Onkyo Power Amplifier PA-MC5501. Should I get it ?

[cjtuason]

Hi, Chris here.

I am new to setting up separates. Where I am, only Yamaha, Onkyo, Marantz, and Denon are available. I have taken a liking to Onkyo as it seems the best bang for the buck.

1) Is the current price of PA-MC5501 fair price around 2000 usd ? I am looking at its matching processor PR-SC5530 as well separately around 700 usd. You are reading right, it is on promo where I am buying the matching sets.
2) I have a separate 2 channel amp Audiolab P8000. I will add the Onkyo PA-MC5501 which is 9 channels. Combined, I will have 11 channels of power amplifier that will match the output of the 11 channel processor Onkyo PR-SC5530.

Question is, I am biwiring my front two channels from the Audiolab P8000. Having said that, my front left and right channels on the Onkyo PA-MC5001 will be reassigned to drive ceiling speakers. Is this plan good or is it a bad idea?

What are your thoughts audioholics ?

Br, Chris


ONKYO PR-SC5530 PREAMP PROCESSOR

ONKYO PA-MC5501 POWER AMPLIFIER

 

[PENG]

Question is, I am biwiring my front two channels from the Audiolab P8000. Having said that, my front left and right channels on the Onkyo PA-MC5001 will be reassigned to drive ceiling speakers. Is this plan good or is it a bad idea?

What are your thoughts audioholics ?

Br, Chris


ONKYO PR-SC5530 PREAMP PROCESSOR

ONKYO PA-MC5501 POWER AMPLIFIER

Did you mean Audio Lab 8000P? If it is, I think either one can be used for the front L/R or the ceiling speakers, though I would use the Audio lab for the ceiling ones and let the Onkyo do the rest.

 

[cjtuason]

Hi Peng, thanks for the advise. I will do as you have said. Probably listen first to the difference, but your route I think is best.

 

[cjtuason]

Hi Audioholics, any other ideas ? Advise? Opinons?

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

My thought: I would never buy anything with the name "ONKYO" on it until their reliability record improves.

 

[cjtuason]

Hi AcuDefTechGuy,

Apart from HDMI, what are other known reliability issues with Onkyo ?

Regards, Chris

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Hi AcuDefTechGuy,

Apart from HDMI, what are other known reliability issues with Onkyo ?

Regards, Chris

Heat and device dying. Quality control has been an issue with Onkyo. Customer support is bad.

I think Denon & Yamaha are the 2 favorite brands to think about.

Just my personal thoughts.

 

[cjtuason]

Update on the power amp Onkyo PA-MC5501. I bit the bullet and bought the unit. Sounds...... great. The sound coming out of the speakers is simply amazing. I would endorse this power amp to anyone looking to buy it. The darn thing looks like a sexy beast. However, the matching pre-amp... arggh!!! I Ran into problems and here is the thread regarding my Onkyo PR-SC5530 experience.