Onkyo M-282 2-Channel Power Amplifier

I purchased this amplifier to replace a center channel amplifier in my home theater system. The previous center channel amplifier had been very expensive (>$2500) and had totally failed after only 7 years of service. The M-282 has turned out to be an excellent and inexpensive replacement amplifier. It works exactly as described. I have no audible hum coming from the unit. It is totally quiet. It runs so cool that I can barely feel any warmth on the top of the unit. The auto power feature works beautifully and turns on within 1 sec of an audio signal being sent to the amp. The sound quality of my Aerial Acoustics C3 center channel speaker when powered by the M-282 is indistinguishable from its sound quality when powered by the amplifier costing 10X as much. I am totally pleased iwth the M-282.

Tom

About the only thing I didn't like about my 40-inch Sony LCD HDTV (KDL-V40XBR1) was the undistinguished sound of its built-in speakers. I solved the problem with this Onkyo power amp in combination with a pair of Polk Audio Monitor 40 2-way bookshelf speakers. The audio output of the TV is fed into the RCA-type audio input of the Onkyo amp. I set Onkyo's volume control (placed on the back of the unit) about a half-way point, and control TV's volume with the Sony TV remote. The resulting sound is much better than the low-fi sound from the TV's built-in sound system -- richer and better defined. The Onkyo amp just sits on a lower-level of the TV stand; I don't have to do anything with it. My black Onkyo unit is almost invisible. When I power up the TV, in a few unnoticeable seconds the Onkyo amp's IDLE mode changes to ON mode, and the sound comes out of the Polk speakers. When I turn the TV off, the amp returns to the idle mode. It's as though the Onkyo power amp were built into the TV. I don't detect any noticeable hum from it, and it does not generate excess heat, as some reviewers complained about. For my rather basic needs, this is an ideal solution. I am totally satisfied with this Onkyo power amp.

I have been using this amplifier for more than 3 years and it has always provided excellent results for me. The sound is clear, neutral and has plenty of power. I use it with a pair of Infinity Beta 20. It may sound a little expensive for an amplifier, but I believe it has excellent value.

I just used this amplifier for one day but I must say that it certainly fulfills the need. I needed a "new" amplifier that wouldn't break the bank. I am tired of buying used equipment to save a few bucks initially, only to pay for repairs soon after the purchase.

This amplifier sounds good. It certainly is no giant killer, but it does sound better than any "classic" equipment that costs a couple of hundred dollars more. The sound is balanced. I was afraid the amp might be too bright, but no it was quiet flat. There is plenty of power with 100 watts per channel. I didn't notice any hum from the power supply. I am thinking that the people who experienced hum may be getting it from their AC lines.

Hopefully, this amp will run for many years without problems. If so, I will consider this purchase a screaming deal.

I use this amp to power two pairs of outdoor speaker via a impedence matching speaker selector (Monster Cable SS-4). Normally, I only use it to drive one pair of speakers at a time but at times I have driven both pairs for extended periods of times. Overall, I am very happy with the amplifier. It does the intended job without a hiccup. FYI: by extended periods of time I mean 8-12 hours.

Here are a few observations:

Hum: I read a lot of reviewers complaing of a hum. I do not hear it. This could because the amplifiers drives outdoor speakers (where there is more ambient noise) or due to "dirty" power or poor cables. I do use a votage regulator and line conditioner and all my cables are by cobalt cable. I also have a Onkyo home theatre reciever and I observe no hum through that either.



Binding post do not Accept spades: This is true of most Reciever/amplifiers. I prefer spades to pin, bar wire or banana connectors.

Runs Hot: This is a characteristic of all Onkyo amplifiers. Read both proffesional and amatuar reviews on both Onkyo and Integra. I have an Onkyo and Marantz Home theatre reciever. Between the two the Onkyo runs hotter. This amplifier is no different. Just make sure you give enough air flow. I do have the amp in a cabinet with 8" of clearence and that seems to be good enough.