Onkyo A-9150 2-Channel 120W Home Theater Power Amplifier

2023-02-07T06:07:54

I was so impressed with the first one I bought another! For the price, this is the only audiophile level amp on the market. The first one is driving 2 sets of speakers but not at the same time.... set one are vintage JBL L50 speakers and they have never sounded so "open and transparent". These are 8 ohm loads so the 9150 has no trouble driving to levels I prefer. Just barely warm after a couple of hours which indicates to me that all is well! The second set are also vintage Acoustic Research AR9lsi towers which are a challenging load at 4 ohms for any amp. 9150 again performs way past my best expectation with warm, tight, and deep bass frequencies that make you melt. Also open and transparent with a huge and deep sound stage. I forgot how impressive a 2 channel system is with the right equipment. The just received #2 9150 is burring in at this moment. Currently using as a pre-amp to the infamous Onkyo M-5030. Driving a set of Infinity bookshelf's with a sub for the really deep end. These are 6 ohm loads. Placement on final on this system as I'm having fun experimenting. I have McIntosh, dbx, Sony, and several other power amps usually driven with Sony ES or Onkyo pre-amps but I'm happy to say the 9150 holds it's on against these heavy hitters. About the DAC in the 9150.... worth the price of the amp for the DAC alone. You have to hear it to believe it. The warmth of the sound is equal to or better than my Marantz 2275 (analog) which was bought in 1977. Lastly, Adorama filled the order quickly and shipped to my door is record time (UPS was delayed by weather) so Kudos to them! I've read the 9150 has been discontinued, hope not but either way I'll be enjoying mine for years to come. Just buy it!

BILL V.

2021-09-26T01:34:43

My main amp went out and I replaced it temporarily with an Onkyo receiver (TX-8020; 50 watts). I was really impressed with its sound?for the price?and I thought a dedicated Onkyo amp might sound even better. This one really does. The receiver already had good bass punch, and this adds extra weight too. Overall, the sound is more full-bodied, rounded, and smoother, and less distorted in the treble. The amp is not really any more detailed than the receiver, but it's a high-current amp, with a very heavy transformer and big capacitors, and that means more color, texture, depth, and body. Onkyo has focused on key elements that create high-end sound and brought them together here at a low price. The receiver gave me the clear outlines of the music; this amp fills them in and puts flesh on the bones. The emphasis is on sound quality, not features, but I'm extremely happy that it does include balance and tone controls. Sometimes, listening to really old recordings, or listening at low volume, those tone controls help dial in the right sound, and I think all integrated amps should include them. Don't use the supplied power cord. An audiophile cord will sound cleaner and smoother. The internal DAC seems fairly good, given the overall price of this package, and it mates well with the amp. But a state-of-the-art DAC like the Topping D90SE (about the same price as this amp) will definitely raise the listening experience further and show what the amp can do. For that matter, you can easily pair this amp with more expensive speakers too and get a taste of high-end sound. Before break-in, the A-9150 may sound dull and thick, but after 20-40 hours it gets more focused and detailed. I am really glad I got this. Since it's been out for several years now it may not be available much longer. Word to the wise.

William D.

2021-04-29T07:22:48

I have had this amp since it came out. I purchased it for the pre amplifier section as it has great features and technology. I run Beyerdynamic Amiron home headphones from it. It runs my Dynaudio audience 52 speakers without problem in near field listening .{ Dynaudio recommends 64 watts for a small room] In larger areas I run thru Onkyo m502 power amp. I use a Rega dac between my imac and the 9150. The dac in the 9150 is very good and I use the onkyo dac with the headphones as I find the Amirons are a slight bit warm as is the Rega dac. We are talking about a subtle difference. stream Qobuz,and I use my imac large alac lossless library as well as cds . I would give this amp 5 stars if it had more power even though 60 watts into 4 ohms should be enough for most people. The m502 amp puts out 220 watts into 4 ohms and does open the speakers up a bit. The Dynaudio are known to need more power and other speakers might be easier to drive. I would recommend the a9150 with out hesitation to all.

William-Karl S.