When it comes to budget integrated amplifiers, one of the very top choices will definitely be Onkyo A-9010. Ever since its debut, the A-9010 has garnered multiple awards and received many praises from critics. The attractive pricing is a factor in earning these accolades but their sonic performance at this price range is the real showstopper. What you need now will be a pair of matching stereo speakers to partner up with your Onkyo A-9010 so that they can sound their best.
With so many speakers to choose from, we will need to filter out the ones that are not compatible. In order to do this, we must first learn more about the Onkyo A-9010 sonic characteristics and merits, including its limitations if any. By gaining such information, we will then be able to list out the best matching speakers to pair with the Onkyo A-9010 integrated amplifier.
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Sonic Characteristics and Important Specifications of Onkyo A-9010
For a budget amplifier, the Onkyo A-9010 sure looks nice, it has that clean and sleek design. The minimalistic front will look good in most listening rooms and also aesthetically well match with modern speakers. Vintage speakers may be a little mismatched with the A-9010 though. The power output is really decent, it is rated 44 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms and with an impressive frequency response of 10Hz-100kHz (+1dB, -3dB, Line 1). It is a pity that it doesn’t have a dedicated subwoofer output. With these specs, the Onkyo A-9010 is definitely muscular enough to drive most bookshelf speakers but it will be difficult for the amp to really drive a pair of floor-standers.
The Onkyo A-9010 is also packed with useful features such as a built-in D/A converter Wolfson WM8718 (192kHz/24-bit). Headphone output with independent amplification circuitry and turntable users will be delighted to know that there is a MM phono input with Phono Equalizer. Another notable feature will be the Automatic Digital Circuitry Shutdown Function which will provide higher sonic purity for the incoming analog signals which is absolutely great for vinyl playbacks. To further sweeten the deal, the integrated amplifier also comes with remote control.
It is an entertaining amplifier to listen to, the enthusiasm of the Onkyo A-9010 has provides us with a musical performance filled with energy while remaining in control. For such an affordable amplifier, this is really impressive and it is a joy to listen to the A-9010 amp. The highs are crisp and can get bright sounding but never goes overly harsh which is good news for our ears. The lively sound reproduction also makes the music delivery engaging, not to mention the lovely dynamics and expressiveness further enhance your listening enjoyment.
For more analytical listening, you can always switch on Source Direct which will provide you with more musical details and subtleties. The overall sound reproduction sounds slightly cleaner and the Onkyo A-9010 still retains its impeccable sense of timing. The bass reproduction does become a little bit more lightweight. Still, if you want more accuracy then the Source Direct mode will be an essential feature for you. The bass performance is tight and agile as well, never over-eager trying to impress us and blend in nicely with the rest of the higher frequencies. Bass fanatics may not find it acceptable though.
All in all, the Onkyo A-9010 is an entertaining musical performer with clean and balanced sound delivery. The amazing sense of timing and attacks really engages you, it may not be as analytical but it sure is enjoyable to listen to. It does have its flaws such as the size of the soundstage but at this price point, we shouldn’t nitpick. The Onkyo A-9010 is certainly one of the best budget stereo amplifiers, no wonder it was so popular when it first came out, and even to this day, the A-9010 can still hold its ground. We have the necessary data we need to start listing out the best speakers that you can go for and match them with your Onkyo A-9010. Since it is a budget integrated amplifier, we will only be looking at matching speakers with close-to or similar price ranges as the A-9010.
Onkyo A-9010 Specifications
- Power Outputs: 44 Watts per channel at 8 Ohms
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz, 10Hz–100 kHz (+1dB, -3dB, Line 1)
- DAC: Wolfson WM8718
- Inputs: 1 MM Phono input, 5 Analog inputs, 1 Optical input, 1 Coaxial input
- Outputs: 1 Headphone output, 1 Analog output
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 435mm x 129mm x 332mm (17.1″ × 5.1″ × 13.1″)
- Weight: 6.5kg (14.3lbs)
Best Speakers to pair with Onkyo A-9010
One of the best bookshelf speakers, the Monitor Audio Bronze 2 is not only affordable but also has the sonic prowess to match your Onkyo A-9010. The overall sonic character of the Bronze 2 speakers is well-balanced and has the capability of producing musical details in spade, a suitable match with the A-9010 amplifier. The bass reproduction is taut and articulate, digging deep into the bass extension and delivering them out with considerable weight. The snappy timings of the Onkyo A-9010 provide excitement to the music presentation which also complements the Monitor Audio Bronze 2.
