Budget-friendly CD player with "high performance" joins Onkyo's Icon Series of hi-fi separate components
Onkyo, a renowned name in the audio industry, has expanded its Icon Series with the release of the C-30 CD player. The C-30, priced at $349 (UK pricing TBC), is a budget entry-level CD player that fits perfectly within the Icon Series.
The Icon Series, unveiled at CES 2025, is Onkyo's new line of two-channel products. It includes the P-80 network preamplifier, M-80 power amplifier, and the A-50 integrated amplifier. However, none of these components are positioned as budget models to pair with the C-30 CD player.
The A-50 integrated amplifier, though part of the Icon line, is a premium stereo amp priced at $1,599. The sources suggest the idea of a budget amplifier as a future possibility, but no official plans or announcements have confirmed such a product as of mid-2025.
Onkyo's recent comeback after its 2022 bankruptcy has focused on the Icon Series for audiophiles, blending premium design and advanced technology, rather than immediately filling out a budget amplifier lineup in this series.
The Onkyo C-30 is equipped with a 24-bit/192kHz DAC, which claims to remove pulse noise from the signal path for a cleaner analogue output. It also boasts a vibration-resistant, blast-finished aluminium front panel and features Onkyo's VLSC (Vector Linear Shaping Circuit) technology. The C-30 offers analogue, digital optical, and digital coaxial outputs at the rear.
The C-30 is available in Silver or Black, and with its low signal-to-noise ratio and high-precision clock for accurate timing and imaging, it could be a budget option for anyone who wants to slot a dedicated CD player into their entry-level system.
While no official budget amplifier to pair with the C-30 has been announced yet, it remains a plausible future addition given Onkyo’s comeback strategy. Stay tuned for more updates on any potential additions to the Icon Series.
- In the audio landscape, Onkyo, a well-regarded brand, has expanded its Icon Series with the launch of the C-30 CD player, priced at $349 (with UK pricing to be announced).
- The Icon Series, unveiled at CES 2025, is a new line of two-channel products from Onkyo, including the P-80 network preamplifier, M-80 power amplifier, and A-50 integrated amplifier.
- Despite being part of the Icon line, the A-50 integrated amplifier is a premium stereo amp, priced at $1,599, positioning it beyond the budget bracket for pairing with the C-30 CD player.
- Onkyo's focus post its 2022 bankruptcy has primarily been on the Icon Series for audiophiles, offering a blend of premium design and advanced technology.
- The C-30 CD player is equipped with a 24-bit/192kHz DAC, backed by Onkyo's VLSC technology, and features a vibration-resistant aluminum front panel, offering a cleaner analog output.
- With its low signal-to-noise ratio and high-precision clock for accurate timing and imaging, the C-30 could be a budget-friendly option for anyone looking to add a dedicated CD player to their entry-level system.
- Although no official budget amplifier to pair with the C-30 has been announced, the possibility of such a product remains plausible, given Onkyo's comeback strategy, and we'll keep you updated on any potential additions to the Icon Series.
