Onkyo A-8190 - worth buying?

[8900ZDB]

Hi everybody, I have a few questions about an Onkyo A-8190 amp. First, I believe this amp is from around 1990 because I have the predecessor A-8087 from 1989. First question, did the A-8190 come out right after the A-8087? I think this is correct because I remember the A-8087 being the last well built amp from Onkyo. There is an A-8190 on eBay right now for $295.00 but I can get one locally for $100.00 and an internet search shows a used price of $80.00, so this shows the A-8190 on eBay is stupidly priced, but it can be used to see what the internals look like. A quick look at the internals shows SERIOUS price cuts in quality and components as my A-8087 has HUGE transformers where the A-8190 has tiny and cheap looking transformers. Also, the A-8190 chassis looks like it’s made from much thinner metal and has that 1990s look instead of the better built 1980 models. Too me, a look at the chassis shows a thin, un-dynamic, pale, and unimpressive sound because of the cost cutting and cheap components used - would you agree?

Here are additional questions:

Would anyone here buy an Onkyo A-8190? If so, how much would you pay for one? Also, does anyone here own an Onkyo A-8190? If so, do you also own older Onkyo models and can you compare the sound quality for me? Lastly, would you spend your money on an Onkyo A-8190 or something else? If so, what? Should I just look for an Onkyo A-8087 and forget about the Onkyo A-8190? If so, why? My Onkyo A-8087 still works as new and is in mint condition and I need another amp for another room. I do not see any Onkyo A-8190 amps with wood sides, which my Onkyo A-8087 has wood sides and I like that, so this looks to be another cost cutting option Onkyo chose.

Thanks everybody. I look forward to your responses.

 

[guscjr]

Onkyo A-8190

I had a couple of 8190's briefly. The 80's models like the 8087 and 8067 (which had a great review from Stereo Review Magazine IIRC) were indeed likely a bit better built, but I'm reasonably sure the 8190 was the flagship integrated of their later lineup with some unique features and decent power output ratings including dynamic ratings into 4 and 2 ohm loads. There are specs available if your do a quick google which brought up a copy of a service manual for free. 100/wpc into 8 ohm loads, 29.1 pounds with a slew of inputs including MC & MM. You could definetely do a lot worse. If I remember correctly, if it should need a serious cleaning the front panel must come away to get to the controls and switches. That would be my only real complaint offhand. I have an A-SV810PRO which feels solid as a rock and has the Delta two transformer power supply but I think it still wouldn't compare to either the 8087/8067 or 8190 due to the dadgum surround circuitry even though it can be bypassed. My 2 cents worth...

 

[8900ZDB]

Your 2 cents is exactly what I was hoping to get from this site for advice. Thanks for the info on the service manual.

I know the Onkyo A-8087 was the TOTL when it was out and I too think the Onkyo A-8190 was the TOTL when it came out after the A-8087 line. I’m really torn between the A-8087 and the A-8190 because I already have the A-8087, however, if I didn’t, I would go with the A-8087 and not even think about it and this is what concerns me about an A-8190 purchase. I would like the A-8190 because I don’t have one, but is it worth having instead of an A-8087? That’s my dilemma. I think my question is should I buy another A-8087 or purchase an A-8190? And why one over the other?

Thanks everybody. I look forward to your responses.

 

[Ajay singh]

Hi everybody, I have a few questions about an Onkyo A-8190 amp. First, I believe this amp is from around 1990 because I have the predecessor A-8087 from 1989. First question, did the A-8190 come out right after the A-8087? I think this is correct because I remember the A-8087 being the last well built amp from Onkyo. There is an A-8190 on eBay right now for $295.00 but I can get one locally for $100.00 and an internet search shows a used price of $80.00, so this shows the A-8190 on eBay is stupidly priced, but it can be used to see what the internals look like. A quick look at the internals shows SERIOUS price cuts in quality and components as my A-8087 has HUGE transformers where the A-8190 has tiny and cheap looking transformers. Also, the A-8190 chassis looks like it’s made from much thinner metal and has that 1990s look instead of the better built 1980 models. Too me, a look at the chassis shows a thin, un-dynamic, pale, and unimpressive sound because of the cost cutting and cheap components used - would you agree?

Here are additional questions:

Would anyone here buy an Onkyo A-8190? If so, how much would you pay for one? Also, does anyone here own an Onkyo A-8190? If so, do you also own older Onkyo models and can you compare the sound quality for me? Lastly, would you spend your money on an Onkyo A-8190 or something else? If so, what? Should I just look for an Onkyo A-8087 and forget about the Onkyo A-8190? If so, why? My Onkyo A-8087 still works as new and is in mint condition and I need another amp for another room. I do not see any Onkyo A-8190 amps with wood sides, which my Onkyo A-8087 has wood sides and I like that, so this looks to be another cost cutting option Onkyo chose.

Thanks everybody. I look forward to your responses.

 

[Ajay singh]

Using 8190 for the last one week, it's great with sound. Deep and clear bass,nice treble and doesn't need a mid range. High grade capacitors are used and a very simple designing. Perfect in every functions. I have sansui 8080, sansui 517 Kenwood supreme 500,Pioneer sx 850. In no way onkyo 8190 is less. Must try if you get an chance.