Onkyo M-80 Power Amplifier

Onkyo M-80 Power Amplifier with Balanced XLR Inputs

The Onkyo M-80 Power Amplifier is part of the stunning new Icon Series, a line that fuses refined engineering with tactile artistry. Its design philosophy is simple: sound and style should move you in equal measure. With a form factor that’s elegant yet grounded in classic hi-fi tradition, every element - from the brushed aluminium panels to the weighty, precise knobs - has been chosen to deliver both visual harmony and a sense of craftsmanship you can feel. The result is an amplifier that doesn’t just complement your sound system; it enhances the ritual of listening itself.

Superior Sound Starts with Onkyo

Under the hood, the M-80 carries the full weight of Onkyo’s nearly century-long pursuit of sonic excellence. Every circuit and component has been meticulously tuned by engineers who believe that music should be felt as deeply as it’s heard. The amplifier’s two-channel Class AB design produces an output of 130W per channel into 8Ω, or 200W into 4Ω, with a broad frequency response stretching from 5Hz to 100kHz. This means that every nuance, from the faintest shimmer of a cymbal to the deepest thrum of a bass note, is rendered with precision and power.

Powering the Music That Moves You

At the heart of the M-80 lies a three-stage Inverted Darlington Amplifier, known for its incredibly low output impedance and ability to deliver large current flow to the speakers. This translates to a sound that’s both muscular and articulate. By keeping Negative Feedback (NFB) low, Onkyo ensures that the amplifier remains untainted by speaker noise, preserving clarity even at high volumes. The parallel transistor configuration improves instantaneous current delivery, while Onkyo’s proprietary DIDRC (Dynamic Intermodulation Distortion Reduction Circuitry) tames unwanted high-frequency noise, capturing the natural, lifelike essence of analogue recordings.

Cutting-Edge Componentry for Captivating Playback

The M-80’s design is more than skin-deep. Its rigid three-piece chassis, featuring dual aluminium side panels and a steel top plate, works to suppress unwanted vibrations and improve seismic resistance. This solid build not only enhances durability but also contributes to improved sonic purity, keeping the amplifier stable under demanding playback conditions. Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs provide flexible connectivity for a wide range of preamplifiers, while power efficiency is maintained with a low standby draw of less than 0.3W. Available in classic black or sleek silver finishes, the M-80 exudes modern luxury with a nod to Onkyo’s storied past.

Create Your Perfect System

Pairing beautifully with Onkyo’s P-80 preamplifier, the M-80 is designed to be the muscle in a two-part system that delivers breathtaking realism. Whether driving dynamic speakers like the Klipsch Forte or handling more delicate studio monitors, it brings music to life with depth, scale, and emotional impact. As Onkyo’s engineers at the Onkyo Academy explain, separating the preamp and power amp allows for cleaner signal transmission and greater sonic precision. In essence, the M-80 is the pure expression of amplification - faithfully reproducing every detail and inflection that artists and engineers intended, while inviting you to lose yourself completely in the sound.

Our Review

The Onkyo M-80 Power Amplifier from the new Icon Series is a stunning blend of refined engineering and tactile artistry, designed to make both your eyes and ears sit up and take notice. With its brushed aluminium panels, solid knobs, and classic hi-fi form factor, it feels every bit as good as it sounds - an amplifier built for those who appreciate the ritual of listening as much as the music itself. Inside, Onkyo’s near-century of sonic expertise comes alive through a powerful two-channel Class AB design that delivers 130W per channel into 8Ω (or 200W into 4Ω), revealing every nuance from deep, resonant bass to the finest high-frequency shimmer. Its three-stage Inverted Darlington Amplifier architecture ensures muscular, articulate sound with low distortion, while DIDRC circuitry keeps high-frequency noise in check for a pure analogue feel. With balanced XLR and RCA inputs, a vibration-resistant chassis, and impeccable build quality, the M-80 is as robust as it is refined. Paired with the P-80 preamplifier, it becomes the beating heart of a system that’s not just about playback, but about rediscovering the joy of listening - every note, every emotion, every moment.