Onkyo, Pioneer Elite, and Integra Deep Dive: A Fresh Look at the Brands’ Latest AV Receivers

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(March 3, 2021) The road to 2021 has been bumpy for Onkyo Corporation and its associated brands (Onkyo, Integra, Pioneer, and Pioneer Elite). Rewind two years, and the company was on the cusp of being acquired by Sound United, a deal that would have positioned all four brands alongside the likes of Marantz, Denon, and Classe'. And if 2020's international COVID crisis wasn't rough enough, Onkyo made the difficult decision to shutter its US distribution subsidiary, ultimately agreeing to sell its distribution assets to a new name in the game.

Now, following months of silence, rumors, and speculation, Onkyo and Pioneer have officially re-emerged behind the strength of its new US-based distributor, 11 Trading Company, and the solid foundation of a deeper business relationship. To help make sense of that relationship's structure, here's a quick breakdown of the companies involved and how they're related: 11 Trading Company is a subsidiary of Klipsch, and Klipsch is owned by Voxx. Onkyo and Voxx have a healthy history born from an arrangement that empowers Onkyo to distribute Klipsch products in Japan. Thus, both companies' natural move was to expand their alliance by reversing that arrangement in the North American market. That's how 11 Trading Company entered the picture; they were created to lead the charge.

I recently had an opportunity to chat with 11 Trading Company's Rolf Hawkins (Product Manager) and Mike Bohner (Digital Marketing Manager), and the conversation was teeming with positive energy and optimism. Hawkins, an industry veteran with a background that includes work on Pioneer's legendary Kuro plasma TVs, is tasked with guiding the development of next-gen Onkyo and Pioneer AV receivers. Both he and Bohner say all systems are primed and ready to launch Onkyo Corporation back into the conversation.

The best news born from the discussion is that Onkyo and Pioneer are alive and well. In fact, it's safe to say a forward-thinking team of designers has reinvigorated both brands. As Hawkins eluded, the end goal has been to craft a new line of receivers loaded with features to competitively satisfy customer and integrator demands (such as a web-based user interface) while making sure the latest and greatest in audio and video technologies are accommodated. This, of course, is extremely exciting, especially considering the pedigree each brand brings to the table.

Pioneer's rich past includes ushering Class D amplification into mainstream popularity. Nearly 14 years ago, it joined forces with THX to evaluate Class D designs, hoping to make chassis more compact, discover higher output capabilities, and improve fidelity. THX ultimately identified areas needing improvement, including frequency response, distortion, and noise, which led to a solution-seeking collaboration between Pioneer and ICEpower. The resulting 2008 class of Pioneer Elite receivers became the first THX Certified products to feature Class D technology.

On the other hand, Onkyo is a revered brand known for honest power specs and extremely competent performance. And, of course, it's a name that was closely tied to Audyssey's popular room correction solutions. That powerful – arguably crucial – Audyssey relationship came to an end in 2014 when Onkyo introduced its own proprietary solution called AccuEQ. In many ways, that move best captures how Onkyo (and Pioneer, with its MCACC room correction) began two lose luster in the eyes of hardcore home theater enthusiasts. Despite excellent technologies and amp performance, competing brands offered correction solutions that were viewed as better options.
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Fast forward to September 2020, and AV NIRVANA reported a newly formed relationship between Onkyo, Pioneer, and Dirac Research. Dirac, one of the heaviest hitters in the room correction biz, is fresh off releasing its latest software (Dirac Live 2.0) designed to be more user-friendly and capable of accepting add-on modules (like Bass Control) as they become available.

This isn't the first time Dirac has been linked to one or the other brand, which left some wondering if Onkyo's announcement was destined to crash. But, we're here to attest: it's real. As of now, we can only confirm the inclusion of Dirac Live on the majority of Onkyo, Elite, and Integra 2021 models; however, Dirac's Bass Control module might be part of the deal. That's a wait-and-see detail. More on that, soon.

After combing through specifications for Onkyo, Integra, and Pioneer Elite's latest, it appears that two of three Elite models, two of three Integra models, and two of four Onkyo models will support Dirac Live. Those models lacking support will feature MCACC or AccuEQ and some combination of subwoofer, phase control, and immersive sound EQ.

