Onkyo FW update will add new "Denon-inspired" features and improvements (inc Auro 3D and pre-amp mode)

[PHD]

A new FW update is coming for Onkyo Z70 and Z50

https://assets.onkyo-av.com/product-firmware/Firmware_Update_TX-RZ70_12_04-2023.pdf?v=1701687742

Here's what's new:

Addition of Auro-3D® for Three-Dimensional Sound Experiences

Auro-3D is an advanced audio technology and format that creates a more
realistic audio experience by layering sound via lower, height, and top
channels. Audio that has been mastered in Auro-3D format and played
through one of our flagship AVRs will immerse the listener in a dynamic
soundstage compatible with both home and commercial cinema environments.
Auro-Matic is the unique up-mixing technology that transforms existing
content such as mono, stereo, and surround sound into a natural 3D experience.

Source Based Tone Mapping for HDMI2.1a

Source-Based Tone Mapping (SBTM) allows a portion of the HDR mapping to be
performed by the source device, rather than the display device,
automatically producing an optimized HDR signal to maximize processing
and display capability without manual user configuration.

Dolby Atmos® Music Playback Capability for Amazon Music HD

Dolby Atmos Music uses ground-breaking Dolby Atmos technology to elevate
audio experiences beyond the realm of movies and TV, allowing music
creators to produce and mix music with spatial audio elements for a more
immersive experience. With this new firmware update, our flagship AVRs
are some of the world’s first audio video receivers to play Dolby Atmos

Improved Dirac Room Correction Delay Times

Improved Dirac Live room correction delay times will allow users
more flexible speaker placement as automatic sound field correction
technology, such as that employed by Dirac Live, can correct for
varying speaker distances. This firmware update will increase compensation
from 20ms up to 50ms, which translates to correction delays for speakers
from a further distance away (approx. 6.8 meters to nearly 17 meters).


Introducing Pre-amp Mode

The update introduces a pre-amp mode, which turns off the Power Amp output,
switching the devices to Preamp-only mode. This change not only slightly
improves the Signal/Noise level and sound quality but also reduces power
consumption. The inclusion of pre-amp mode is designed to expand the versatility
and range of use for these AVRs.

 

[ban25]

They're a little slow with the press releases. It was actually two updates, and the second one with Roon Ready support was released two weeks ago on the 5th.

 

[Dougey_Jones]

Damn, those are actually really nice upgrades for free.. I sold my RZ50 because it was overheating in my very tight credenza, and the overheating was causing HDMI issues. Removed from the AV furniture it was fine. I wonder if the use of preamp mode would've alleviated the problem. I ended up getting an x3700 because its 1.5" shorter so I could fit an AC Infinity dual 120mm fan unit on top, which sorted me out just fine.

I'd love to see Amir re-test the RZ50 in preamp mode, if it bumps it up from 97db SINAD to 100db SINAD I don't feel like there's any competition anywhere near the price point. You can routinely buy the RZ50 brand new on eBay for between $999-1,199.

A Denon x3800 costs more and doesn't come with a Dirac license.

 

[SlaughterX]

Nice, wasn't aware the RZ50 was getting the update.

 

[ViciousAndCruel]

It sounds like the pre-amp mode is "all or none" - can you turn off some of the internal amps with this update?

 

[Dougey_Jones]

All or none is preferable, imo.

 

[ban25]

It sounds like the pre-amp mode is "all or none" - can you turn off some of the internal amps with this update?

The options are: None, Front, or All.

 

[peng]

Damn, those are actually really nice upgrades for free.. I sold my RZ50 because it was overheating in my very tight credenza, and the overheating was causing HDMI issues. Removed from the AV furniture it was fine. I wonder if the use of preamp mode would've alleviated the problem. I ended up getting an x3700 because its 1.5" shorter so I could fit an AC Infinity dual 120mm fan unit on top, which sorted me out just fine.

I'd love to see Amir re-test the RZ50 in preamp mode, if it bumps it up from 97db SINAD to 100db SINAD I don't feel like there's any competition anywhere near the price point. You can routinely buy the RZ50 brand new on eBay for between $999-1,199.

A Denon x3800 costs more and doesn't come with a Dirac license.

Are the 2 subwouts independent?

 

[Dougey_Jones]

Are the 2 subwouts independent?

The RZ50 does not have DLBC, so AFAIK, no.

 

[Prana Ferox]

Source Based Tone Mapping for HDMI2.1a

Source-Based Tone Mapping (SBTM) allows a portion of the HDR mapping to be
performed by the source device, rather than the display device,
automatically producing an optimized HDR signal to maximize processing
and display capability without manual user configuration.

Clearly the next step is for your AVR to pre-apply motion smoothing

 

[PHD]

Clearly the next step is for your AVR to pre-apply motion smoothing

I think that they only refer to added compatibility, not a new video-processing feature. The AVR is just a HDMI switch box that should support all HDMI 2.1 specs.

 

[rana_kirti]

how is onkyo able to give free Auro3D and Dirac while others are charging ?

 

[peng]

how is onkyo able to give free Auro3D and Dirac while others are charging ?

That's because Onkyo had the cost built in already, that is, included in the price. In most if not all cases, nothing is free. You always get charged for everything, it is a matter of how they get charged.

 

[dlaloum]

The Onkyo family has a high value for money ratio - due to the inclusions of some fairly expensive licences... (Dirac!)

It will be interesting to see whether Onkyo includes DLBC or even ART in future flagship models (where is the long awaited RZ90 !! )

 

[reddyrc]

The linked update PDF only refers to the RZ70. Is the RZ50 really getting Auro-3D support?

 

[dlaloum]

The linked update PDF only refers to the RZ70. Is the RZ50 really getting Auro-3D support?

I don't think so... although it would be nice!

 

[reddyrc]

Yeah but I would like to be surprised!

 

[Abstracted]

The options are: None, Front, or All.

Does Front equal LCR? Or just LR?

 

[ban25]

Does Front equal LCR? Or just LR?

Yes LCR, which matches with the XLR pre-outs for LCR on the DRX-8.4.

 

[Abstracted]

There seems to be no evidence that the RZ50 is receiving this firmware update.
@PHD why did you include the RZ50?