Onkyo today announced its top-of-the-line PA-MC5500 nine-channel THX-Ultra2 Plus certified analog power amplifier that is 8-ohm rated at 150 Watts per channel, and up to 400 Watts dynamic power into 3 ohms. It utilizes Onkyo's exclusive WRAT (Wide Range Amplifier Technology) design philosophy, which proscribes low negative feedback, low distortion, extended frequency response, and a power supply with high instantaneous-current capability. To achieve all this, the PA-MC5500 uses large, custom output transistors in push-pull configuration and massive power supply consisting of a large toroidal power transformer and two 22,000 µF storage capacitors. Despite all this power, the PA-MC5500 preserves the subtle details of the sound with a three-stage inverted Darlington circuit to remove distortion and the use of professional balanced line-level XLR inputs for the optimal interface with its ideal companion, the Onkyo PR-SC5508 9.2-channel Preamplifier/Processor. The 51-lb PA-MC5500 has a rigid, anti-resonant chassis, gold-plated inputs and outputs, plus multi-zone and bi-amp capability to allow full utilization of all channels no mater what the system configuration.
Features
- 220 W/Ch (6 Ohms, 1 kHz, 1 Channel Driven, IEC)
- WRAT (Wide Range Amplifier Technology)
- Dynamic Power:
- 400-watts (3 Ω Front)
- 300-watts (4 Ω Front)
- 180-watts (8 Ω Front)
- THD (Total Harmonic Distortion): 0.05% (Rated power)
- Damping Factor: 60 (Front, 1kHz, 8 Ω
- Push-Pull Amplification Design with Three-Stage Inverted Darlington Circuitry to Remove Distortion
- All Discrete Output Stage Circuitry
- Massive Toroidal Transformer
- Two Large, Customized, 22,000 µF Capacitors for Effective Power Supply
- Audio-Tuned Reference Capacitors for Each Channel
- Large, Custom-Designed Power Transistors to Drive High Currents
- Low-Impedance, Copper Bus Plates for Perfect Ground Potential
- High-Current, Low-Impedance Circuit Boards with Thick Copper Foil (70 µm)
- Flat, High-Rigidity, Anti-Resonant Chassis
- Gold-Plated XLR Inputs
- Machined Solid Brass RCA Inputs
- Gold-Plated, Color-Coded, Banana Plug-Compatible, Transparent Speaker Posts
- Multi-Zone Capability (up to Zone 3)*
- Bi-Amping Capability*
- 12 V Trigger Input
- Auto Power Down Function
- Aluminum Front Panel
- Weight: 23.0 kg
Price and Availability
The Onkyo PA-MC5500 Power Amplifier will be available in September for $1,699 MSRP.
More Component Announcements
Other THX Certified separates announced today include the BD-SP808 Blu-ray player and the PR-SC5508 A/V Preamplifier/Processor.
Onkyo PA-MC5500 Reviews
From Critics Around the Web
SC
November 17, 2015 at 4:04 pm
looking for a good 6 channel power amp (used).
Trying out open baffle speakers with active crossover.