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Onkyo C-S5VL Audiophile CD Player (Black)

  • Price: $499.00
  • Add to cart for lower price
  • B&H # ONCS5VL
  • Mfr# C-S5VL

Product Highlights

  • Plays CDs and Super Audio CDs
  • Plays CD-R, CD-RW, CD Extra
  • Plays MP3 and WMA Files
  • High-Rigidity, Anti-Resonant Chassis
  • Wolfson 192 kHz/24-Bit DAC
  • Digital Filter Control
  • Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry
  • Thermally Regulated Crystal Oscillator
  • 10 Digital Filter Controls
  • 2 Digital Outputs

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If you've found the common CD to be wanting in audio fidelity you're a candidate for the Onkyo C-S5VL Audiophile CD player with its ability to play Super Audio CDs. With a data rate of 5.6 Mbps sound pours out of an SACD at four times the rate of a CD. That higher data rate translates into a more precise, more nuanced, more realistic sound. It's like you're in the same room with the musicians.

There are more than 5500 SACDs available, about half of which are classical and jazz. Everyone of them contains audio sampled at 64 times the rate of a conventional CD and the C-S5VL can play every one of them with the lifelike fidelity true audiophiles demand.

Part of the credit for this player's audio quality lies in its use of a Wolfson digital to audio converter. Wolfson Microelectronics is a name known worldwide among discerning audiophiles for their advanced technology audio components.

Onkyo's own Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry (VLSC), previously found only on Onkyo's high end components, works with the Wolfson DAC to produce super clean, super realistic sound that's unsurpassed in this price range.

Super Audio CD Playback
Super Audio CD gives you the next step in the evolution of pristine sound. All channels provide for up to 100 kHz frequency response and a sampling rate of 2822.4 kHz—that's 64 times that of a regular CD! A multichannel SACD disc can provide you with up to 6 channels of high-resolution audio in addition to a regular CD layer for playback on any existing CD player.
Multiple Playback Modes
Sometimes you want to play a disc straight through from beginning to end. But sometimes you want more options. The C-S5Vl's remote allows direct track access so you can choose to play a particular song from across the room. You can also select repeat mode to hear a track again or shuffle/random play to mix up your audio mix a bit.
CD Audio Playback
The C-5SVL can play conventional audio CDs including CD-R, CD-RW and CD Extra (also known as CD Plus). And it plays audio recorded with the popular MP3 and WMA codecs.
Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry (VLSC)
Conventional D/A conversion methods reduce digital pulse noise at the conversion stage but can't remove it completely. Previously found only on Onkyo's high-end components, VLSC (Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry) employs a unique D/A conversion circuit to overcome this problem. Data is converted between sampling points and these points are joined with analogue vectors in real-time to produce a smooth output wave form. The result: a virtually noiseless, smooth analogue signal based on the digital source.
RI (Remote Interactive)
Simply place your iPod in the optional DS-A1 Remote Interactive Dock connected to any Onkyo RI-compatible amplifier/receiver to experience the powerfully rich sound of Onkyo audio-video components. Control your music from your RI remote and charge your iPod while you enjoy your iPod's digital music—and photos—through the power of the C-S5VL. Unlike purely iPod-dedicated systems, you can fully integrate the convenience and storage capacity of your iPod with all your other Onkyo home entertainment components—and share the experience with everyone.
Type Audiophile Single Disc CD Player
Compatible Discs Audio CD, Super Audio CD, CD-R, CD-RW, CD Extra
Supported Bit/Sample Rates Audio CD 4 Hz - 20kHz
Super Audio CD - 4 Hz - 50kHz
D to A Converters High-Grade Wolfson 192 kHz/24-Bit
Frequency Response Up to 100 kHz
Dynamic Range 100 dB
Signal-to-Noise Ratio 114 dB (CD) 110 dB (Super Audio CD)
THD + N 0.0025%
Output Connectors CD (Analog) x 1 Digital Optical x 1 Digital Coaxial x 1 Headphones x 1 Onkyo Remote Interactive Control x 1
Headphone Connector Standard 1/4"
Remote Control Yes
RAM Buffer Not Specified By Manufacturer
Dimensions (HxWxD) 3 1/8 x 17 1/8 x 12 1/2" (80 x 435 x 318 mm)
Weight 9.9 lb (4.5 kg)

