Investing $800, $1,000 or even $2,000 into an A/V Receiver shouldn’t feel like
a crap shoot. One would like to think that this investment might afford the owner
a certain amount of future-proofing. No one likes to feel like their big purchase
is already obsolete just a few months or years after the sale. Fortunately
companies like Premium Audio Company are confirming their commitment to customers
by offering regular fixes and upgrades to their products via simple downloads.
Recent Onkyo, Integra and Pioneer A/V receivers are getting a nice set of upgrades
for those who already own or are planning to purchase these products. Although it
can be a cumbersome to install firmware updates, particularly if you don’t have your
receiver connected to the internet, these particular updates can be done over the
internet or via a simple software download to a USB flash drive. And new buyers will
see the software update available during the initial set-up, once the receiver is
connected to the home network. Current owners who have not enabled the “automatic update”
feature may have to dig through the component’s on-screen setup menu to find the
“check for update” option, but this certainly beats having to disconnect your receiver
and ship it to a service center for an update.
Our expectation would be that all products are improved, but sometimes a seemingly innocuous
automatic update can do more harm than good as experienced by Sonos recently. Typically
we advise waiting a month or two to learn if any issues arise from the latest firmware
before doing the update to your own equipment, but YMMV (you mileage may vary).
We’re particularly pleased to see added support for Dolby Atmos Music via Amazon Music HD
and TIDAL MAX, which makes it much easier for these product owners
to experience music in spatial audio at home.
For the following models, new firmware enhancements are available now
or will be available starting on November 18th, 2024:
Onkyo
TX-RZ50, TX-NR7100, TX-NR6100, TX-NR5100, TX-NR6050 (Now)
TX-RZ70, TX-8470 (11/18/2024)
Integra
DRX-5.4, DRX-3.4, DRX-2.4 (Now)
DRX-8.4, DTM-7.4 (11/18/2024)
Pioneer Elite
VSX-LX505. VSX-LX305, VSX-LX105 (Now)
VSX-LX805 (11/18/2024)
Pioneer
VSX-935 (Now)
VSA-LX805 (11/18/2024)
Pro Tip: The Onkyo TX-RZ30 is not included in this round of firmware
updates as it was just recently released in October 2024, so its software
is already up to date. Some of the earlier models were last updated April 2023.
How To Install The Updates
For receivers connected to the internet, users will receive notifications via
the on-screen display and front panel indicators. For receivers not connected
to the internet, users can download the firmware from the official product websites,
copy it to a USB drive, and then plug the drive into the receiver’s USB port.
Onkyo TX-RZ50 AV Receiver Front
Onkyo TX-RZ50 A/V Receiver
Dirac Live Bass Control
Compatible AVRS:
Onkyo: TX-RZ50
Integra: DRX-5.4
Update Summary: By purchasing a license at the Dirac Live Store, you can
add Dirac Live Bass Control Single Version as an upgrade from the
Dirac Live Full Bandwidth feature on these receivers. Dirac Live Bass Control
allows the Dirac Room Correction software on these receivers to optimize
the bass response in the customer’s specific living room or home theater by
taking measurements and making individual adjustments of multiple subwoofers
within a single system. This was something previously only available
on expensive CI (Custom Install) products.
The Onkyo TX-RZ70, Integra DRX-8.4, Elite VSX-LX805, and Pioneer VSA-LX805
already have Dirac Live Bass Control installed or available via the Dirac Live
Full Bandwidth feature, so they do not require this update.
Integra DRX-8.4 A/V Receiver Front
Integra DRX-8.4 AVR
Improved Dirac Live
Compatible AVRs:
Onkyo: TX-RZ70, TX-RZ50, TX-NR7100
Integra: DRX-8.4 DRX-5.4, DRX-3.4
Elite/Pioneer: VSX-LX805, VSX-LX505, VSX-LX305, Pioneer VSA-LX805
Update Summary: Reduces the rate at which measurement errors appear
in the Onkyo/Integra/Pioneer Application. This contributes to a smoother
completion of the measurements and optimization.
Pro Tip: This firmware update will be viewable via on-screen display and
front panel display for the select Onkyo, Elite, and Pioneer AVRs connected
to the internet. For non-connected devices, software can be downloaded from
the website and uploaded via a USB drive. The firmware update will be available
on the Integra AVR by navigating to the “Setup Firmware Menu”
and following the on-screen prompts.
