Onkyo TX-NR7100 AVR Review

[popej]

Dirac filter doesn't contain that additional crossover information. Many here and on AVS have attributed it to a "bug" but I think it's hardware limited.

Both Dirac and bass management are DSP programs. And it is not like AVR doesn't perform BM, when this feature is missing in Dirac. I don't think there would be any problem to move BM code from AVR management to Dirac.

The lack of DLBM is still troublesome for current owners who use Dirac. I've seen the workaround to get the SW to work on the AVS thread

I don't see much problems. When performing measurements, I have to set unexpectedly low level for test signal for subwoofer, probably because of room resonances. And sure bass is subjectively lower, after removing resonances. But results are very good with a proper target curve.

 

[EWL5]

Both Dirac and bass management are DSP programs. And it is not like AVR doesn't perform BM, when this feature is missing in Dirac. I don't think there would be any problem to move BM code from AVR management to Dirac.


I don't see much problems. When performing measurements, I have to set unexpectedly low level for test signal for subwoofer, probably because of room resonances. And sure bass is subjectively lower, after removing resonances. But results are very good with a proper target curve.

Agreed that the AVR does the final BM assignment but since Dirac is a 3rd party correction for most AVRs, it's better to have the crossover embedded in the filter transfer. Dirac is not as well integrated to the AVR as AccuEQ for Onkyo, MCACC for Pioneer, Audyssey for Denon/Marantz, etc!

 

[peng]

Agreed that the AVR does the final BM assignment but since Dirac is a 3rd party correction for most AVRs, it's better to have the crossover embedded in the filter transfer. Dirac is not as well integrated to the AVR as AccuEQ for Onkyo, MCACC for Pioneer, Audyssey for Denon/Marantz, etc!

It is 3 rd party for sure, but in my experience, based on my many REW graphs, DLBC integrates with my AVR-X1800H

 

[Power Pop 23]

Adorama (via Slickdeals) is currently showing inventory of new samples of the Integra DRX-3.4 with a 5 year warranty for $749

https://www.adorama.com/indrx34.html?sdtid=17682804&emailprice=t&sterm=zTlylsT%3AexyPWCty-6Ww21zPUkCwOe1tRUZ5UA0&utm_source=rflaid62905&utm_medium=affiliate

Adorama, again via a link at Slickdeals, is currently selling new samples of the Integra DRX-3.4 AVR with preamplifier outputs for all channels, a paid Dirac Live license and a 5 year warranty for $649

Integra DRX 3.4 100W 9.2-Channel 8K Network AV Receiver $649 + free s/h

deal $649 + free s/h

slickdeals.net

 

[silverstreak_2006]

Latest Firmware which gives Features amongst other fixes, states in the Firmware Update notes at "Improved Amplifier Power supply sequence". I wonder if this is the fix for benchmarking a 4R load under the 6R setting, mainly relying on temperature control as opposed to current sensing so heavily, at least over two channels? Be interesting to see if this holds the rail for longer under such conditions as Amir was testing.

Released: 10/28/2024
1. Addition of Amazon Music HD
2. Dolby Atmos Music Playback Capability for Amazon Music HD and Tidal Native Playback
3. Source Based Tone Mapping for HDMI2.1a
4. Improved Amplifier Power supply sequence
5. Google Cast2.0 The method for network connection will be changed. For details, please refer here. https://assets.onkyo-av.com/product-manuals/supple_cast20_onk.pdf
6. Support Tidal MAX
7. Improve the Dirac Live measurement on the Onkyo Application.
8. Minor bug fixes and improvements stability.

 

[EWL5]

Latest Firmware which gives DIRAC Bass control support amongst other fixes / addon, states in the Firmware Update notes at "Improved Amplifier Power supply sequence". I wonder if this is the fix for benchmarking a 4R load under the 6R setting, mainly relying on temperature control as opposed to current sensing so heavily, at least over two channels? Be interesting to see if this holds the rail for longer under such conditions as Amir was testing.

Released: 10/28/2024
1. Addition of Amazon Music HD
2. Dolby Atmos Music Playback Capability for Amazon Music HD and Tidal Native Playback
3. Source Based Tone Mapping for HDMI2.1a
4. Improved Amplifier Power supply sequence
5. Google Cast2.0 The method for network connection will be changed. For details, please refer here. https://assets.onkyo-av.com/product-manuals/supple_cast20_onk.pdf
6. Support Tidal MAX
7. Improve the Dirac Live measurement on the Onkyo Application.
8. Minor bug fixes and improvements stability.

DLBM/DLBC compatibility is noticeably missing (but available on the RZ50 update)!

The 7100 is probably capable but nerfed to give the RZ series more of a premium feel!

 

[Power Pop 23]

Latest Firmware which gives Features amongst other fixes, states in the Firmware Update notes at "Improved Amplifier Power supply sequence". I wonder if this is the fix for benchmarking a 4R load under the 6R setting, mainly relying on temperature control as opposed to current sensing so heavily, at least over two channels? Be interesting to see if this holds the rail for longer under such conditions as Amir was testing.

Released: 10/28/2024
1. Addition of Amazon Music HD
2. Dolby Atmos Music Playback Capability for Amazon Music HD and Tidal Native Playback
3. Source Based Tone Mapping for HDMI2.1a
4. Improved Amplifier Power supply sequence
5. Google Cast2.0 The method for network connection will be changed. For details, please refer here. https://assets.onkyo-av.com/product-manuals/supple_cast20_onk.pdf
6. Support Tidal MAX
7. Improve the Dirac Live measurement on the Onkyo Application.
8. Minor bug fixes and improvements stability.

