Onkyo

Quiet excellence from Osaka since 1946

History

Key Facts

Legendary Products

M-50 Integrated Amplifier (1978)

TX-SR875 AV Receiver (2007)

Sound Signature

Onkyo has always been the powerhouse brand in Japanese audio — the one you reach for when your speakers are difficult to drive and you need an amplifier that won’t flinch. The house sound leans toward neutrality with a distinct emphasis on dynamic impact and bass authority. Where Yamaha sounds refined and Sansui sounds warm, Onkyo sounds powerful. Kick drums land with real weight, orchestral crescendos build with convincing scale, and the amplifier maintains its composure even when pushed hard into demanding loads.

The midrange is clean and transparent without being clinical — there is enough body to keep vocals engaging, but Onkyo prioritizes accuracy over sweetening. The treble is extended and detailed, occasionally leaning toward brightness on models with less sophisticated output stages, but the better units like the M-50 and the Integra series achieve a balance that holds up against far more expensive competition. The massive toroidal transformers and high-capacitance power supplies that Onkyo favored give their amplifiers an effortless quality during dynamic passages — the sense that there is always more power in reserve.

Collecting Onkyo

The M-50 integrated amplifier is the flagship collectible — a genuine giant-killer that routinely surprises listeners who compare it to more prestigious brands. Fully serviced units trade between $500 and $900, making it one of the best values in vintage high-power amplification. The earlier M-30 offers similar construction philosophy at slightly lower power and lower prices ($300 to $500). Among receivers, the TX-8555 and the Integra line have developed a quiet following for their build quality and sound, typically available for $150 to $350.

Onkyo’s modular construction is a real advantage for collectors — boards are accessible, service manuals are widely available, and the straightforward circuit topologies make servicing manageable for experienced hobbyists. When shopping, inspect the selector switches and volume potentiometers carefully — crackling controls are the most common issue on Onkyo receivers. Check for transformer hum (a sign of loosened laminations from heat cycling) and look for signs of capacitor leakage on the main amplifier boards. Original packaging and documentation add meaningful value, particularly for the higher-end Integra models.

