Onkyo Makes Bold Return With Icon Series At CES 2025
Onkyo's return to hi-fi announced in Las Vegas with Icon streaming amp, network preamp and power amp trio.
Onkyo unwrapped its new Icon Series of hi-fi separates at CES 2025, consisting of the P-80 network preamplifier, the M-80 power amplifier and the A-50 streaming amplifier.
Pitched as "a bold step forward in the brand's evolution", this is seen as a reintroduction to the brand, which has recently been well-known for its powerful AV receivers before finding itself in financial difficulties. This saw Onkyo acquired by Premium Audio Company (the parent company of Pioneer, Klipsch, Sharp and others) before finding a new home at the end of last year.
Onkyo states its new Icon Series aims to advance "their commitment to delivering unparalleled audio experiences for audiophiles" and is a key part of the brand's "bold new vision for the future". All three Icon components sport a sleek and modern aesthetic, while classic touches such as VU meters see the brand hopping straight onto the retro-fi express.
This new trio benefits from Onkyo's patented DIDRC (Dynamic Intermodulation Distortion Reduction Circuitry) tech, which aims to reduce noise in the higher frequencies and improve the reproduction of analogue audio signals via a High Slew Rate Circuit resulting in a more authentic sound.
Additionally, all three products are wrapped in a fan-less case featuring a 5mm aluminium front panel adorned with minimal buttons and a large volume dial on the P-80 and A-50, while the M-80 power amp is treated to glowing VU meters behind glass.
ONKYO ICON P-80 NETWORK PREAMP
The Icon P-80 is kitted out with a new AK4452 premium stereo DAC capable of 32-bit/768kHz with wireless streaming capabilities, including AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Bluetooth and wi-fi.
There's access to a wide range of streaming services and internet radio, including Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, and what appears to be the first official sighting in the wild of the upcoming Qobuz Connect feature.
The P-80 is Roon Ready and features Dirac Live Room Correction, with music playback, source selection and more possible with the Onkyo Controller app.
Connectivity includes an HDMI ARC input and a phono stage that can handle both MM and MC cartridges, which should satisfy vinylistas, but we're still awaiting the finer details.
The aforementioned DIDRC tech is found in the DAC filter section and phono stage to reduce high-frequency noise and deliver "an emotional sound", so says the brand.
ONKYO ICON M-80 POWER AMP
The Icon M-80 power amp houses a symmetrical Class A/B amplifier with a three-stage Inverted Darlington (output stage) that is claimed to deliver 150 watts per channel at 8 ohms (200W at 4 ohms).
In addition to DIDRC technology in its driver stage, the M-80 features a high current drive with low distortion alongside a custom "high current power supply to provide dynamic full-range sound". Thanks to the quality components onboard, we're promised: "world-class playback that packs a punch."
ONKYO ICON A-50 STREAMING AMP
As the name suggests, the Onkyo Icon A-50 network integrated amp marries a networked preamp and power amp into one sleek unit.
In essence, you get the streaming features of the P-80, including HDMI ARC, phono stage, Dirac Live Room Correction, and Roon Ready certification, with 140W per channel of Class A/B amplification into 8 ohms (180W into 4 ohms). Just a smidge less than the M-80 power amp, then.
Also shared with the P-80, the A-50 is treated to the same stereo DAC, DIDRC circuitry and fan-less heatsink design as its stablemate.
All three products will be available in silver or black finishes in Q4 of 2025. The Icon P-80 and Icon M-80 will cost US$1,999 each, while the Icon A-50 will cost US$1,499 (global pricing is yet to be confirmed).
Visit Onkyo for more information
Jay Garrett
StereoNET’s resident rock star, bass player, and gadget junkie. Jay heads up StereoNET as Editor for the United Kingdom and Europe regions. His passion for gadgets and Hi-Fi is second only to being a touring musician.
Posted in: Hi-Fi
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