Onkyo is reinvigorating its stereo receiver line, stripping back unnecessary extras and focusing on delivering rich, full-spectrum analog sound. Their new 50 watt per channel TX-8020 stereo receiver offers vintage appeal for those just wanting an affordable, no-frills amplification solution.
A total of five analog inputs accept audio from TV, BD/DVD players, CD players, and AirPlay-enabled devices such as Onkyo’s DS-A5 RI Dock for iPod/iPhone/iPad. An FM/AM tuner with 40-preset memory is also included, while a moving-magnet phono stage caters to the vinyl record collector.
Two sets of banana plug-compatible speaker A/B terminals on the rear panel allow the receiver to drive a single pair of 4-16 Ohm floor-standing or bookshelf loudspeakers (A or B), or two pairs of 8-16 Ohm speakers (A+B) in a distributed multi-room setup. The TX-8020 also provides a subwoofer pre-out for those looking for an enhanced low end.
The TX-8020 recalls the glory days of hi-fi with its bulletproof all-metal construction and clean, functional front panel. And just like the vintage classics, this receiver includes bass, treble, and balance controls to enhance the tonal characteristics of different source material, and to correct for room acoustics or speaker frequency response curves. These carefully designed circuits have no discernable impact on sound quality.
At the heart of the TX-8020 Stereo Receiver is Onkyo’s Wide Range Amp Technology, WRAT, which is based around a high-current, low-impedance drive to handle speaker impedance fluctuations and sudden signal gains. Low-negative-feedback amp circuit topology improves dynamic range while preserving the lifelike quality of the original recording. Left- and right-channel power devices are fully discrete-not integrated into a printed circuit board-and closed ground loops are used to cancel circuit noise.
This combination of high instantaneous power and low distortion adds up to distinctively accurate and musical sound quality for all kinds of audio content.
Price and Availability
The Onkyo TX-8020 stereo receiver is now shipping for $199.