Competitors & Comparisons

Amplifiers

• A 812EX — An integrated amplifier released in June 1987 with discrete output stages, dual-mono power supplies, and specialized circuitry for CD sources.
• A-100 (1978) — The Onkyo A-100 is a verified Onkyo integrated amplifier. Its name, type and manufacturer are confirmed; fuller specifications have yet to surface.
• A-15 — Onkyo A-15 (1977–1980): 45W/ch integrated amplifier with DC circuit design, 5Hz–100kHz response, 96dB S/N. Slimline silver-grey build noted in period UK review.
• A-300 (1976) — A high-fidelity integrated amplifier from Onkyo's golden era, known for solid build quality and warm, detailed sound. With detailed specs.
• A-700 (1976) — Onkyo A-700 (1976) integrated amplifier: 60W/ch at 8 ohms, 0.05% THD, dual-mono preamp, phono MM input, 14.5 kg. Full specifications and collector info.
• A-7070 — Onkyo A-7070 integrated amplifier, circa 1979. Little documented beyond a HiFI-Stereo test report and Onkyo's Super Servo ads.
• A-800 (1975) — Onkyo A-800 (1975) integrated amplifier delivers 100W RMS with 0.02% THD — a durable, discrete-transistor powerhouse from Japan's golden era of solid-state audio.
• a-810 — Onkyo Integra A-810 (1979) integrated amplifier — 110W/channel, 0.008% THD, MC/MM phono, W/Super Servo system, 20.3kg beast from Onkyo's golden era
• A-812XG (1980) — The Onkyo A-812XG (1989) delivers 72W/channel, MC/MM phono, and CD direct bypass in a compact black chassis. Specs, history, and real auction prices.
• ASV-810 — Onkyo A-SV810 (A-810) A/V integrated amplifier from circa 1991. 80W/ch, video switching, Dolby surround, wood side panels.
• CP-101A (1976) — Onkyo CP-101A: a reliable, belt-driven 2-speed turntable with auto-return and cueing, built for everyday vinyl playback.
• D3520A — Surviving information on the Onkyo D3520A is thin, but what exists points to a clear identity: this is a horn-loaded mid/high-range driver unit, most
• Integra 712 — Onkyo Integra 712 (1969) pre-main amplifier, 70W+70W at 0.1% THD, from the original Integra series introduced September 1969.
• Integra 732 — Onkyo Integra 732 (c. 1971) pre-main amplifier, 56W/ch into 8Ω, with built-in MC head amp and Pure Con direct-coupled circuitry.
• Integra A-808 — Onkyo Integra A-808 (circa 1978): 70W integrated amplifier with super servo DC design, no capacitors in the signal path, ¥85,000 at launch.
• INTEGRA-A-817 (1977) — A rare and collectible Onkyo INTEGRA-series integrated amplifier from the late 1970s, noted for its minimalist design and high-fidelity performance.
• INTEGRA-A-819 (1978) — A rare and sophisticated Onkyo Integra integrated control center from the late 1970s, blending tuner, preamplifier, and system integration functions.
• SC-1500 (1978) — The Onkyo SC-1500 (1984–1986) is a rare 3-way floorstanding speaker built to rival the Yamaha NS-2000. 91dB sensitivity, carbon fiber woofers.
• SC-2000 (1977) — The Onkyo SC-2000 (1981–1984) is a 55 kg, 4-way bass reflex speaker with a 380 mm woofer, horn-loaded midrange, and 91 dB sensitivity.
• SC-301 (1975) — Onkyo SC-301 (1981–1984) — a 2-way floor speaker with Deltaolefin woofer, magnesium tweeter, and tweeter level control. Sensitivity 91 dB, 6 Ohm.
• SC-700 (1978) — A premium Onkyo integrated control center combining AM/FM tuner, preamplifier, and source selector in one elegant unit. Covers the complete spec table.
• SC-901 (1976) — The Onkyo SC-901 (1981–1984) is a 3-way flagship speaker with Deltaolefin drivers, known for its spacious sound and strong collectibility among vintage audio enthusiasts.
• TA-1900 (1972) — Onkyo TA-1900 (1980–1982) — a no-frills, belt-driven cassette deck with Dolby B, manual tape selection, and a reputation for reliability.
• TA-2035 (1975) — Onkyo TA-2035 (1982–84) two-head cassette deck with Dolby-C, AMMS, and fluorescent meter. Built for fidelity, now prized by tape enthusiasts.
• TA-2040 — Onkyo TA-2040 — a Sendust-head stereo cassette deck with 0.055% WRMS wow and flutter, metal-tape support to 19 kHz, and Accu-Bias trim.
• TA-2070 (1975) — The Onkyo TA-2070 (1981–1984) is a sought-after 3-head cassette deck with Sankyo dual capstan transport, Sendust heads, and Accubias calibration.
• TA-2080 (1978) — The Onkyo TA-2080 pioneered automatic bias calibration in 1979, making it the first cassette deck smart enough to optimize recordings on the fly.
• TA-2090 (1978) — Onkyo TA-2090 (1984–1987): a top-tier 3-head cassette deck with dbx, Dolby C, HX-Pro, and dual-capstan transport. Known as 'The Dragon Slayer' for its high-end performance at half the Nakamichi price.
• TA-2130 — Onkyo TA-2130 cassette deck. Little documented beyond a HiFI-Stereo spec listing 20–16,000 Hz frequency response and 56 dB s/n.
• TA-2600 (1972) — Onkyo TA-2600 (1988–1990) — a 3-head cassette deck with HX Pro and auto tape sensing. Favored for its accurate sound and solid performance.
• TA-2800 (1975) — Onkyo TA-2800 (1988–1989) — a high-end cassette deck with 3 heads, Dolby C, HX Pro, and Full Logic Control. A sleeper in vintage audio.
• TX-4500MKII (1975) — Onkyo TX-4500MKII (1979–1980) — a quartz-locked stereo receiver with discrete preamp, double-conversion FM tuner, and 60W/channel output.
• TX-6500 (1977) — A high-performance FM tuner and amplifier combo from Onkyo, blending solid engineering with warm analog sound. With detailed specs and production dates.

Cassette Decks

• TA 1500 — A stereo cassette deck from the early 1980s with separate microphone inputs and solid-state electronics. Includes full specifications and production years.

