Hey Don, what did you have before the RZ50? Do you notice a discernable difference in sound? I'm two years in on a Sony STR DN 1080 and really thirsting for this Onkyo. Partly for an overall "better" sound and sense of space, and partly for Dirac.
Very good commentary. You covered all my questions I had about the unit and plan on purchasing it. My wife will probably ask the same as yours” how many receivers do you need?”
I really enjoyed your review. Best part the 1..6 prior amps. Here's mine: 1. Technics SA-GX650 2. Sony STR-DE935 3. Onkyo HTS-3505 4. Onkyo TX-NR646 5. Yamaha RX-V681 6. Denon 4300H 7. Pioneer 932 Current setup: 8. Pioneer SX-N30AE 9. Nad C368 MDC-BLUOS2I 10. Onkyo TX-RZ840: exactly the same features as this RZ50 but Dirac and HDMI 2.1. I totally agree Onkyo sounds better than Yamaha AND Denon...
Hi, excellent review, I own the Onkyo TX-NR696 and as far as I remember can obtain the master quality from Tidal using the built in Net function or also the Onkyo Controller app, regards
Well it looks like this is the receiver for me.. Upgrading everything in a couple weeks.. Receiver, Xbox X, TV, HDMI cables..Been putting it off for a few years to see which receiver would have problems with the 4k/120..
i using ONLKYO started by 1999 and sometimes buy other brands like DENON, and can confirm, what author here said: ONKYO is much clear and solid in sound then DENON.
Great intro to the AV RZ50. I just picked up the only version left in my local mid range HiFi store. Current I am running a 5.1.2 (Front Highs) system planning to upgrade to 5.1.4 with 4 ceiling speakers in the next few weeks. I noticed after watching Dune Part 1 on Prime Video or other newer releases on Disney+ that I do not see on the information displaying Dolby Atmos. What the receiver displays is Dolby DD+ on the input side and Dolby Surround on the output side. The source feed is my Chromecast dongle (not the built version of Chromecast). The dongle is plugged into the HDMI 4 (STRM BOX). Unfortunately I do not have a high end Blue Ray 4K player to test a know input feed. Any comments / suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Ernie
Wow, my reciever replacement cadence is a bit more drawn out: 2005: Integra DTR 4.6 (this was a good unit, in the pre-HDMI days) 2013: Marantz 1403 (in hindsight this was a step down, but I thought I needed the HDMI, not enough juice driving my Omnisats, despite audyssey trying its best). 2021: Yamaha RX-A1080 (finally got the omnisats to sing again with more power, but replaced my fronts two months later with KLH model 5s after 16 years, omnisats all on surround duty). I'm good for awhile, wish I had kept the Integra around, with how good TVs are at switching sources nowadays, I need the power to drive speakers more than I need the avr to switch signals. I've always been partial to the Onkyo and Yamaha sound. My roommate had a Denon in college and I had used that marantz for 8 years (still have it in a smaller room), they were respectively warmer but the Integra and Yamaha seem tuned with a more "opened up".
My only complaints are that it seems somewhat sluggish when navigating menu settings on the Onkyo displayed on the TV and some type of latency when displaying content from other sources. Yes, I'm using certified 8k hdmi cables with certified logos. Lastly, I'll say that the recent September 2022 update seems to have addressed these issues but I'll need to test further.
I appreciate this walk-through, for I am considering this model...if available; however, I would not characterize the X6400H as obsolete...sure it does not have the latest and greatest...but obsolete? This was a top tier performer just 3 years ago. For a non-gamer, that's a tough standard to apply.
I still use mine in the theater room. However, technically, it does not offer all the latest features or DIRAC making it lower on the food chain than it was a year ago.
@@michael-4k4000 Just a couple hours only because I had to drill holes and mount my second pair of Atmos speakers on the ceiling. So now I’m coming from a 5.1.2 to a 5.1.4 and it sounds even BETTER
@@JollyGiant1213 ordered it before the price increase. Well technically a day later, but the website still honored the old price. They shipped it for free and didn’t charge tax, so I am very happy. Never dealt with them before, they were very honest and helpful, pretty much the exact opposite as BestBuy.