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Onkyo C-S5VL Audiophile CD Player (Black)
 
4.4

(based on 8 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (6)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (1)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (1)

88%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Great sound (7)
  • Attractive (6)
  • Simple controls (6)
  • Doesn't skip (5)
  • Easy to set up (4)

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Audiophiles (6)
    • Basic systems (4)
      • Reviewer Profile:
      • Audiophile (6), Tech savvy (5)
      • Was this a gift?:
      • No (7)

    REVIEWS

    Reviewed by 8 customers

    Sort by

    Displaying reviews 1-8

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    5.0

    The CD is alive and well

    By Keo'

    from Atlanta,Ga.

    About Me Audiophile, Music Lover

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Attractive Design
    • Doesn't Skip
    • Durable
    • Easy Controls
    • Easy To Setup
    • Great Sound
    • Onkyo quality
    • Plays SACD

    Cons

    • No on off with remote

    Best Uses

    • Audiophiles
    • Discerning listeners

    Comments about Onkyo C-S5VL Audiophile CD Player (Black):

    If you want to hear your CD collection come alive then look no further. This player also plays SACD's which sound simply incredible. I thought it was time to replace my 18 year old Klipsh studio monitors until I bought this player. The entire system sounds better than ever due to this fine player from Onkyo.The only thing I dislike about the player is that you can't power on or off with the remote which makes no sense at all. Overall a fine player and highly recommended for any audiophile.

    • Was this a gift?:
    • No

    Share this review

    (0 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

     
    1.0

    Terrible

    By Mr Chupa

    from Chicago

    About Me Audiophile, Tech Savvy

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

      Cons

      • Unattractive Design

      Best Uses

        Comments about Onkyo C-S5VL Audiophile CD Player (Black):

        This is very cheaply made - an absolute failure.

        My unit was not stable, wobbled. When I pressed a button, unit was not stable at all and moved away from slight button pressing force.

        Unit had small blemish on front face.

        Went with Marantz 5004 instead. Night and Day difference.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Share this review

        (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

         
        5.0

        Incredible Upgrade

        By Doug

        from Seattle

        About Me Tech Savvy

        Verified Reviewer

        Pros

        • Affordable
        • Easy To Setup
        • Great Sound

        Cons

        • No multichannel output
        • No remote power button

        Best Uses

        • Audiophiles
        • Basic Systems

        Comments about Onkyo C-S5VL Audiophile CD Player (Black):

        I bought this player with an eye to get the most out of Sennheiser 650 headphones I was gifted. Thus, I wanted something I could afford to augment something too nice for me to buy myself. I'd read the review that said the built-in headphone amp was great and I agree.

        I was amazed, however, at how well the system sounded when paired with my Onkyo TX-SR606 receiver and Onkyo HTIB speakers. I figured because I was using a mid to low-end receiver and low-end speakers, the only sound improvement I'd truly notice was when using the headphones. I was wrong.

        This player is incredible. It sounds like you have a separate speaker dedicated to each instrument playing on the cd...instruments and vocals I didn't even know were on the recordings before purchasing this player.

        If you want to get a lot out of your existing CD collection for a reasonable price, look no further.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Share this review

        (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

         
        5.0

        Great unit and good value for the money

        By Bernie

        from Portland, OR

        About Me Audiophile, Practical, Tech Savvy

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Attractive Design
        • Doesn't Skip
        • Durable
        • Easy Controls
        • Easy To Setup
        • Great Sound

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Audiophiles

          Comments about Onkyo C-S5VL Audiophile CD Player (Black):

          I would say that this is a good Middle Range CD Player. I bought it because it has a good headphone jack, a feature I wanted. It also plays all CD formats, which is very useful. Sound quality is clean.