From a manufacturing perspective, the inclusion of licensed technology on mid- to higher-end models makes perfect sense. And, from an enthusiast's perspective, the ability to access Dirac capabilities at price points hovering around $1,000 is extremely attractive. This is a huge win for consumers because it opens the door to more options on the market, and the fact they're well-regarded brands is a major plus.

The other exciting inclusion is true HDMI 2.1 performance. 2.1 allows for 4K/120Hz and 8K video, an advanced gaming experience (think Variable Refresh Rate, Auto Low Latency Mode, and Quick Frame Transport), and support for features such as Enhanced Audio Return Channel. More importantly, Hawkins says the HDMI 2.1 chipset used in 2021 Onkyo, Integra, and Elite models will not suffer from the same bug weighing down brands that sourced Panasonic HDMI 2.1 chipsets for the 2020 model year. For a full breakdown of HDMI 2.1 input/output availability across all models, click here.

Physically speaking, 2021's crop of Pioneer Elite receivers looks nearly identical to its last model run of LX-xx4 gear. Each model has a gorgeous brushed aluminum front panel with robust volume and selector knobs, a bottom flip-down cover that conceals inputs and buttons, and Pioneer's classic orange display. Fans of the brand will be quick to note a refreshed remote control design, which is more simplified than past Elite remotes.

The VSX-LX505 (Projected-Minimum Advertised Price $1199) is Elite's flagship model, boasting 9.2-channel Class AB performance (120 watts per channel, 8 ohms, 2ch driven) with 11.2-channels of processing for 7.2.4 immersive sound when paired with an outboard amp. It's fully compatible with IMAX Enhanced, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, legacy codecs, and associated upmixers. It also offers compatibility with a wide array of Hi-Res audio files. On the video front, the LX505 is HDR10+ and Dolby Vision-friendly, delivers HD upscaling (1080p to 4K/8K and 4K to 8K), and houses seven HDMI inputs and two outputs. Interestingly, Elite now offers access to DTS Play-Fi and Chromecast built-in, along with Apple AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and support of most mainstream music services (including Amazon HD, Spotify, TIDAL, and Sonos systems). And if voice control suits your fancy, it's compatible with both Alexa and Google voice control, too.

The only notable and confirmed omission from the LX-505 is support for Auro-3D (this holds true for other Elite models as well as Onkyo/Integra's new AVRs). You might also notice that mentions of MQA and Qobuz are absent. Here's where things stand on both of those fronts: MQA is currently supported on the Pioneer Elite SX-N30 (no longer available in the US), Onkyo's TX-8260 and TX-8270, and Integra's DTM-6 and DTM-7. While each of those legacy receivers is a 2-channel model, there remains a possibility that native MQA support will find its way to some 2021 multi-channel models. As for Qobuz, built-in support isn't offered, but owners can stream Qobuz to any 2021 Elite, Onkyo, or Integra receiver via DTS Play-Fi and its Hi-Res capable Critical Listening Mode. To simplify the experience, this mode can be accessed using the free Pioneer and Onkyo Music Control apps (Apple and Android).

The VSX-LX305 (P-MAP $999) is also a 9.2-channel receiver loaded with most of the same capabilities as the LX505, minus the additional 2-channels of processing and a 100 watts per channel amp section. And the VSX-LX105 slides in for $300 less (P-MAP $699), with 7.2-channels of performance and the promise of 100 watts per channel (8 ohms, 2ch driven). Unlike the LX505 and LX305, the LX105 doesn't offer Dirac Live, slotting MCACC with Phase Control and Subwoofer EQ in its place.

All three Elite models feature advanced custom integration tools, including remote access to system information, web UI set-up, and compatibility with a broad array of integration partners.

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Onkyo's four-model lineup starts with the 7.2 channel TX-NR5100 (P-MAP $499) and ends with the 9.2-channel TX-RZ50 (P-MAP $1099). The TX-RZ50, much like the 9.2-channel TX-NR7100 (P-MAP $899) and 7.2-channel TX-NR6100 (P-MAP $699), is THX Select Certified and loaded to the brim with onboard support for the same immersive sound and streaming capabilities found on Elite's gear (including DTS Play-Fi and Chromecast built-in). It boasts a beefy 120 watts per channel (8 ohms, 2ch driven) and a wide frequency response (5Hz to 100kHz), drawing power from Dynamic Audio Amplification (DAA) RZ Series technology.