Thank You, I enjoyed listening. Did you do a set up video for the RZ50 ? How do you set up and adjust the subwoofers ? I have two. At 4:53 you show two minidsp. What are they? The instruction manual sucks.
I went from an Onkyo tx-nr828, which really sounded great, to a Denon avr-s760h. I know a downgrade but I wanted 4k. I do noticed a lighter sound from the denon. Thinking about this Onkyo now.
In my experience, the Onkyo sounded better because I ran DIRAC Live! which the Denon does not offer. Other than that, the audio quality is purely subjective and reliant on your other components and listening environment.
1/4" headphone jack is located behind the front drop down panel. I didn't do a very good job of showing that area. www.onkyousa.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Web-Ready-TX-RZ50B_Front_Open.jpg
I have a 7.1.4 setup. 2 speakers are connected through preouts to an external amp. Will Dirac work for all 11 speakers? Or will it skip the 2 speakers that are preout to the external amp?
i am very focused on this receiver or a used Anthem MRX-520. I like the Onkyo for its feature set. I am concerned about the reliability. I have an Anthem AVM-30 pre pro, but I am not buying a new pre pro, too expensive, so this receiver figures pretty prominently. I don't game so I don't care. I will buy a TV with Dolby Vision next time around. Since Samsung does not do Dolby Vision. We'll see.
Play Seal's song crazy. If it sounds like his voice is trapped in a box on the floor, you are listening on a Denon. Get external amps or get a different avr. It was proven to me that Denon sucks when it comes to music. External amps make movies sound way better. I'm seriously looking at an Onkyo as I hear they are way better for music and movies.
How could you say that the unit is built in Japan? Because if you look at the back of the AVR there is clearly stated it is built in Malaysia. So that would be quite clear ;)
I could be mistaken. I didn't record the source of where I read that Onkyo's receivers are being built in Japan so unfortunately I can't confirm it now. Its still a good AVR regardless. I will make sure to be absolutely certain next time. Good catch.
Got a question for you if you can answer it. Regarding PC setup.. Current setup is PC directly to TV, TV ro AVR for eARC. With this setup, I have no on screen display from my Yamaha. To see it, I need to switch to the eARC HDMI port on the TV then switch back when I'm done. This prevents me from seeing detailed info about whats on the screen ever. I'm assuming that same issue would be present on this if connected the same way? I do want this, but at the same time, I want to wait till ports are full 48 GBs so when 12bit TVs come out, I can still use it with my pc (4k 120 12bit). I always have the option of PC>TV>TV>AVR(eARC) but it is annoying to no end when I need to troubleshoot something due to not being able to see detailed info on screen. If you can help, I'd appreciate it.
Hi, I was wondering how does this compare to the denon 6400 for bass. I am after strong authoritive bass. I know denons strong point is bass but does the onkyo surpass denon with flying colours. Thank you.
Can you power your main speaker with an external amp and the rest of the speaker with the receiver, including 4 Atmos? The reason I ask is because with my Nad T758 V3 I need an exterior amp for the Atmos speaker. You can't power them internally.
Do you feel if this TX RZ50 is less powerful or more powerful than your x6400h denon? I have a 6500H And want to get RZ50 cause of dirac, but afraid to lose the power of the x6500h if he is powerful than Onkyo
I’ve watched all your videos hoping you’d test the HDMI ports 4 to 6 and the zone 2 hdmi for 4K 120. 1. Can 4-6 do 4K 120? 2. Does zone 2 hdmi do 4K 120 or 60?
I can test those ports but I will not have time for a while. There are only three ways to obtain 4K/120 right now. I can't think of a reason why 4-6 would absolutely need it but I can find that out.
@@MancaveCentral1 Hi, great review. seems like it could be the endgame receiver (for a few years at least). Did you have chance to test ports 4-6 with 4k20? Would be great if you could.
@@MancaveCentral1 would really love if you could provide us with a tested answer as well about the last 3 hdmi ports bandwidths. This should be standard spec information, really =/
I've covered that in great detail all over my channel already. But here is a video on only the speakers if you have no interest in viewing my other videos: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-PpwYnNVLf3k.html
I've seen them come and go sporadically on Amazon here: amzn.to/3oayh20 Or go with an identical alternative with the Pioneer Elite VSX-LX505 here: amzn.to/3tZYtzQ Stock fluctuates so check these links daily.
