Skip to content
Home » Onkyo TX-RZ50 Review: The Ultimate Mid-Range AV Receiver

Onkyo TX-RZ50 Review: The Ultimate Mid-Range AV Receiver

Onkyo TX-RZ50 Review

The Onkyo TX-RZ50 is a top choice in the mid-range home theater market. It costs $1,399 and is packed with features. It has Dirac Live room correction, HDMI 2.1 support, and 120 watts of power per channel at 8 ohms.

It’s perfect for enjoying Dolby Atmos or DTS:X surround sound. Or, if you’re upgrading to 8K video, the Onkyo TX-RZ50 will give you a top-notch audio and visual experience.

In This Article

Key Takeaways

  • The Onkyo TX-RZ50 is a powerful 9.2 channel AV receiver with 8K video support and Dolby Atmos surround sound capabilities.
  • It features Dirac Live room calibration, ensuring optimal sound quality tailored to your home theater setup.
  • The receiver offers a wide range of connectivity options, including HDMI 2.1 with features like 8K/60Hz pass-through and HDR10+ support.
  • With a rated power output of 120 watts per channel at 8 ohms, the TX-RZ50 can drive a wide range of speaker configurations.
  • The user-friendly interface and intuitive setup process make the Onkyo TX-RZ50 a great choice for both novice and experienced home theater enthusiasts.

Introduction to the Onkyo Legacy

Onkyo is a well-known Japanese electronics company with a history of over 70 years in home audio. It started in the 1940s and has always been at the forefront of audio innovation. Onkyo’s dedication to quality has made it a respected name in the AV market.

History of Onkyo in Home Audio

Onkyo began in the 1940s as Osaka Denki Onkyo K.K. It started by making high-quality amplifiers and speakers. Soon, it became known for reliable and powerful audio equipment.

Over the years, Onkyo grew and introduced new products like AV receivers and turntables. Despite challenges, Onkyo’s focus on innovation and sound quality kept it in the lead.

Position in Modern AV Market

In today’s AV market, Onkyo is a key player. Its AV receivers, like the TX-RZ50, are known for their top-notch performance and value. Onkyo stays ahead by using the latest audio and video tech, including HDMI 2.1 and room calibration systems.

Onkyo keeps innovating to meet today’s consumer needs. The TX-RZ50, for example, offers a complete audio-visual experience for music and movie lovers.

“Onkyo’s unwavering commitment to audio excellence has been the driving force behind its success in the home audio market for over seven decades.”

Design and Build Quality

The Onkyo TX-RZ50 AV receiver has a sleek, modern design. It fits well in any home entertainment area. It’s 17 inches wide, 7.5 inches high, and 15.5 inches deep, weighing 30.9 lbs. This makes it solid and robust, showing its quality.

The front panel is simple, with a central display and navigation controls. A flip-down door hides more buttons and ports. These include a headphone jack, HDMI input, and calibration microphone port. The materials used make the receiver sturdy and durable, showing the Onkyo TX-RZ50 design and AV receiver build quality.

Specification Value
Dimensions (W x H x D) 17 x 7.5 x 15.5 inches
Weight 30.9 lbs
Front Panel Features
  • Minimalist layout
  • Central display
  • Navigation controls
  • Flip-down door with additional ports
Chassis Construction High-quality materials for a sturdy, durable feel

The Onkyo TX-RZ50’s sleek and robust design, along with its premium build quality, promises a top-notch home theater experience.

Key Features and Specifications

The Onkyo TX-RZ50 is a powerful 9.2-channel AV receiver. It offers top-notch audio and video performance. This receiver meets the needs of home theater fans and audiophiles.

Power Output and Channel Configuration

The TX-RZ50 has a strong amplifier section. It provides 120 watts of power per channel at 8 ohms, with two channels driven. This power ensures dynamic sound, even in large rooms.

The receiver supports 9.2-channel setups. This includes 7.1.2 or 5.1.4 systems. It also has up to 11.2-channel pre-outs for expanding your system.

Audio Format Support

The Onkyo TX-RZ50 supports the latest audio formats. It handles Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and IMAX Enhanced well. This gives you an immersive audio experience.

It also has high-resolution audio capabilities. Your music collection will be played with clarity and detail.

Video Processing Capabilities

The TX-RZ50’s video processing is impressive. It supports 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz pass-through on select HDMI inputs. This ensures top quality for your 8K and high-frame-rate content.

