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Our Thoughts RADAR AI

US$815 is a good buy here, sitting below the 25th percentile of the recent comp set and well under the US$883 median, so it reads as a bargain rather than a merely fair ask. On price alone, this is buying-friendly territory for a stereo power amp in a market where the middle of the pack is materially higher.

The upside is that an Onkyo power amp is usually about straightforward, honest grunt: clean current delivery, stable stereo drive, and the kind of practical performance that suits real-world systems better than hype. If the unit is original, unmodified, and cosmetically tidy, the appeal is even stronger because these older amps can be very satisfying value pieces. With condition unknown, I’d still want confirmation that it powers up cleanly, both channels are quiet, and there’s no scratchy relay or thermal weirdness, but at this price those are checks, not red flags.

Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.

About Onkyo

Onkyo traces its roots to postwar Japan, founded in 1946 in Osaka by Takeshi Goda, an engineer at Matsushita Electric who envisioned high-quality Japanese loudspeakers. Initially established as Osaka Denki Onkyo K.K., the company began production in 1948 with the acclaimed ED-100 speaker featuring a 25 cm driver, quickly building a reputation through LP concerts and innovative designs that resonated with audiophiles.

The brand excels in premium home audio, renowned for AV receivers, hi-fi amplifiers, and surround sound speakers that deliver exceptional clarity and power. Its portfolio spans turntables, DACs, headphones, and cables, bolstered by acquisitions like Pioneer's home electronics division in 2015, enabling cutting-edge integrations such as internet radio and high-resolution streaming.

Onkyo holds a solid mid-tier position in the hi-fi market, prized by discerning buyers for reliable performance and value rather than ultra-high-end exotica. Despite bankruptcy challenges in the late 2010s, its revival under new ownership preserves a legacy of technological innovation and pure sound enjoyment, appealing to both vintage enthusiasts and modern home cinema setups.

See all Onkyo listings on RADAR.

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