If your goal is to deploy a 7.2.4 system, the TX-RZ50 can process up to 11.2 channels with multichannel pre-outs for 11.2 playback. It's also HDR 10+ and Dolby Vision compatible.

The NR6100 and NR7100 are similarly equipped but carry lesser amplifier capabilities (100 watts per channel, 8 ohms, 2ch driven) and lack additional channel processing and multichannel pre-outs. In comparison, the NR5100 uses discrete 2-stage power amplifier circuitry to deliver 80 watts per channel. The NR5100 and NR6100 are devoid of Dirac, favoring AccuEQ Room Acoustic Calibration with AccuReflex phase correction and subwoofer EQ instead.

Style-wise, all four Onkyo receivers drip with Onkyo's tell-tale physical features and – not surprisingly – utilize a remote control identical to that of Elite.

Lastly, the integrator-friendly Integra lineup is burdened with the largest projected price tags, with the 9.2-channel DRX-5.4 commanding $1,900 P-MAP. With physical features looking similar to past models, its three new models are similarly equipped to Onkyo's best offerings, with the addition of key custom integration features. Those features include set-up and IP control via a web browser, a dealer settings memory/recall function, and compatibility with Crestron, Control4, Savant, URC, ELAN, and RTI automation.

Pricing for the 9.2-channel DRX3.4 and 7.2-channel DRX-2.4 is $1200 P-MAP and $800 P-MAP, respectively.

That leaves us with Pioneer's non-Elite branded gear, which is notably missing from action. There's an outside shot we might have some model news to share later this year, but Pioneer is holding its cards close to its chest. As for Onkyo, Integra, and Elite, we'll likely see a three-tier rollout during 2021, with the third phase happening closer to the August/September timeframe. According to Hawkins, nothing is set in stone (yet), but 11 Trading Company is close to finalizing a launch schedule.

With pricing ranging from $899 to $1,199, all four of the Elite and Onkyo top-end models are positioned to be highly competitive. The additions of Dirac, Play-Fi, Chromecast built-in, IMAX Enhanced, and true HDMI 2.1 performance are just a few of this group's highlights. While I predict Onkyo's TX-NR7100 and TX-RZ50 receivers will prove to be the most popular of the bunch, there's plenty of positives when considering the entire line's budget-oriented options. Elite's VSX-LX105 (P-MAP $699) is also one to keep your eye on, particularly because of its healthy amp section.



Additional Photos

Elite VSX-505
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Elite VSX-305
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Elite VSX-105
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Onkyo TX-RZ50
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Onkyo TX-NR7100
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Onkyo TX-NR6100
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Onkyo TX-NR5100
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Integra DRX-5.4
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Integra DRX-3.4
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Integra DRX-2.4
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Last edited:

RedHotFuzz

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I've no idea. Nobody has, I guess, and regardless of how sincere Onkyo&Pioneer are, unless there's a product to buy, we just won't know whether they succeeded or not.

That said, I just noticed Yamaha RX-A2A is available. It's priced higher than RX-A880 was and offers no tangible benefit over RX-V6A. If that's an indication about pricing of the higher models, I honestly have no idea what they're thinking.

Posted via a member (AVR Enthu) on AVS Forum:

RX-A8 11 amplified channels~£3300 ($3000)New model - 11 Amplified channels
RX-A6 9 amplified channels~£2300 ($2200) vs £2000 ($2000)successor of the RX-A3080
RX-A4 7 amplified channels~£1300 ($1300) vs £1000 ($1200)successor of the RX-A1080
RX-A2 7 amplified channels~£900 ($800) vs £800 ($700)successor of the RX-A880
 

mk1981

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That's really wishful thinking from that AVS forum member regarding RX-A2.

RX-A2 looks like Aventage-branded RX-V6A. Same thing that Yamaha did with RX-A680 vs. RX-V685. So no, it's not a successor to RX-A880. It's an $800 model vs. $600.

