Overview

The A-9110 is a two-channel Class AB integrated amplifier that refines the A-9010 with a reinforced 1.6 mm chassis and Onkyo’s WRAT high-current architecture. It offers five analog inputs including an MM phono stage and intentionally omits all digital inputs/DAC to focus on pure analog amplification. Key published specs include FR 10 Hz–100 kHz (+1/−3 dB, Direct), THD+N 0.05% at 1 kHz/8 Ω (half power), damping factor 95 (1 kHz/8 Ω), and SNR 103 dB (line, IHF-A) / 78 dB (phono, IHF-A) [1].

Scientific Validity

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No independent bench tests were found at review time, so we provisionally assess using the manufacturer’s specifications. Full-band FTC ratings are 30 W/8 Ω at 0.7% THD and 50 W/4 Ω at 0.9% THD—far from transparent-level distortion. Line-in SNR 103 dB is near but below transparent targets, while phono SNR 78 dB falls short. Frequency response is wide and effectively transparent in Direct mode; damping factor 95 is close to the transparent-target region but not clearly within it. On balance—starting from a neutral 0.5 baseline in the absence of third-party data and deducting for high full-band THD and modest phono SNR—we score 0.3 [1].

Technology Level

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Conventional analog Class AB with low-feedback tuning, WRAT supply, passive parts selection, and a stiffened chassis are competent but mainstream. There’s no DSP/software integration or novel circuit IP that sets a new bar versus contemporary designs [1].

Cost-Performance

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Denominator (review target price): 299 USD (new stock observed) [2].
Cheapest equivalent-or-better comparator: Sony STR-DH190 stereo receiver at 198 USD—includes MM phono and multiple analog inputs; documentation lists 90 W × 2 into 8 Ω (20–20 kHz) at 0.09% THD, indicating equal-or-better user-facing functions and full-band distortion performance [3][4].

CP (USD basis): 198 USD ÷ 299 USD = 0.662 → 0.7（rounded to one decimal）.
Equivalence note: Equipped with MM phono and line inputs; full-band THD and continuous power are equivalent-or-better [3][4].

Reliability & Support

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Onkyo lists Amplifier: 2 Years parts & labor for new units (U.S.) [5]. The A-9110 is an older model with fluctuating availability; TEAC’s official store in Japan has listed new-stock units with a 2-year note [6]. Analog-only design reduces firmware risk, but model age tempers long-term service confidence. Net: slightly above average.

Rationality of Design Philosophy

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Scored from a 0.5 baseline: (+0.1) for focusing spend on core analog stages (chassis/bracing, power delivery) that plausibly affect measured outcomes; (−0.1) for a conservative direction with no modern DSP/software integration; (−0.1) for no clear progression toward transparent-level results versus best-in-class measured designs. No occult claims are observed [1].

Advice

If you need a simple analog integrated with MM phono and low operational complexity, the A-9110 remains appealing. For buyers optimizing audible transparency or value, the Sony STR-DH190 delivers comparable functions (plus Bluetooth/FM) with documented lower full-band THD for less money, while recent high-performance Class-D integrateds (with an external phono stage if required) can better approach transparent-level distortion [3][4].

References

1. Onkyo — “A-9110 Integrated Stereo Amplifier” (specifications; FR, THD+N, DF, SNR, inputs). Accessed 2025-08-24. https://onkyo.com/hi-fi/a-9110
2. Accessories4Less — “ONKYO NEW A-9110 2-Ch x 30 Watts Integrated Stereo Amplifier,” new-stock price 299 USD. Accessed 2025-08-24. https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/onka9110-a/onkyo-new-a-9110-2-ch-x-30-watts-integrated-stereo-amplifier/1.html
3. Crutchfield (U.S.) — “Sony STR-DH190 Stereo receiver with Bluetooth®,” price and spec: 90 W × 2 (8 Ω, 20–20 kHz) at 0.09% THD. Accessed 2025-08-24. https://www.crutchfield.com/p_158STDH190/Sony-STR-DH190.html
4. Sony / Encompass — STR-DH190 service/operating documentation (minimum RMS 90 W × 2, 8 Ω, 20–20 kHz, 0.09% THD). Accessed 2025-08-24. https://research.encompass.com/SON/rr/STRDH190.pdf
5. Onkyo — U.S. Warranty page（Amplifier: 2 Years parts & labor）. Accessed 2025-08-24. https://onkyo.com/warranty
6. TEAC STORE (Japan) — “ONKYO A-9110（ティアックストア限定）,” listing with 2-year note. Accessed 2025-08-24. https://store.teac.co.jp/view/item/000000005056

(2025.8.24)