Onkyo R-MS25 Review: 31-Band DSP Amp Compared With the R-MS26
The Onkyo R-MS25 is a DSP amplifier with 4 high-level and 2 low-level inputs, 8 low-level outputs, a 31-band equaliser and a built-in four-channel amplifier that Onkyo rates at 4 x 50 W maximum. Its Indian MRP is ₹19,990, the second-lowest of the eight Onkyo DSP amplifiers we list. It suits a factory-speaker upgrade where you want a 31-band equaliser and eight processed outputs for later expansion. Below we separate what Onkyo publishes from what it doesn't, pin down exactly how the R-MS25 differs from the R-MS26, and cover the FDS05B Bluetooth box. The amplifier is on our Onkyo R-MS25 product page.
Quick summary
Four high-level and two low-level inputs, eight low-level outputs and four amplified channels rated at 4 x 50 W maximum. Onkyo publishes no RMS figure.
A 31-band equaliser with six preset music scenes, at ₹7,000 more MRP than the R-MS10 and ₹1,000 less than the R-MS26.
Against the R-MS26, the visible differences are an optical input, the preset wording and a few unlisted specs, not power or channel count.
We found no owner reviews or independent tests in October 2026, so the facts here are Onkyo's and our listing's.
Onkyo R-MS25 specifications
Specification | Onkyo R-MS25 |
|---|---|
Type | DSP amplifier, 4-in / 8-out |
Maximum power | 4 x 50 W (max only; no RMS rating listed) |
Inputs | 4-channel high level, 2-channel low level, Bluetooth, USB music playback |
Outputs | 8-channel low level, plus 4 amplified outputs |
Equaliser | 31-band, 6 preset music scenes |
Frequency response | 20 Hz – 20 kHz |
High-level input impedance | 240 Ω |
Power supply | DC 9 – 16 V |
Dimensions | 180 x 112 x 43 mm |
Weight | Approx. 0.75 kg |
Setup software | Onkyo R-MS Series, PC and Android (per our listing) |
Optional add-on | Onkyo FDS05B aptX and LDAC Bluetooth box, ₹7,990 MRP |
India MRP | ₹19,990 |
Figures come from Onkyo's R-MS25 product page and our store listings, which agree. The page gives power as MAX Power only and lists no amplifier class, distortion figure, crossover or delay range.
Reading a max-only power rating
Before you pair speakers, ask what a rating leaves out. A max figure doesn't say how long the amplifier can hold that output, into what impedance, at what battery voltage or with how much distortion. There is no standard conversion between max and continuous power. Alpine lists its PXE-R80-8 at 35 W RMS per channel, and its manual gives 70 W as the maximum, both at 10% distortion. That is one maker's pairing, not a rule for Onkyo. We won't convert the R-MS25's 50 W into a continuous figure, and it is safest to treat it as a ceiling.
Inputs, outputs and tuning
Four high-level inputs let you tap a factory head unit's speaker wires, and the two low-level inputs take a source with pre-outs. Eight low-level outputs leave room to add amplifiers for a subwoofer or rear stage later. The listing doesn't say how the eight processed channels map onto the four amplified outputs, so confirm the routing first.
The software is Onkyo's R-MS Series package for PC and Android per our listing. Onkyo's download page lists Android V2.1.8 and PC V1.1.9 for the series, with no iOS app and no feature list. Crossovers, delay and a remote are not listed for the R-MS25. VA3 Car Studio does DSP tuning if you want the settings done for you.
Onkyo FDS05B Bluetooth box: what it adds
The R-MS25 lists built-in Bluetooth with no version or codec. Our Onkyo FDS05B listing describes an aptX Bluetooth box with a Qualcomm Bluetooth chip that adds aptX and LDAC music to the R-MS25, R-MS55 and R-MS66. Its MRP is ₹7,990, so an R-MS25 with the box totals ₹27,980. Both codecs need a phone or player that supports them. The listing doesn't say how the box connects or whether it needs its own power feed, and the R-MS26 is not among the models it names. Confirm that with us before ordering both.
