Onkyo C-S5VL (Black)
Single-disc black CD player
531751525
Super Audio CD playback brings the action home
To deliver high-performance playback of advanced Super Audio CDs (SACD)s, the C-S5VL incorporates Onkyo's VLSC technology, along with high-end Wolfson DACs, ensuring a pristine conversion of the audio signal from digital to analog. Meanwhile, a high-precision crystal oscillator and jitter-cleaner device work together to stabilize the clock frequency. You get meticulous timing for all digital signals and hence beautifully clear separation of musical instruments. So, if you want to get serious about the digital audio offered by SACD, open your ears to the C S5VL. Of course, the CS5VL also offers precise playback of CD, WMA, and MP3-encoded audio, too.
VLSC: Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry
In conventional digital-to-analog conversion methods, it's impossible to completely remove noise. This noise taints the analog signal and ultimately degrades the sound emitted from your speakers. With Onkyo's VLSC, though, data is continuously sampled between two discrete points — via a signal comparison generator — and the difference is joined with analog vectors in real time to produce a smooth output waveform. The VLSC digital-to-analog conversion method results in an accurate, virtually pulse noise-free audio signal that faithfully reproduces the acoustic detail and subtle nuances of all your audio sources, and breathes life into digital media.
Precise clocking mechanism
The C-S5VL boasts an extremely precise clocking mechanism that controls and coordinates the timing of all digital signal processes — a bit like how a conductor directs and coordinates the individual instruments of an orchestra. The C-S5VL uses a state-of-the-art crystal oscillator that achieves a frequency deviation much lower than that achieved by a conventional oscillator. As the circuitry is designed to stay at a constant temperature, the oscillator frequency remains stable at all times. Stability is also aided by a special "jitter-cleaner" device that works to reduce the effects of jitter in the master clock. Thanks to the C-S5VL's precise clocking abilities, you get to enjoy an accurately realized sound field and clear separation of individual musical instruments.
Wolfson Microelectronics
The C-S5VL features a high-performance Wolfson 192 kHz/24-bit digital-to-analog converter with DSD bit-stream support for the advanced digital audio of Super Audio CD. This DAC incorporates multi-bit, sigma-delta architecture to optimize the signal-to-noise ratio and maximize tolerance to clock jitter. On the C-S5VL, the WM8742 has been configured to support a Digital Filter Control function, which lets you select from five different modes for CD and four modes for Super Audio CD (plus DSD Direct). With this DAC on board, you are guaranteed a pristine conversion of digital signals into analog audio output.
High-grade build quality
When it comes to parts and construction, it's just not in Onky's DNA to cut any corners. The C-S5VL, naturally, is no exception. Build quality starts from the ground up with a highly rigid, 1/16" (1.6 mm)-thick chassis that provides excellent protection against shelf-borne vibrations. A heavy-duty inlet cord, meanwhile, delivers a reliably smooth power supply. And 3/4" (19 mm)-pitch audio terminals are specially designed to accommodate high-grade cable.
Review
Great Value Player (January 24, 2013)
| Ease of Use |
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(4/5.0) |
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| Value |
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(5/5.0) |
| Performance |
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(5/5.0) |
| Overall Rating |
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(5/5.0) |
Reviewed By: Anthony - Northern CA, CA
Ive owned this player for two years now and still thoroughly enjoy its sound quality and flawless performance. After owning players that cost a lot more than this unit, this has become my default preferred player. Reliable, solid, sonically accurate, and dependable. I never thought Id see this level of performance from an Onkyo product, but I was proven wrong. Highly recommended.
Review
Returned (September 21, 2012)
| Ease of Use |
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(2/5.0) |
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| Value |
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(1/5.0) |
| Performance |
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(1/5.0) |
| Overall Rating |
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(1/5.0) |
Reviewed By: Greg G. - mission viejo, CA
Upon delivery, no matter what disc I put in the tray, the display read no disc. Also odd inconveniences No power button on remote. When unit is off, pressing tray button does nothing 1st have to power on than open tray. When tray is open, pressing power off button shuts down player with tray open 1st have to close tray, then power off.
Review
Onkyo-CS5VL (June 04, 2012)
| Ease of Use |
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(5/5.0) |
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| Value |
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(5/5.0) |
| Performance |
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(5/5.0) |
| Overall Rating |
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(5/5.0) |
Reviewed By: Phillip T. - Alliance, Ohio
I think this is a fine product that is well made with great sound when listening to regular CDs or SACDs. I so like the fact that it is a metal component rather than plastic. Not to mention the fact that the price was great being a returned product from Vanns. This is the second SACD player I have purchased.
Review
C-S5VL (August 24, 2011)
| Ease of Use |
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(4/5.0) |
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| Value |
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(4/5.0) |
| Performance |
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(3/5.0) |
| Overall Rating |
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(3/5.0) |
Reviewed By: Peter C. - Billerica, MA
I compared the Onkyo C-S5VL over a few listening sessions in a week’s time to a Marantz SA8004 and also a Pioneer Elite DV-58AV purchased from Vann’s a while back. For what it’s worth, the Pioneer player retailed for about the same price as the Onkyo and received a class B rating in Stereophile magazine. I used a Parasound JC2 preamp and A21 amplifier with Dynaudio Audience 72 speakers.
These comments apply mostly to SACD listening in direct mode. I found the Onkyo to have more desirable top-end extension than either the Marantz or the Pioneer. Perhaps this accounts for the Onkyos greater sense of freshness and in-the-room presence than either of the other two players. The Onkyo did not give up any detail to the Marantz and sounded somewhat more detailed, focused and smoother than the Pioneer.