The receiver also upscales analog and HDMI sources up to 8K resolution. This provides a stunning viewing experience.

Specification Value
Channels 9.2
Power Output 120W per channel at 8 Ohms
HDMI Inputs/Outputs 7 inputs, 2 outputs
Video Processing 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz pass-through
Audio Formats Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced
Dimensions 435(w) x 201.5(d) x 398(d)mm
Weight 14kg

The Onkyo TX-RZ50 has impressive specs and capabilities. It offers an exceptional home entertainment experience.

Connectivity Options

The Onkyo TX-RZ50 is a top choice for connectivity. It has 7 HDMI inputs and 2 HDMI outputs, including HDMI 2.1. This means you can easily connect devices like gaming consoles and 4K Blu-ray players. It also supports eARC for high-quality audio from your TV.

Wireless connectivity is another key feature. It comes with built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for easy streaming. You can also use AirPlay 2 and Chromecast for more wireless options. Whether you’re streaming music or mirroring your phone, it’s all possible.

The TX-RZ50 also has a wide range of audio connections. It supports high-resolution audio and has dual subwoofer outputs. Plus, it has Zone 2 and Zone 3 outputs for a flexible listening experience in your home.

Feature Onkyo TX-RZ50 Denon X3800H
HDMI Inputs 7 8
HDMI Outputs 2 3
Subwoofer Outputs 2 (non-independent) 4 (independent)
Channel Configuration 9.2 9.4
Price $1,599 $1,699

In summary, the Onkyo TX-RZ50 has a wide range of connectivity options. It’s great for HDMI and wireless connections, and it supports a lot of audio formats. It’s a versatile and future-proof choice for your home entertainment.

Onkyo TX-RZ50 connectivity

HDMI 2.1 Implementation

The Onkyo TX-RZ50 shines with its HDMI 2.1 features. It supports the latest video standards, including 8K video pass-through and 4K 120Hz gaming features. This makes it a great choice for those who want the best in connectivity and entertainment.

8K Video Pass-through

The TX-RZ50 lets you enjoy 8K video in stunning clarity. Whether watching high-resolution nature documentaries or gaming on an 8K display, every pixel is perfectly shown. This delivers an unmatched visual experience.

Gaming Features

  • Supports 4K 120Hz gaming for smooth gameplay
  • Enables variable refresh rate (VRR) and auto low latency mode (ALLM) for seamless gaming
  • Offers quick frame transport (QFT) and quick media switching (QMS) for fast frame delivery and less lag

These advanced gaming features make the TX-RZ50 perfect for the latest gaming consoles and PCs. Enjoy immersive, lag-free gaming that will keep you excited.

Feature Specification
HDMI 2.1 Support Yes
8K Video Pass-through Yes
4K 120Hz Gaming Yes
Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) Yes
Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) Yes
Quick Frame Transport (QFT) Yes
Quick Media Switching (QMS) Yes

The Onkyo TX-RZ50’s HDMI 2.1 features ensure your home entertainment setup is future-proof. Enjoy the latest in video and gaming technology.

Onkyo TX-RZ50 Review: Performance Analysis

The Onkyo TX-RZ50 is a top-notch mid-range AV receiver. It has both good and bad points in its performance. Let’s look into the details to see how it does in Onkyo TX-RZ50 performance, audio quality, and amplifier measurements.

The TX-RZ50 has a strong digital-to-analog converter (DAC). Its SINAD (signal-to-noise and distortion ratio) is a bit above average. This means it can produce clean and clear sound. But, there are some issues with the amplifier’s power handling.

Measurement Result
SINAD (Pure mode) 77.9 dB
Power Handling (4 ohms) Concerns with power limiting
Jitter Performance Some jitter issues detected

The SINAD of 77.9 dB in Pure mode is good but not the best. It’s a bit lower than some competitors in the same price range. This might affect the sound quality, which could be a problem for those who want the best sound.

The amplifier’s power handling at 4 ohms is a concern. It might limit power in demanding situations. This could make it hard to drive lower-impedance speakers well, affecting the sound’s dynamic range and headroom.

Also, there are some jitter-related issues. Jitter can cause timing errors and affect the sound’s clarity and precision. While not a major issue, it shows the Onkyo TX-RZ50 might not be the best in its class for audio quality and amplifier measurements.

