Having to replace an AVR (Audio/Video Receiver) when new surround formats or features are introduced can be frustrating. Also, audio and video equipment manufacturers sometimes rush products to market to keep up with the competition, which may lead to issues with the on-board software not behaving exactly as it should. Fortunately, some A/V companies have embraced the concept of delivering regular software and firmware updates to their customers, which can extend the useful life of these components without the need for physical service or maintenance,
With that in mind, the Premium Audio Company (PAC), a subsidiary of Voxx International, has released several useful firmware updates for select A/V Receivers from Onkyo, Integra, Pioneer, and Pioneer Elite which improve audio playback, enhance functionality and can offer significant improvements to sound quality.
For the following models, new firmware enhancements are available now or will be available starting on November 18th, 2024:
- Onkyo
- Integra
- Pioneer Elite
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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