Budget-friendly CD player with high performance, the C-30, joins Onkyo's Icon Series of premium hi-fi components
Onkyo's Icon C-30 CD Player: A Budget-Friendly Option in the Icon Series
Onkyo has unveiled the Icon C-30 CD player, a budget-friendly addition to their Icon Series of two-channel products, which includes the P-80 network preamplifier, M-80 power amplifier, and A-50 network integrated amplifier. The Icon Series was introduced at CES 2025 as part of Onkyo's comeback in the two-channel market [1].
Priced at around $349 (UK pricing TBC), the Icon C-30 CD player is a potential budget option for entry-level systems. It boasts a vibration-resistant, blast-finished aluminium front panel and features Onkyo's Vector Linear Shaping Circuit (VLSC) technology for improved sound quality [2].
One of the standout features of the Icon C-30 is its 24-bit/192kHz Digital-to-Analogue Converter (DAC), which is claimed to produce a cleaner analogue output [3]. The CD player also offers analogue, digital optical, and digital coaxial outputs at the rear [4].
However, it's important to note that while the Icon C-30 is a budget-friendly disc player, the existing amplifiers in the series are priced significantly higher and target audiophiles rather than budget consumers [2]. As of mid-2025, Onkyo has not officially announced a specific budget stereo amplifier explicitly marketed as a direct match for the Icon C-30 CD player [1].
This means that if you're looking for a matching Onkyo amplifier for the Icon C-30 today, you'd have to choose from the higher-end Icon amps already available, or look outside the Icon Series for budget options [1][2][3][4].
Onkyo filed for bankruptcy in 2022 but was subsequently acquired by Premium Audio Company, the parent company of Pioneer, Klipsch, and Sharp, among others [5]. The Icon Series represents Onkyo's efforts to make a comeback in the two-channel market and offer high-quality audio products to a wider audience.
[1] The Absolute Sound
[2] What Hi-Fi?
[3] AVForums
[4] Sound & Vision
[5] High Fidelity Review
- For those seeking a budget-friendly audio system, the Icon C-30 CD player from Onkyo might be a great deal, especially considering its budget-friendly pricing.
- The Icon C-30 CD player sports a vibration-resistant aluminum front panel and employs Onkyo's Vector Linear Shaping Circuit technology for enhanced audio quality.
- One notable feature of the Icon C-30 is its 24-bit/192kHz Digital-to-Analogue Converter, claimed to deliver a cleaner analog output.
- The Icon C-30 provides multiple output options, including analog, digital optical, and digital coaxial connections at the rear.
- Unfortunately, while the Icon C-30 CD player may be budget-friendly, a compatible Onkyo amplifier that caters to entry-level systems is yet to be officially announced.
- Gadget enthusiasts looking for a matching amplifier for the Icon C-30 today may need to explore higher-end Icon amps or opt for budget options outside the Icon Series.
- The Icon Series from Onkyo, a brand acquired by Premium Audio Company, signifies Onkyo's comeback in the two-channel market and aims to provide high-quality audio products to a broader audience, as reviewed in sources like The Absolute Sound, What Hi-Fi?, AVForums, Sound & Vision, and High Fidelity Review.
