Want Volume? Want Power? Want Remote Control? Want Quality? Look No Further!
Written: Apr 06 '01
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Pros: Onkyo brand; low distortion at 0.06%; Remote Interactive; microcomputer on board;
Cons: On expensive side
The Bottom Line: This Amplifier gives you great sound through all the peaks and lows, and the power to handle anything you toss it's way
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| JDinPA's Full Review: Onkyo A-9711 Integrated Amplifier |
We own several pieces of Onkyo, and when we upgraded our amplifier went with the Onkyo A-9711. Our past experience with Onkyo told us to expect continued high quality with great sound. I like nice quiet soft sounds, and my husband likes to hear his music loud and clear, and this amplifier handles all the ranges through a very wide range in volume. If I have to listen to loud blasting music it had better be sharp and clear ~ there is nothing that will annoy me quicker than loud music that is throwing out distorted high or bass notes. I want that crispness of sound, not music that is being played beyond the capacity of the system.
While this Onkyo amplifier is on the expensive side, you may be able to find a better deal on-line, or during an in-store special. You can always check out e-bay, or other on-line auctions for a lower price. Do remember though that you want an amplifier that is able to handle power and is able to give consistent performance with minimal distortion. If you are building a good system, this is an amplifier that should be considered seriously. Don't let that suggested retail price scare you ~ there are better prices out there if you wait and hunt a little.
This Onkyo amplifier has plenty of power to run with. If you are hooked into surround sound then you can expect to get 75 watts per channel to your left, right and center speakers, plus 25 watts per channel to your left and right surround sound speakers. If you are running in stereo mode (not using surround sound) then you'll end up with 120 watts per channel. You are talking quite a bit of power here!!! The output circuitry for all the channels is made to handle the power and deliver great sound.
The A-9711, by Onkyo, incorporates the Digital Dolby Pro Logic Surround Circuit that, if you have the speakers set up for it, will deliver the sound like you would hear it in Dolby Stereo theaters. You get Front amplifiers, Center amplifier and Rear amplifiers, Dolby Pro Logic Surround, Theater, Hall, Live and Arena effects ~ with just the touch of a button you can change the way you hear the music or voice. Set it up for each of the different effects, play the TV or your stereo through the different modes and see which one you prefer the best. There really is a big difference in what you hear and how you hear it between the different effects. When we run our computer through the amplifier, we have the set up different than we would for a live TV concert, or a CD recording. You'll enjoy all the experimenting, so go ahead!
This Onkyo comes with a Compatible Remote Control ~ you can link up all your other units via special remote control wires so that you can control all the units through the use of one remote control. My husband has pretty well mastered this ~ me, I get up and do it manually! lol Now, don't laugh ~ I did all the hooking up of all those wires and plugs, I can handle that better than I can that remote control!!! lol Seriously though, the directions for how to make the interlinking connections is easy to understand with the diagrams well labeled. Don't let all the "holes" and outlets in the back of the amplifier scare you -- you'll have them all filled in and your speakers blasting in no time. :o)
Now we do not have speakers in other rooms of the house, but you do have the option to set up your stereo to be able to listen to one thing in one room and something else in another part of the house. You can also have your remote control work in multiple rooms too. This is one area I have not dealt with, but if you want to have music throughout the house, this is an option to know about.
The Onkyo A-9711 comes with a twin core anti-electromagnetic transformer, as opposed to single core in most other models/brands. What all that really means, besides being difficult to type let alone say, is that it provides for clearer and cleaner peaks in sound or music. If you really want to know more about the twin core, the Onkyo website has quite a good piece on how it works and why. Just visit them at www.onkyo.com and check it all out.
Another difference with this unit is that you have the choice of buying it in "Gold" or Black. We went with the black, but the gold does look mighty sharp and impressive. It's all just a matter of personal preference - the units are exactly the same, they are just different in their color.
This is a hefty little unit, weighing in at over 26 pounds ~ it does not take up that much space, but put it in an easy to get to spot, because if you hook it up to all your stereo, TV and computer components you will want to have easy access to the power behind it all.
Some other specifications on the Onkyo is IM Distortion is at 0.06%, Frequency Reponse is 20 to 30,000 Hz +/- 1 dB; RIAA Deviation is 20 to 20,000 Hz +/- 0.8 dB; Tone Control for Bass is + 15 dB;
this unit comes in US, Canadian, European and Worldwide models.
While the buttons and controls are all very easy to see and use, there are so many different modes and options to how you can use this amplifier that you may want to really take your time and get to know just what everything does and how you do it. You can plug everything in and turn it on and enjoy your music or TV run through this amp, or you can go over all of the features with the instruction book in hand and really get to know just what a great amplifier you just bought.
Happy Listening!!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 425.00
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JDinPA
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