Onkyo NS-6170: Intuitive network audio player

Not all Hi-Res audio players are equal – that’s the message Onkyo wants to convey with the new Onkyo NS-6170 reference-quality network audio player, which combines the simplicity of digital audio with the atmosphere and soul of pure analogue. The Onkyo NS-6170 combines intuitive controls, traditional dual-mono design, and unique wideband filtering technology to unlock the full potential of 11.2 MHz DSD and 192 kHz/24-bit PCM Hi-Res audio formats.

The main difference between the Onkyo NS-6170 and its younger brother NS-6130 was the use of double differential switching of DAC chips – each channel of the player has a separate two-channel AK4490 VERITA chip from Asahi Kasei, capable of processing a digital stream with parameters up to 32 bit / 768 kHz. As a result, it was possible to reduce the level of background noise, as well as expand the dynamic and frequency ranges of the device. In addition, the player has separate stabilized power supply for each channel, which provides a significant reduction in crosstalk in the power supply circuits.

Another innovation used in the older model of the player was the use, instead of a standard digital filter at the DAC output, of a proprietary DIDRC (Dynamic Intermodulation Distortion Reduction Circuitry) filter, optimized for working with high-resolution material, characterized by an extended frequency and dynamic range. For integration into a home computer network, the Onkyo NS-6170 provides both an RJ45 Ethernet port and a built-in dual-band Wi-Fi wireless adapter (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz). External drives with a USB interface can be connected to one of two USB ports, one of which is located on the front of the device.

There is no Bluetooth adapter for streaming music from portable gadgets, but the Onkyo NS-6170 supports AirPlay wireless technology for direct connection with compatible devices. To connect the source to the amplifier, an analog pair of RCA connectors is provided – unfortunately, there is no balanced switching here. If your system includes an external DAC unit, or, as in our case, the integrated amplifier is equipped with its own digital unit, then the Onkyo NS-6170 can also be connected digitally, for which there are optical and coaxial digital outputs on the rear wall of the case.

To control the basic functions of the player, the front of the Onkyo NS-6170 has a fairly large information display and the necessary keys. In addition, the device comes with a remote control, which provides wider adjustment options. But, of course, you will get the greatest freedom and convenience when controlling the Onkyo NS-6170 over the network using the free proprietary Onkyo Controller App, available for portable devices running iOS or Android

The Onkyo NS-6170 network player, equipped with Google Cast, AirPlay, Spotify, Wi-Fi and a USB input for connecting external HDDs, is built on the dual mono principle, which means that each channel has an independent power supply, custom-made discrete capacitors and dual differential 768 kHz/32-bit AK4490 DACs. This high-end architecture ensures stable voltage, reduces noise, and maintains high bandwidth with outstanding accuracy.

Onkyo NS-6170 Specifications

Frequency Range 4 Hz – 70 kHz (24 bit / 192 kHz signal)
Signal to Noise Ratio 115 dB (24 bit / 192 kHz signal)
Dynamic Range 114 dB (24 bit / 192 kHz signal)
Harmonic Distortion 0.002% (signal 24 bit / 192 kHz)
Inputs Ethernet, Wi-Fi, 2 x USB (for storage devices)
Output coaxial, optical, analog stereo RCA
DAC Asahi Kasei AK4490 (32 bit / 768 kHz)
Supports PCM files up to 24 bit / 192 kHz , DSD up to 11.2 MHz
Supports Spotify, Tidal, TuneIn, Deezer, Google Cast services
Additionally supports AirPlay, DIDRC technology
Control application Onkyo Controller
Dimensions (W x H x D) 435 x 100 x 317
Weight 4.5 kg