The Q Acoustics 3020i is one of the best matching speakers to go with your Onkyo A-9010. Like the A-9010 amplifier, the 3020i have garnered plenty of accolades and are a worthy match. Other than the awards and recognitions, the Q Acoustics 3020i has a rich detailed sound reproduction with a touch of warmth which helps to tone down the edges a little. The wide soundstage presented by the speakers complement the Onkyo A-9010 and help improves the overall scale. The affordability of the 3020i stand-mounters is also what makes them so attractive.
More Info at Amazon – Q Acoustics 3020i Bookshelf Speaker Pair
If you prefer a more entertaining music presentation then the Dali Spektor 2 will be the ideal choice for you. It is another award-winning bookshelf speaker that provides its users with high sonic performance at an affordable price. The Spektor 2 expressive sonic nature is well-matched with the Onkyo A-9010, providing you with a dynamic and engaging music delivery with impeccable timing. There is accuracy as well, not to mention, that alacrity to deliver the overall sound reproduction with confidence and fluidity. If we were to nitpick, it will be the Dali Spektor 2 low speaker sensitivity.
More Details at Amazon – DALI SPEKTOR 2
The Wharfedale Diamond 220 is a bookshelf speaker that despite its size, it can really deliver deep bass frequency with sufficient weight and presence. Furthermore, the bass is tightly controlled without any hint of boominess and reproduced with agility. The warm-sounding nature of the Wharfedale Diamond 220 makes it a good fit with your Onkyo A-9010 and is excellent for vinyl playbacks. The smooth fluid delivery of the music and the pleasing sound quality, allows you to listen to your favorite tunes for hours on end without feeling listener fatigue. The snappy timings of the Onkyo A-9010 do help a little by providing a bit more liveliness into the overall sound reproduction.
More Details at Amazon – Wharfedale Diamond 220 Bookshelf Speakers
The Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2 is a remarkable pair of compact size bookshelf speakers with a front-firing bass port that enables you to place them nearer to walls. Placing them nearer to rear walls may help to increase the bass output and depth. The Debut 2.0 B5.2 is also one of the most highly rated bookshelf speakers and is a worthy match to your Onkyo A-9010 integrated amplifier. They have excellent stereo imaging and high levels of clarity, the treble is lively as well, but can be too bright-sounding for some listeners. It is recommended to audition them first before deciding. Overall, the Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2 is a very balanced speaker and the energetic Onkyo A-9010 adds a bit of dynamic rhythm.
More Info at Amazon – ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 Bookshelf Speakers
If you want to go for floor-standers, we will suggest choosing loudspeakers that have high speaker sensitivity and efficiency but usually, such floor-standing speakers are expensive. Fortunately, there is a brand named Klipsch that built speakers with high efficiency and is sanely priced. The Klipsch R-610F is an outstanding floor-standing speaker for the price and has remarkable clarity when it comes to sound reproduction. It has a speaker sensitivity of 94dB so it doesn’t take much to hit high volumes and can be driven by Onkyo A-9010. You might want to hear them out first especially for listeners who are not used to bright-sounding speakers.
More Info at Amazon – Klipsch R-610F Floorstanding Speaker
To Conclude
Nowadays setting up a stereo sound system with good sound quality is quite affordable and the Onkyo A-9010 integrated amplifier along with the mentioned speakers are great examples. The listed speakers are some of the best on the market and can easily fit most budgets. We will recommend arranging an audition with these speakers first, to see if you like what you are hearing. It is okay to go through a few rounds of auditions as it is important to get the right speakers which you really like.