At first glance they look like the same AVR except Pioneer is more expensive. If I were you and really needed a new AVR I would get the first one available if that $100 difference isn't a deal breaker.
From what I understand, one of the big differences is that the Onkyo lets you set different crossovers for each individual speaker, whereas the Pioneer only allows for one crossover for all speakers.
I have a question, I'm going back and forth between this RZ50 @1299 and a Denon 4800h for $1899. I have 9 channels and a multiroom setup for my audiophile moments where I need an escape and just 2 channels. Any thoughts on why I shouldn't pull the Denon trigger and should save the cheddar?
There's no solid reason why you shouldn't go for the lower cost option. I honestly believe the RZ50 sounded a hair better than the Denon it replaced. The RZ50 supports basically all the same functions, sounds great and with the addition of DIRAC, it will be there for you when you want to take home theater audio calibration a step further than the Denon can. Save the money and be happy.
@@MancaveCentral1 Thanks for the response. Over the years i've had Pioneer VSX-D1S2, Yamaha, and several Onkyo's including the TX-696 which this RZ-50 is replacing. Since I'm actively setting up a 7.2.4 Atmos environment at the house, I'm in a position to where I'm going to have to externally power some of my speakers now. I purchased the Rz50, but I'm curious as to how to power the additional speakers. What I"m thinking I'd like to do is power my Elac Debut 6.2 front's and center but I'm unsure of which amplifier to to purchase. Do you have any recommendations on which amplifiers to look at. Amazon is the wild west. Pyle just doesn't seem be in the quality range that I'm looking for event hough its an "amazon choice". Thoughts?
I don't have a ton of experience with seperate amps. I have a couple mono amps imported from the UK in my music room but they are too expensive for what you are looking to do. Monoprice and Emotiva have reputable and affordable amps. AVS Forum and Audioholics forums are better for collecting peoples 2 cents. The Onkyo RZ-70 is 11 channels, maybe that's an option instead of buying more amps needing more outlets and space which is the same price as the Denon you were considering.
I can't give you a definitive answer on that. Many people prefer adding external amps to their front and center channels to improve music playback because they might already have better quality amps. Others would need an amp to activate the remaining two channels to get all four ceiling speakers. You would need more power to all channels (either full 9 or 11 channel amp) in a larger room for sure. However, while listening to Tidals Atmos audio through my shield on the more powerful Denon in the theater room I maxed out my amp at vol 70 and still could not get the audio loud enough. Movies are loud at 62 vol so who's to say when external amps are needed. You have to determine that when testing it at home.
@@MancaveCentral1 Hmm, at the most I'd probably do 5.2.2. I guess the question is do you feel the receiver can drive 7 speakers. Although I suppose any strain taken off the receiver is always a plus.
Good quality high current external amplification almost always helps. I had the top of the line Onkyo Integra TXDS939 THX. I used the preamp outputs to hook up a 250 watt per channel Soundcraftsmen amplifier for left and right and a 300 watt amplifier for the center channel. It made a huge difference in sound quality. My speakers were Thiel CS3, CS2, and SCS Center. I run a VMPS Larger Subwoofer and a Dayton Audio sub in a sealed enclosure, I use a DSP for tuning the subs. I will have my new TX-RZ 50 Monday evening. My current speakers are all ESS and use their Air Motion Transformer mid/tweeters. I will try the new receiver by itself to drive my front speakers, and make a comparison with my separate power amplifiers. I'll make an updated post and let you know what I think.
Auro3D is so low on the audio format food chain it wasn't worth mentioning. I've never used it once on either of my Denon's and no movie I have in my collection offers it.
Ok so when the Xbox Series X Dolby Vision 120hz goes live on the LG CX will this receiver be able to display it in the TV if the Series X is connected to the Receiver?
That's not an easy answer. It depends on how you'll use it. The 3700 was my choice till the Onkyo was announced. The Denon only has one HDMI 2.1 input and if you are a gamer only one may not be enough. If you have a dedicated theater room the Onkyo's DIRAC calibration will beat the Denon. If you just want something that's available today and is really good the Denon X3700 is still great, go buy it -> amzn.to/3vU3lFi
@@MancaveCentral1 thank you very much for the reply. I was mainly looking at Denon for its ability to turn off internal amplification, as well as potentially using heos across multiple rooms in the house. Not sure if heos is better than play-fi though, and if turning off the internal amps really make that much of a difference. Otherwise I would likely go onkyo.
