This was $549 a few weeks ago, but the normal price is $1200, so I thought I'd throw it up here. At $699, it's not a bad deal. They also have them open box at $549.
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This was $549 a few weeks ago, but the normal price is $1200, so I thought I'd throw it up here. At $699, it's not a bad deal. They also have them open box at $549.
Model: Onkyo TX-NR7100 9.2-Channel THX Certified AV Receiver
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This is a hell of a receiver even at $699. The Dirac Live room correction is worth 2x-3x this price, as it can correct almost any room into sounding like a concert hall. I have 2 of these in 2 different terrible listening areas, and they both sound great.
I'm waiting on this to drop to $550 again (new). After some research, this appears to be the cheapest way to get a built-in Dirac Live Full Bandwidth license.
I'm waiting on this to drop to $550 again (new). After some research, this appears to be the cheapest way to get a built-in Dirac Live Full Bandwidth license.
By far. A few years ago I bought a truly awful ARCAM receiver that got flaky after a few months time for 2x this price. It had a lot fewer features, didn't sound nearly as good (even though it had the same Dirac license) and, as I mentioned, had to be power cycled every 30-75 minutes as it would lock up and not allow any volume / input changes.
Dirac Live itself is worth $700. To implement Dirac on an existing receiver with external MiniDSP devices would be more expensive than this. To get DL all wrapped into a pretty decent AVR for $550 - $700 is kind of incredible.
By far. A few years ago I bought a truly awful ARCAM receiver that got flaky after a few months time for 2x this price. It had a lot fewer features, didn't sound nearly as good (even though it had the same Dirac license) and, as I mentioned, had to be power cycled every 30-75 minutes as it would lock up and not allow any volume / input changes.
Dirac Live itself is worth $700. To implement Dirac on an existing receiver with external MiniDSP devices would be more expensive than this. To get DL all wrapped into a pretty decent AVR for $550 - $700 is kind of incredible.
One slight against it is that the NR7100 apparently does not come with or support an upgrade to Dirac Live Bass Control (Single or Multi-Subwoofer).
This claim is supposedly supported by the fact that the receiver isn't even listed on the dirac.com/online-store license store. That doesn't bother me, though, as I'd be happy to have access to Dirac as a room correction newbie.
It is curious why they don't disclose that the license is "Full" in marketing for the receiver. I had to ask around on reddit and Adorama support to confirm.
I'm waiting on this to drop to $550 again (new). After some research, this appears to be the cheapest way to get a built-in Dirac Live Full Bandwidth license.
I wouldn't say this is the "cheapest" way... The Pioneer LX-305 goes on sale for $519 and it has the Dirac Live, but it doesn't have individual crossovers, fewer analog pre-outs in the back (for those who need them), and no equalizer; so this 7100 is a better receiver in my opinion.
I ended up buying this open box (as stated in the post) because I don't want to wait 6 months for another sale. Crossing my fingers that the open box is in good shape.
Last edited by almondsurf May 16, 2024 at 05:18 PM.
I wouldn't say this is the "cheapest" way... The Pioneer LX-305 goes on sale for $519 and it has the Dirac Live, but it doesn't have individual crossovers, fewer analog pre-outs in the back (for those who need them), and no equalizer; so this 7100 is a better receiver in my opinion.
I ended up buying this open box (as stated in the post) because I don't want to wait 6 months for another sale. Crossing my fingers that the open box is in good shape.
It's been at $550 brand new at least once a month since November...I expect it might drop even lower given the heavier sales during memorial day
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I wouldn't say this is the "cheapest" way... The Pioneer LX-305 goes on sale for $519 and it has the Dirac Live, but it doesn't have individual crossovers, fewer analog pre-outs in the back (for those who need them), and no equalizer; so this 7100 is a better receiver in my opinion.
I ended up buying this open box (as stated in the post) because I don't want to wait 6 months for another sale. Crossing my fingers that the open box is in good shape.
I agree worth the slight extra cost.
Having those extra adjustments helps since Dirac Live relies on the AVRs bass management for its correction with it.