When it comes to higher models, I don't know. RX-A8 adds two channels to the amplifier and to processing (11 amplified channels, 13.2 processing), but other than that, it's about on par with RX-A3080.
There are no clear successors to older models. But, if we're going with an expectation of constant improvement, then RX-A2 cuts down features compared to A880, A4 cuts some compared to A4 and so on. We would be expected to pay more for the same model.

And US MSRPs are different for x80 series:
A680: $600
A780: $700 (nobody remembers this model)
A880: $1000
A1080: $1300
A2080: $1700
A3080: $2200

Other than the price of RX-A2 being ridiculously inflated, going by MSRP, the new models would cost about the same as the models they replaced, which is reasonable.

But Yamaha cut down the lineup from 6 models to 4 (or, ignoring the lowest tier, from 5 to 3, and ignoring A780, it's still 4 models to 3). So we can expect that the new models will slot between the ones they replace.

RX-A4 slots between A880 and A1080 at $1300, which is the same price as A1080.
RX-A6 slots somewhere between A1080 and A3080, looking a lot like A2080 successor, at $2200, which is more than $1700
RX-A8 is the new flagship, adding some features on top of A3080 and is priced at $3000 vs. $2200.

I'd say the new Yamahas are rather overpriced. The pricing this year appears to be hugely inflated, and I'm not optimistic for prices of new Onkyos and Pioneers. It would be great if they managed to arrive at the rumored prices, but I fully expect the MSRP to be corrected up before release.
 

AVR tech

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Pricing bubble is one thing. Let's look under the hood too. Here is the post from one group.
  • RX-A4A has ESS SABRE Premier DAC ES9007S x 2 (same RX-A1080 and RX-A2080)
  • RX-A6A has both XLR inputs & XLR outputs (same RX-A3080; no such connectors on RX-A2080)
  • RX-A6A has ESS SABRE PRO ES9026PRO Ultra DAC and SABRE ES9007S DAC (same RX-A3080)
  • RX-A8A is a new flagship model with 11 amplified channels
 

RedHotFuzz

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The Onkyo TX-RZ50 is clearly the best match for my needs considering price, features and Dirac. Love its clean looks too. BUT...WHEN WILL WE KNOW IF IT'S ACTUALLY GOING TO SHIP???

Also, initial info indicates YPAO is gaining bass control. Dirac's, er, "Bass Control" module would more-than-likely be superior, but will it be included with the RZ50? Or available as an add-on? And if so, for how much $$$? The fact there's still so little info on the Onkyo/Pioneer units so close to their supposed ship dates (and three long weeks without any updates from Todd in this thread) makes me fear I'm stuck with Yamaha's new offerings, or waiting until new Denon models arrive (whenever that may be). Clearly no educated consumer should be interested in any of the existing models in the marketplace, not that any available units can be found on store shelves anyway.
 

mk1981

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Don't forget what site we're on. If you're serious about bass management, there's REW and there's also Dirac's Bass Control, both of which will likely be superior to any AVR (except those with Dirac on board).

I'm happy with my current Pioneer VSX-1130 and I'll be glad if their new models fly off the shelves because I plan to upgrade to a future SC-LX model when it's released or an AV processor. If these AVRs don't sell very well, I'll probably want to pick one up, so better snap them up when they come.
 

Todd Anderson

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RedHotFuzz

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Any idea when the new models with all the specs will be added to the Onkyo website?
 

Todd Anderson

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No. I think they’re close, tho.
 

robbie

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Todd Anderson

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Was just given this breaking news direct from management...

 

Todd Anderson

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According to a letter to investors, it sounds like this is all but a done deal. Of course, we won't know until the 25th, but I believe this opens the door to a healthy future for all four brands.
 

Shepherd

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It looks like the Onkyo TX-RZ50 is my next Amp. I'm still rocking the Onkyo TX-SR605 from 2007 which has served me well for the last 14yrs in a 5.1 setup. I defiantly also want preouts this time and I just ran wires for Atmos into my ceiling. My new Sony 900h tv supports 4k 120htz so this amp seems to fit the bill. I almost preordered the Yamaha RX-A4 on Crutchfield until I ran across this thread in a google search. I really hope these are available this summer for purchase.
 

