-current transformer; two large, custom-made audio capacitors; and discrete output-stage transistors. They say that this amounts to fast, full-spectrum dynamics, lively transient response, and excellent speaker control.

The tech bit

Gear-heads will appreciate that, instead of the commonly used IC chips, Onkyo employs its Discrete SpectraModule.

This, and I’ll take their word for this, 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, a high slew rate significantly improves instrument definition and placement on a more spacious and open soundstage.

Phono

Analogue enthusiasts will appreciate the gold-plated MM/MC phono input.

This is backed by an independent phono circuit board with dedicated MM and MC equalisers and custom head amp.

It’s worth pointing out that this operates in discrete configuration for MC signals.

CD

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-analogue converter (DAC) is said to offer outstanding signal to noise ratio performance. This is further enhanced with Onkyo’s original DIDRC Filter technology.

This was developed for the company’s flagship stereo components, a DIDRC Filter outperforms conventional output filters by completely removing ultra-high-frequency noise from the signal. Such 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 “synthesised” feeling that’s sometimes associated with lesser processing systems.

Gold

The A-9150 is comprehensively equipped with quality audio terminals. You will find four gold-plated RCA line inputs, two gold-plated coaxial digital inputs, two optical digital inputs, and gold-plated speaker posts. You also get an A/B selector for simple switching between pairs of connected speakers.

Build

A thick aluminum faceplate is screwed firmly onto a robust chassis. The aluminium volume control and overall sense of solidity will make the amp a pleasure to both touch and use.

All-in-all, the build and performance of this amp should prove impressive at this price point.

Price and availability

The Onkyo A-9150 is priced at £499.99. It will be available in June 2017.