One slight against it is that the NR7100 apparently does not come with or support an upgrade to Dirac Live Bass Control (Single or Multi-Subwoofer).
This claim is supposedly supported by the fact that the receiver isn't even listed on the dirac.com/online-store license store. That doesn't bother me, though, as I'd be happy to have access to Dirac as a room correction newbie.
It is curious why they don't disclose that the license is "Full" in marketing for the receiver. I had to ask around on reddit and Adorama support to confirm.
You bring up a great point. I suspect that Onkyo wanted to keep the NR7100 affordable (at least compared to other Dirac capable units) and skipped bass control and active room treatment. Maybe they would have had to add memory or put in a faster processor to have the ability to do the other stuff at the same time as Dirac Live?
In any case, I'd love bass control and ART, and would pay for those licenses if I could, but I'm also happy to have a really nice featureful Dirac Live receiver for $700 or less. Looks like the entry level receivers that have Bass Control start at $2800 retail, so that makes my theory that receivers would have to have more horsepower to run Bass Control more plausible.
And it looks like you have to spend $10K+ to get Active Room Treatment. Hopefully if we wait another couple of years, some of this new tech will filter down to the $1500 or less receivers too.
In any case, I'd love bass control and ART, and would pay for those licenses if I could, but I'm also happy to have a really nice featureful Dirac Live receiver for $700 or less. Looks like the entry level receivers that have Bass Control start at $2800 retail, so that makes my theory that receivers would have to have more horsepower to run Bass Control more plausible.
This is true if you're talking about Onkyo or Pioneer products only (RZ70 or Pioneer 805). My Denon 3800 retails for $1699 (can be found much cheaper normally) and can do Dirac Bass Management (included w/paid Dirac license) and has the option for Dirac Live Bass Control (additional license fee). The key component that allows this to happen is the SHARC ADSP-21593 chip (rated at 2000 MIPS) in the Denon 3800 and better AVRs.
You bring up a great point. I suspect that Onkyo wanted to keep the NR7100 affordable (at least compared to other Dirac capable units) and skipped bass control and active room treatment. Maybe they would have had to add memory or put in a faster processor to have the ability to do the other stuff at the same time as Dirac Live?
In any case, I'd love bass control and ART, and would pay for those licenses if I could, but I'm also happy to have a really nice featureful Dirac Live receiver for $700 or less. Looks like the entry level receivers that have Bass Control start at $2800 retail, so that makes my theory that receivers would have to have more horsepower to run Bass Control more plausible.
And it looks like you have to spend $10K+ to get Active Room Treatment. Hopefully if we wait another couple of years, some of this new tech will filter down to the $1500 or less receivers too.
Actually the only Onkyo that has the DLBC option is the new RZ70 & it's not included(never has been).
So you have to tack on another $500 to that.
The least expensive AVR that offers DLBC is Denon's 3800, which has gotten down to $900.
It's rumored to be getting the option for ART in the future.
Personally I would be pleasantly surprised if it did.
This is true if you're talking about Onkyo or Pioneer products only (RZ70 or Pioneer 805). My Denon 3800 retails for $1699 (can be found much cheaper normally) and can do Dirac Bass Management (included w/paid Dirac license) and has the option for Dirac Live Bass Control (additional license fee). The key component that allows this to happen is the SHARC ADSP-21593 chip (rated at 2000 MIPS) in the Denon 3800 and better AVRs.
That's great info, thanks! I did a couple of quick searches for Dirac Bass Management but didn't run across the 3800. A discounted 3800 plus the full license suite for $800 would be somewhere around $2K? For a unit with Bass Management, that's still a great price, but is multiple times more than the 7100. In any case, right now I don't need Bass Management so the 7100 was perfect for me. But I'll certainly watch for deals on the 3800 or similar if/when we find our dream house with a HT room (instead of the incredibly bad rooms I'm currently using).
And thanks for the pointer to the SHARC ADSP-21593 chip. I'm going to do some reading but I assume this is like the DSP for Dirac? I can only imagine the calculations needed for Dirac Live + Bass Management + Atmos.