What owners and reviewers say about the Onkyo R-MS25
When we checked in October 2026, we found no owner reviews, forum threads or independent tests of the R-MS25 or the FDS05B. Onkyo's page is a specification table, and neither of our listings has a customer review yet. A YouTube video titled ONKYO DSP R-MS 10 , R-MS 25 ,R-MS 55 6 CHANNEL DSP AND 8 CHANNEL DSP exists, but we couldn't open it and can't say what it concludes. So how it sounds, how the software behaves and how the Bluetooth box performs are open questions. If you own either, tell us how it went.
R-MS25 vs R-MS26: what actually differs
The R-MS26 (₹20,990 MRP) lists the same 4 x 50 W max, four high-level and two low-level inputs, Bluetooth, USB playback, eight low-level outputs and a 31-band equaliser. The differences are:
The R-MS26 lists an optical input; the R-MS25 does not.
The R-MS25 lists six preset music scenes; the R-MS26 says up to six user presets. Whether the R-MS25 can save your own settings isn't stated.
The R-MS25 lists 20 Hz – 20 kHz, 240 Ω and 9 – 16 V; the R-MS26 pages don't list those. Not listed is not the same as different.
The R-MS26 is 173.6 mm long against 180 mm, at the same 112 x 43 mm and about 0.75 kg. A 6.4 mm difference rarely changes where a unit fits.
The FDS05B listing names the R-MS25, not the R-MS26.
Pick the R-MS26 if you need the optical input; otherwise the R-MS25 costs ₹1,000 less.
Alternatives and siblings
The R-MS10 is ₹7,000 cheaper but lists 15 bands and six outputs. The R-MS55 (₹21,990 MRP) lists eight high-level inputs and eight amplified outputs. Zapco's HB 48 II 4A (₹26,990 MRP) has the same input and output counts, but lists 4 x 23 W RMS at 4 Ω, crossover, delay, phase and iOS and Android apps. Our live R-MS66 post covers the larger unit the FDS05B also lists.
Who should buy it, and who shouldn't
Buy the R-MS25 if you keep a factory head unit, want a 31-band equaliser and eight processed outputs, and are happy with a max-only power rating. Look elsewhere if you need an optical input (the R-MS26), more than four amplified channels (the R-MS55), or published RMS power, crossover and delay figures.
Installation notes for Indian cars
At 180 x 112 x 43 mm and about 0.75 kg, it needs a flat, ventilated spot away from heater ducts and direct sun, as cabins get very hot in summer. Onkyo lists a 9 – 16 V supply but no fuse rating or cable gauge, so the power wiring has to be sized at fitting. Use the head unit's speaker wires for the high-level inputs. VA3 Car Studio in Ghaziabad offers professional installation and can make speaker pods and door baffles for the speakers it drives.
Price and where to buy
The Onkyo R-MS25 has an MRP of ₹19,990, and the FDS05B box ₹7,990. VA3 Car Studio often sells below MRP, so check current prices on the R-MS25 listing. Warranty terms are set by Onkyo; confirm them with us before ordering.
The bottom line
Of the near-identical R-MS25 and R-MS26, the R-MS25 is ₹1,000 cheaper and the one the FDS05B listing names. It offers eight processed outputs and an optional codec box, but only a max power rating and no reviews we could find. Choose the R-MS26 if you need the optical input.
Onkyo R-MS25 FAQ
What is the difference between the Onkyo R-MS25 and the R-MS26?
Both list 4 x 50 W max, a 31-band equaliser and eight low-level outputs. The R-MS26 adds an optical input and says up to six user presets; the R-MS25 lists six preset music scenes and costs ₹1,000 less.
Does the Onkyo FDS05B work with the R-MS25?
Our listing names the R-MS25, R-MS55 and R-MS66 as compatible and says the box adds aptX and LDAC Bluetooth music. It doesn't say how the box connects, so ask us before ordering.
Is the R-MS25's 4 x 50 W an RMS rating?
No. Onkyo publishes it as MAX Power only. A max figure is a ceiling, not continuous output, so don't expect 50 W per channel at sustained listening levels.
Comments