Onkyo C-S5VL (Black)

Single-disc black CD player

531751525

Sampling audio signals at a rate 64 times higher than CD, Super Audio CD gives you the closest possible approximation of being in the same room as the musicians. Little wonder, then, that it has established itself as the audiophiles' format of choice. Now, with the C-S5VL, Onkyo makes quality audio more accessible than ever. The C-S5VL is a stellar playback solution for Super Audio CD — as well as regular CDs and WMA- or MP3-encoded discs — and makes an ideal partner for Onkyo's slim-line A-5VL integrated amplifier.

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.

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