Onkyo TX-RZ50 Performance

In summary, the Onkyo TX-RZ50 has both good and bad points. It shines in its DAC but has issues with the amplifier and jitter. Buyers should think about their needs and preferences before deciding if the TX-RZ50 meets their expectations for a mid-range AV receiver.

Audio Processing and Room Calibration

The Onkyo TX-RZ50 AV receiver has advanced audio processing and calibration. It ensures top-notch sound quality in your home theater. It features Dirac Live room correction technology for fine-tuning sound to your room’s acoustics.

Dirac Live Integration

Setting up Dirac Live is easy. You can use a wired microphone, a smartphone app, or a PC/MacOS app with a USB microphone. This system analyzes your room’s acoustics and corrects audio reflections and resonances. This leads to a more immersive and balanced soundstage.

AccuEQ System

The TX-RZ50 also has Onkyo’s AccuEQ room calibration system. It uses a microphone to measure your room’s acoustics. It then adjusts speaker levels, distances, and crossover frequencies. AccuEQ is great for those who want a simple calibration process.

Using Dirac Live or AccuEQ, the TX-RZ50 optimizes your audio experience. You can enjoy movies, music, and gaming with clarity and precision.

“The Dirac Live room correction technology in the Onkyo TX-RZ50 is a game-changer, delivering a truly immersive and balanced soundscape that enhances the overall audio experience.”

Feature Description
Dirac Live Advanced room correction technology that analyzes the acoustics of your listening environment and applies digital signal processing to optimize the sound quality.
AccuEQ Onkyo’s proprietary automated room calibration system that adjusts speaker levels, distances, and crossover frequencies for optimal performance.

Streaming and Network Features

The Onkyo TX-RZ50 is a top choice for streaming and network features. It has advanced capabilities to make your home entertainment better. With Onkyo TX-RZ50 streaming, network features, and wireless audio, it connects you to lots of content easily.

This receiver supports many streaming platforms like AirPlay 2, Chromecast, DTS Play-Fi, and Spotify Connect. You can stream high-quality audio from different sources. It’s also Works with Sonos certified, making it easy to connect to the Sonos Home Sound System.

Music lovers will enjoy the TX-RZ50’s wireless audio. It uses Bluetooth for clear audio and offers various codec options for the best sound. The DTS Play-Fi integration lets you stream high-resolution music across your home network.

The Onkyo TX-RZ50 also comes with a user-friendly Onkyo Controller App. Available for iOS and Android, it lets you control the receiver’s settings and streaming services easily. This app makes using the receiver simple and fun.

Onkyo TX-RZ50 streaming

In summary, the Onkyo TX-RZ50 is a powerhouse for streaming and network features. It offers a wide range of features to enhance your home entertainment. From streaming platforms to wireless audio, it provides a rich and versatile multimedia experience.

Setup and Installation Process

Setting up the Onkyo TX-RZ50 AV receiver is easy. It offers plug-and-play functionality with advanced customization options. You can control it through on-screen controls, the Onkyo Control App, or a web browser interface.

Initial Configuration

Start by connecting the TX-RZ50 to your TV and other devices using HDMI inputs. The receiver’s on-screen wizard will help you set it up. This includes speaker setup, network connectivity, and input assignment.

Take your time to personalize your settings. This ensures your home theater or audio system meets your needs.

Room Calibration Steps

The Onkyo TX-RZ50 has integrated Dirac Live room calibration. This process lets you fine-tune your speaker curves and tonal balance. Follow the on-screen instructions to connect the included calibration microphone.

Or, use the Dirac Live smartphone app to measure your room’s acoustics. Dirac Live integration makes achieving a balanced, immersive sound easy.

By completing the initial setup and room calibration, you’ll get the most out of the Onkyo TX-RZ50. Enjoy a truly immersive audio experience tailored to your unique listening environment.

User Interface and Control Options

The Onkyo TX-RZ50 lets you control it in several ways. The main part is the on-screen user interface. It has detailed menus for managing your AV system.

The remote control is also included. It has buttons for basic functions but doesn’t have a backlight. This might be a problem in dark rooms. For more control, the Onkyo Controller app is available for iOS and Android.

  • Onkyo TX-RZ50 user interface offers an intuitive and feature-rich on-screen experience
  • Included remote control provides physical buttons for basic operations, but lacks a backlight
  • Onkyo Controller app delivers a comprehensive suite of control options and music streaming capabilities

The Onkyo Controller app is very powerful. It lets you control everything from input selection to volume. It’s easy to use and has a simple interface. You can also stream music from many services, making your experience better.

