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Onkyo A-9555S Integrated Digital Stereo Amplifier (Silver) | 
| Brand: Onkyo
Category: CE
List Price: $799.00
Buy New: $699.99
You Save: $99.01 (12%)
Rating:  18 reviews
Sales Rank: 26260
Color: Silver
Media: Electronics
Shipping Weight (lbs): 34.6
Dimensions (in): 22.5 x 20.2 x 10.3
MPN: A9555S
Model: A9555S
UPC: 751398007286
EAN: 0751398007286
ASIN: B000J40PSE
Shipping: Eligible for Super Saver Shipping
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
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Product Description
Digital amplification enables significant power efficiency savings and supports smaller, more compact designs - obvious benefits for today's home lifestyles. However, at Onkyo, they believe that these benefits should not come at the expense of the most important consideration: sound quality. With the A-9555 integrated digital amplifier, sound quality takes precedence over all else. By using Onkyo's exclusive Vector Linear (VL) Digital technology to remove any spike noise before it introduces errors into the inversion timing, it is possible to get a highly accurate analog-to-digital conversion. Also, at the heart of the A-9555 is a Pure Stream Power Supply - essentially a large power transformer - that ensures that you always have the on-demand power for the clarity and detail of a range of musical genres. By integrating the fundamentals of audio amplification with the potential of digital amplification, the A-9555 is a revelation in superior audio reproduction.
From the Manufacturer
Digital amplification enables significant power efficiency savings and supports smaller, more compact designs—obvious benefits for today's home lifestyles. However, at Onkyo, we believe that these benefits should not come at the expense of the most important consideration: sound quality. With the A-9555S integrated digital amplifier, sound quality takes precedence over all else. By using Onkyo's exclusive Vector Linear (VL) Digital technology to remove any spike noise before it introduces errors into the inversion timing, it is possible to get a highly accurate analog-to-digital conversion. Also, at the heart of the A-9555 is a Pure Stream Power Supply—essentially a large power transformer—that ensures that you always have the on-demand power for the clarity and detail of a range of musical genres. By integrating the fundamentals of audio amplification with the potential of digital amplification, the A-9555 is a revelation in superior audio reproduction. Key technology Features:
RI (Remote Interactive): With Onkyo's exclusive RI (Remote Interactive) system capability, you can integrate and operate all compatible components through a single remote control. What's more, RI capability enables you to simply connect the iPod to your receiver through Onkyo's RI Dock for the iPod (DS-A1). Your iPod effectively becomes another Onkyo component from which you can relish a fuller sound that just can't be experienced through headphones. RI capability will also give you remote operability of your iPod for hands-off control over your digital music. VLSC (Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry): Conventional D/A conversion methods reduce digital pulse noise at the conversion stage but can't remove it completely. Previously only found on our high-end components, VLSC (Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry) employs a unique D/A conversion circuit to overcome this problem. Data is converted between sampling points and these points are joined with analog vectors in real-time to produce a smooth output wave form. The result — a virtually noiseless, smooth analog signal based on the digital source to bring out even the most subtle of nuances in your music, movie soundtracks and even MP3s.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 13 more reviews...
 Superb clarity and power to spare. December 29, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I researched many products before settling on this baby. I looked at many Yamaha products, a few Denon, and several others. I looked into 5.1 and 7.1 systems as well as dedicated stereo receivers and, of course, stereo amplifiers.
I chose this amp for two reasons: 1) a great price considering it's retail, and 2) I wanted a dedicated stereo machine because I am probably not going to use home theater sound any time in the next several years (because of budget constraints).
So, if I have constraints why almost $500 for this amp? Because it's big and powerful with a great rating for low distortion. I wanted great sound and power to spare. This amp has got that. I replaced a Sony receiver (STRDE197) with this amp and I have to say that the clarity of sound differential between the two systems is amazing. This Onkyo brings fuller, clearer, more vibrant power to the experience of listening to music. I am running a set of polkaudio TSi300 speakers with this amp and the music is just full and complete like never before.
I am writing this review on the spot, giving you the benefit of my first impressions in a comparison with my previous receiver because I want you to realize in these paragraphs the difference a more well developed sound system can make to your experience. I knew I was getting a very good system (the reputation of Onkyo precedes them) and I believed that the clarity and power would be better across all volumes, but I never realized just how much better a system could really be.
The range of sound (frequency response) is much fuller. Highs are higher than before. Mids are far more potent, and the bass is deeper and richer. I'm thoroughly enjoying the music I've got playing right now. I made a good decision in getting this amp.
You must make up your mind if you need a dedicated stereo system, or want home theater diversity. I'm certain that there are many good home theater products available out there. I think that Onkyo has some good dedicated home theater receivers. But, if you want a dedicated music playing system then why not look at this powerhouse? The features are very basic and standard (I never even looked at the instruction book when hooking up the amp to my computer, CD player, and speakers). The remote control is nicely functional, though I haven't found out yet whether or not it has universal capability for anything.
The pure direct function brings startling clarity to the sound of your music.
