Bob Dylan had it correct when he wrote “The Times They Are a-Changin‘” and for some brands it took slightly longer than others to understand that network amplifiers and music streamers were the future and that pushing back with massive racks of unaffordable separates was likely going to a long-term mistake. Onkyo started as a high-end brand but made their fortune (and lost it) with a focus on AVRs; their most recent, the TX-RZ30 debuted at CEDIA 2024.
Onkyo enters 2025 with new ownership and a rather interesting pivot back to its roots whilst looking forward into the future. The Onkyo Icon Series has been announced at CES 2025 and we really like what we’re seeing so far.
The first three entries in the Icon Series are the P-80 Network Preamplifier, M-80 Power Amplifier, and A-50 Network Integrated Amplifier.
A complete list of features and specifications have yet to be made available but we will update this article when that information is provided to us.
A number of items stand out about all three components; gone are the unnecessary and clunky looking rows of buttons that are common on most AVRs — which were ugly 20 years ago and remain pointless today with control apps that give users access to everything.
We like the throwback industrial design that includes VU meters on the power amplifier and it’s very clean overall.
The pricing is also sensible if the build and sound quality are equivalent to what one expects these days from Cambridge Audio and NAD — which are the main competitors in the category between $1,200 and $2,000 USD.
Icon P-80 Network Pre-Amplifier ($1,999)
As a preamp, the Onkyo P-80 serves as a connection and input switching hub, which includes both wired and wireless sources. On the wireless side, the P-80 supports Wi-Fi/Airplay 2/Chromecast, Bluetooth, and is Roon Ready.
From the Onkyo Controller app (iOS/Android), users can also access Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz, Amazon Music, TuneIn, QQ Music, with more to come after launch.
On the wired side, the P-80 offers a selection of inputs including HDMI ARC and a separate phono preamp that supports both MM and MC phono cartridges — which is something that you rarely see from the competition.
To optimize audio quality, the P-80 incorporates DIDRC, ONKYO’s patented technology that reduces high-frequency noise at a high slew rate. This technology is installed in the DAC Filter section and phono stage, allowing users to experience a cleaner and more detailed sounding presentation.
The P-80 also has a solid build with a 5mm Aluminum Front Panel, 3-piece housing, a fan-less design to eliminate noise, and an extrusion aluminum heat sink for vibration suppression.
However, since the P-80 is a preamp-only you can’t connect speakers directly to it unless the speakers are self-powered speakers that have RCA input connections. The best option is to connect the P-80 to an external power amplifier (which in turn connects to speakers) such as the Onkyo Icon M-80.
Once connected to powered speakers or the Onkyo M-80 power amp, users can activate the Dirac Live Room Correction feature to optimize speaker performance in the specific room being used.
Pro-Tip: The Dirac Live feature that is provided is the Limited Bandwidth Version ( 20Hz-500Hz). However, for an extra charge users can upgrade to the full-bandwidth version and/or add Dirac Live Bass Control. Onkyo also states that users can upgrade to Dirac Live Active Room Treatment which is even more precise.
Icon M-80 Power Amplifier ($1,999)
The Icon M-80 features a symmetrical Class AB amplifier with a 3-stage Inverted Darlington output stage, that is designed to deliver a high current drive with low distortion.
The M-80 outputs 200wpc @ 4ohms, 150wpc @ 8ohms. It features the patented DIDRC distortion reduction circuitry (Driver Stage), 3-piece housing, a 5mm Aluminum Front Panel, a fan-less design that eliminates noise, a custom high current power supply to provide, dynamic full-range sound, and an extrusion aluminum heat sink that suppresses vibration.
The M-80 also provides front display VU wattage meters.
Icon A-50 Network Integrated Amplifier ($1,499)
For those looking for a one-box solution below $1,500, the Onkyo Icon A-50 Integrated Amplifier offers a number of the key features found in both the P-80 and M-80 components.
The A-50 includes the DIDRC circuitry and symmetrical Class AB amplification with a three-stage inverted Darlington amplifier (180wpc @ 4 ohms and 140wpc @ 8 ohms) to supply high current signals with minimal distortion for clear and strong output.
The integrated amplifier also includes support for HDMI ARC, Wi-Fi/Airplay 2/Chromecast, Bluetooth, and comes with the limited bandwidth version of Dirac Live Room Correction software. The A-50 is also Roon-Ready out of the box.
The A-50 offers the same build and component quality of its more expensive siblings and we like that Onkyo has not skimped here in that regard.
The Bottom Line
Onkyo has been somewhat tight-lipped in regard to the specifications and what kind of DAC is being used internally with the A-50 and P-50; it would also be helpful to know which Bluetooth codecs are supported and if the unit supports a minimum of 32-bit/384kHz PCM and DSD. We will update those sections when we know more.
Based on the response to our Best Integrated Amplifiers and Best Streaming Amplifiers Guides, it’s rather clear which components many of you are considering in 2025. 40,000+ reads in less than 10 days is great news for those brands who are focused on those segments.
The Onkyo Icon Series looks great on paper and we applaud their decision to abandon the plasticky looking amplifiers that really don’t inspire confidence in the build quality or overall aesthetic. All three of these products look expensive but are priced far below what you might expect.
Onkyo was founded in 1946 and started primarily making speakers. In the following decades, they branched out into making other audio components. In the past few years, they have struggled, but under the Premium Audio Company Umbrella, they have announced a rebrand with a new emphasis on innovation and collaboration.
The first indication of this new direction came with the Klipsch/Onkyo partnership on the Klipsch Flexus soundbar line along with an expanded partnership with Dirac. As a follow-up, Onkyo is showing a new line of products at the 2025 CES, of which the Icon Series Hi-Fi components are an example.
If this is the new direction for Onkyo, we think the company is definitely on the right track. Expect reviews of all three in 2025.
Pricing & Availability
All new audio components are expected in Q4 2025 in both black or silver finishes.
- Onkyo Icon P-80: $1,999
- Onkyo Icon M-80: $1,999
- Onkyo Icon A-50: $1,499
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