Cd Players

• C-711MLTD — Onkyo C-711MLTD (circa 1994): limited-edition single-bit CD player based on the C-711M, with shielded transformer, CORIAN insulator, and LC-OFC wiring.
• C-724AX — Onkyo C-724AX CD player from 2001, ¥31,000. Little-documented model focused on ground-potential stability with a delta-sigma single-bit DAC.
• DV-S525 — Onkyo DV-S525 is unverified in the period record — all sources attribute the model name to a Denon progressive-scan DVD player. No Onkyo specs documented.
• DX-1800 — Obscure Onkyo DX-1800, likely a CD player, known only from a $129 classified listing in Audio magazine (March 1992, p.105).
• Integra C-701XG — Onkyo Integra C-701XG CD player, circa 1989, ¥57,000. Optical transmission system, ACCU BIT, Super Quartz, 18-bit DAC, dual power supplies.
• Integra DX-1000EX — Onkyo Integra DX-1000EX CD player (circa 1987, ¥49,800). Little-documented model with optical digital/analog isolation, double oversampling, and I·F·S floating suspension.

Preamps

• TX-6500MKII (1982) — A high-performance FM tuner and preamp hybrid from Onkyo, prized for its superb tuner section and audiophile-grade build.
• TX-8500 (1981) — A high-performance FM tuner and preamp hybrid from Onkyo's golden era, prized for its superb tuner section and audiophile-grade build.

Receivers

• INTEGRA-A-815 (1978) — A high-fidelity integrated receiver from Onkyo's premium INTEGRA line, known for solid build quality and warm analog sound.
• TX 2500MKII — A late-1970s stereo receiver with advanced tuner features and a distinctive 1978-era redesign, noted for strong build and well-regarded sound.
• TX-1500MKII (1975) — Onkyo TX-1500MKII (1978–1981) delivers 17W/channel with servo-locked FM tuning and IC-based amp design. Specs, value, and repair notes.
• TX-2500II (1975) — A high-power stereo receiver from the golden era of analog audio, known for robust build and dynamic sound. With detailed specs and production dates.
• TX-35 — Onkyo TX-35 AM/FM stereo receiver, c. 1984. A mid-fi sleeper rated at 45W/ch with Onkyo's APR auto-tuning system. Documentation is thin beyond period reviews.
• TX-3500 (1971) — A rare and early Onkyo receiver blending minimalist design with high-fidelity performance from the dawn of the integrated receiver era.
• TX-4500II (1975) — A high-fidelity stereo receiver from the golden era of analog audio, known for solid build and warm sound. Covers when it was made.
• TX-666 — Onkyo TX-666 (1972–1974): 50W/ch solid-state AM/FM receiver with a 200mV phono overload stage and serious protection circuitry.

Speakers

• 1010A — Onkyo 1010A — little-documented Onkyo turntable. Period press (High Fidelity, 1981) listed belt drive, automatic operation, PLL quartz. Thin record.
• E-413Aoak — The E-413Aoak is a 3-way, 3-speaker airtight bookshelf system from Onkyo's mid-1970s lineup — an improved version of the earlier E-413A. It was priced at
• HS-201 — The HS-201 is an early Onkyo bookshelf speaker from the mid-1960s, priced at ¥12,000 per unit — a notable sum at a time when floor-standing speakers were
• HS-301 — Onkyo HS-301 (mid-1960s) — large floor-standing 3-way sealed speaker system with five drivers: 30cm woofer, twin 12cm mids, twin 5cm horn tweeters. ¥24,000 per unit.
• MX5 — Onkyo MX-5 (1986–1988) — a 22.5 kg stereo power amplifier delivering 100W per channel into 8Ω with 120dB S/N ratio and 0.03% THD.
• QuartLam-III — Onkyo QuartLam-III (circa 1976) — a floor-standing speaker using Onkyo's unusual QL acoustic loading tube system, with dual staggered tweeters and a 47 Hz–20 kHz range.
• SC-601 (1977) — Onkyo SC-601 (1981–1984) — 3-way floorstander with adjustable mid/tweeter levels and Deltaolefin drivers. Known for balanced sound and foam surround aging.
• SCEPTER-200 (1982) — A rare and futuristic Onkyo concept system from the early 1980s blending high-end audio with modular design and advanced aesthetics.
• SCEPTER-500 (1980) — The Onkyo SCEPTER-500 (1978–1980) was a high-end floor-standing speaker in walnut finish, weighing 97 kg and priced at 580,000 yen in Japan.
• TA-2048 (1985) — Onkyo TA-2048 (1985–1987) — 3-head cassette deck with servo capstan, Dolby B/C/HX-Pro, and microcomputer-controlled silent transport.
• U-2500 — The Onkyo U-2500 is a compact 2-way bookshelf speaker from the early 1970s, produced from roughly 1971 to 1973 and priced at ¥14,300 per unit. It's a bass
• U-3500 — Onkyo U-3500 (circa 1971–1974): 3-way bookshelf speaker, 20cm woofer, 45Hz–20kHz, ¥17,500 at launch. Little else is documented.
• U-6000 — Onkyo U-6000 (1971–1972): rare 3-way sealed bookshelf speaker with horn-loaded midrange and tweeter, 30 cm woofer, 100 dB/W sensitivity.