Seriously, I appreciate this. Yet another home theater rabbit hole to fall down.
Actually the only Onkyo that has the DLBC option is the new RZ70 & it's not included(never has been).
So you have to tack on another $500 to that.
The least expensive AVR that offers DLBC is Denon's 3800, which has gotten down to $900.
It's rumored to be getting the option for ART in the future.
Personally I would be pleasantly surprised if it did.
Am I right in saying that the 3800 needs a $800 license for the whole Dirac suite? This is still a heck of a deal in the grand scheme of things, but is 2-3x+ the 7100. The ability to add ART to this would make this a HUGE steal (esp considering it looks like you need to spend $10K just for the processor to get that today).
Would you say that if you need Bass Management, the 3800 at ~$1700 is a steal and if you just need Dirac LIve, the 7100 at $550-700 is a deal? And with ART, the 3800 is even more of a steal.
That's great info, thanks! I did a couple of quick searches for Dirac Bass Management but didn't run across the 3800. A discounted 3800 plus the full license suite for $800 would be somewhere around $2K? For a unit with Bass Management, that's still a great price, but is multiple times more than the 7100. In any case, right now I don't need Bass Management so the 7100 was perfect for me. But I'll certainly watch for deals on the 3800 or similar if/when we find our dream house with a HT room (instead of the incredibly bad rooms I'm currently using).
And thanks for the pointer to the SHARC ADSP-21593 chip. I'm going to do some reading but I assume this is like the DSP for Dirac? I can only imagine the calculations needed for Dirac Live + Bass Management + Atmos.
Seriously, I appreciate this. Yet another home theater rabbit hole to fall down.
Here's another helpful tip for Dirac: you can wait close to Black Friday where they discount licenses by 30%! Since I bought my Dirac Live Full Bandwidth license at that time, my total investment for the 3800+DL FB+UMIK1 (you need this mic) was still less than the $1699 MSRP of the 3800! In my situation, since Bass Management is included in the DL license, I was quite satisfied by the output of my one SW and decided I didn't need to pay for Dirac Live Bass Control (which would have gotten me closer to $2k total investment).
My understanding is that the SHARC chip will also allow a lowly 3800 to perform Dirac ART down the road as well. To be honest, if you can afford to pay for licenses to go all the way to ART, you'd probably be better off with the pricey processors like StormAudio that can do well beyond 2000 MIPS!
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Am I right in saying that the 3800 needs a $800 license for the whole Dirac suite? This is still a heck of a deal in the grand scheme of things, but is 2-3x+ the 7100. The ability to add ART to this would make this a HUGE steal (esp considering it looks like you need to spend $10K just for the processor to get that today).
Would you say that if you need Bass Management, the 3800 at ~$1700 is a steal and if you just need Dirac LIve, the 7100 at $550-700 is a deal? And with ART, the 3800 is even more of a steal.
If you bought them now, yes.
If you wait for the usual 30% discount(like in January) at the end of the year, you can get them for $560.
Most people at this mid level don't find much benefit in DLBC so they will find ART even less a benefit/need.
There are even people that have the option and find there is no compulsion to purchase DLBC!
The other issue, ART ideally requires full range/reference bed/core speakers & 4 independent subwoofers.
Often people at this level don't believe that is a benefit so they don't fall under those circumstances.
DLBC is a requirement prior to getting ART after all.
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Dirac Live itself is worth $700. To implement Dirac on an existing receiver with external MiniDSP devices would be more expensive than this. To get DL all wrapped into a pretty decent AVR for $550 - $700 is kind of incredible.
Dirac Live itself is worth $700. To implement Dirac on an existing receiver with external MiniDSP devices would be more expensive than this. To get DL all wrapped into a pretty decent AVR for $550 - $700 is kind of incredible.
This claim is supposedly supported by the fact that the receiver isn't even listed on the dirac.com/online-store license store. That doesn't bother me, though, as I'd be happy to have access to Dirac as a room correction newbie.
