PAC has released a firmware update for its flagship AVRs that
promises to improve audio playback, functionality, and Dirac Live performance.
The AVRs affected by this update are the Integra DRX-8.4, Onkyo TX-RZ70,
and Pioneer Elite VSX-LX805, which launched in the spring of 2023.
Integra
The firmware update adds Roon Ready certification for all of the above
AVRs — something that will make many audiophiles very happy indeed.
Roon Ready is the top level of certification offered by Roon, and it
requires extensive compatibility testing to ensure that the piece of
gear in question meets the standards set by Roon Labs for a smooth and
optimized user experience with the company’s industry-leading music
server/streamer software platform. Roon seamlessly combines locally-stored
files with streams from TIDAL and Qobuz, and offers a superior user
interface with detailed metadata and extra content, such as album art,
lyrics, artist bios, and more.
Onkyo
Like certain models from PAC’s competitors Denon and Marantz, the top Integra,
Onkyo, and Pioneer AVRs now feature a Pre-amp Mode, which disconnects the
Power Amp output for channels being routed to external amplifiers.
Doing so reportedly offers a slight improvement to the Signal/Noise ratio
in the preamp signal, resulting in a bump in sound quality. Pre-amp Mode also
reduces power consumption because the unused amplifier channels are not
drawing as much power. Premium Audio Company says that this mode will expand
the range of use of the AVRs, as many users add external amplifiers for at least some channels.
Pioneer Elite
Next on the update list is Source-Based Tone Mapping (SBTM) for HDMI 2.1a,
which allows a portion of the HDR mapping to be performed by the source device,
such as a gaming console or Blu-ray player, rather than the display device,
such as a TV or projector. According to HDMI.org, the benefit of SBTM is that
the source can send a video signal that takes full advantage of a specific
display’s HDR capability by adjusting its output to take better advantage
of each display’s potential. Best of all, this happens automatically, without
manual configuration by the user.
Stream Spatial Audio Directly to your AVR!
Another upgrade to the receivers’ immersive audio capabilities comes by way of
support for Auro-3D, an advanced audio technology and format that layers sound
via lower, height, and top channels. Auro-3D uses a slightly different speaker
layout than Dolby Atmos, and there’s certainly less material available in Auro-3D,
but the format has its fans. While Auro-3D is best experienced with audio that has
been mastered in the format, the firmware update also adds Auro-Matic, a unique
up-mixing technology that reportedly transforms existing stereo and surround sound
content into a more 3D experience.
Finally, the firmware update allows Dirac Live users more flexible speaker
placement by improving Dirac Live Room Correction delay times. Users of the
popular automatic sound field correction technology will benefit from an
increased compensation from 20ms up to 50ms, which allows speakers to be
placed farther from the listening position. The previous max distance was
approximately 6.8 meters, while the improved version can correct for
speakers nearly 17 meters away. Being able to correct for varying speaker
distances is an important aspect of room correction, and now those with
large home theaters can enjoy improved performance.
The latest software updates delivered by PAC engineering reinforce our
continued commitment to music and home theater enthusiasts.
Strike that... our customers go beyond the enthusiast level.
They are truly the heartbeat that drives sound and video innovation,
and we are thrilled to be part of their journey.
— Rob Vieira, Senior Director of AVR Brands of Premium Audio Company, Americas
For those with the Onkyo and Pioneer AVRs connected to the internet,
availability of the update will be indicated via both the on-screen
display and the front panel display, and it can be downloaded directly
onto the AVR. The update can also be downloaded from the manufacturer’s
website and installed onto the AVR via USB drive. Integra DRX-8.4 owners
should navigate to the AVR’s “Setup Firmware” menu and follow the on-screen prompts.
