Home theater can be crazy confusing, especially if youre just starting out. This last group can be enormous fun to play around with. While it is more expensive than the Onkyo A-9110 - $649 versus $300 it does offer Wi-Fi connectivity, as well as quite a bit more power. We dig the PMA-600NE for other reasons, chiefly its excellent DAC and Bluetooth functionality, but theres no question that the A-9110 is a better overall pure amplifier. However, while we would have prefered a digital input, it's a little hard to penalised the A-9110 for this deliberate design choice. The problem is, it does make the amp significantly less convenient to use. It's doesn't, shall we say, get the pulse racing when you open the package. So far, so simple. They weren't needed and we quickly forget they existed. There are no digital inputs. We recommend running the auto-calibration right after plugging everything in get that fuss out of way in the very beginning, then the sooner you can start listening to your new home cinema. Cast is compatible with WiFi-enabled Android smartphones and tablets; iPhone, iPad, and iPod; Chrome for Mac and Chrome for Windows; and ChromeOS. Secondly, double-check your AV amp supports Atmos soundtracks most amps at 500 and above should do as standard by now. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, Similarly, if you have your sights on a 2000 amp, your speaker package should be in the 4000-5000 region essentially, double the amplifiers worth (and add a bit more). Just as youre coasting the post-calibration high and are ready to hit play on your 4K Blu-ray, you might notice another couple of options: surround sound modes and DSPs. DSP (digital sound processing) can vary from Dolby or DTS processing modes to specific Drama/Sci-Fi/Adventure/Game modes that boost certain aspects of the sound. The Blu-ray input, for example, might offer the shortest signal path to the processor and so delivers the best performance. The A-9110 delivers a surprising subtlety in the low end. Compared to an amp like the Dayton Audio DTA-2.1 BT2, which offers an identical wattage for a third of the price, the specs don't seem too impressive. published 7 July 21, Buying a new home cinema amp? As a general rule of thumb: if the amp is around 350 and below, youll get basic 5.1, a handful of HDMI inputs, and no internet. Since youve (presumably) already made the big decision of having a surround sound system in your home, you probably already know how many speakers you can fit in from a basic 5.1 to an all-out Dolby Atmos extravaganza. PS5 restock news: where to buy a PlayStation 5 console in 2022, The 22 best Dolby Atmos movie scenes to test your home cinema surround sound system, The best home entertainment buying advice, Issues delivered straight to your door or device. It would have been great to see a similar set of features to Direct Mode and Phase Matching Bass Boost incorporated to solve issues in the high-end. Itll play media files off a USB stick, but we find it useful for charging our smartphones (if the amp allows it). The company's old Connect:Amp has long been the secret weapon of custom home theater installers, and if you think the guys at Sonos didn't notice this, you're dreaming. It's not like we are asking Onkyo's R&D team to design an app here the very thought would probably give them heart attacks but there have to be better ways to communicate information than this. Like the amp controls, it keeps frivolity and flair to an absolute minimum. And whether we find them charming or not, the problem is that they just don't work very well. But the bass of the A-9110 smokes the Sonos, coming across as clean and clear, with no distortion that we could detect. We think it's a superb alternative. The A-9110 has no DAC - not a dealbreaker, but it might not be the best buy if you're looking for a single-box solution. If youre an AV newbie, it can be daunting to know where to start when youre confronted with a big metal box covered in a multitude of connections, sockets and acronyms. If youre only ever going to have room/space for five speakers and a subwoofer (the minimum for a proper surround system), then you dont have to look further than a five-channel AV receiver. keep it playing for a day or two) to get it sounding its best before any critical listening. If youre prepared to spend a little more for additional features, then it may be worth looking at an amplifier like the Denon PMA-600NE. The second feature is called Direct Mode, and it's one that allows you to have more neutrality in your sound. See the Onkyo A-9110 See the Best Stereo Amps. This might be a dream for old-school hi-fi fanatics, but it does take this amp out of the running for a single in-the-box solution. Why? Most AV receivers come with a set-up mic. The A-9110 incorporates a set of tone controls on the front of the amp three simple knobs which control bass, treble, and speaker balance. We get it. But amp power isn't just about wattage; it's