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It looks like the Onkyo TX-RZ50 is my next Amp. I'm still rocking the Onkyo TX-SR605 from 2007 which has served me well for the last 14yrs in a 5.1 setup. I defiantly also want preouts this time and I just ran wires for Atmos into my ceiling. My new Sony 900h tv supports 4k 120htz so this amp seems to fit the bill. I almost preordered the Yamaha RX-A4 on Crutchfield until I ran across this thread in a google search. I really hope these are available this summer for purchase.

Glad you found us here... welcome to the forum! Hope you stick around and make it your home :T.

Both brands you mention are moving in the right direction, it appears. I do have to agree with you, though.. that RZ50 is looking mighty tempting!
 

symphara

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Glad you found us here... welcome to the forum! Hope you stick around and make it your home :T.

Both brands you mention are moving in the right direction, it appears. I do have to agree with you, though.. that RZ50 is looking mighty tempting!
I would also like that RZ50, and even more its equivalent 5.4 Integra, but I have serious doubts as to a July release. Even if everything goes well. It’s literally next month, and this stuff isn’t listed anywhere.

I will be in the market for two AV receivers in August and I can wait a bit, but I won’t wait too long. If these products don’t come to market in 3-4 months it will be Denon/Yamaha for me.
 

MarcsAV

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Stumbled into this forum while searching for a new 9.2 channel receiver since they are all pretty scarce and only some older models available. I had no idea what has been going on but just got a new 4k 85” TV and would like a receiver upgrade. Thanks for all of this great info and getting me up to date with hopefully what’s coming out here sooner rather than later.

That RZ50 seems like it would fit the bill nicely and at $1099 would be epic for all new technology.

I look forward to getting any new updates here!
 

crwf70

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As a new member I can't post links here. 2001audiovideo has RZ50 - CAD2000. Available in July.
7100 - CAD 1400. Available in July.
6100 - CAD 1100. Available in September.
No new Pioneers or Integras though.
1.5 times more expensive than recommended price but I am glad and actually surprised they arrived.
Well, almost arrived :)
 
Last edited:

JonUK

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Thanks for the thread, some useful tidbits here I've not seen anywhere else.

Any hints when these will be going on sale beyond the originally slated "June"?
 

RedHotFuzz

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May 6, 2021
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So let's say the shareholders give the deal a green flag on the 25th. Any ideas on how long it would take from that point to spool up manufacturing and start shipping units to dealers? It would be helpful to know if it's going to be another 6 months so I can start shopping elsewhere (Yamaha) if needed.
 

AVR tech

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Apr 3, 2021
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Any hints when these will be going on sale beyond the originally slated "June"?
Any ideas on how long it would take from that point to spool up manufacturing and start shipping units to dealers?
Canadian retailers have already listed several models for orders. We need to see independent reviews and performance testing to assess how those AVRs cope with HDMI 2.1 loads and features.
 

Shepherd

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Preamp, Processor or Receiver
Onkyo TX-SR605
Universal / Blu-ray / CD Player
Sony UBP-X700
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Canton Floor standing
Center Channel Speaker
Canton
Surround Speakers
Sonance ceiling
Front Height Speakers
Sonance ceiling
Subwoofers
Bic 12"
Screen
Sony X900H 65"
I think retailers like Crutchfield are waiting for the green light from Onkyo/Voxx before posting Preorders at MSRP.
If the deal is finalized I'm guessing they will pop up on more sites in July. Hopefully they (Sharp) have already manufactured enough to fill preorders around SEP and we are not waiting until the Holidays.
 

Grierts

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Jun 4, 2021
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Is there a difference between the Onkyo TX-RZ50 vs VSX-LX505?

Is there a reason to choose one over the other ?
 

Todd Anderson

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StormAudio ISP.24 MK2
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THX ONYX
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dual SVS SB16s + dual PSA XS30s
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HDTVTest (YouTube) one of the original reviewers to discover last year's HDMI 2.1 bug, has successfully reviewed an Onkyo TX-RZ50, which easily passed an Xbox Series X game at 4K/120Hz with HDR. Looks like Onkyo is the first to prove a fully functional HDMI 2.1 AVR.

 
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