Tuners

• CP-1057F (1975) — Onkyo CP-1057F: a quartz-locked, fully automatic turntable from the Integra line, known for precision, low wow & flutter, and smart automation.
• Integra T-406 — Onkyo Integra T-406 (1978): a Japanese-market servo-lock AM/FM stereo tuner with auto-locking tuning, deviation meter, and 77dB mono S/N ratio.
• Integra T-408 — The Onkyo Integra T-408 is a quartz-lock FM-only stereo tuner from the late 1970s, sold in Japan for ¥59,800. Documentation in English is thin, but what
• Integra T-417 — The Integra T-417 is a FM-only tuner from Onkyo’s Integra line, released in 1979 at a list price of ¥65,000. It’s a Japan-market unit — the receiving
• Integra T-420CS — Onkyo Integra T-420CS — an obscure CS-PCM satellite audio tuner from c.1994, ¥89,000, with 24 presets and 96dB S/N. Little documented.
• Integra T-425 — Onkyo Integra T-425 (c.1981): quartz PLL digital synthesizer FM/AM tuner, ¥39,800, 12 presets, slim 66mm chassis. Japanese-market unit with limited surviving documentation.
• Integra T-466NII — Onkyo Integra T-466NII (1975) FM/AM tuner from Onkyo's Integra line. FET front end, PLL MPX, FM4 quadraphonic output. ¥49,000 at release.
• T 3100 L — Onkyo T 3100 L — obscure FM/MW/LW vintage tuner from the 1970s/80s, known mainly from classified listings and often paired with the A-3100 amplifier.
• T 4030 — A DAB/FM tuner from the early 2010s designed to integrate digital radio into hi-fi systems with high build quality and a Wolfson DAC.
• T 9090 (1984–1997) — Onkyo T-9090 (1984–1997) synthesized FM tuner — 3SK114 dual-gate MOSFET front end, 1.4dB noise figure, 20 presets, $700 original retail.
• T-25 — Little is documented about the Onkyo T-25. The research file for this model is essentially empty — no brochure, manual, or spec sheet has surfaced.
• T-403 — Onkyo T-403 quartz-PLL tuner (c. 1990-91), the European version of the T-4030. FM/MW/LW coverage, 0.12% FM stereo distortion, 78dB mono S/N. Little else is documented.
• T-4037 — The Onkyo T-4037 is an obscure digital frequency-synthesizer tuner from circa 1985, documented mainly by a $165 listing in High Fidelity.
• T-4050 (1975) — Onkyo T-4050 — a 1990s mystery. Is it a tuner or receiver? 100WPC spec contradicts its classification. What we know (and don't).
• T-4060 (1975) — Onkyo T-4060 (1975) AM/FM stereo tuner: 1.8 uV sensitivity, 70 dB selectivity, analog dial with counter, 8.5 kg. Full specifications and collector info.
• T-4070 (1975) — Onkyo T-4070 (2011–2017) network tuner with AirPlay, DLNA, Spotify, DAB+, and dual Wolfson DACs. Silver chassis, 435 mm wide.
• T-4077 — Onkyo T-4077: a tuner from 1985 with Onkyo's APR system, expected to sell for $350. Little else is documented. Find when it was made here.
• T-4080 (1977) — Onkyo T-4080 (1977) stereo FM tuner: 1.8 uV sensitivity, 70+ dB SNR, 40 dB stereo separation, MOSFET RF stage, 8.5 kg. Full specifications and collector info.
• T-4500 (1974) — A high-performance FM tuner from Onkyo's golden era, known for exceptional sensitivity and build quality. With the complete spec table and when it was made.
• T-4550 (1977) — A high-performance FM tuner from Onkyo's golden era, known for excellent reception, solid build, and audiophile-grade tuning circuitry.
• T-4555 (1975) — Onkyo T-4555 (2007–2009) — a modular, high-fidelity multi-platform tuner for AM, FM, DAB, HD Radio, and Sirius XM with swappable boards and audiophile-grade sound.
• T-4700 — Onkyo T-4700 FM/AM tuner, c. 1990. Documented mainly by an Audio magazine Equipment Profile covering its APR auto-reception system and measured FM/AM performance.
• T-5000 (1975) — A high-end Onkyo FM tuner from the 1970s, prized for its precision tuning and audiophile-grade reception. Covers detailed specs and production dates.
• T-9090-II (1978) — A high-end AM/FM stereo tuner from Onkyo's golden era, known for superb sensitivity, selectivity, and audiophile-grade sound quality.
• TA-2060 (1976) — The Onkyo TA-2060 (1982–1984) is a no-nonsense, three-head cassette deck with direct drive, Dolby HX Pro, and manual bias control—built for serious tapers.
• TX-8500MKII (1985) — A high-performance FM stereo tuner from Onkyo's golden era, known for exceptional reception and audiophile-grade sound quality.

