Onkyo INTEGRA-A-815 (1978)
The Onkyo INTEGRA-A-815 is an integrated receiver from 1978. It belongs to Onkyo's INTEGRA series, which was aimed at audiophiles who wanted high fidelity, solid construction and a full feature set in one chassis. Japanese makers were at the peak of component stereo popularity in the 1970s, and this is one of their products.
Design and Build Quality
The INTEGRA-A-815 has a brushed aluminum front panel with a plain, functional layout. A large central VU meter sits in the middle. It shows left and right channel output, so you can watch balance and signal strength as the music plays. Large knurled aluminum knobs flank the meter for volume, balance, tone controls and input selection. Each one gives precise tactile feedback.
The chassis uses a rigid steel frame to cut vibration and electromagnetic interference, which was standard Onkyo practice at the time. The rear panel carries binding posts for the speakers, multiple line-level inputs (phono, tape, tuner and auxiliary), and tape loop jacks for recording. Internally there is heavy-duty wiring, gold-plated connectors and a generously sized toroidal power transformer for stable power under dynamic load.
Audio Performance
The A-815 delivers 70 watts per channel into 8 ohms, with total harmonic distortion (THD) of less than 0.05% across 20Hz-20kHz. That was a substantial output in the late 1970s, and it can still drive a wide range of passive speakers efficiently. The amplifier section is fully discrete transistor, with no integrated circuits. Many vintage audio enthusiasts prefer its warm, natural sound over modern digital amplifiers.
Frequency response is rated from 20Hz to 20kHz ±0.5dB, with extended performance beyond these limits (10Hz–50kHz) at -3dB, indicating excellent transient response and detail retrieval. The signal-to-noise ratio exceeds 90dB, ensuring a quiet background and deep stereo imaging. The A-815 also features a high-quality phono preamp with switchable equalization for both MM (Moving Magnet) and MC (Moving Coil) cartridges, a rare and valuable feature for vinyl enthusiasts.
Tuner Section
The built-in AM/FM tuner is another strong point. It uses a high-sensitivity dual-ganged varactor tuning system with digital frequency synthesis, which gives stable reception and minimal drift. The FM section handles both stereo and mono, and a signal strength meter is integrated into the main VU display. The tuner covers 87.5MHz to 108MHz (FM) and 530kHz to 1600kHz (AM) in 10kHz steps.
Tuning is done with a large rotary knob and a mechanical dial. Optional remote tuning units were available for some INTEGRA models, though compatibility with the A-815 is undocumented. The tuner section also has a stereo/mono switch, an AF limiter, and local/distance reception modes for varying signal conditions.
Features and Functionality
The INTEGRA-A-815 offers a comprehensive set of features for its era:
- Tone Controls: Bass and treble adjustments with ±12dB range at 100Hz and 10kHz, respectively. A loudness contour switch boosts low and high frequencies at lower volumes for more natural listening.
- Source Selection: Five inputs (Phono, Tuner, Tape, Aux, CD) with dedicated level controls. The phono input includes switchable RIAA equalization for MM and MC cartridges.
- Tape Monitoring: Dual tape loops with independent record and playback monitoring, allowing users to dub between tape decks or monitor the tape output while playing another source.
- Speaker Outputs: Dual sets of binding posts (A and B), enabling connection of two pairs of speakers. A front-panel switch allows selection between Speaker A, B, or both.
- Headphone Amplifier: A dedicated 1/4" headphone jack on the front panel with its own amplifier circuit, providing high-output drive for a wide range of headphones.
- Remote Control: While the A-815 does not have built-in remote control capability, some later INTEGRA models in the series did. No official remote was released for this model.
- Muting and Dimmer: A front-panel mute button silences the output instantly, and a dimmer switch adjusts the brightness of the VU meter and tuning display.
Technical Specifications
- Power Output: 70W RMS per channel into 8Ω (both channels driven, 20Hz–20kHz, THD <0.05%)
- Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.05%
- Damping Factor: >100 (1kHz, 8Ω)
- Frequency Response: 20Hz–20kHz ±0.5dB
- Input Sensitivity:
- Phono (MM): 5mV
- Phono (MC): 0.5mV
- Line: 180mV
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >90dB (IHF-A weighted)
- Tuner Sensitivity (FM): 1.8µV for 26dB SNR
- Tuner Selectivity: >70dB at ±400kHz
- Headphone Output: 100mW into 8Ω
- Power Consumption: 320W (maximum)
- Dimensions: 435mm (W) × 156mm (H) × 375mm (D)
- Weight: 18.5 kg (approx. 40.8 lbs)
Legacy and Collectibility
The Onkyo INTEGRA-A-815 is now a sought-after vintage receiver among audiophiles and collectors. It combines high power output, excellent build quality and warm analog sound, and it is a favorite for vintage stereo setups. Unlike many modern receivers built around digital processing, it offers a pure, uncolored audio path for analog sources.
It is not as widely known as receivers from Marantz, Pioneer or Sansui, but the INTEGRA-A-815 holds its own in performance and reliability. Onkyo's reputation for durability means many units still work perfectly, especially when properly maintained. Capacitor aging is the most common problem in units that have not been serviced, so a recapping by a qualified technician is recommended for long-term reliability.
In the current vintage audio market, the INTEGRA-A-815 typically sells for $300-$600 depending on condition, originality and cosmetic finish. Fully restored units with upgraded components can command higher prices, particularly when paired with matching INTEGRA preamps or power amplifiers.
Conclusion
The Onkyo INTEGRA-A-815 stands as a testament to the high standards of Japanese audio engineering in the 1970s. With its robust construction, rich sound, and comprehensive feature set, it remains a compelling choice for anyone building a vintage hi-fi system. Whether you're a vinyl enthusiast, a fan of classic rock, or simply appreciate the craftsmanship of analog electronics, the A-815 delivers an engaging and authentic listening experience that modern gear often struggles to replicate. It’s not just a receiver—it’s a piece of audio history.
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