Present at the 2025 Paris Audio Video Show, Japanese brand Onkyo marked its return to the hi-fi world with a entire new range called Icon. After focusing on home theater several years, the manufacturer is going back to basics with its new integrated amplifier, network preamplifier and a power amplifier. This series combines Onkyo’s sonic tradition with cutting-edge technologies, including Dirac Live acoustic calibration.
Onkyo Icon A-50: the all-in-one integrated amplifier
At the brand’s stand, hi-fi enthusiasts present at PAVS 2025 were inevitably drawn to the Onkyo Icon A-50 amplifier. It combines the functionalities of a hi-fi amplifier with 2 x 140W into 8 ohms (180W into 4 ohms) and a network player. It is based on a class AB architecture combined with an three-stage inverted Darlington circuit to guarantee stability and high current. Onkyo adds its DIDRC technology, designed to reduce high-frequency intermodulation distortion.
Integrated Dirac Live automatically corrects room acoustics, with a basic version (500Hz – 20kHz) and an option to unlock the entire bandwidth. In terms of connectivity, the Icon A-50 features three RCA inputs, a phono input, HDMI ARC, optical, coaxial and USB-A inputs, as well as headphone and pre-out outputs. It is compatible with Bluetooth aptX HD, Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, Chromecast and Roon Ready, and supports all major streaming services.
Onkyo Icon P-80: the control center for separate systems
At the Paris Audio Video Show 2025, the Onkyo Icon P-80 network preamplifier took pride of place alongside the Icon A-50. Designed to drive separate hi-fi systems, the Icon P-80 acts as a digital and analog hub. It features the same DIDRC processing as the A-50, plus a 32-bit/768kHz AK4452 DAC for high-resolution playback. Its connectivity includes RCA, phono MM/MC, HDMI ARC, optical, coaxial and USB-A inputs, and balanced XLR or RCA outputs, with two separate subwoofer outputs for the Dirac Live Bass Control option.
The Onkyo Icon P-80 network preamplifier supports all major streaming platforms, centralizing all sources before transmitting an optimized signal to the power amplifier. Dirac Live calibration is also present, with a possible extension to low frequencies. This makes it a central hub in an evolving high-fidelity system.
Onkyo Icon M-80: a power amp that’s ready for any challenge
Last but not least, the ultimate curiosity at the Japanese manufacturer’s stand was the Onkyo Icon M-80: the power amp that completes the new Icon hi-fi range. It delivers 2 x 130W per channel into 8 ohms (200W per channel into 4 ohms) with a high current capacity. It also incorporates a Darlington three-stage circuit, 10,000 µF capacitors and a chassis with an extruded aluminum heatsink. The aim is to guarantee stable current without mechanical noise or vibration.
Designed to work in symbiosis with the P-80, it features RCA and XLR inputs as well as a trigger port. It allows two pairs of speakers to be powered via A/B terminals compatible with all types of cable. It’s ideal for audiophiles seeking optimum control of even the most demanding speakers.
Summary
With the Onkyo Icon series, the Japanese brand returns to the forefront of the hi-fi scene with three complementary electronics. All benefit from an audiophile design, extensive connectivity and the integration of Dirac Live calibration, unprecedented at this price level. This return marks a clear determination from the brand to put acoustics, precision and user-friendliness back at the heart of the hi-fi experience.