It is curious why they don't disclose that the license is "Full" in marketing for the receiver. I had to ask around on reddit and Adorama support to confirm.
I ended up buying this open box (as stated in the post) because I don't want to wait 6 months for another sale. Crossing my fingers that the open box is in good shape.
I ended up buying this open box (as stated in the post) because I don't want to wait 6 months for another sale. Crossing my fingers that the open box is in good shape.
Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.
I ended up buying this open box (as stated in the post) because I don't want to wait 6 months for another sale. Crossing my fingers that the open box is in good shape.
Having those extra adjustments helps since Dirac Live relies on the AVRs bass management for its correction with it.
This claim is supposedly supported by the fact that the receiver isn't even listed on the dirac.com/online-store license store. That doesn't bother me, though, as I'd be happy to have access to Dirac as a room correction newbie.
It is curious why they don't disclose that the license is "Full" in marketing for the receiver. I had to ask around on reddit and Adorama support to confirm.
In any case, I'd love bass control and ART, and would pay for those licenses if I could, but I'm also happy to have a really nice featureful Dirac Live receiver for $700 or less. Looks like the entry level receivers that have Bass Control start at $2800 retail, so that makes my theory that receivers would have to have more horsepower to run Bass Control more plausible.
And it looks like you have to spend $10K+ to get Active Room Treatment. Hopefully if we wait another couple of years, some of this new tech will filter down to the $1500 or less receivers too.
In any case, I'd love bass control and ART, and would pay for those licenses if I could, but I'm also happy to have a really nice featureful Dirac Live receiver for $700 or less. Looks like the entry level receivers that have Bass Control start at $2800 retail, so that makes my theory that receivers would have to have more horsepower to run Bass Control more plausible.
And it looks like you have to spend $10K+ to get Active Room Treatment. Hopefully if we wait another couple of years, some of this new tech will filter down to the $1500 or less receivers too.
So you have to tack on another $500 to that.
The least expensive AVR that offers DLBC is Denon's 3800, which has gotten down to $900.
It's rumored to be getting the option for ART in the future.
Personally I would be pleasantly surprised if it did.
And thanks for the pointer to the SHARC ADSP-21593 chip. I'm going to do some reading but I assume this is like the DSP for Dirac? I can only imagine the calculations needed for Dirac Live + Bass Management + Atmos.
Seriously, I appreciate this. Yet another home theater rabbit hole to fall down.
So you have to tack on another $500 to that.
The least expensive AVR that offers DLBC is Denon's 3800, which has gotten down to $900.
It's rumored to be getting the option for ART in the future.
Personally I would be pleasantly surprised if it did.
Would you say that if you need Bass Management, the 3800 at ~$1700 is a steal and if you just need Dirac LIve, the 7100 at $550-700 is a deal? And with ART, the 3800 is even more of a steal.
And thanks for the pointer to the SHARC ADSP-21593 chip. I'm going to do some reading but I assume this is like the DSP for Dirac? I can only imagine the calculations needed for Dirac Live + Bass Management + Atmos.
Seriously, I appreciate this. Yet another home theater rabbit hole to fall down.
My understanding is that the SHARC chip will also allow a lowly 3800 to perform Dirac ART down the road as well. To be honest, if you can afford to pay for licenses to go all the way to ART, you'd probably be better off with the pricey processors like StormAudio that can do well beyond 2000 MIPS!
Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.
Would you say that if you need Bass Management, the 3800 at ~$1700 is a steal and if you just need Dirac LIve, the 7100 at $550-700 is a deal? And with ART, the 3800 is even more of a steal.
If you wait for the usual 30% discount(like in January) at the end of the year, you can get them for $560.
Most people at this mid level don't find much benefit in DLBC so they will find ART even less a benefit/need.
There are even people that have the option and find there is no compulsion to purchase DLBC!
The other issue, ART ideally requires full range/reference bed/core speakers & 4 independent subwoofers.
Often people at this level don't believe that is a benefit so they don't fall under those circumstances.
DLBC is a requirement prior to getting ART after all.
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