Control Option Key Features
On-screen User Interface Comprehensive menus, intuitive navigation, advanced settings
Remote Control Physical buttons for basic operations, lacks backlight
Onkyo Controller App Full-featured control, music streaming, user-friendly interface

The Onkyo TX-RZ50 has many control options for different users. You can use the remote, the app, or the on-screen interface. It offers a smooth and customizable way to control your system.

Onkyo TX-RZ50 user interface

Movie Performance Testing

The Onkyo TX-RZ50 takes your home theater to new heights. It’s perfect for thrilling scenes in John Wick 2 or epic battles in sci-fi movies. It offers an immersive audio experience that draws you in.

Dolby Atmos: Reimagining the Cinematic Soundscape

The TX-RZ50’s Dolby Atmos makes movie nights unforgettable. It creates a three-dimensional sound space, putting you right in the action. You’ll feel the rush of helicopters and the boom of explosions all around you.

Action Scene Analysis: Powerful, Defined, and Precise

In the intense catacomb scene of John Wick 2, the Onkyo TX-RZ50 shines. It delivers strong bass that makes every impact feel real. The sound is clear and precise, letting you hear each detail of the action.

With the Onkyo TX-RZ50, your home theater becomes a portal to thrilling movie experiences. Dolby Atmos and surround sound bring the action right to you.

“The TX-RZ50 delivers a truly immersive and cinematic home theater experience, with the power and precision to bring your favorite movies to life.”

Music Playback Quality

The Onkyo TX-RZ50 shows off its music skills, proving it’s more than just for home theaters. It handled “John Wick Mode” by Le Castle Vania with great midrange sound, clear highs, and a full soundstage. It made the music feel like it was all around you.

It’s not just electronic music that sounds good. The TX-RZ50 also brings out the best in acoustic recordings. Whether it’s jazz or a symphony, it delivers a sound that’s as good as a dedicated music system.

Calibration Method Audio Quality Improvement
3-point calibration Moderate enhancement
9-point calibration Significant improvement
17-point calibration Optimal audio quality

The reviewer was impressed, saying the TX-RZ50’s music quality was as good as their Sony AV receiver. Thanks to Dirac Live and AccuEQ, it offers an immersive musical experience. It works well with all kinds of music.

“The Onkyo TX-RZ50 handles both complex electronic tracks and more nuanced acoustic recordings with finesse, providing a stereo sound experience that rivals dedicated music systems.”

Gaming Performance

The Onkyo TX-RZ50 shines in gaming, giving you a deep and quick response. It supports 4K 120Hz for smooth play, without any lag. We tested it with a PlayStation 5 and games like “God of War Ragnarok” and “Gran Turismo 7”. The receiver’s low latency and support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X made gaming better.

Feature Specification
HDMI 2.1 Ports 3 out of 7 total inputs
Maximum Output Power 250W per channel (6 ohms, 1 kHz, 10% THD)
Video Processing Supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+, VRR, ALLM, and QFT
Audio Formats Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and more

The Onkyo TX-RZ50’s HDMI 2.1 gaming and strong audio make it great for gamers. It offers a top-notch home theater experience.

“The TX-RZ50 AV receiver delivers uncompressed HDMI 8K/4K transfer at 40 Gbps, ensuring a smooth and responsive gaming experience.”

Value for Money Analysis

The Onkyo TX-RZ50 is a mid-range AV receiver priced at $1,599. It offers great value compared to some competitors. For example, the Yamaha RX-V6A costs $600 but has fewer features and lower sound quality. Yet, it faces tough competition from the Marantz SR6015 and Denon AVR-X3800, which have similar features at the same price.

Competition Comparison

Against the Yamaha RX-V6A, the Onkyo TX-RZ50 wins in performance and features. It has better audio processing, supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, and has more power. Its HDMI 2.1 capabilities, including 8K video pass-through, also make it more future-proof.

The Marantz SR6015 and Denon AVR-X3800 are close competitors to the TX-RZ50. They have similar features, HDMI 2.1 support, and advanced room calibration. Choosing between them depends on personal preference, brand loyalty, and minor differences.

Price-Performance Ratio

The Onkyo TX-RZ50 is priced at $1,599 but offers great value. It has features and sound quality that usually cost more. This makes it a top choice in the mid-range AV receiver market. While Marantz and Denon models have more advanced features, the TX-RZ50’s price-to-performance ratio is unbeatable for a high-quality home theater setup.