about the quality of the circuits, the current, and the voltage. If you're going to be mainly watching movies at more sociable hours, then you'll want to hear the soundtrack in all its glory, right? The price is superb, making it the best budget stereo amp currently available, with excellent value-for-money. Fortunately, we're here to help, with our full guide to this audio topic. It's not just a big, grunting amplifier that gives you huge bass and nothing more. Features such as wi-fi, Bluetooth, Spotify Connect, Tidal, DSD playback, FM/DAB tuners, hi-res music streaming and multi-room are all up to personal preference (although most amplifiers, bar the most budget ones, come loaded with most of these features anyway), so cast an eye over the amps specs sheet to make sure it has everything you want. For all its charms, the Onkyo A-9110 can feel a little dated - especially when compared to more modern amps. We truly couldn't believe how well the A-9110 could power speakers. This feature, more than anything else, makes this amp seriously old school it's the kind of classic design you'd see on 1960s hi-fi racks. A grand and more: everything above, but more power, bigger scale of sound, more speaker terminals, more fine-tuned audio calibrations and more features. For our money, the Onkyo A-9110 is the best budget stereo amp available right now. Trust your ears: if it sounds wrong, it probably is, so adjust away. It's a definite improvement on the low end compared to amps like the Sonos Amp (full review here). Its because a good receiver will bring the best out of your home theater FLAC, WAV, AIFF, DSD Theres no denying that picking the right type of audio to listen to can be crazy confusing. Head into the manual speaker settings (you may have to delve into subfolders in the menu) to tell the amp if theyre upward-firing Atmos-enabled speakers (such as the KEF R50s) or installed in the ceiling then it can calibrate accordingly. It doesn't technically have huge power - 50 watts per channel RMS at four ohms, which means 25 watts per channel into a more common eight ohm speaker. He's been been reviewing hi-fi, TV and home cinema equipment for over two decades, and over that time has covered thousands of products. On the surface, they seem relatively straightforward. When we test an AV receiver, we let it run in (i.e. We use affiliate links andmay receive a small commission on purchases. We are still not entirely sure why there are two sets of track controls on the remote, but you do get an on switch for Onkyo's line-up of CD players. The downside is that it is more expensive, to the tune of about $100. AV receivers may look complicated, but it can be easier to pin down requirements for buying your new amp than most other hi-fi or AV kit. You will receive a verification email shortly. Top tip: before you sit down to enjoy film night, turn on the AV receiver about half an hour earlier to let it warm up itll sound considerably better than if you start playing it when it's cold. But AV receivers are imposing machines. The AV receiver is the powerhouse of the home cinema experience. It's like one of the pilots in the old US space program - the original one in the early 1960s, back when America was still battling the Russians. Most calibration systems these days are largely accurate, but its always worth delving into the manual speaker settings to double-check the distances and levels, and tweak the results where needed. From small bookshelf speakers to big floorstanders, the amp didn't break a sweat. Watch Manchester by the Sea on Google Play. *RMS = RMS/Continuous Power Some, such as Denons amps, helpfully colour code the speaker terminals to make plugging in five (or more) pairs of speakers easier. Sonos don't just make great wireless speakers. You can even get nerdy like us and adjust the speaker levels using a sound pressure meter level (or use the equivalent smartphone app (opens in new tab) they genuinely work). In this review, we break down the A-9110's sound, design, packaging and accessories, specs and more. 200W per channel), but the power ratings on an AV receiver dont accurately represent the performance. It's easy to look at the Onkyo A-9110 and not be impressed. Try to keep all the speaker cables from tangling with each other too much, to reduce any interference. The bass is no exception. There are two features worth drawing attention to here. Beyond the standard pair of speaker binding posts, you get a subwoofer out, and a line out if you're crazy and want to use the A-9110 as a preamp. The main thing youll need to change is when the amplifier hasnt recognised whether your speakers are large or small (this happens a lot). Wed also recommend looking for an amp that lets you accommodate four Atmos speakers (a 5.1.4 or 7.1.4 configuration), not two (5.1.2 or 7.1.2, for instance, which youll find in many 500-1000 amps). There's a much simpler and more elegant solution which actually costs less money. Of course, even