Onkyo Icon Series: Modular Two-Channel HiFi with Network and CD Playback

Onkyo has a long-standing reputation in both HiFi and home entertainment, built on a balance of solid engineering and practical usability. With the Icon Series, the company now places renewed focus on two-channel audio, addressing music listeners who value traditional amplification concepts but expect contemporary connectivity and system integration. The new series positions itself clearly within the segment of modern HiFi systems that combine network-based playback with classic signal paths.

Key Facts

• New modular two-channel HiFi platform
• Four coordinated components with shared design language
• Proprietary DIDRC circuitry for reduced intermodulation distortion
• Dirac Live room correction integrated into amplifier solutions
• Extensive network and streaming support
• Flexible system concepts from all-in-one to separate components

A Platform Concept for Modern HiFi

At the heart of the Onkyo Icon Series is a clear platform philosophy. All components follow the same mechanical and electrical principles, including vibration-optimised chassis construction, fanless operation and carefully designed signal routing. This allows users to expand or simplify their system depending on their requirements, while maintaining consistent operation and sonic character. Modern user interfaces and network features coexist with a signal architecture rooted in classic HiFi design.

Onkyo P-80 Network Preamplifier

The Onkyo P-80 Network Preamplifier serves as the control centre of a modular Icon Series system. It is designed for listeners who want full control over source selection, signal processing and system configuration. A key technical element is Onkyo’s proprietary DIDRC circuitry, which is intended to suppress high-frequency intermodulation distortion and stabilise fine signal details.

Digital sources are handled by a high-quality stereo DAC supporting resolutions of up to 32 Bit and 768 kHz. At the same time, the P-80 offers extensive analogue connectivity, including a fully discrete MM and MC phono stage. HDMI ARC enables direct connection to a television, while integrated Dirac Live room correction allows the system to be acoustically adapted to the listening environment. Network features such as AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Bluetooth and Roon Ready position the P-80 as a contemporary hub for modern music systems.

Onkyo M-80 Power Amplifier

The Onkyo M-80 Power Amplifier is designed to drive demanding loudspeakers with authority and control. Its symmetrical Class A/B design with a three-stage inverted Darlington circuit aims to deliver high current capability while maintaining low distortion. Output power is rated at 130 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 200 watts per channel into 4 ohms.

A specially developed high-current power supply, large reservoir capacitors and copper bus bars ensure stable operating conditions even during dynamic musical passages. The fanless design and multi-layer aluminium and steel chassis contribute to mechanical stability and are intended to minimise external influences on signal integrity.

Onkyo A-50 Network Integrated Amplifier

The Onkyo A-50 Network Integrated Amplifier combines preamplifier and power amplifier functions in a single chassis, targeting users who prefer a more compact yet powerful solution. Many of the technical concepts from the separate components are retained, including DIDRC circuitry, a symmetrical Class A/B amplifier topology and a stereo DAC supporting up to 32 Bit and 768 kHz.

With an output of 110 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 180 watts per channel into 4 ohms, the A-50 positions itself firmly in the upper segment of network integrated amplifiers. HDMI ARC, Dirac Live room correction, comprehensive streaming capabilities and a full MM and MC phono stage make it suitable for modern HiFi systems where sound quality and everyday usability are equally important.

Onkyo C-30 CD Player

The Onkyo C-30 CD Player completes the Icon Series by integrating physical media into the modern HiFi environment. It employs Onkyo’s VLSC technology and a high-precision clock to minimise jitter and ensure clean signal conversion. In addition to standard audio CDs, the player supports CD-R, CD-RW as well as MP3 and WMA files.

The vibration-damped aluminium chassis visually and mechanically aligns with the rest of the series. An integrated headphone output with its own volume control further extends its practical use beyond traditional system integration.

Price and Availability

With one exception, the Onkyo Icon Series is now available from authorised retailers. The Onkyo P-80 Network Preamplifier is offered at a recommended retail price of € 1.499,-, while the Onkyo M-80 Power Amplifier is listed at € 1.599,-. The Onkyo A-50 Network Integrated Amplifier is available for € 1.299,-. The Onkyo C-30 CD Player completes the range at € 399,-. According to the manufacturer, both colour variants of the CD player, black and silver, are scheduled for delivery in the coming year.

Conclusion

With the Icon Series, Onkyo presents a clearly structured two-channel HiFi platform that combines traditional amplifier architecture with modern network functionality and room correction technology. The modular concept allows different system configurations without compromising technical consistency. Whether used as a separate pre/power amplifier setup or as a powerful network integrated solution, the Onkyo Icon Series is aimed at music listeners who value expandability, contemporary connectivity and a solid engineering foundation.

Technical Specifications