The TX-NR7100 is one of our current recommended best AVRs and perhaps the best
value available today in a 9-channel home theater receiver, so it’s great to see
that PAC is dedicated to making this “older” model even better through a free update.
Onkyo TX-NR7100 A/V Receiver
Onkyo TX-NR7100 A/V Receiver
Amazon Music HD Add-On
Compatible AVRs:
Onkyo: TX-RZ50, TX-NR7100, TX-NR6100, TX-NR6050, TX-NR5100
Integra: DRX-5.4, DRX-3.4, DRX-2.4
Elite/Pioneer: VSX-LX505, VSX-LX305, VSX-LX105, Pioneer VSX-935
Update Summary: Amazon Music HD, Amazon Music Unlimited’s High Definition (HD),
and Ultra High Definition (Ultra HD) audio formats can be played on smartphone
applications from Onkyo, Integra, and Pioneer. This update provides
access to an elevated music streaming experience.
Note: The Onkyo TX-RZ70, Integra DRX-8.4, Elite VSX-LX805, Pioneer VSA-LX805, Onkyo TX-8470,
and Integra DTM-7.4 have this feature already available.
2023 Pioneer Elite VSX-LX805 A/V Receiver Front
Pioneer Elite VSX-LX805 A/V Receiver
Dolby Atmos Music
Compatible AVRs:
Onkyo: TX-RZ50, TX-NR7100, TX-NR6100, TX-NR6050, TX-NR5100
Integra: DRX-5.4, DRX-3.4, DRX-2.4
Elite/Pioneer: VSX-LX505, VSX-305, VSX-105 and Pioneer VSX-935
Update Summary: Dolby Atmos Music is a variation of Dolby Atmos technology
that elevates the listening experience beyond movies and TV. Dolby Atmos
allows music creators to produce and mix music with spatial audio elements
for a more immersive experience. This firmware update allows AVRs to be able
to play Dolby Atmos content via Amazon Music HD
and TIDAL native playback in the receiver.
Note: The Onkyo TX-RZ70, Integra DRX-8.4, Elite VSX-LX805, and Pioneer VSA-LX805
have this feature already installed.
Source-Based Tone Mapping for HDMI 2.1a
Compatible AVRs:
Onkyo: TX-RZ50, TX-NR7100, TX-NR6100, TX-NR6050, TX-NR5100
Integra: DRX-5.4, DRX-3.4, DRX-2.4
Elite/Pioneer: VSX-LX505, VSX-LX305, VSX-LX105 and Pioneer VSX-935
Update Summary; HDMI 2.1a supports Source-Based Tone Mapping (SBTM). Implementing
this feature allows a portion of the HDR mapping to be performed by the
source device, not the display device, automatically producing an optimized HDR
signal to maximize processing and display capabilities.
Note: The Onkyo TX-RZ70, Integra DRX-8.4, Elite VSX-LX805, Pioneer VSA-LX805,
and Stereo Receivers Onkyo TX-8470 and Integra DTM-7.4 have this feature already installed.
Onkyo TX-NR7100 AVR
Onkyo TX-NR7100 A/V Receiver
Google Cast 2.0
Compatible AVRs:
Onkyo: TX-RZ70, TX-RZ50, TX-NR7100, TX-NR6100, TX-NR6050, TX-NR5100
Integra: DRX-8.4, DRX-5.4, DRX-3.4, DRX-2.4
Elite/Pioneer: VSX-LX805, VSX-LX505, VSX-LX305, VSX-LX105, Pioneer VSA-LX805, VSX-935
Update Summary: The setup screens for Onkyo, Integra, and Pioneer smartphone
applications have been changed to allow products to be easily connected
using the Google Cast 2.0 network connection method.
Note: Stereo Receivers Onkyo TX-8470 and Integra DTM-7.4 have this feature already installed.
Support For TIDAL MAX
Compatible AVRs:
Onkyo: TX-RZ70, TX-RZ50, TX-NR7100, TX-NR6100, TX-NR6050, TX-NR5100, TX-8470
Integra: DRX-8.4 DRX-5.4, DRX-3.4, DRX-2.4, DTM-7.4
Elite/Pioneer: VSX-LX805, VSX-LX505, VSX-LX305, VSX-LX105, Pioneer VSA-LX805 and VSX-935
Update Summary: TIDAL Max can play Hi-Res Lossless Audio Codec content up to
192KHz / 24bit with smartphone applications from Onkyo, Integra, and Pioneer.
