At the end of 2016, the Onkyo Corporation released in the market the AV controller ONKYO PR-RZ5100 and the INTEGRA DRC-R1, analogous to it stuffing.
From the point of view of functionality, the new processor differs from the previous version Onkyo PR-SC5530 (Integra DHC-80.6) in the DTS:X support for the audio part and HDR for the video. As for the rest, there are no obvious differences.
Visually, inside, the device has been significantly redeveloped, one gets a feeling that the device is quite different. But in reality that is not so. To simplify the assembly at the factory, Onkyo redid the whole layout of the device to reduce maximally the amount of wiring inside the device, and possibly to reduce the cost. But the number of jumper-strap plates increased. There are about 7 of them instead of 1. It’s difficult to say whether it’s good or not. I think it doesn’t matter. Instead of 3 mains supply transformers, both in PR-SC5530 and in PR-RZ5100 only 1 transformer for analog and digital audio is installed, and additionally a static power supply unit for the HDMI plate.
From the point of view of audio circuit design, practically nothing has changed for the last 7 years. The same needless VLSC at the output of the DAC plate. As for more or less significant modifications, that is the exchange of the microcircuit DAC PCM1795 for AK4490 for front channels. Theoretically it is good, but in practice the weak implementation brings to nought all the advantages of this microcircuit.
The pre-amplifying part, the same as of PR-SC5530. The volume regulator BD34704KS2 is installed. I did not have to do with the one of the kind before. We will listen. According to the datasheet, the regulator is good.
The analog video has completely come to nought. One could say it is not in the processor at all. One small plate. Probably they left it for appearance’ sake.
As for sounding in the stock version, ONKYO PR-RZ5100 does not stick out in anything among its predecessors. The same “receiver”-type sound. But as usual, the Onkyo left a great deal of work outstanding for me.
There were several versions of upgrade made.
Minimal
In this version, I tried to eliminate the main deficiencies of the circuit in the 5.1 format.
1. Removal of “VLSC” – additional analog filtration which has very negative impact on the sounding.
2. Replacement of operation amplifiers for those of higher quality.
3. Removal of electrolytic condensers in the signal circuit.
4. Re-calculation of the low-frequency filter.
5. Installation of audiophile components.
6. Development of 2 balance outputs for front channels.
Standard
In this version, the circuit design and the circuit power supply in the version 11.4 were developed.
1. Removal of “VLSC” – additional analog filtration which has very negative impact on the sounding.
2. Replacement of operation amplifiers for those of higher quality.
3. Removal of electrolytic condensers in the signal circuit.
4. Improvement of circuits power supply quality.
5. Re-calculation of the low-frequency filter.
6. Installation of audiophile components.
7. Development of 5 balance outputs.
Maximal
In this upgrade I made the maximum of what was possible in the 11.4 format. With the maximal quality of stereo-sound.
1. Removal of “VLSC” – additional analog filtration which has very negative impact on the sounding.
2. Installation of additional plate on the DAC plate, for signal conversion with maximal quality.
3. Removal of electrolytic condensers in the signal circuit.
4. Improvement of circuits power supply quality. Active filtration.
4. Re-calculation of the low-frequency filter.
5. Installation of audiophile components.
6. Development of 11 balance outputs.
Audiophile
Circuit design as in the “Standard” version for 5 channels, but with maximal quality of stereo-sound as in the “Maximal” version.
1. Removal of “VLSC” – additional analog filtration which has very negative impact on the sounding.
2. Installation of additional plate on the DAC plate, for signal conversion with maximal quality.
3. Removal of electrolytic condensers in the signal circuit.
4. Improvement of circuits power supply quality. Active filtration.
4. Re-calculation of the low-frequency filter.
5. Installation of audio-filter components.
6. Development of 5 balance outputs.
Listening.
All of the above mentioned versions are much better than the original version “Onkyo” or “Integra” in multi-channel formats. One does not have to be an expert to hear the difference. The sounding becomes wholesome and more realistic. There is no “digital” sounding which is obviously present in the original.
In the stereo mode, the sounding is wonderful, I would not be afraid to use this word. It is precise, with wonderful scene, very dynamic, detailed, and with that, it is analog. I am very glad to get this result.
For those who visit my website for the first time, it would be desirable to become familiar with my previous works on development of Onkyo / Integra
Onkyo PR-SC5530 и
Onkyo PR-SC5509
Author:
Timur Sheykhov