Onkyo/Pioneer AVRs get Hi-Res streaming with DTS Play-Fi’s “Critical Listening” mode
Owners of select Onkyo/Pioneer network A/V receivers and network stereo receivers are receiving an update today enabling DTS Play-Fi's Critical Listening mode, which supports Hi-Res Audio streaming up to 192 kHz/24-bit in resolution. For these products, this is the premiere and exclusive way to enjoy Hi-Res content via services such as Amazon Music HD and Qobuz, as well user content from Media Servers (NAS) or local storage on Android and iOS device via compatible Play-Fi Apps, such as Onkyo Music Control and Pioneer Music Control.
DTS Play-Fi is a premium wireless audio ecosystem for whole-home music, whole-home TV audio, and app-based private listening, supporting high-resolution audio streaming and sub-millisecond playback accuracy. DTS Play-Fi normally plays music streams in their native format and encoding, so users can enjoy a lossless wireless multiroom experience. Hi-Res Audio, however, is down-sampled to CD quality to maintain compatibility across all products within the ecosystem. When using Critical Listening mode with supported products, Hi-Res Audio, up to 192 kHz/24-bit resolution, is streamed without down-sampling or re-sampling, delivering bit-perfect audio with full signal integrity, completely free of network Induced jitter.
A sample of the products recieving this update include (but is not limited to):
Onkyo
Network A/V Receiver TX-RZ3400, TX-RZ840, TX-RZ740, TX-NR797, TX-NR696
Network Stereo Receiver TX-8390
Smart Speaker VC-PX30
Pioneer/Elite
Network A/V Receiver SC-LX904, SC-LX704, VSX-LX504, VSX-LX304
Smart Speaker VA-FW40
Check with Onkyo/Pioneer for more updates regarding specific models.
Comments
Krzysztof 08-15-20
...and gapless still not available. What a shame…
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Paul Regeli 09-06-20
I totally agree. DTS just don’t seem to understand how important this is to any serious listener. I had a bad experience with Play-Fi a couple of years ago when I discovered the gapless problem. The streamer in question was returned for a refund and I commented to the deaaler that Play-Fi is not fit for purpose. Recently, Quad have adopted Play-Fi as their platform. I was looking forward to purchasing the Atera Solus Play, assuming that the problems had finally been sorted out. Quad confirmed my suspicions though. A phone call to them confirmed that gapless is still not available. The result? Quad have lost a sale as I have no faith in DTS’ ability or willingness the act on the huge amount of criticism of their product to be found on many hifi forums. I am looking for an upgrade for my streamer and will probably buy Auralic. There is no way that I would purchase equipment using Play-Fi in its current state.
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Paul Regeli 09-29-20
Totally agree. Like you, I had a bad experience with Play-Fi two years ago. I was looking forward to buying a Quad Artera Solus Play and also phoned Quad to establish if the problem had been solved and of course it hasn’t. Beyond belief that Quad would release a product using such a flawed platform. Needless to say, they have lost a sale to me. I wonder how many other sales they are losing? To add insult to injury, the bonus feature announced by Play-Fi allows the use of Bubble Upnp which works gaplessly. In other words, Play-Fi is advocating the use of third party software to correct the shortcomings of its own product. I give up!
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aurelien gimenez 08-23-20
hi, when will we be able to copy playlist made on playfi with music stored on a NAS, from an iphone to another one or ipad ? that is a huge problem with this system
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Ryan 08-27-20
When are you going to create a community support forum so we don’t have to comment on these press releases? Seems silly doesn’t it?
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Ken Badham 12-03-21
Ouch I have the TX-RZ 830 so therefore no hi res for me
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Eric 08-27-22
I have the 830 and after the last update I too have Playfi
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Marcinski 09-04-22
I have TX-NR696. Any idea why Pure Audio listening mode isn’t available when using Play-Fi (only stereo and all channel stereo)? Works fine with other network services.
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George Disrespectful 11-13-22
Same here. I get no direct or pure mode when playing Amazon hi res thru dts play fi on my Onkyo tx-nr6100 just stereo and all channel stereo.
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Eli 12-19-22
When I choose critical learning my Onkyo tx nr676e doesn’t show as compatible is this normal ? I would like to stream music from Amazon at a higher bitrate. Anyone has the same issue ? Thanks
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