Onkyo ready to unveil Dirac ART-capable products at CES

[Power Pop 23]

This showcase from Onkyo reminds me of a time when CES was dominated by consumer electronics.

 

[EWL5]

Agreed.

It is my perception that shipping costs have remained relatively high since the economic disruption of the pandemic and this has impacted the cost of audio gear that is bulky and relatively heavy - like a tower loudspeaker.

Against this backdrop, I think JBL designed a series of AVR's less sensitive to shipping costs - as a competitve cost advantage in the overall market for AVR's.

I was disappointed JBL didn't think there was enough of a business reason to offer preamplifier outputs on any of their 'MA' AVR's - save jacks for a Zone 2 space.

The MA series definitely doesn't offer a lot of the features one would expect compared to say a Japanese mass market AVR of similar pricing. One thing's for sure: the MA series has the "lifestyle barebones AVR" niche category all to itself!

 

[kyuu]

The MA series definitely doesn't offer a lot of the features one would expect compared to say a Japanese mass market AVR of similar pricing. One thing's for sure: the MA series has the "lifestyle barebones AVR" niche category all to itself!

What is it missing for the overwhelming majority of people who don't use separate amplifiers?

 

[EWL5]

What is it missing for the overwhelming majority of people who don't use separate amplifiers?

• SINAD was quite a bit lower than even the much maligned Denon 3800
• Only managed 104W at 8 ohm despite being rated for 125W (rated power clearly into clipping)
• No web interface
• No Dynamic EQ or equivalent
• Sub-par default room correction (EZ Set EQ is worse than Audyssey, MCCAC, etc.)
• Dirac license doesn't even get to DLBC (the much cheaper RZ30/RZ50 can get there)

Note: bench numbers from Amir's testing of the MA7100HP

I'm sure the 9100HP is better but most likely continues the optimistic power rating. As I said before, it's a nice looking unit and would compliment a small NYC apartment very well!

 

[kyuu]

• SINAD was quite a bit lower than even the much maligned Denon 3800

"Quite a bit lower" my arse. It's just shy of 80dB. Nothing amazing, but not an audible concern unless you are using extremely sensitive horn speakers.

• Only managed 104W at 8 ohm despite being rated for 125W (rated power clearly into clipping)

As I seem to have had to repeat a million times, taking the power rating at the "knee" is an Amir thing. No manufacturer rates their power this way. JBL clearly lists the conditions for their rating, and the results show that their specification is accurate.

• No web interface

Not something most people care about.

• No Dynamic EQ or equivalent

Audyssey is really the only dynamic EQ present on any off the mass-market AVRs that I'm aware of, and it's unusable IMO due to the boost to the surround channels. But yes, dynamic EQ/loudness compensation would be a nice feature.

• Sub-par default room correction (EZ Set EQ is worse than Audyssey, MCCAC, etc.)

Sure, I would agree you shouldn't go for one unless you plan to get a Dirac license also if you're planning to use room correction.

• Dirac license doesn't even get to DLBC (the much cheaper RZ30/RZ50 can get there)

DLBC is only meaningful if you are doing multiple subwoofers, which sure, you shouldn't go for the JBL if you are using multiple subwoofers. An extreme minority of the market, of course.

 

[Oddball]

Just to clarify, Audy has fixed the surround boost issue. There are now settings to make it to your taste up to neutral. Not that I would go back to Audy, but just for completeness.

"Quite a bit lower" my arse. It's just shy of 80dB. Nothing amazing, but not an audible concern unless you are using extremely sensitive horn speakers.

As I seem to have had to repeat a million times, taking the power rating at the "knee" is an Amir thing. No manufacturer rates their power this way. JBL clearly lists the conditions for their rating, and the results show that their specification is accurate.

Not something most people care about.

Audyssey is really the only dynamic EQ present on any off the mass-market AVRs that I'm aware of, and it's unusable IMO due to the boost to the surround channels. But yes, dynamic EQ/loudness compensation would be a nice feature.

Sure, I would agree you shouldn't go for one unless you plan to get a Dirac license also if you're planning to use room correction.

DLBC is only meaningful if you are doing multiple subwoofers, which sure, you shouldn't go for the JBL if you are using multiple subwoofers. An extreme minority of the market, of course.

 

[kyuu]

Just to clarify, Audy has fixed the surround boost issue. There are now settings to make it to your taste up to neutral. Not that I would go back to Audy, but just for completeness.

Well that's good to know. Same, still not going back to a giant black box just for that but at least they finally fixed it.

 

[EWL5]

DLBC is only meaningful if you are doing multiple subwoofers, which sure, you shouldn't go for the JBL if you are using multiple subwoofers. An extreme minority of the market, of course.

The MA7100HP has 2 discrete SW outs, which matches the RZ30. I just think it's a lost opportunity to make DLBC an option.