Voice-control technologies, HDMI® support and AccuEQ feature on Onkyo's new Hi-Fi stereo receiver

Press Release dated: 3 Sep 2019

 

TOKYO, JAPAN. September 3, 2019 — Onkyo & Pioneer Corporation, a driving force behind global home-entertainment and hi-fi evolution for decades, today unveils a compelling alternative to a multichannel home cinema for anyone seeking authentic hi-fi sound and state-of-the-art A/V versatility.

Developing 2 x 200W (6 ohms, 1 kHz, 10% THD, 2 channels driven) from Dynamic Audio Amplification, the TX-8390 Stereo Network Receiver exploits its high current capability to control large woofers, enabling extended diaphragm travel to better convey an audio signal’s full dynamic range. Instantaneous high-current is primed for rapid dynamic changes, allowing the amp to express complex musical passages in a way that naturally reveals the soul of the sound and engages the listener emotionally.

A high-current, low-noise power transformer and high-current smoothing capacitors have been engineered to exacting specifications, and parts have been selected on a ‘listen-measure-listen’ basis to ensure the amp sounds good to human ears, not just on paper. Dual transistors on the power-amp circuitry’s voltage-amp stage boost current for deeper bass, while a non-phase-shift topology improves instrument separation, soundstaging, and brings layers of detail into sharp focus. An extruded aluminum heat-sink suppresses resonances and features a heat-dissipating anodised alumite coating.

At this nexus of multi-channel and hi-fi amplifier design, connectivity and sound quality coalesce as never before. The TX-8390 has six HDMI® inputs, Main Out, and Sub/Zone 2 Out, all HDCP 2.3-specified and supporting 4K/60p, HDR (HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision™), BT.2020, and 4:4:4/24-bit color. 

HDMI supports an overlaid GUI with a unique onscreen media input/output information overlay that allows users to confirm that the source and playback parameters are the same, with useful data such as the HDR format and video frame-rate displayed. HDMI Sub/Zone 2 output can mirror the same content as Main via any HDMI input, or play different content simultaneously in Zone 2 mode (inputs 1 - 3 only).

To preserve maximum audio fidelity while integrating video and network capability, the HDMI board features short signal-path topology and extra-large ground paths to limit interference. The quad-core SoC, which enables 802.11ac (2x2 MIMO) 5 GHz/2.4 GHz Wi-Fi®*1, is isolated from audio circuitry. Furthermore, the AK4458 stereo DAC has VLSC™ output-filter circuitry to erase ultra-high-frequency pulse-modulation noise. These technologies particularly come into their own with Hi-Res Audio sources. PCM files up to 384 kHz/32-bit are fully supported, as is DSD256/128/64 content*2. The receiver also includes MQA technology, which enables playback of MQA audio files and streams, delivering the sound of the original master recording. Albums in MQA can be streamed from supported online services or downloaded to USB memory, or PC/NAS, and played back via the TX-8390*3.

The TX-8390 contains a multi-technology network platform with streaming services*4 comprising Amazon Music, TIDAL, Spotify®, Deezer, and TuneIn, all accessible via Onkyo Controller*5. The app manages multi-room audio, and music on the device (or PC/NAS) can also be cast to the TX-8390.

Support for leading voice-control technologies is baked in. Chromecast built-in can stream any music from smartphone, laptop, or PC to the receiver with ease. Control playback with Chromecast-enabled apps from Android™ phone or tablet, Chromebook, Windows® PC, or iPhone, iPad, or Mac. If the user has a device with Google Assistant, it’s easy to find, play, and control music through this and other supported components by voice.

Works with Alexa lets families use their voices to control the TX-8390 by directing requests through an Alexa Built-in device*6. Just ask an Alexa Built-in device, such as the Amazon Echo, to play, pause, and skip titles or control the volume. Users can enjoy music playback via Amazon Music and make selections by song title, artist name, release year, or genre. In addition, users will be able to synchronized playback with multiple devices by Multi Room Music (MRM) planned to be future updated.

Apple AirPlay2 is an Apple technology designed to control home audio systems and speakers in any room - with a tap or by just asking Siri - right from an iPhone, iPad, HomePod, or Apple TV. Play a song in the living room and kitchen at the same time or adjust the volume in any room, all in sync.

The TX-8390 works with Sonos Home Sound Systems: just pair it with a Sonos Connect*7. The receiver wakes, changes inputs, and plays at the desired volume on command from the Sonos Controller app*5. Onkyo Music Control App*5, meanwhile, synchronises audio from streaming services to speakers supporting DTS Play-Fi® technology. FlareConnect™*8 uses Onkyo Controller to select sources to share to compatible speakers. Fast and simple streaming is also available with Bluetooth® wireless technology.