@@MancaveCentral1 Thanks for the reply! Can you tell me what setting you had to do to make it work? I already have multiple HDMI 2.1 cables. They work great when hooked straight from GPU to the TV (LG CX) but no signal when going through the amplifier. I have all the HDMIs set to 8K enhanced. And tried RGB, 4:4:4, and 4:2:0. No signal with any of them at 120hz
I don't know how to help you. I used HDMI 1 on the AVR as only the first three inputs are full bandwidth. I strongly suggest you reach out to Onkyo support if that doesn't help.
Even without the Dirac Live ive always found Onkyo AVR's to be more lively, more snap/urgency to the sound. I'm also a Denon user here (x4500h currently). Does the Onkyo have a pre-amp disconnect mode like the newer Denon's?
Well that's a bummer that it doesn't support true separate subwoofers and is a mono summed signal like the more expensive NAD T778, I wish they would just make them separate subwoofer outs so we can tune our subs more easily without needing to rely on other ways around it, as every link in the chain could degrade sound signal, wonder when they'll do it right? (NAD T778 a somewhat ever more expensive receiver does the same thing).
I have a feeling the next model with 11 amplified channels may offer that option. I know a lot of enthusiasts with less than ideal setups rely on dual sub control but for someone like me with such a small media room, it's irrelevant. I only game with the AVR and don't use it for movies, I have another AVR in the Theater Room for that.
Had to sell it, needed the funds. Being a youtuber isn't the glamorous lifestyle I was expecting it to be especially when I have no sponsors and vendors don't send me anything to review.
I'm really upset GRR 😷and I think I'm right and people is wrong. some people say Onkyo is bad, and overheat. other say: go with Yamaha, is better - and forums about Denon say they are better while a lot of youtube reviews say Onkyo is a very good option.
They're all good but to be honest, it's been a year since I posted that video and things have changed considerably. If I could buy an AVR today it would be the Denon AVR-X3800H - amzn.to/3SMVLY0 and not the Onkyo.
@@MancaveCentral1 Hey man, can you briefly say why you'd go Denon and not the Onkyo? I see the 3800H also has Dirac (which is now a must have for me) so I'm interested to know if I should be aiming that way as well.
Because it is more readily available and Denon is a good brand. These AVR in around the same price range are so similar in performance and features it comes down to whichever one is in stock and can be bought. There's no deep explanation.
I Really did like this video on the Onkyo RZ-50. However the PS5 is capable of doing DOLBY ATMOS. The XBOX Series X does do Dolby Vision at 120hz gaming.
@@MancaveCentral1 It absolutely does. Its just not so apparant in the settings. Have to go a different way. I can prove it to you if you want. Do you not want to know how?
@@MancaveCentral1 To get Dolby Atmos you nedd to change the Audio Output to Format to Bitstream(Dolby). Then in ps5 menu go into options on controller under settings and audio format needs to be changed to Bitstream.
48000HZ is master audio. No recording studio records at 196, not to mention if they did, you wouldn't be able to hear the difference between 48 and 196. As you are a human and not a dog or cat. Thats all a scam for all of you guys who think the wood on Electric guitars makes a difference.
Those were the reported specs several months prior to release and things could change. I never use the devices where they label them anyways. I rename the inputs from the menus.
@@MancaveCentral1 24Gbps is not HDMI 2.1. and 40gbps is already a gimped version, HDMI 2.1 is supposed to be 48Gbps. Funny thing is the "HDMI 2.1" port that's labeled "PC" where RTX3000 and RX6000 series gpu's supposed to be plugged in, will be one of the rear 3x HDMI 2.1 ports with only 24Gbps bandwidth, the other half 40Gbps.
![Onkyo TX RZ50 Review [NEW VIDEO] DIRAC Built in Dolby Vision Dolby Atmos DTS:X Xbox Series X & PS5](/img/logo.svg){kind=logo}