Turntables

• CP-1000 (1979) — A high-precision, dual-plinth turntable from Onkyo's golden era, known for its build quality and advanced isolation design.
• CP-1000A (1979) — A high-precision, dual-plinth belt-drive turntable with advanced isolation and speed control, designed for audiophile-grade vinyl playback.
• CP-1007A (1978) — A high-quality, precision turntable from Onkyo's golden era, known for its robust build and accurate speed control. This page has the complete spec table.
• CP-1010 (1976) — The Onkyo CP-1010 (1979) is a belt-driven, auto-return turntable with servo control and 0.05% wow & flutter. Specs, quirks, and real-world value.
• CP-1010A (1975) — A precision belt-drive turntable from Onkyo's golden era, known for solid build and smooth performance. With the complete spec table and when it was made.
• CP-1020 (1979) — The Onkyo CP-1020 (1977) is a fully automatic direct-drive turntable from Japan with 0.035% wow and flutter and a repairable two-motor design.
• CP-1030F — Little-documented Onkyo CP-1030F turntable from circa 1980, known today mostly through Onkyo's own magazine ads and a 1983 SH-21 headshell listing.
• CP-1100A (1975) — Onkyo CP-1100A (1979–1982) — a reliable 2-speed belt-drive turntable with DC servo motor, low-mass tonearm, and automatic return.
• CP-30M (1980) — A precision belt-drive turntable from Onkyo's golden era, known for solid build and smooth performance. This page has full specifications.

Unknown

• 150F — The Onkyo 150F: an early-1980s fully automatic turntable known mostly through an Audio magazine review (Aug 1981) with 0.04% wow and flutter.
• 2500-II — Onkyo 2500-II (TX-2500-II) AM/FM stereo receiver, circa 1979. Documented mainly through Audio magazine's February 1979 test; specs and measured results inside.
• 810-PRO — Obscure Onkyo A/V integrated amplifier, reviewed by HiFI-Stereo in 1991 as the A-SV810PRO. Dolby surround, Theater modes, S-video inputs, 43k/53pF phono stage.
• ES-600PRO — Onkyo ES-600PRO surround processor amp: Dolby Pro Logic, Dolby Surround, discrete output stages. Known only from a 1993 HiFI-Stereo listing.
• SV-515 — Little-documented Onkyo SV-515 surround receiver, listed as the TX-SV515PRO in an October 1993 HiFI-Stereo comparison at $530.
• SV-515PRO — Little documented about the Onkyo SV-515PRO receiver; an Oct 1993 HiFI-Stereo group test places it at $530 against Pioneer and Yamaha.
• SV-909PRO (circa 1992) — Onkyo Integra TX-SV909PRO (c.1992) — world's first full digital Dolby Pro Logic receiver, plus Ambisonic; 7 discrete amps, 3 transformers.
• SV-919THX — Onkyo SV-919THX: the world's first Home THX-certified A/V receiver, announced June 1994. 110 W/ch stereo Bypass, 50 W surround; reviewed by HiFI-Stereo and Audio.

