Onkyo P-3000R 2 Channel Preamplifier comes with a phenomenal audio technology and takes both analogue and digital sources. Each channel uses separate Burr-Brown DACs, 192 kHz/32-bit, converting digital-to-analogue to its perfection.

Onkyo P-3000R Sophisticated 2 Channel Preamplifier, despite being at the cutting edge of the burgeoning home cinema market, Onkyo has never forgotten its roots in pure hi-fi audio. With the P-3000R, we present a streamlined two-channel pre-amplifier that packs a treasure trove of stunning audio technology. The P-3000R handles both analog and digital sources, with connectivity options including Amphenol AES/EBU digital connectors and a USB device (C-Media CM6631) for PC audio. Separate 192 kHz/32-bit TI Burr-Brown DACs for each channel ensure accurate digital-to-analog conversion. Meanwhile, to minimize interference and maintain signal quality, the P-3000R employs noise-reducing DIDRC technology, a vibration-resistant chassis design, and independent amplifier circuitry. Thanks to the P-3000R’s bi-amping capability, you also have greater flexibility in how you set up your system. As always, the job of all this advanced hardware is to bring you closer to your music and let you feel the unique resonance of each individual instrument.

Since the advent of digital audio, signal-to-noise ratios have improved dramatically. However, the S/N ratio reflects static noise only, and takes no account of another type of noise that occurs as the byproduct of sound reproduction—dynamic noise. To reduce this type of noise, Onkyo has developed DIDRC technology for use in our hi-fi components. Despite being beyond the normal range of human hearing, frequencies above 100 kHz are susceptible to clock pulse and other forms of distortion from digital devices. Such distortion in the super-high-frequency range can generate “beat interference”, which in turn affects the character or atmosphere of the original sound. By improving linearity and reducing distortion in the super-high-frequency range, Onkyo’s new DIDRC technology effectively reduces perceptible noise and delivers clearer-than-ever audio.

To prevent unwanted interference, the P-3000R employs physically separate circuitry for digital and analog processing. What’s more, it also features separate transformers for digital and analog circuitry.

The P-3000R pre-amp accepts analog sources such as records and tapes, along with digital output from iPod via a digital media transport such as Onkyo’s ND-S1. Using the USB device (C-Media CM6631) on the rear panel of the P-3000R, you can also connect your PC and play back 192 kHz/32-bit HD audio formats*.

*Playback of PC audio requires dedicated software that can be downloaded from an Onkyo website.

Jitter is an unwanted side-effect of the digital-to-analog conversion process caused by fluctuations in the time domain of a digital signal. PLL ultra-low jitter technology reduces jitter by comparing the input and output phases of the digital signal and creating an accurate clock waveform. This enhances the precision of digital signal processing and noticeably improves perceived audio quality.

High-quality TI Burr-Brown DACs work to optimize analog audio performance on Onkyo’s new hi-fi components. The P-3000R pre-amp sports dual 32-bit PCM1795 DACs, which support sampling rates of up to 192 kHz, display high resistance to clock jitter, and handle a 123 dB dynamic range. Although these DACs can process two-channel audio on a single chip, Onkyo employs separate chips for each stereo channel, to ensure the most accurate digital-to-analog conversion.

The P-3000R pre-amp offers the audiophile possibilities of biamping. Compatible speakers can be bi-amped for separate powering of high and low frequencies. Using the bi-amping mode on the P-3000R gives you greater control of the frequency balance.

The P-3000R incorporates a massive toroidal transformer for the analog circuitry that reduces magnetic flux leakage, improves efficiency, and keeps the power supply stable. For the digital circuitry, meanwhile, it employs a high-quality EI transformer. Gold-plated, machined solid brass, 19 mm-pitch terminals ensure a clean connection and help prevent interference between thick, high-quality cables. Meanwhile, Amphenol AES/EBU digital inputs provide resistance to signal degradation and noise.

Rather than being directly connected to the chassis base, the circuit boards inside the P-3000R are cushioned by internal struts and affixed to the front, side, and rear panels. This method of construction prevents vibrations from the chassis from adversely affecting the circuit boards.

The P-3000R features separate aluminum panels for the top, sides, and front to reduce unwanted vibrations caused by internal resonance. Compared to a one-piece chassis design, this construction method offers greater rigidity and improved noise reduction.