if you're only mildly awake, you've already spotted the problem. Unfortunately, the lack of imagination with the design extends into the controls. The Onkyo A-9110 has great features, but the display can be very confusing. We could have done without them after a few testing attempts. What Hi-Fi? The modes vary with each manufacturer, but they generally switch off any part of the circuitry that isnt needed, thereby reducing distortion and getting rid of any interferences all in the name of keeping the signal path as pure as possible. They all look the same, after all a sturdy rectangular box so at least you dont have to make many aesthetic choices beyond perhaps black or silver. But its a terrific amplifier, with a punchy DAC and full Bluetooth functionality. We don't think we've ever seen one in an amplifier below about $800, and since Onkyo doesn't mention it anywhere in the press material or specs, it came as a genuinely pleasant surprise. That will stop any pops, shorting of circuits or any other possible damage to your system. However, unless you really need these features, we think you'll be better served by buying a sub-$100 DAC, of which there are several options available. You mainly need three things on your checklist: how many speakers do you have, how many HDMI inputs will you need, and whats your budget? One of the Onkyo A-9110's biggest competitors, the Denon PMA-600NE, has similar features. Please refresh the page and try again. The A-9110 is a Class A/B amplifier (read more about amp classes here). There's no question that the build quality is excellent, especially for this price. One more thing: if youll be watching/listening to a variety of content films, sports, video games, stereo music through your amp, its worth setting up shortcuts with bespoke settings for each type of content you watch. As we mentioned earlier in the review, it's entirely possible to get a combination DAC-amp from Onkyo - the A-9150. Once you've done what the article suggests, get yourself a good soundstage. Keep the display turned off for a boost in sound quality. Since that amplifier costs $599, you'd expect it to crush the Onkyo A-9110's internal sound. Ignore the power ratings stated by the manufacturer. If you have Dolby Atmos speakers installed, you need to tell the amp so before calibrating. Ketan works across the What Hi-Fi? It takes care of the issue beautifully, and we were able to pick out details in the sound even at low volumes. Should you buy an Insignia TV in 2022? So why not take the jump? Weve gathered some of the most exciting converters currently on the market. And the USB port in front? We think the A-9110 has cleaner, more defined sound, but the design and functionality of the Sonos Amp is much more 21st-century. There's very little hum or hiss here something that would have been evident in the higher frequencies. That does means youll be looking at amplifiers in the 2000 region but itll be worth it. We dont find two Atmos speakers enough for a genuine Atmos effect, so if youre serious about getting immersive, overhead, 3D sound: go for four. The problem comes with the display, which is simply a thin rectangle listing the active input. It helps that the size, weight, and construction of the A-9110 really does help lower noise. Now its time to plug everything in. When pitted against something like the Peachtree Audio nova300 (full review here), it will certainly fail. It's more or less the same as the A-9110 in terms of sound quality, but includes a couple of extra features. As for distortion, there was hardly any, no matter how hard we pushed it. We tend to go off and make a cup of tea for the longer ones. What Hi-Fi? This means the manufacturer has taken care to optimise these inputs for those particular sources. While they do deliver subtle adjustments, they never feel like they're improving the sound. Next to consider is connections. We also love the sound, which is rich and detailed, with bass that packs a real punch. For under $300, the results we had were simply staggering. But despite the lack of flair, you do get extensive functionality, including a subwoofer output for passive subs, Bluetooth, and tone control. Like a motorised volume knob, for example. It's as if they've been put there because Onkyo felt they had to be there. But the thick chassis definitely helps here, too. Much of this was thanks to something called Optimum Gain Volume Circuitry, which reduces the electrical noise in the audio signal, regardless of how high or low the volume is. Thank you for signing up to What Hi-Fi?. Here comes the lengthiest, fiddliest part of setting up your AV receiver. Although we were quite taken by the A-9110, we must admit that it's not going to beat high-end integrated amps. It binds together the sources, the speaker package and what you see on screen. Go look through every single folder and subfolder in the amps menu youll find loads of useful settings tucked away. Denon and Onkyo are quite