Effort has been invested in making the TX-8390 an intuitive receiver to use. ‘My Input’, a front-panel selector, allows users to assign a start-up volume level, listening mode, and tone level to any four inputs via memory preset. The knob just needs to be pushed once to activate all the settings stored for the selected input.

This is Onkyo’s first stereo receiver to feature AccuEQ room-acoustic calibration, originally developed for multi-channel A/V receivers and now adapted for stereo. AccuEQ creates a harmonious sound-field in spaces of any size or shape. After detecting speaker size and distance from a measurement position and setting sound-pressure levels, the system selects a subwoofer crossover and applies EQ. The resultant sound compares favourably with an acoustically treated listening environment.

The receiver has two pairs of gold-plated transparent speaker-posts for A/B and A+B Speaker Drive, a switching function enabling two pairs of speakers to be connected and driven independently or simultaneously*9. Switch between speakers for hi-fi music or general entertainment, or add a pair to another room with app-based control. The terminals are also bi-wire-compatible to extract extra mid- and high-range performance from compatible loudspeakers. The receiver has a Pre-Amp Mode and Front Pre-Out terminals for external power amp. These double as Zone 2 Line-Outs for distributed digital/analogue audio, including HDMI and SPDIF*10, thanks to a dedicated Zone 2 DAC. Pure Audio Mode shuts down non-vital circuitry for a source-authentic, interference-free listening experience.

The TX-8390 has two optical digital audio inputs and a rear powered USB port, with gold-plating gracing the coaxial digital input, four analogue RCA inputs, and MM phono input. Other terminals include an antenna for FM/DAB+ tuner and a front USB port for audio. Dual subwoofer pre-outs are also provided. Custom installers gain IR (Infra-Red) In/Out, RI (Remote Interactive) input, detachable power-cord, and bi-directional Ethernet supporting home automation, PC setup, and IP control.

With its 5mm thick extruded aluminum front-panel, aluminum controls, and sculpted lines to complement a versatile feature set, the luxurious, muscular sounding TX-8390 will inspire pride of ownership and enrich the entertainment experience in any room.

Onkyo & Pioneer Corporation, Japan

*1 Some countries or regions have regulations that affect wireless signal strength and the use of Wi-Fi channels. *2 Supported sampling rates may vary depending on the network environment. DSD is converted to PCM, and playback over the wireless home network cannot be guaranteed. *3 When playing MQA files, irrespective of the setting of the Direct function, the Direct function is automatically enabled at all times. *4 Service availability varies by region and some may require a subscription. *5 Available free at the App Store and Google Play for iPhone, iPad, and Android devices. Please check device and OS requirements before installation. *6 Enabled with a future firmware update. *7 Requires a Sonos Connect (sold separately). *8 FlareConnect is a proprietary network protocol that shares select audio sources between supported components. Visit the Onkyo website for more information. *9 Speaker A/B Drive supports speakers with 4–16-ohm impedance. Speaker A+B Drive requires speakers with an impedance of 8–16 ohms. *10 In Zone 2 mode, HDMI audio is available via HDMI inputs 1–3. SPDIF and HDMI support PCM signals only. Simultaneous playback of multiple audio sources is enabled.

Due to a policy of continuous product improvement, Onkyo reserves the right to change specifications and appearance without notice. Manufactured under license from DTS Licensing Limited. DTS, the Symbol, DTS and the Symbol together, and Play-Fi and the Play-Fi logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of DTS, Inc. © DTS, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Dolby, Dolby Vision, and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. The terms HDMI and HDMI High-Definition Multimedia Interface, and the HDMI Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing Administrator, Inc. in the United States and other countries. SONOS is a trademark of SONOS, Inc. The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. Apple, iPhone, iPad, AirPlay, Siri, HomePod, Apple TV and Mac are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Google, Android, Google Play, Chromebook and other marks are trademarks of Google LLC. Wi-Fi® is a registered trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance. The Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Logo is a certification mark of the Wi-Fi Alliance. Spotify and the Spotify logo are trademarks of the Spotify Group, registered in the U.S. and other countries. The Product with the Hi-Res Audio logo is conformed to Hi-Res Audio standard defined by Japan Audio Society. The Hi-Res Audio logo is used under license from Japan Audio Society. Amazon, Alexa, Amazon Echo, Amazon Music, and all related logos and motion marks are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. MQA and the Sound Wave Device are registered trade marks of MQA Limited.© 2016. Dynamic Audio Amplification, FlareConnect, Onkyo Controller, Onkyo Music Control App, Music Optimizer, VLSC, and AccuEQ are registered trademarks or trademarks of Onkyo Corporation. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective holders.