Onkyo TX-RZ70 Premium A/V Receiver Front
Onkyo TX-RZ70 A/V Receiver
Modified Amplifier Power Supply Sequence
Compatible AVRs:
Onkyo: TX-RZ50, TX-NR7100, TX-NR6100, TX-NR6050, TX-NR5100
Integra: DRX-5.4, DRX-3.4, DRX-2.4
Elite/Pioneer VSX-LX505, VSX-LX305, VSX-LX105, Pioneer VSX-935
Update Summary: Reduces the relay sound from the inside of the AVR to a silent state.
Note: The Onkyo TX-RZ70, Integra DRX-8.4, Elite VSX-LX805, and Pioneer VSA-LX805
have this feature already installed.
Premium Audio Company Logo
The Bottom Line
Investing $800, $1,000 or even $2,000 into an A/V Receiver shouldn’t feel like
a crap shoot. One would like to think that this investment might afford the owner
a certain amount of future-proofing. No one likes to feel like their big purchase
is already obsolete just a few months or years after the sale. Fortunately
companies like Premium Audio Company are confirming their commitment to customers
by offering regular fixes and upgrades to their products via simple downloads.
Recent Onkyo, Integra and Pioneer A/V receivers are getting a nice set of upgrades
for those who already own or are planning to purchase these products. Although it
can be a cumbersome to install firmware updates, particularly if you don’t have your
receiver connected to the internet, these particular updates can be done over the
internet or via a simple software download to a USB flash drive. And new buyers will
see the software update available during the initial set-up, once the receiver is
connected to the home network. Current owners who have not enabled the “automatic update”
feature may have to dig through the component’s on-screen setup menu to find the
“check for update” option, but this certainly beats having to disconnect your receiver
and ship it to a service center for an update.
Our expectation would be that all products are improved, but sometimes a seemingly innocuous
automatic update can do more harm than good as experienced by Sonos recently. Typically
we advise waiting a month or two to learn if any issues arise from the latest firmware
before doing the update to your own equipment, but YMMV (you mileage may vary).
We’re particularly pleased to see added support for Dolby Atmos Music via Amazon Music HD
and TIDAL MAX, which makes it much easier for these product owners
to experience music in spatial audio at home.
a crap shoot. One would like to think that this investment might afford the owner
a certain amount of future-proofing. No one likes to feel like their big purchase
is already obsolete just a few months or years after the sale. Fortunately
companies like Premium Audio Company are confirming their commitment to customers
by offering regular fixes and upgrades to their products via simple downloads.
Recent Onkyo, Integra and Pioneer A/V receivers are getting a nice set of upgrades
for those who already own or are planning to purchase these products. Although it
can be a cumbersome to install firmware updates, particularly if you don’t have your
receiver connected to the internet, these particular updates can be done over the
internet or via a simple software download to a USB flash drive. And new buyers will
see the software update available during the initial set-up, once the receiver is
connected to the home network. Current owners who have not enabled the “automatic update”
feature may have to dig through the component’s on-screen setup menu to find the
“check for update” option, but this certainly beats having to disconnect your receiver
and ship it to a service center for an update.
Our expectation would be that all products are improved, but sometimes a seemingly innocuous
automatic update can do more harm than good as experienced by Sonos recently. Typically
we advise waiting a month or two to learn if any issues arise from the latest firmware
before doing the update to your own equipment, but YMMV (you mileage may vary).
We’re particularly pleased to see added support for Dolby Atmos Music via Amazon Music HD
and TIDAL MAX, which makes it much easier for these product owners
to experience music in spatial audio at home.
For the following models, new firmware enhancements are available now
or will be available starting on November 18th, 2024:
Onkyo
TX-RZ50, TX-NR7100, TX-NR6100, TX-NR5100, TX-NR6050 (Now)
TX-RZ70, TX-8470 (11/18/2024)
Integra
DRX-5.4, DRX-3.4, DRX-2.4 (Now)
DRX-8.4, DTM-7.4 (11/18/2024)
Pioneer Elite
VSX-LX505. VSX-LX305, VSX-LX105 (Now)
VSX-LX805 (11/18/2024)
Pioneer
VSX-935 (Now)
VSA-LX805 (11/18/2024)
Pro Tip: The Onkyo TX-RZ30 is not included in this round of firmware
updates as it was just recently released in October 2024, so its software
is already up to date. Some of the earlier models were last updated April 2023.
