ONKYO A-973 Integrated Amplifier User Manual

1. Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the ONKYO A-973 Integrated Amplifier. This manual provides essential information for the safe and efficient operation of your amplifier. Please read it thoroughly before use and retain it for future reference.

The ONKYO A-973 is a high-performance stereo integrated amplifier designed to deliver exceptional audio quality. It incorporates Onkyo's proprietary sound technologies, including VL Digital for precise A/D conversion and a robust power supply, ensuring powerful and accurate sound reproduction.

2. Safety Information

WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture.

• Power Supply: Connect the unit only to an AC outlet of the voltage specified on the rear panel.
• Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation. Do not block ventilation openings.
• Water and Moisture: Do not expose the unit to dripping or splashing water. Do not place objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on the unit.
• Foreign Objects: Do not insert any foreign objects into the unit.
• Servicing: Do not attempt to service this unit yourself. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.

3. Key Features

• VL Digital Technology: Minimizes spike noise during A/D conversion for accurate sound.
• High Power Efficiency: Achieves approximately 90% power efficiency, surpassing typical analog amplifiers.
• Optimum Gain Volume: Suppresses residual noise, providing rich sound even at low listening levels.
• PURE DIRECT Mode: Shortens the signal path for enhanced audio purity.
• Discrete PHONO Equalizer: Built-in equalizer compatible with MM (Moving Magnet) type cartridges.
• Tone Controls: Independent Bass and Treble adjustments.
• High-Quality Terminals: Gold-plated pin jacks and screw-type speaker terminals compatible with banana plugs.
• Detachable AC Cable: For convenience and potential upgrade.
• Headphone Jack: For private listening.
• RI Terminals: Two system integration terminals for compatible Onkyo components.

4. Front Panel Overview

The front panel of the ONKYO A-973 provides access to all essential controls for operation.

4.1. Power and Standby

• POWER ON/OFF Switch: Main power switch for the amplifier.
• STANDBY Button: Toggles the unit between standby mode and operational mode.

4.2. Headphone and Speaker Selection

• PHONES Jack: Connect your headphones here for private listening.
• SPEAKERS A/B Buttons: Select which pair of speakers (A, B, or A+B) are active.

4.3. Tone and Balance Controls

• BASS Control: Adjusts the low-frequency response.
• TREBLE Control: Adjusts the high-frequency response.
• MUTING Button: Temporarily mutes the audio output.

4.4. Volume and Input Selection

• Volume Knob: Adjusts the overall output volume.
• Input Selector: Rotary switch to select the desired audio source (PHONO, CD, TUNER, TAPE, MD, DOCK).
• PURE DIRECT Button: Bypasses tone controls and other processing for the purest audio signal.
• LOUDNESS Button: Enhances bass and treble at low volume levels.

5. Rear Panel Connections

The rear panel houses all input and output terminals for connecting your audio sources and speakers.

• Audio Inputs (RCA): Connect your CD player, tuner, tape deck, MD player, phono turntable, and other audio sources.
• Speaker Terminals: Connect your speakers (Speaker A and Speaker B). Ensure correct polarity (+ to + and - to -).
• RI (Remote Interactive) Terminals: For connecting compatible Onkyo components for integrated system control.
• AC Inlet: Connect the detachable AC power cable here.

6. Setup

6.1. Placement

Place the amplifier on a stable, level surface with adequate ventilation. Avoid placing it near heat sources or in direct sunlight. Do not stack other components directly on top of the amplifier, especially if they block the ventilation holes.

6.2. Connecting Speakers

1. Ensure the amplifier is turned off and unplugged from the power outlet.
2. Connect your speakers to the SPEAKER A or SPEAKER B terminals on the rear panel.
3. Match the positive (+) terminal on the amplifier to the positive (+) terminal on the speaker, and the negative (-) terminal on the amplifier to the negative (-) terminal on the speaker.
4. For optimal sound, use high-quality speaker cables. The screw-type terminals accommodate bare wire or banana plugs.

6.3. Connecting Audio Sources

1. Connect your audio components (e.g., CD player, tuner, turntable) to the corresponding RCA input jacks on the rear panel.
2. For a turntable, connect it to the PHONO input. If your turntable has a ground wire, connect it to the amplifier's ground terminal.

6.4. Power Connection

After all audio and speaker connections are made, connect the detachable AC power cable to the AC INLET on the rear panel and then plug it into a wall outlet.

7. Operating Instructions

7.1. Powering On/Off

1. Flip the main POWER ON/OFF switch to the ON position.
2. Press the STANDBY button to bring the amplifier out of standby mode. The power indicator will illuminate.
3. To put the unit into standby, press the STANDBY button again. To completely power off, flip the main POWER ON/OFF switch to OFF.

7.2. Selecting an Input Source

Rotate the INPUT SELECTOR knob to choose the desired audio source (e.g., CD, TUNER, PHONO).

7.3. Adjusting Volume

Turn the large VOLUME knob clockwise to increase the volume and counter-clockwise to decrease it. Start with a low volume level and gradually increase it to a comfortable listening level.

7.4. Speaker Selection

Press the SPEAKERS A or B buttons to activate the connected speaker sets. You can select A, B, or A+B simultaneously.

7.5. Tone Controls

• BASS: Rotate the BASS knob to adjust the low-frequency output.
• TREBLE: Rotate the TREBLE knob to adjust the high-frequency output.

7.6. PURE DIRECT Mode

Press the PURE DIRECT button to bypass the tone control circuits and LOUDNESS function. This provides a shorter signal path for a purer audio signal, ideal for audiophile listening.

7.7. LOUDNESS Function

Press the LOUDNESS button to activate the loudness compensation, which boosts bass and treble frequencies at low volume levels to compensate for the human ear's reduced sensitivity to these frequencies.

7.8. Muting

Press the MUTING button to temporarily silence the audio output. Press it again to restore the sound.

8. Maintenance

8.1. Cleaning

Wipe the unit with a soft, dry cloth. For stubborn dirt, dampen the cloth with a mild detergent solution and wipe gently, then dry with a clean, dry cloth. Do not use abrasive cloths, thinners, alcohol, or other chemical solvents, as they may damage the finish.

8.2. Ventilation

Regularly check that the ventilation openings are not blocked by dust or debris. Blocked vents can lead to overheating and potential damage.

9. Troubleshooting

If you experience problems with your amplifier, consult the following table for possible solutions.

If the problem persists after trying these solutions, please contact Onkyo customer support or a qualified service technician.

10. Specifications

11. Warranty and Support

For warranty information, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Onkyo website. For technical support, product registration, or service inquiries, please contact Onkyo customer service through their official channels.

Online Support: Visit the Onkyo Global Website for FAQs, driver downloads, and contact information.