similar, in that they are both legacy companies which focus on function rather than form, and as you could imagine, the PMA-600NE is no looker. The build quality and features on the A-9110 are both excellent. If you want an amp that's much less expensive, try the Dayton Audio DTA-2.1 BT2, which costs around $95. If, however, youre toying with the idea of expanding adding some surround back channels say, or maybe you want an Atmos system at some point its worth investing in a nine or 11-channel amplifier so youre future-proofed. Once the mic is plugged in, simply follow the on-screen instructions to the letter and let the calibration run its course. Put the following video on loop: Prioritise which connections you'll need the most, The many, many connections on the back of a top-range Yamaha AV receiver, The speaker terminals on Denon amps are helpfully colour-coded, Always run the auto-calibration to set up your home cinema amplifier, It's worth manually checking the speaker settings in the menu, View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N02Y7vaVDNo, Don't believe the hype: Bluetooth LE and the LC3 codec won't improve audio quality, HDMI ARC and HDMI eARC: everything you need to know. To see how it stacks up, check out our list of the best stereo amps. There was a problem. In one of the biggest decisions youll need to make is whether to go for a basic five-speaker system or a more powerful seven-speaker system. New York, The amplifier might have a boring aesthetic, but it's built like a tank. Use quality speaker cables and HDMI cables to get the best out of your system. It has connections on the back and controls on the front and about as much style as a Toyota Prius. Well give you tips on what to consider when choosing the right AV receiver for you, what to look out for with the connections, talk you through the auto-calibration process and give you even more tips on how to get the very best performance out of your new home cinema amplifier. Smartphone apps can be nice, but we prefer a trusty physical remote control. It's a much better setup, with cleaner conversion, and it allows you to change out the DAC at a later date if you like. You can forget about design engenuity here; this is a simple as it gets, sacrificing looks for functionality. It brings cinema magic into your home, cocooning you in a soundscape of humour, drama, crashes, bangs and wallops. In some cases, only a couple of HDMI inputs will be HDCP2.2 certified make sure you plug your 4K Blu-ray player into these. It might be the best Class A/B amp we've ever tested. Yamaha has some of the best sound programs for invoking a specific environment and delivering a subtle yet convincing effect. Price is obviously a big factor, too. Heres why you can trust us. So dont lose that set-up mic. The problem is, they cant compete with the less-expensive Onkyo. Here's all you need to know. Pop in your favourite film, grab some snacks, and enjoy your new, perfectly set up home cinema system. Surround backs, height or front width speaker terminals can double up as those for Dolby Atmos speakers, too: these might be labelled as assignable, 5.1.2ch or Extra SP. Its worth noting if you ever change your speaker package, change its position or move furniture around in the room, youll need to run the whole calibration again. Performance of certain Cast features, services and applications depends on the device you use with Cast and your internet connection. Since youll be living with your amp, youll find that it sounds better the more you use it. **Peak = Peak/Dynamic Power. Thinking about installing an Atmos system from the start? So what are you waiting for? These elements of the sound are still perfectly passable, but they can seem a bit disjointed at times. Also, the system wont sound right until the calibration is done. The sheer number of connections on the back of any amp can be daunting, but take your time to get it all set up properly in one go and youll never have to do it again. Along with a full range of digital inputs, you also get an additional set of speaker outputs, which is great if you have more than one set of speakers. Move up to the sweet spot of around 600 and you get every single cutting-edge AV feature wi-fi, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, 4K HDR passthrough, multiple HDMI inputs, all music streaming features thrown in. Sign up below to get the latest from What Hi-Fi?, plus exclusive special offers, direct to your inbox! We werent expecting this, as you can imagine. We didn't have one of these to test, so we can't comment on how well this works. Other amplifiers in this line have them, too - the Onkyo A-9150, which costs $414, has the exact same line of knobs on the front. The deficiencies are most notable in the mids and the highs, neither of which are as detailed or impactful as the low end. It should be the focus point for all your efforts, the piece of equipment that can make or break your sound. Make sure it