How To Install The Updates
For receivers connected to the internet, users will receive notifications via
the on-screen display and front panel indicators. For receivers not connected
to the internet, users can download the firmware from the official product websites,
copy it to a USB drive, and then plug the drive into the receiver’s USB port.
Onkyo TX-RZ50 AV Receiver Front
Onkyo TX-RZ50 A/V Receiver
Dirac Live Bass Control
Compatible AVRS:
Onkyo: TX-RZ50
Integra: DRX-5.4
Update Summary: By purchasing a license at the Dirac Live Store, you can
add Dirac Live Bass Control Single Version as an upgrade from the
Dirac Live Full Bandwidth feature on these receivers. Dirac Live Bass Control
allows the Dirac Room Correction software on these receivers to optimize
the bass response in the customer’s specific living room or home theater by
taking measurements and making individual adjustments of multiple subwoofers
within a single system. This was something previously only available
on expensive CI (Custom Install) products.
The Onkyo TX-RZ70, Integra DRX-8.4, Elite VSX-LX805, and Pioneer VSA-LX805
already have Dirac Live Bass Control installed or available via the Dirac Live
Full Bandwidth feature, so they do not require this update.
Integra DRX-8.4 A/V Receiver Front
Integra DRX-8.4 AVR
Improved Dirac Live
Compatible AVRs:
Onkyo: TX-RZ70, TX-RZ50, TX-NR7100
Integra: DRX-8.4 DRX-5.4, DRX-3.4
Elite/Pioneer: VSX-LX805, VSX-LX505, VSX-LX305, Pioneer VSA-LX805
Update Summary: Reduces the rate at which measurement errors appear
in the Onkyo/Integra/Pioneer Application. This contributes to a smoother
completion of the measurements and optimization.
Pro Tip: This firmware update will be viewable via on-screen display and
front panel display for the select Onkyo, Elite, and Pioneer AVRs connected
to the internet. For non-connected devices, software can be downloaded from
the website and uploaded via a USB drive. The firmware update will be available
on the Integra AVR by navigating to the “Setup Firmware Menu”
and following the on-screen prompts.
The TX-NR7100 is one of our current recommended best AVRs and perhaps the best
value available today in a 9-channel home theater receiver, so it’s great to see
that PAC is dedicated to making this “older” model even better through a free update.
Onkyo TX-NR7100 A/V Receiver
Onkyo TX-NR7100 A/V Receiver
Amazon Music HD Add-On
Compatible AVRs:
Onkyo: TX-RZ50, TX-NR7100, TX-NR6100, TX-NR6050, TX-NR5100
Integra: DRX-5.4, DRX-3.4, DRX-2.4
Elite/Pioneer: VSX-LX505, VSX-LX305, VSX-LX105, Pioneer VSX-935
Update Summary: Amazon Music HD, Amazon Music Unlimited’s High Definition (HD),
and Ultra High Definition (Ultra HD) audio formats can be played on smartphone
applications from Onkyo, Integra, and Pioneer. This update provides
access to an elevated music streaming experience.
Note: The Onkyo TX-RZ70, Integra DRX-8.4, Elite VSX-LX805, Pioneer VSA-LX805, Onkyo TX-8470,
and Integra DTM-7.4 have this feature already available.
2023 Pioneer Elite VSX-LX805 A/V Receiver Front
Pioneer Elite VSX-LX805 A/V Receiver
Dolby Atmos Music
Compatible AVRs:
Onkyo: TX-RZ50, TX-NR7100, TX-NR6100, TX-NR6050, TX-NR5100
Integra: DRX-5.4, DRX-3.4, DRX-2.4
Elite/Pioneer: VSX-LX505, VSX-305, VSX-105 and Pioneer VSX-935
Update Summary: Dolby Atmos Music is a variation of Dolby Atmos technology
that elevates the listening experience beyond movies and TV. Dolby Atmos
allows music creators to produce and mix music with spatial audio elements
for a more immersive experience. This firmware update allows AVRs to be able
to play Dolby Atmos content via Amazon Music HD
and TIDAL native playback in the receiver.
Note: The Onkyo TX-RZ70, Integra DRX-8.4, Elite VSX-LX805, and Pioneer VSA-LX805
have this feature already installed.