Other Models

• AS-2000X — Onkyo AS-2000X speaker stands, c. 1986. Laminated mizume cherry construction for Monitor2000X and D-77X. ¥45,000 per pair.
• AS-500 — Onkyo AS-500 (2011-2015) stereo integrated amplifier — 2x50W into 8 Ohms, MM phono stage, tone controls. A late-era analog holdout, thinly documented.
• C-7030 — A single-disc CD player designed for high-fidelity audio reproduction, released in 2011. This page has detailed specs and production dates.
• DT-2001 — Onkyo DT-2001 (1987) — Onkyo's first DAT deck, with optical digital I/O, 35-button remote, and a 70 dB mike section reviewers told buyers to skip.
• DX-1400 — Onkyo DX-1400 entry-level CD player — dual 18-bit converters, 8x oversampling, and a favorite DIY tube-output mod platform.
• INTEGRA A 701XD — Onkyo INTEGRA A-701XD (1988) pre-main amplifier with 18-bit DAC, 105W output, and optical drive amplifier — a rare, overbuilt analog-digital hybrid from Japan's high-end era.
• INTEGRA A 701XG — An integrated amplifier with built-in D/A converter, combining high-power analog amplification and early digital audio support.
• Integra E-707 — Onkyo Integra E-707 (1983): 12-element graphic equalizer, top of the Integra line, with illuminated test-tone oscillator and ±12 dB range.
• integra TA-207 — Obscure Onkyo Integra TA-207 cassette deck, c. 1992, $529.95; little documented beyond a period Audio magazine profile.
• MD-185X — Documentation on the Onkyo MD-185X is genuinely thin. No production years, no original price, no technical audio specifications (frequency response, THD
• SC 500 — A high-efficiency, floor-standing, four-way horn speaker system with extended frequency response and massive 200-liter cabinet.
• SC 900 — A 3-way bass reflex loudspeaker system built in Japan during the early 1980s. Find full specifications and production years here.
• SC-750 — Onkyo SC-750 (1984-86): Japanese 3-way floorstander with Deltaolefin cones, 25mm magnesium dome tweeter, cast aluminum woofer basket. Little formally documented.
• SCEPTER 10 — A large-scale floor-type speaker system using a 38 cm woofer and horn-type tweeter with acoustic lens. Find the complete spec table and when it was made here.
• SCEPTER 100 — A three-way floorstanding loudspeaker system with hermetically sealed enclosure, designed for high-fidelity audio reproduction.
• System-1 — Onkyo System-1 — the Home THX certified speaker package sold alongside the TX-SV919THX, the world's first THX receiver, announced June 1994.
• ta-2015 — Onkyo TA-2015 cassette deck, once priced at ~550 DM, now a repair or mod project — limited specs, minimal collectible value
• ta-2025 — Onkyo TA-2025 cassette deck with 2-head design, metal tape support, and Dolby B. Find out what we learned from sparse documentation.
• TX-555 — Onkyo TX-555 AM/FM stereo receiver — 40 W/ch conservatively rated, measured 46 W before clipping, strong phono stage, cast front panel.
• TX-605 — Onkyo TX-605 (TX-SR605) 7.1-channel home theater receiver, c. 2005. 90W x 7 into 8 ohms, Dolby/DTS decoding, four HDMI inputs. Little-documented model; most references treat TX-605 as shorthand for TX…
• TX-NR1000 — Onkyo TX-NR1000 flagship modular AV receiver (mid-2000s). 150W x 7, THX Ultra2, card-based hardware-upgradable design. Originally $4,999.