          Unless you are into extreme high end audio, this unit will not be a constraint on your audio system sound quality. It's an attractive unit and great value for money.

          I would buy it again.

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

          Share this review

          (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

           
          5.0

          VERY NICE PIECE

          By mrrnb

          from Nashville, TN

          About Me Audiophile, Pro Audio / DJ, Tech Savvy

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Attractive Design
          • Doesn't Skip
          • Easy Controls
          • Easy To Set Up
          • Great Sound

          Cons

            Best Uses

            • Audiophiles
            • Basic Systems

            Comments about Onkyo C-S5VL Audiophile CD Player (Black):

            This player is a very good value. I especially was interested in this particular unit because it plays SACD's as well as CD's. I already own over 30 SACD's so this was a way to upgrade the playback performance of those discs. I haven't had the unit very long but so far I am very pleased.

            Share this review

            (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

             
            5.0

            Typical Onkyo product

            By Sunman

            from Newington, Ct

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Attractive Design
            • Doesn't Skip
            • Durable
            • Easy Controls
            • Easy To Set Up
            • Great Sound

            Cons

              Best Uses

              • Basic Systems

              Comments about Onkyo C-S5VL Audiophile CD Player (Black):

              Happy with the purchase, great value for the price.

              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

              Share this review

              (5 of 6 customers found this review helpful)

               
              4.0

              A dark horse

              By shubh99

              from Fairfax VA

              About Me Audiophile, Tech Savvy

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Attractive Design
              • Easy Controls
              • Easy To Set Up
              • Great Sound

              Cons

              • No power off on remote

              Best Uses

              • Audiophiles
              • Hi-fi systems

              Comments about Onkyo C-S5VL Audiophile CD Player (Black):

              Bought this player after considering players such as Marantz Denon and this one seemed to offer the best value as it can play SACDs. Buyers note this cannot play multichannel SACDs so be forewarned, this is strictly a 2-channel player with no multichannel outputs. This is hooked up to a Marantz PM8003 amp and it delivers the goods. CDs sound crisp and detailed, best suited for classical music. Rock amd jazz sound a little bright but not annoyingly so. SACDs sound amazing too. The two annoying design decisions by Onkyo is a mechanical power button which cannot be operated by the remote!! (c'mon Onkyo this is 2010) and the small display with cryptic messages which is not helpful when trying to change the DAC settings from a distance. These design missteps keeps me from giving it a full 5-stars. If you can get past these minor annoyances the player should be a winner.

              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

              Share this review

              (3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

               
              5.0

              Awesome CD player

              By Rick

              from Kenova, WV, USA

              About Me Audiophile

              Verified Reviewer

              Pros

              • Attractive Design
              • Doesn't Skip
              • Easy Controls
              • Easy To Set Up
              • Great Sound

              Cons

                Best Uses

                • Audiophiles
                • Basic Systems
                • Larger Rooms
                • Smaller Rooms

                Comments about Onkyo C-S5VL Audiophile CD Player (Black):

                I had an Onkyo 6-disc CD changer which was very good but wanted to upgrade. I bought this CD player and the A5VL integrated amp. What a combo! I don't miss the 6-disc changer at all, maybe because I remember using LPs. A very important note - the headphone amp on this player is amazing. I was going to buy a high-end headphone amp until I got this player. Great with Alessandro MS-1 headphones.

                • Was this a gift?:
                • No

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                What's in the Box

                Onkyo C-S5VL Audiophile CD Player (Black)
                • C-S5VL Audiophile CD Player (Black)
                • Remote Control With Batteries (AA x2)
                • Power Cord
                • Audio Connection Cable
                • Remote Interactive Cord (Onkyo RI)
                • 1-Year Onkyo Parts and Labor Warranty
                 
                 
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