Premium Audio Company, the parent company of Onkyo, Pioneer and Integra, recently announced a significant update for the Integra DRX-8.4, Onkyo TX-RZ70 and Pioneer VSX-LX805 AV receivers. This update brings a host of notable innovations, including support for the Auro 3D immersive audio format, the Roon certification, as well as the ability to play Dolby Atmos tracks directly from Amazon Music.
Onkyo/Pioneer and Integra receivers with Auro-3D
This new update adds the immersive Auro-3D format to certain compatible Onkyo, Pioneer and Integra AV receivers. It is now possible to enjoy an even richer and more immersive three-dimensional sound field thanks to the addition of extra vertical channels. Moreover, the Auro-Matic technology allows these receivers to create a virtual 3D experience from a mono, stereo or 5.1 audio stream. These next-gen AV receivers therefore promise a highly immersive experience with all content.
Roon Ready certification
The AV receivers eligible for this update now benefit from a Roon ready certification, ensuring compatibility with the Roon ecosystem. This certification is the result of rigorous compatibility tests carried out in collaboration with Roon Labs. It is the guarantee that updated Onkyo, Pioneer and Integra AV receivers meet the strict standards established by Roon for Hi-Res streaming. You can now enjoy music files stored locally and streaming services such as TIDAL and Qobuz in the best possible conditions.
Optimized preamp mode
The Integra DRX-8.4, Onkyo TX-RZ70 and Pioneer VSX-LX805 AV receivers also benefit from a new preamplification mode to improve sound performance. Now, when the receiver’s pre-out outputs are used, it will be possible to completely deactivate the power stage so that the device functions as a preamplifier. This reduces interference to optimize the signal-to-noise ratio and reduce background noise. By deactivating the power stage, these receivers also use less electricity.
Optimized HDR display
On the video front, these home-theater amplifiers now benefit from Source Based Tone Mapping (SBTM) technology for HDMI 2.1a. Source Based Tone Mapping is an innovation that enables more efficient management of HDR content. Traditionally, HDR mapping is managed entirely by the display device, sometimes requiring manual adjustments by the user to achieve the best possible image quality. With SBTM, part of this process is moved to the source device. This process automatically produces an optimized HDR signal without any intervention from the user.
Dolby Atmos music with Amazon Music HD
The Integra DRX-8.4, Onkyo TX-RZ70 and Pioneer VSX-LX805 AV receivers are also now among the first models to natively support Dolby Atmos music content via Amazon Music HD. As a result, it is now possible to easily select Atmos tracks from the mobile app to enjoy a 3D listening session. Unlike traditional stereo sound, Dolby Atmos music places you at the heart of a sound bubble, with sounds that move around you and above you, for a richer and more immersive experience.
Improved delay with Dirac Live Room Correction
The Dirac Live Room Correction calibration system that equips these AV receivers has also been improved to facilitate speaker placement in the room. Delay compensation has been increased from 20 ms to 50 ms, enabling more precise correction for speakers located at greater distances, now covering a range from around 6.8 meters to almost 17 meters. So you can enjoy optimal calibration even in the largest home theaters.
How to update your AV receiver
This new firmware update for the Onkyo TX-RZ70 and Pioneer VSX-LX805 receivers is displayed directly on your receiver’s display if it is connected to the Internet. Without Internet access, you can download the update from each brand’s official website, then install it manually using a USB stick. This is the most reliable method, as you don’t have to worry about an unstable Internet connection. For the Integra DRX-8.4 receiver, the update can be accessed from the configuration menu, then in the firmware update options.
With this new update, Onkyo, Pioneer and Integra continue to enhance their iconic AV receivers to integrate the latest audio and video technologies. The manufacturers promise to keep users happy for many years to come.