FWIW........

I use a Pioneer Elite VSX-LX505 as an AV preamplifier. For the first week of operation I used only the internal amplifiers of the '505' and my Kill-A-Watt meter would measure a power draw of 40 to 57 watts - depending on volume level.

I have applied the 10/28/2024 firmware update and my Kill-A-Watt meter now measures a power draw of about 100 watts using the internal amplifiers of the '505' at -08 dB

 

[silverstreak_2006]

FWIW........

I use a Pioneer Elite VSX-LX505 as an AV preamplifier. For the first week of operation I used only the internal amplifiers of the '505' and my Kill-A-Watt meter would measure a power draw of 40 to 57 watts - depending on volume level.

I have applied the 10/28/2024 firmware update and my Kill-A-Watt meter now measures a power draw of about 100 watts using the internal amplifiers of the '505' at -08 dB

OK, so it would appear that they have relaxed current sensing, in favour for temperature control maybe. Interesting. Try the same again with a power zone 2 or 3 active, or better still force the 4R in the menu and see what the Kilo-watt-thingy measures then?

 

[Power Pop 23]

OK, so it would appear that they have relaxed current sensing, in favour for temperature control maybe. Interesting. Try the same again with a power zone 2 or 3 active, or better still force the 4R in the menu and see what the Kilo-watt-thingy measures then?

I do not see in the setup menu of my Pioneer '505' where I can 'force the 4R'. Can you point the way ? thank you

 

[silverstreak_2006]

4ohm in speaker settings.

 

[andrewskaterrr]

I just updated my NR7100 and loaded up my previous Dirac Save. I don't see DL Bass Control as I expected. I'm not surprised as it said "support", which usually means you have to buy it, but the NR7100 still isn't on the Dirac website for purchase.

 

[Power Pop 23]

4ohm in speaker settings.

thank you for the reminder.......

My Pioneer '505' was already running with the speaker setting at 4 ohms when I measured the draw of 100 watts at -08 dB

I can set up Zones 2 and 3 to be active with a little work Would that still be useful ?

I live within driving distance of Amir and have left a message asking whether he would be interested in measuring the output power of my sample.

 

[EWL5]

I just updated my NR7100 and loaded up my previous Dirac Save. I don't see DL Bass Control as I expected. I'm not surprised as it said "support", which usually means you have to buy it, but the NR7100 still isn't on the Dirac website for purchase.

DLBM support is also not available for the 7100, which would have come for "free" as it did for the RZ50 members.

 

[silverstreak_2006]

No switch it to 6 ohms and try the kilo-watt meter. leave zones off, especially if powered.

 

[andrewskaterrr]

DLBM support is also not available for the 7100, which would have come for "free" as it did for the RZ50 members.

I disagree. It's a lower tier line and I've expected it to be a paid option if it ever happened. It's a $300 option for the RZ50, so I'm not sure why you're saying "free"?

Onkyo TX-RZ50 – Dirac

DIRAC LIVE FOR Onkyo TX-RZ50 Get your license

www.dirac.com

 

[Power Pop 23]

No switch it to 6 ohms and try the kilo-watt meter. leave zones off, especially if powered.

I switched to 6 ohms and at -08 dB the Kill-A-Watt meter measures a power draw that is fluctuating between 267 watts and 301 watts.

 

[andrewskaterrr]

I switched to 6 ohms and at -08 dB the Kill-A-Watt meter measures a power draw that is fluctuating between 267 watts and 301 watts.

I was going to mention that Audioholics has addressed the "4ohm" modes which are made just to meet regulations. It usually nerfs performance. They have measurements showing this, and made a video covering it too.

 

[Power Pop 23]

BTW.....

The Integra DRX-3.4 AVR is eligible for this firmware update. Adorama (via an affiliate link from Slickdeals) is still selling the Integra DRX-3.4 with a paid Dirac Live license, preamplifier outputs for all channels, and a 5-year warranty for $649. I do not know if the Integra DRX-3.4 will eventually support DLBC or not.

https://www.adorama.com/indrx34.html?sdtid=17784870&emailprice=t&sterm=zTlylsT%3AexyPWCty-6Ww21zPUkCRa3QBRUZ5UA0&utm_source=rflaid62905&utm_medium=affiliate

 

[ban25]

I switched to 6 ohms and at -08 dB the Kill-A-Watt meter measures a power draw that is fluctuating between 267 watts and 301 watts.

Definitely leave it at that 6Ohm setting:

Setting the A/V Receiver Impedance Selector Switch

This article explores the purpose and function of the impedance switch found on some A/V receivers. Tradeoffs of following manufacturers recommended settings are also discussed. YouTube video inside.

www.audioholics.com

 

[tusc]

BTW.....

The Integra DRX-3.4 AVR is eligible for this firmware update. Adorama (via an affiliate link from Slickdeals) is still selling the Integra DRX-3.4 with a paid Dirac Live license, preamplifier outputs for all channels, and a 5-year warranty for $649. I do not know if the Integra DRX-3.4 will eventually support DLBC or not.

https://www.adorama.com/indrx34.html?sdtid=17784870&emailprice=t&sterm=zTlylsT%3AexyPWCty-6Ww21zPUkCRa3QBRUZ5UA0&utm_source=rflaid62905&utm_medium=affiliate

I just upgraded my 3.4 without issue. Also, there's a new Dirac Live beta that just dropped a few days ago: https://www.avsforum.com/posts/63612411/