Onkyo A-15 (1977–1980)
The Onkyo A-15 is a 45-watt-per-channel integrated amplifier produced from 1977 to 1980. It’s a reasonably well-documented model in terms of specifications, though period reception and market context are thin. What the record shows: a DC power amplifier circuit, 45W/Ch minimum RMS into 8 ohms from 20Hz to 20kHz with no more than 0.08% THD, and a frequency response extending from 5 Hz to 100 kHz. Signal-to-noise ratio is rated at 96 dB, with a damping factor of 50. Input sensitivity is 2.5 mV for MM phono and 150 mV for line-level sources, with a phono overload point of 100 mV at 1kHz.
The A-15 was evidently slimline for its era. A period review in Audio-Collection (p.82) described it as a 30W-per-channel integrated amplifier of quite slimline dimensions, finished in silver grey with a matching anodised aluminium front panel — the wattage discrepancy aside, the reviewer noted the front panel looked remarkably devoid of controls at first glance, with only power and selector switches, a volume control, and a pair of largely ineffectual analogue power meters visible. A neat front-panel flap opened to reveal subsidiary controls. The review also noted Onkyo was little known in the UK at the time, with the brand just beginning to be imported from Japan. Audio-Collection, p.82
Physically, the A-15 measures 420 x 158 x 392 mm and weighs 11.1 kg. Tone controls offer ±10 dB at 50 Hz (bass) and ±10 dB at 10 kHz (treble), with a loudness contour active at the -30 dB volume setting. No original price is documented, and no current market values or owner-reception notes have surfaced.
- Power: 45W/Ch min. RMS, 8Ω, 20Hz–20kHz, both channels driven, ≤0.08% THD
- Circuit: DC power amplifier design
- Frequency response: 5 Hz – 100 kHz
- S/N ratio: 96 dB
- Damping factor: 50
- Input sensitivity: 2.5 mV (MM phono) / 150 mV (line)
- Dimensions: 420 × 158 × 392 mm
- Weight: 11.1 kg
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