Published On: January 7, 2025

The Onkyo Icon Series: A Game-Changer for Vinyl and Streaming Fans Alike

Published On: January 7, 2025
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The Onkyo Icon Series: A Game-Changer for Vinyl and Streaming Fans Alike

Onkyo’s Icon Series introduces three new hi-fi components aimed at redefining the listening experience with a mix of analog charm and digital innovation.

The Onkyo Icon Series: A Game-Changer for Vinyl and Streaming Fans Alike

  • Jonathan Takiff is a veteran tech and entertainment journalist based in Philadelphia. A long-time staffer for the Philadelphia Inquirer, Daily News, and Philly.com, he has also contributed to Techlicious.com, Sound & Vision, Playboy, and Popular Science. Jonathan's specializes in industry trends and analysis for HomeTheaterReview.com.

Onkyo has unveiled its latest lineup at CES 2025, the Icon Series, a trio of high-fidelity audio components designed to merge sleek aesthetics with advanced technology. This new series—featuring the Icon P-80 Network Preamplifier, M-80 Power Amplifier, and A-50 Network Integrated Amplifier—is set to launch in late 2025. Whether you’re a vinyl enthusiast, a streaming devotee, or somewhere in between, these products aim to offer something for everyone. Recognizing its innovative design and impressive features, we honored the Icon Series with our Best of CES Award.

The Icon Series is all about delivering great sound with modern conveniences. Here’s a quick rundown of the lineup:

  • Icon P-80 Network Preamplifier ($1,999): This preamp is built for audiophiles who love analog sound but also want the perks of streaming. It features Onkyo’s DIDRC (Dynamic Intermodulation Distortion Reduction Circuitry), which cleans up high-frequency noise for clearer sound, along with a top-notch DAC for high-resolution audio. It supports room tuning with Dirac Live (basic version included) and connects to pretty much every streaming service you can think of—Spotify, TIDAL, Amazon Music, and more.
Icon P-80 Network Preamplifier.
  • Icon M-80 Power Amplifier ($1,999): Need power? The M-80 delivers 200 watts per channel at 4 ohms (or 150 watts at 8 ohms). It’s designed with a Symmetrical Class AB amplifier and features a fan-less design to keep things quiet. The aluminum heat sinks and vibration-reducing build mean your music will sound clean and precise, even at higher volumes.
Icon M-80 Power Amplifier.
  • Icon A-50 Network Integrated Amplifier ($1,499): Think of the A-50 as the Swiss Army knife of the series. It combines preamp and amplifier capabilities and adds modern features like HDMI ARC, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, and Chromecast. Vinyl lovers will appreciate the separate phono stage that supports both MM and MC cartridges, while streamers can enjoy easy access to their favorite platforms.
Icon A-50 Network Integrated Amplifier.

One thing that’s immediately clear about the Icon Series is how much attention Onkyo paid to the details. The minimalist, industrial look—with glass meters and aluminum panels—isn’t just about style. Those materials help reduce vibration, which can mess with your sound. Plus, the fan-less design across all three models ensures no background noise interrupts your listening experience.

Another standout feature is the Dirac Live room correction, which helps fine-tune the sound to match your space. While the basic version (20Hz–500Hz) comes standard, Onkyo offers optional upgrades if you want even more precision.

Unlike traditional hi-fi systems, the Icon Series doesn’t include FM/AM tuners. That might seem like a downside for some, but Onkyo is betting that most users won’t miss it, especially with the sheer number of streaming options available. From Spotify and TIDAL to Roon Ready compatibility, the series has plenty of ways to access your music.

Icon A-50 Network Integrated Amplifier on table next to turntable.

Jonathan Takiff, one of our writers at HomeTheaterReview, got a first look at the Icon Series and was impressed by its mix of old-school audiophile features and modern tech. He highlighted the solid build quality, the clarity delivered by DIDRC technology, and the room correction capabilities as key strengths.

However, he also pointed out that Onkyo’s decision to exclude traditional radio tuners is part of a larger trend in the audio industry. With so many high-resolution streaming options available, many companies are simplifying their designs and focusing on digital-first users.

For all those looking for a high-end audio system that blends analog warmth with digital convenience, the Icon Series seems like it’ll be worth keeping an eye on. Whether you’re into vinyl, streaming, or both, the lineup offers a thoughtful mix of features that can adapt to different listening preferences.

That said, you’ll need to be patient—the Icon Series won’t be available until Q4 2025. Until then, we’ll be keeping you updated with more details as we get closer to launch.

For now, it’s safe to say that Onkyo is aiming to make a strong statement with the Icon Series, appealing to both longtime audiophiles and a new generation of listeners who demand versatility without compromising sound quality. Stay tuned to HomeTheaterReview for more insights and hands-on impressions from CES 2025!

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