has plenty of ventilation, too, as it can run hot during playback. It had exceptional weight, giving kick drums and bass lines significant grunt. What about everything else? And boy oh boy, does the A-9110 shake what it's mama gave it. Are they any good? But when you hook up the wires and queue some music, that first impression gets blown to kingdom come. The sound is more than acceptable, and it delivers just as much power as the Onkyo A-9110. We never thought a $300 amp would remind us of the space program, but this one did. Those pilots were all about keeping things operational - nothing extraneous, no science experiments in orbit, no wiffly-waffly radio observations about the awe they felt as they gazed at the Earth. No USB, no optical, nothing. Virtually every other stereo amplifier we've tested does a better job. It also has slightly more power - 60 watts RMS at four ohms, versus 50 for the A-9110. We weren't kidding when we said the A-9110 was a big black box - although, in fairness, you can buy it silver as well. Subscriptions may be required to access certain content. Ketan Bharadia This reduces the dynamic range of the amp and is really for late-night listening so any huge bangs and crashes don't annoy the neighbours. 2017 Lions Gate Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved. There are four simple line inputs, and a phono input with ground connection that can take both MM and MC inputs here's what those are. With an amplifier this old school, even the idea of a wireless connection would have made Onkyos engineers raise their eyebrows in horror. So, whether you have an amp ready to set up or you're looking to buy one, were here to guide you through all that intricacy. As you'd expect, the clean power of the A-9110 translates to exceptionally clean sound. While you'll be absolutely fine to connect this amplifier directly to a turntable, anybody who runs their music off a PC or tablet is going to need a separate DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter). Given how extraordinary the rest of the circuitry is, we don't think they're entirely necessary. Somewhere along the line, the engineers at Onkyo thought it was a good idea to have the input selection list double as an indicator that speaker impedance and subwoofer output settings have been changed, which is about the most awkward solution we could have imagine. Bonus points if the remote is backlit. Before we go, here are some general AV tips: Ketan Bharadia is the Technical Editor of What Hi-Fi? Onkyo does offer a version with an included DAC: the Onkyo A-9150, which costs $414 and comes with an AKM DAC that can handle files up to 32-bit / 768 kHz. Because as good as the sound is, the A-9110 is still a sub-$500 amp, and it does have its flaws. The amp will ask for your rooms ceiling height, so keep a tape measure handy. Everything flows into it, and everything flows out of it A simple DAC upgrade can do wonders for your audio playback, as for example, a 4K-capable TV might change your movie viewing experience. So your choice of amplifier will largely be dictated by this. You get the aforementioned tone controls, the motorised volume knob, an input selection switch, and two buttons to turn on Direct Mode and Phase Matching Bass Boost. As we mentioned, part of this has to do with the excellent circuitry design, and the way in which Onkyo have squeeze every drop of clarity they can from the internals. Weight: 15.4lbsRMS: 50W/4DAC: NoWhat We Like: Weighty sound, huge value.What We Don't: Confusing display, no DAC.See the Onkyo A-9110, Audio companies are getting smarter. If the calibration flags up a fault with one of the speakers during measurement (or doesnt recognise it when its there), double-check its plugged into the right terminal sometimes it flags up when a speaker is out of phase. Because of this, we find it very brave of Onkyo to release the A-9110: a stereo amp that's distinctly old-school. Ever since the glory days, when hi-fi systems were integrated and even color-matched to the furniture, bookshelf speakers have been the beating heart of the party Floorstanding speakers have one of the most recognizable profiles of all speaker types. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. A particular movie mode for films, two-channel stereo mode for music only, another DSP for games itll save you from having to change the sound settings all the time. It may be tempting to go for the largest number (e.g. Just a clear goal, a perfect launch, and a splashdown right on target, followed by a ticker-tape parade down Broadway and a schmoozing session with President Kennedy in the Rose Garden. There are things you will never see in the audio world - not now, not in any universe - and one of them is Onkyo offering a product in any color other than black or silver. But since we prefer not to colour the sound signal too much (if at all), were going to focus on just a handful of sound modes that put sound quality at the fore.