Hi-Rez Highway: REVIEW: Onkyo C-S5VL SACD Player by bullethead

Model:	C-S5VL
Category:	SACD Player
Suggested Retail Price:	$400
Description:	stereo sacd player
Manufacturer URL:	Onkyo

Review by bullethead on January 30, 2010 at 09:49:38
IP Address: 208.54.87.67 Add Your Review
for the C-S5VL

Onkyo C-S5VL cd/sacd player review

I had the opportunity of purchasing a Onkyo C-S5VL sacd/cd player a half year ago and after listening for awhile have decided to post my thoughts on the unit.

Firstly the cd playback is decent and is as can be expected from a $400 playback device. Sound is a bit harsh and edgy when compared to the reference cd player I have in my main system that is eight times the cost of the Onkyo, however for the cost the seperation of instruments, the PRAT and the fowardness of the sound is pretty impressive, however sub par. I should note there is almost no sense of air, which is dissapointing. So overall a dissapointing playback of cd sound, however for the price good enough. I wouldn't recomment this unit for cd playback, you can do better with some other dedicated cd players out there for $100-$200 more than the cost of the Onkyo. This brings me to the next part of the review which is its SACD playback capability.

SACD playback is nothing at all like the sub par cd playback of this unit. Sound is a tad laid back, however the detail, pace, timing, bass response and atmosphere to the sound is quite good. Also something to note is that this player hasn't had any problems with any SACDs I have put inside it. A very enjoyable sound but obviously not up to the level of the multi-thousand dollar units. However the Onkyo is my only SACD player and I've had costlier units such as the NAD M5, for the price I see no reason to get something better than the Onkyo anymore. As I said it plays everything I put inside it, and enjoyment of the music is what matters to me at this point. I do have to mention that this Onkyo is in my second bedroom system, which is mainly used for mood music. It performs that task nicely and without fumbling around I get to slip in a disc and enjoy without obsessing about every detail.

If your looking for a backup unit, or something to put in a second system for casual sacd listening I say give this one a listen.

Product Weakness:	Cd playback
Product Strengths:	Sacd playcack, price, compatibility

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: musical fidelity A300
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): none
Sources (CDP/Turntable): onkyo c-s5vl / project debut III
Speakers: dynaudio contour 1.3mkii
Cables/Interconnects: audioquest/stock
Music Used (Genre/Selections): jazz. rock. ambient. classical
Time Period/Length of Audition: 6 months
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner

Amplifier:	musical fidelity A300
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	none
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	onkyo c-s5vl / project debut III
Speakers:	dynaudio contour 1.3mkii
Cables/Interconnects:	audioquest/stock
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	jazz. rock. ambient. classical
Time Period/Length of Audition:	6 months
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner