ONKYO TX-RZ50 9.2CH Network A/V Receiver (2021)

Product Information

In the world of high-end AVRs, Onkyo and Pioneer are brand names you might hear. For both of these high-end Japanese companies, you can find a range of options suitable for a modern home theater, with the models in review today being among their newest and most advanced models. Obviously the biggest news here is the updated HDMI 2.1 ports it has. If you were hoping for an AV receiver that would not be plagued by the infamous HDMI 2.1 bug then the TX-RZ50 is one of the first. Surely the others will follow but for the time being Onkyo can claim to be one of the first that managed to overcome this problem and it can be a very popular aspect among those serious gamers. OS, Apps and Features

But the two most important aspects of this receiver is definitely the inclusion of Dirac Live along with the updated HDMI 2.1 ports that don’t have the problems most HDMI 2.1 capable receivers had in 2020. These two alone bring the TX-RZ50 on a different level and if you consider the very good price it has compared to competing brands then we can say for sure that this unit is the new benchmark in its category. only valid for Zone 1/Zone 2 will only produce 4K120 resolution when two separate HDMI sources are used. THX certified IV1, IV2, IV3, IV4, IV5, IV6, IV7, IV8, IV9, IV10, IV11, IV12, IV13, IV14, IV15, IV16, IV17, IV18, IV19, IV20, IV21, IV22, IV23, IV24, IV25, IV26, IV27, IV28, IV29, IV30, IV31, IV32, IV33, IV34, IV35, IV36, IV37, IV38, IV39, IV40, IV41, IV42, IV43, IV44, IV45, IV46, IV47, IV48, IV49, IV50, IV51, IV52, IV53, IV54, IV55, IV56, IV57, IV58, IV59, IV60, IV61, IV62, IV63, IV64, IV65, IV66, IV67, IV68, IV69, IV70, IV71, IV72, IV73, IV74, IV75, IV76, IV77, IV78, IV79, IV80, IV81, IV82, IV83, IV84, IV85, IV86, IV87, IV88, IV89, IV90, IV91, IV92, IV93, IV94, IV95, IV96, IV97, IV98, IV99

Positive Signs for Onkyo

You don’t need to be an AVR expert to set up either of these receivers. Although both devices have a lot of inputs and outputs, they are labeled and intuitively laid out. After connecting your AVR device to the TV, simply press the home button on the remote to get to the main screen then go through the recommended steps. Groundbreaking DIRAC Live® Room Correction technology offers improved musical staging, clarity, dialog, and deeper bass right out of the box, ensuring that your immersive surround experience is delivered with the highest fidelity. Please note that our couriers will try to deliver as arranged but we will not be held responsible for any costs incurred because of non-delivery or factors introduced by third-parties. This service is based upon best endeavour and is not guaranteed. For those of you with too loud or too low warnings with your subs in the PC DIRAC app, this is a great workaround if you have a calibrated USB mic: Onkyo hasn’t changed the design of their premium RZ models for some time now and it seems that the TX-RZ50 continues to follow this trend. So from what we see the outer shell is exactly the same as the one used in the TX-RZ840 that we had previously reviewed. Coming at a size of 17-1/8″ × 7-15/16″ × 15-11/16″ (435 mm × 201.5 mm × 398 mm) and a weight of 30.9 lbs (14 kg) the RZ50 may not have the excessive footprint of the RZ1100 but still needs some breathing space to keep the temperatures at normal levels.

In 1993, Onkyo became the first consumer home theatre electronics brand to be THX-certified. With literally thousands of tests, before earning the THX-certification logo: no matter what input is used, no matter what combination of the many built-in features for the AVR, preamplifier, or amplifier, there can be absolutely nothing added, nothing taken away from the source material. The TX-RZ50 offers four distinct THX listening modes: cinema, gaming, music, and surround EX. This Onkyo AVR can send and receive audio via Bluetooth wireless technology. Stream from your device to the receiver using SBC or AAC codecs, or transmit audio playing through the AVR to compatible wireless headphones using SBC, aptX ™, or aptX HD codecs including 24-bit audio over aptX HD. The improved data transfer capabilities of the latest generation of Bluetooth ensure clear and reliable sound reproduction so you hear your favorite songs just as the recording engineer intended. Ready for DTS Play-Fi Fire up REW after volume calibration and finding the loudest speaker in DIRAC, then adjust the sub's amp gain to match it and add 10dB.Featuring DAA (Dynamic Audio Amplification), the TX-RZ50 delivers effortlessly punchy sound. Combined with the High Current power supply and extra-large, customised capacitors, it means the TX-RZ50 produces a thrilling sound that keeps you fully immersed in the action.

AV receivers are notoriously complex, with reams of features and confusing technical specifications. (For example, what's 4K/120Hz anyway?) Yet, what are the things that really matter when buying a new model? I'm going to sum up the most important ones right here. HDMI inputs You can also stream music by connecting an external hard drive on the rear USB port although we would definitely prefer to have this at the front as it is extremely difficult to reach it where it is now and as a result most people have to rely on some kind of USB extender for easy access. The front face keeps a pretty clear design with a big turning knob on the right for the volume, a big central display showing all functions, a circular power button on the left with a pure direct button below that while at the bottom left corner there are two small buttons with their appropriate knobs below them for the listening modes and tone. Above the volume knob we get three rows of 5 buttons each that include all inputs as well as streaming, Bluetooth and Zone 2/3 selections.The Onkyo TX-RZ50 is a high-performance 9.2-channel AV receiver (although it can process 11 channels with an assist from an additional amplifier) that boasts an impressive amplifier section. With a power output of 120 watts per channel, it has plenty of power to fill a large room with sound. The amplifier is also built with Onkyo’s proprietary Dynamic Audio Amplification technology, which is designed to deliver high-quality sound with minimal distortion. Considering the above, one should have expected that the receiver supports almost all modern audio formats (all sorts of DTS:X and Dolby Atmos). Still, IMAX Enhanced and listening to music in Hi-Res formats are especially worth mentioning. In general, not to rant too much – you get to watch and listen to almost all content on the market today, which means this device will serve you well for a long time. Lastly, the Onkyo TX-RZ50 also has a phono input, which allows you to connect a turntable and enjoy your vinyl collection. RZ50 Setup IMAX Enhanced uses DTS:X® technology to replicate the full dynamic range of IMAX theatrical mixes. This technology has been tailored for the distinctive IMAX experience. IMAX Mode displays IMAX Enhanced content as intended by the developers. THX® Certified Select theater-reference sound The Onkyo TX-RZ50 is a powerhouse when it comes to delivering top-notch audio quality for movies as well. This AV receiver is specifically designed to provide an immersive and realistic audio experience that will make you feel like you’re right in the middle of the action.