Onkyo A-5VL A-5VL Integrated Stereo Amplifier Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased this amplifier because I wanted something better than even a high-end iPod dock (such as the Bowers & Wilkins Zepplin.) I wanted to use my iPod (actually iPhone 3GS) as the source for a small and mid-priced, but high-end audio system and I didn't want to sacrifice music quality or convenience. I also wanted something smaller than a full receiver that wouldn't stick out in my den/library that could accept a digital audio signal, which is almost impossible to find in a mini system, but this has it.
So here's what I did: I purchased the Wadia 170i Transport ($399) which is the only product on the market which can bypass the iPod/iPhone's internal digital audio converter and output a true digital audio output via a digital coaxial cable (it officially only support iPods, but my iPhone works fine). I plugged this digital coax cable output (included with the Wadia) into the Onkyo A-5VL ($599) and added a high quality pair of bookshelf speakers (Boston Acoustics for $600 a pair). So, it is a total of $1,600 for the whole system, but it is more flexible and MUCH, MUCH higher quality and better sounding than a B&W Zepplin or mini system and even cooler in its low profile, audiophile system approach.
When I play a recording from my iPhone (Apple lossless format is best) on this system, the sound is AMAZING and rivals even much higher priced and much larger systems. The sound is effortless and pure (especially with direct bypass of tone controls) and can be played very loudly without losing quality or becoming harsh. I listened to some songs I had listened to many, many times, on my existing mini system (and high end car system) and I heard many instruments in the background that I never noticed before, which is another true testament to high quality amplification. It is more expensive than mass market iPod capable systems, but is actually fairly cheap by audiophile standards and a very good value.
I love the simplicity, lack of flash and very high quality of this product. It's kind of a throwback to old stereo audio days of high quality separate components but easily it handles digital content. It really has only two functions: i) convert from digital to audio and ii) amplify the signal to drive speakers, but these are the only two functions I needed for my high end system it does these two things EXTREMELY well. It has a very high quality Burr-Brown DAC and a higher quality amplifier than found in the already very good Onkyo receivers. This amplifier is solid and weighs a lot for its small size due to its high quality components and thick copper plate. I feel like I spent my money on higher quality rather than features like surround sound, a tuner, etc that I did not need.


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Beneath the A-5VL\'s slim and elegant exterior lies a surprising amount of amplification muscle. You might wonder how Onkyo managed to incorporate the functionality of a pre- and power amp into such a slender integrated package. The key is the A-5VL\'s extremely energy-efficient design. Because it produces much less heat than a typical amplifier, the A-5VL requires only a small heat sink. This leaves ample space for a range of precision-crafted audiophile-grade parts, such as specially audio-tuned capacitors and thick, low-impedance copper bus plates. The A-5VL employs Onkyo\'s exclusive VLSC\' technology to ensure a smooth, pulse noise-free signal during conversion from digital to analog. You\'ll enjoy precise and faithful reproduction of any audio source, whether it\'s a CD, a tuner, or a turntable. As the A-5VL is also compatible with Onkyo\'s optional RI (remote interactive) Docks for the iPod, you also have the convenience of controlling playback of your iPod via the amplifier\'s remote controller.

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Sennheiser HD 650 Lightweight Open-Air Dynamic Audiophile Headphone Review

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(More customer reviews)So headphone.com calls them "simply the world's best headphone." I can't speak for the Grado or AKG contenders. I can say that they're better than my Sennheiser 590's, and that is shocking.

Which leads me to my first (and probably most important) point about this headphone. They cost a lot. A whole lot. Sennheiser has many units, including the 580, 590, 595, 600, and 650 (among many others), which could be construed as 'reference' quality. You'll spend about half as much on one of the 5xx models as you will on the 650. So if you were to ask me whether the 650 is *twice as good* (that is to say, it costs more in proportion to its increased capability), I'll tell you no, probably not. I might just not buy them, given the decision again. Perhaps if the price came down a bit.

At any rate, they are really a superb headphone. The sound is really incredible. You never really realize what you're missing in a recording until you've heard it through a set like this. You can hear the saliva in the back of a vocalist's throat. I'm not kidding. Everything is reproduced clearly, accurately, crisply, and I've yet to find any recording (Vocal, Classical, Electronic, etc) that can tax them. I suppose I'll stop trying to some day, but it's just wonderful to hear the headphones doing their job.

The construction is far more solid than the 590's are. Where there is plastic on the 590, you see metal and (no kidding) Kevlar. They are more attractive. They are also quite a bit heavier. They have a 1/4" connector instead of the more customary 1/8" mini connector -- this doesn't particularly bother me, I'll get to it in a minute.

Like the 590, they are an open headphone. That is, they are not "sealed" or "isolated". Sound from around you will seep in, and it is possible for others to hear what you are listening to (somewhat).

They are less comfortable. My guess is because of the metal band, the "spring" mechanism that keeps them round is tighter than the 590's, and it pinches. It really feels as though somebody is compressing your head. The ear cups are fine. They are almost identical to the 590's, but a little larger.

So, you probably wouldn't be here if you didn't know you needed an amplifier for these headphones (this is where the 1/4" plug comes in). However, it bears mentioning that you should not even consider buying these cans without first buying a capable amplifier. The PPA/PIMETA amps are cheapish, and Headphone.com has some that will work fine. To demonstrate this, you'll need another headphone and the 650. Connect the other headphone to your amplifier. Listen at a comfortable level. Then, relax a second, and attach the 650. The first thing you should notice is that the white noise is gone. The second thing -- other than the sound quality, of course -- is that it is much quieter. These cans need a lot of power to drive them effectively. Look at their specifications and you will understand (300 ohms of impedance!).

Buy em if you want the best and aren't afraid to spend the $$. Buy the 590's or 595's if what you need is a stellar headphone and you don't want to spend too much. Use the extra money to buy yourself an amp. You'll need it.

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The HD 650 has superbly low harmonic distortion and precision sound reproduction across the entire frequency range. The bass is well ballanced and crisp, with authentic deep bass reproduction. The trble and mid range are well ballanced and ensure superbly realistic voice reproduction. Instrumental music pleasantly natural and yet lower notes clear and vibrant.

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