Source-Based Tone Mapping for HDMI 2.1a
Compatible AVRs:
Onkyo: TX-RZ50, TX-NR7100, TX-NR6100, TX-NR6050, TX-NR5100
Integra: DRX-5.4, DRX-3.4, DRX-2.4
Elite/Pioneer: VSX-LX505, VSX-LX305, VSX-LX105 and Pioneer VSX-935
Update Summary; HDMI 2.1a supports Source-Based Tone Mapping (SBTM). Implementing
this feature allows a portion of the HDR mapping to be performed by the
source device, not the display device, automatically producing an optimized HDR
signal to maximize processing and display capabilities.
Note: The Onkyo TX-RZ70, Integra DRX-8.4, Elite VSX-LX805, Pioneer VSA-LX805,
and Stereo Receivers Onkyo TX-8470 and Integra DTM-7.4 have this feature already installed.
Onkyo TX-NR7100 AVR
Onkyo TX-NR7100 A/V Receiver
Google Cast 2.0
Compatible AVRs:
Onkyo: TX-RZ70, TX-RZ50, TX-NR7100, TX-NR6100, TX-NR6050, TX-NR5100
Integra: DRX-8.4, DRX-5.4, DRX-3.4, DRX-2.4
Elite/Pioneer: VSX-LX805, VSX-LX505, VSX-LX305, VSX-LX105, Pioneer VSA-LX805, VSX-935
Update Summary: The setup screens for Onkyo, Integra, and Pioneer smartphone
applications have been changed to allow products to be easily connected
using the Google Cast 2.0 network connection method.
Note: Stereo Receivers Onkyo TX-8470 and Integra DTM-7.4 have this feature already installed.
Support For TIDAL MAX
Compatible AVRs:
Onkyo: TX-RZ70, TX-RZ50, TX-NR7100, TX-NR6100, TX-NR6050, TX-NR5100, TX-8470
Integra: DRX-8.4 DRX-5.4, DRX-3.4, DRX-2.4, DTM-7.4
Elite/Pioneer: VSX-LX805, VSX-LX505, VSX-LX305, VSX-LX105, Pioneer VSA-LX805 and VSX-935
Update Summary: TIDAL Max can play Hi-Res Lossless Audio Codec content up to
192KHz / 24bit with smartphone applications from Onkyo, Integra, and Pioneer.
Onkyo TX-RZ70 Premium A/V Receiver Front
Onkyo TX-RZ70 A/V Receiver
Modified Amplifier Power Supply Sequence
Compatible AVRs:
Onkyo: TX-RZ50, TX-NR7100, TX-NR6100, TX-NR6050, TX-NR5100
Integra: DRX-5.4, DRX-3.4, DRX-2.4
Elite/Pioneer VSX-LX505, VSX-LX305, VSX-LX105, Pioneer VSX-935
Update Summary: Reduces the relay sound from the inside of the AVR to a silent state.
Note: The Onkyo TX-RZ70, Integra DRX-8.4, Elite VSX-LX805, and Pioneer VSA-LX805
have this feature already installed.
Premium Audio Company Logo
The Bottom Line
Investing $800, $1,000 or even $2,000 into an A/V Receiver shouldn’t feel like
a crap shoot. One would like to think that this investment might afford the owner
a certain amount of future-proofing. No one likes to feel like their big purchase
is already obsolete just a few months or years after the sale. Fortunately
companies like Premium Audio Company are confirming their commitment to customers
by offering regular fixes and upgrades to their products via simple downloads.
Recent Onkyo, Integra and Pioneer A/V receivers are getting a nice set of upgrades
for those who already own or are planning to purchase these products. Although it
can be a cumbersome to install firmware updates, particularly if you don’t have your
receiver connected to the internet, these particular updates can be done over the
internet or via a simple software download to a USB flash drive. And new buyers will
see the software update available during the initial set-up, once the receiver is
connected to the home network. Current owners who have not enabled the “automatic update”
feature may have to dig through the component’s on-screen setup menu to find the
“check for update” option, but this certainly beats having to disconnect your receiver
and ship it to a service center for an update.
Our expectation would be that all products are improved, but sometimes a seemingly innocuous
automatic update can do more harm than good as experienced by Sonos recently. Typically
we advise waiting a month or two to learn if any issues arise from the latest firmware
before doing the update to your own equipment, but YMMV (you mileage may vary).
We’re particularly pleased to see added support for Dolby Atmos Music via Amazon Music HD
and TIDAL MAX, which makes it much easier for these product owners
to experience music in spatial audio at home.