Model Price Channels Power Output (per channel) Surround Sound Formats HDMI 2.1 Support
Onkyo TX-RZ50 $1,599 7.2 100W Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Yes
Yamaha RX-V6A $600 7.2 90W Dolby Atmos, DTS:X No
Marantz SR6015 $1,499 7.2 110W Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Yes
Denon AVR-X3800 $1,499 7.2 105W Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Yes

In summary, the Onkyo TX-RZ50 is a great value in the mid-range AV receiver market. It combines advanced features, strong performance, and competitive pricing. This makes it a compelling choice for those looking for the best Onkyo TX-RZ50 value for their money.

Conclusion

The Onkyo TX-RZ50 is a top-notch AV receiver for movie and music lovers. It has a strong design and lots of connectivity options. It also supports the latest audio and video standards.

It comes with Dirac Live calibration and can create a stunning Dolby Atmos experience. This makes it a strong contender in the mid-range market.

While it may not have the polish of more expensive models like the Marantz SR5015, it makes up for it with its sound. It has 120 watts per channel, filling big rooms with sound. It also has features like Music Optimizer and lots of streaming options.

If you’re looking for a good AV receiver that’s affordable, the Onkyo TX-RZ50 is a great choice. It offers great performance, features, and price. It’s a top pick for those wanting to improve their home theater or music setup.

FAQ

What are the key features and specifications of the Onkyo TX-RZ50 AV receiver?

The Onkyo TX-RZ50 is a top-notch AV receiver. It has 9.2 channels and supports 8K THX Certified. It pumps out 120 watts per channel at 8 ohms. It also supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and IMAX Enhanced for a great home theater experience.

How does the Onkyo TX-RZ50 perform in terms of audio quality and room calibration?

The TX-RZ50 has Dirac Live room correction built in. This makes calibration easy with a wired mic, smartphone app, or PC/MacOS. You can also use Onkyo’s AccuEQ system for room calibration.

What are the connectivity and streaming capabilities of the Onkyo TX-RZ50?

The TX-RZ50 has lots of connectivity options. It has 6 HDMI inputs and 2 outputs with eARC. It also supports Bluetooth streaming, high-resolution audio, and online features like Airplay 2 and Chromecast.

How does the Onkyo TX-RZ50 perform in movie, music, and gaming scenarios?

The TX-RZ50 shines in movie playback with powerful bass and clear sound. It also does great with music, delivering detailed highs and an immersive soundstage. For gaming, it supports smooth 4K 120Hz without any issues.

How does the Onkyo TX-RZ50 compare to other mid-range AV receivers in terms of value and competition?

The TX-RZ50 is priced at

FAQ

What are the key features and specifications of the Onkyo TX-RZ50 AV receiver?

The Onkyo TX-RZ50 is a top-notch AV receiver. It has 9.2 channels and supports 8K THX Certified. It pumps out 120 watts per channel at 8 ohms. It also supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and IMAX Enhanced for a great home theater experience.

How does the Onkyo TX-RZ50 perform in terms of audio quality and room calibration?

The TX-RZ50 has Dirac Live room correction built in. This makes calibration easy with a wired mic, smartphone app, or PC/MacOS. You can also use Onkyo’s AccuEQ system for room calibration.

What are the connectivity and streaming capabilities of the Onkyo TX-RZ50?

The TX-RZ50 has lots of connectivity options. It has 6 HDMI inputs and 2 outputs with eARC. It also supports Bluetooth streaming, high-resolution audio, and online features like Airplay 2 and Chromecast.

How does the Onkyo TX-RZ50 perform in movie, music, and gaming scenarios?

The TX-RZ50 shines in movie playback with powerful bass and clear sound. It also does great with music, delivering detailed highs and an immersive soundstage. For gaming, it supports smooth 4K 120Hz without any issues.

How does the Onkyo TX-RZ50 compare to other mid-range AV receivers in terms of value and competition?

The TX-RZ50 is priced at $1,599, making it a good value in the mid-range market. It beats some competitors in features and sound quality. But, it faces tough competition from the Marantz SR6015 and Denon AVR-X3800, which offer similar features at similar prices.

,599, making it a good value in the mid-range market. It beats some competitors in features and sound quality. But, it faces tough competition from the Marantz SR6015 and Denon AVR-X3800, which offer similar features at similar prices.