Hopefully, my review has given you a little clue as to what kind of quality lies with the Onkyo A-9555 amplifier. I bought mine without having heard it and I'm more than pleased with what I've received here.
If you do buy, then have it shipped quickly, put all the system together yourself, and relax and enjoy the greatness of the best of your favorite music artists. Believe me, with this amplifier the music will come through crisp and clear, and it's capable of blowing you right out of the house.
audiophile quality at reasonable price October 29, 2008
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
When my denon system died after over 25 years of service, I sadly discovered that good two channel systems for under $1,000 had almost completely disappeared. Then I found this Onkyo. Owning it for over a year now, I am continually and more deeply impressed every day with its quality and performance. When I purchased a pair of $1,500 B&W 3 way speakers, the speaker retailer cautioned me that this Onkyo might not be powerful enough for the speakers. Never had a problem. The Onkyo dekivers more than enough power evenly and easily "powers up" to the speakers' capabilties. This amp will reward you over and over again. If you are serious music lover, you can't go wrong here,
 Another Strong Value From Onkyo September 28, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
If you are a music lover and/or an audiophile on a budget, this is a great little integrated amp for you. It is well built and good looking, it has most of the features people really want or need, it sounds great and it is a raging bargain! That's a pretty tough combination to beat. Oh, I could complain that it doesn't have remote tone controls, but those are very hard to come by in any two-channel audio product that aspires to audiophile credibility.
My only kick so far, is that my high-efficiency horn speakers do reveal some unwelcome switching noise from the input selector and also a mild turn-on pop. Otherwise it is quiet in operation. And to be fair, if your loudspeaker's sensitivity are in the average range (87-92dB), you'll probably never hear what I'm talking about.
Another caveat to be aware of: There are no pre outs / main ins, so you can't add an external power amp or any kind of processor (EQ, etc.). What you see is what you get!
Sound quality though, in my opinion, is superb . Maybe not the last word in bass control, but otherwise excellent...very quiet, with airy highs and lightning-fast response. The power rating is conservative, and dynamic power is excellent. It is also quite capable of driving 4 Ohm speakers; something most affordable receivers can't do well these days.
All in all, I would strongly recommend this amp for it's solid performance, good feature set and very good build quality.
An incredible value September 25, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I purchased this amp from Amazon a month ago, and have been listening to it 3 to 4 hours a day ever since. I had never actually seen it or heard it before. I bought it solely on the merits of the many positive reviews that I had read. I have to agree with the reviews. It is an amazing value. I have been buying stereo equipment since the mid-1970's. Over the years, I have owned amps made by Sansui, Kenwood, Pioneer, Sony, Mcintosh, Carver, Parasound and even a restored vintage Fisher tube receiver. The Onkyo is as good or better than any of them. Both my Music Hall HDCD player and Thorens turntable sound better than ever through it. There is plenty of power to drive my very inefficient AR3s. It also sounds great with my ultra-efficient Altec horns. The ergonomic design is almost perfect. The only glaring omission is a balance control. This is not a deal breaker, but it is a basic control that could at least have been included on the remote. Get the silver one. It is absolutely gorgeous and looks like a far more expensive piece of gear.
 Nice amp, but not a giant killer August 28, 2008
10 out of 10 found this review helpful
I've been listening to this amp for a couple of weeks now and it is a very good amp. I wish I could give it 3.5 stars as I like it, but it isn't great. Don't get me wrong, it is much better than 90% of AV receivers out there, but if you're looking for true audiophile sound, this amp won't quite get you there, as some professional reviews may easily lead one to believe.
Good points:
-Smooth, somewhat lush "tube-like" sound that is forgiving and never bright or harsh.
-Very good midrange quality with some nice warmth that is very natural.
-Full bass.
-Nice overall build quality (except for the binding posts and other connectors).
-Simple, easy to use remote.
-Front panel controls have a high quality feel and the layout is very nice.
-The look is understated and elegant.
-Good to have a removable power cord for upgrades.
Bad points:
-The "tube-like" sound can be a litle too rolled off in the high notes. I don't hear all the detail and decay in the highs that I've heard from higher end gear.
-The bass, while full and tuneful, lacks definition and leading snap.
-Dynamics are okay. I don't get the attack and immediacy I've heard from other (high priced / audiophile) amps. The jump factor is toned down a little.
-The binding posts and RCA connectors work fine, but when connecting cables, they move quite a bit. I'm sure they're fine, but they don't exactly instill a feeling confidence that they'll hold together over the long haul.
-A product of this caliber should have pre-out / main-in jacks or atleast a pre-out for a subwoofer.
Overall I like this amp. I've just been spoiled by higher-end gear. I would say that the sound is very competitive with upper mid-fi integrated amps from NAD, Rotel, and Cambridge Audio to name a few. All these product brands have their strengths and weaknesses in general. It really comes down to preference, the type of music you mostly listen to, your listening space, and synergy between your other components. In the end, this amp is really quite nice and should easily fit into most people's criteria for good sound quality at a reasonable price.
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