However, the Onkyo’s overall presentation was lightweight and bass-shy compared to both other players. You could still feel the bass from the Onkyo, but the frequency spectrum was definitely shifted upward. Although the Onkyo was a smooth performer most of the time, there was some glare, especially on crescendos. In fact, the Onkyo tended to be somewhat fatiguing after listening for a while – the Marantz and Pioneer were not fatiguing.
The Onkyo’s soundstage was not even close to what the Marantz is capable of, and the Pioneer was more spacious, as well. The Onkyo’s soundstage was compressed within and between the speakers, with little depth and ambiance.
The Onkyo was also colorless. This may be desirable to some folks, but the lack of harmonic richness detracted from the enjoyment of the music for me. For instance, strings on my James Taylor disc have a “chimey” quality that is lost with the Onkyo. The Onkyo has a kind of light gray, cardboard-bland quality, overall.
I tried the different filters. They are interesting but do not really ameliorate the problems without creating new ones. For instance, DSD filter 1 results in a grainier quality, filter 2 sounds kind of hard and metallic. Filter 3 was sweeter, but voices were a bit strident. Filter 4 mellowed things out, but the desirable top end extension was decreased.
I did listen to a little Redbook. I think the Onkyo is a better Redbook player than SACD player. Other than still being light in the bass and a bit glaring on the crescendos, it beat my Pioneer in just about every other way. I quickly toggled-through the different PCM filters but did not notice a lot of difference.
I feel like I have been kind of hard on this Onkyo. It is a good-sounding player. It is an interesting machine and a good value with the discounts typically available not if you pay retail, however. I am not even sure what else you can get in the mid three-hundreds these days that plays SACD. It’s really just a matter of what kind of sound qualities you can live with.
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Further notes after reading my review above and listening some more… This Onkyo is a fatiguing, dry-sounding player. Both the Marantz and the Pioneer have richer tone. The Pioneer is sweeter, as well. Sorry, but will have to send back the Onkyo… Glad I bought the Pioneer from Vann’s.
Review
I have a new CD collection! (June 01, 2011)
| Ease of Use |
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(5/5.0) |
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| Value |
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(5/5.0) |
| Performance |
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(5/5.0) |
| Overall Rating |
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(5/5.0) |
Reviewed By: David C. - Grant, AL
I was told by a high end home theater installer to not worry about a cd player, just get a Blue ray player and you are covered. Two years later after upgrading other parts of my system I discover the radio sounds better than my cds??? What is up with that??? I have a large cd collection with many remastered gold cds and SACDs and the sound quality was just not there! So I do a little research, actually a lot and decide to pop for the C-SVL5. Best investment I made in my system yet!!! I am a happy CD listener again!!! My wife likes to listen to music and appreciates good sound but does not car to get involved in the whole equipment thing. The evening after I got the new player I put in one of her favorite CDs and she stopped what she was doing and asked what had I changed with the speakers. My speakers are DIY and I constantly make changes I said nothing it is the new CD player!!!
So the short story is a good dedicated CD player is much better than your average Blue ray player for stereo music!!! I am using the analog outs.
Now I am going back and playingrediscovering a lot of my old CDs and it is like having a whole new collection.
By the way Vanns service is awesome!
For the price this is a steal, dont think about it just get it if you are looking!
Review
Onkyo C-SLV5 CD player (February 14, 2010)
| Ease of Use |
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(5/5.0) |
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| Value |
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(5/5.0) |
| Performance |
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(5/5.0) |
| Overall Rating |
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(5/5.0) |
Reviewed By: Reggie H. - Detroit, MI
Very smooth operation, clear and pristine sound, a very good replacement for my Technics SL-PG450. I would recommend highly, especially for the sale price.
Review
Great Quality (August 31, 2009)
| Ease of Use |
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(5/5.0) |
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| Value |
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(5/5.0) |
| Performance |
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(5/5.0) |
| Overall Rating |
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(5/5.0) |
Reviewed By: Sebastian - Los Angeles, CA
The clarity of the sound of this cdsacd player is awesome, you can listen to your old and new cds and can be blown away.
Comparison Specifications
- High-grade Wolfson 192 kHz/24-bit D/A converter (WM8742) with DSD bit-stream support for Super Audio CD applications
- Plays Super Audio CD, Audio CD, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3 CD, WMA CD
- 2 digital outputs (optical/coaxial), digital out On/Off, 0.75"-pitch audio terminals for high-grade cable
- RI-compatible remote control
Additional Specifications
- VLSC (Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry)
- Thermally regulated crystal oscillator and jitter-cleaner device to stabilize clock frequency
- Digital filter control (CD: 5 modes, Super Audio CD: 4 modes and DSD direct)
- Phase control
- Repeat modes: Super Audio CD and CD: Disc/Track/A-B Repeat, MP3 CD and WMA CD: Disc/Track/Folder/A-B Repeat
- Headphone jack with volume control
- 4-mode display dimmer (normal/dim/dimmer/off)
- Hi-rigidity, anti-resonant flat chassis
- Aluminum front panel
- Heavy-duty inlet power cord
Manufacturer Specifications
- Frequency response: Super Audio CD 4Hz-50kHz / Audio CD: 4Hz-20kHz
- Signal-to-noise ratio: 114 dB (CD), 110 dB (SA-CD)
- Audio dynamic range: 100 dB
- Power supply: AC 120V, 60Hz
- Power consumption: 15W
Dimensional Specifications
- Dimensions: 17.06" W x 8.06" H x 17.75" D
- Weight: 15.4 lbs
Onkyo C-S5VL Warranty Details
One-year warranty
