What Hi Fi Sound and Vision
07 AUG 2008
Onkyo CS-525UKD
The competition has upped its game and this Onkyo hasn’t quite kept on the pace; it's still good but not one of the company’s greats
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The CS-525UKD replaces the award-winning ‘515, so naturally has plenty to contend with. In terms of form and function, the main unit has kept a similar style to its predecessor but added a USB input on the front of the unit. There’s still a headphone output alongside stereo inputs and outputs, and a 3.5mm minijack output.
The included speakers have seen a more obvious change, with the latest models given a shiny, futuristic look, in place of the previous standard box design – opinion was divided but we guess it’s a matter of personal taste as to which you prefer…
Navigating the machine has been made a touch more efficient in our minds, thanks to the removal of the twisting control knob for skipping tracks in favour of individual ‘forward’ and ‘back’ keys. The chunky remote does the job but the multicoloured finish doesn’t cut the most stylish of profiles.
Listening to Wyclef Jean’s 911 we’re struck by the level of detail on display, which coupled with the openness of the delivery makes for an instantly impressive sound. It’s clear that the Onkyo has a wide sonic range, too, hitting high treble frequencies at the same time as delivering admirable bass extension.
And then it wavers a little...
As we switch styles from classical to rock, pop to dance, the Onkyo’s promising start undoubtedly wavers a little. With Santogold’s Say Aha the upbeat pace of the track isn’t quite as it should be, a slightly soft bass slowing down proceedings a touch.
More pertinently there’s a definite lack of balance to higher frequencies, with vocals at times sounding a touch muffled while other treble sounds display a touch of brightness. After repeated listening we can’t help but grow a little wary of Onkyo’s uneven delivery.
Switch to the tuners and the Onkyo is strong and reliable, picking up the necessary stations and demonstrating clarity and stability with DAB and FM. Attach a USB stickand you can play back digital tunes, complete with scrolling track info, though there’s no compatibility with AAC or Apple Lossless files.
While undoubtedly still an enticing product, this Onkyo doesn’t quite match its admittedly brilliant predecessor sonically, which is a real disappointment. And that can only equal four stars.