ONKYO TX-RZ840 9.2 Channel IMAX Enhanced, Dolby Atmos, DTS-X Receiver 

Just bought one of these on Amazon. It was retailing for $1,099 but I got the $150 credit for applying for the Amazon store card. Inflation is crazy right now. Receivers are retailing for at least $500 more than comparable models pre-pandemic. Even this 2019 model is $100 more than it was brand new three years ago. Anyway, I was looking at the Denon X4700H as well, but it was $500 more, so I pulled the trigger on the RZ840. It'll be my first Onkyo. I've owned Pioneer and Denon. Figured I'd give Onkyo a try.

I'm not sure how many people will read this, but, this receiver WAS available for purchase, for a couple of days, on the Onkyo website. I was on the waitlist; was notified; grabbed one! If you're desiring one of these earlier models, join the waitlist, and hopefully, you'll meet with success. Update 7-21-21: Well, after receipt; hookup; calibration; listening, I was not happy with the AccuEq calibration sound performance. It paled in comparison to my Audyssey equipped TX-NR809, so I returned it; replaced it with a TX-NR818. Now I'm a happy camper. I don't care that some of the latest tech is missing, what really matters to me is sound reproduction.

Hello, Spare! Thanks for the review. I really love your channel because you leave nobody out🤟🏻🤟🏻🤟🏻 one day you bring us a super HiFi plus equipment, and the other day you share with us a more to earth stuff. To me, your channel is improving every day. Cheers!

I got the onkyo tx-nr686 polka 110 subwoofer and 4 t50 bookshelf polka and 2 Sony Up fire atmos speakers on top front wall mount and a polk center with 6 speakers one tweeter I appreciate all of your videos Thank you for helping people Enjoy home theater experience and movie reviews

Thanks Spare that was a review I was waiting for. I follow a lot of reviewers on RU-vid but you are the only one to review a Onkyo receiver. I have been a Denon user for decades but now changed to Onkyo since i listen to the TX-RZ830. It seems that lots of guys are into Denon or Marantz as far as receiver are concerned. i would love to see a comparison between the Onkyo RZ840 and its direct rivals from Denon and Marantz. That would help me make my choice. Keep it up pal.

*IT'S ON SALE YOU CAN PICK UP THE ONKYO HERE* bit.ly/32VdNwM

I cant believe this channel isn't at 100k subs. Great content

I went through 4 generations of onkyos and had pretty good luck with all units. No hdmi issues. I still own a 805 though its been shelved for years. I would probably get a unit like this as I run 5.2.4 but im glad ive been able to try out different brands, and chase after a sound signature I enjoy more for 90% home theater use. I do think the reason onkyos are affordable is because they don’t pay a license fee for room correction and developed their own. That’s something I don’t miss at all.

I've been an Onkyo user and was thinking of switching to Denon when upgrading my A/V setup later in the summer. I'm going to use a 5.0.4 setup (both fronts have 10" woofers) and this Onkyo has intrigued me and may keep me on their train.

If you want 4 height speakers, you can also just use 5.1.4, you don't Have to have external amplification unless you want a full 11 channel set up.

Shane love the facial expressions and shoulder shrugs when you are doing the voice over. You really do deserve more subscribers. Your videos and commentary have such a professional look and feel to them. I watch a lot of AV reviewers on RU-vid and you have by far the most polished videos and on screen presence and delivery.

0:54 Gene DellaSala TRIGGERED!

Thank you for the very thorough review. I love how you were able to video capture the OSD of the Onkyo menu. Now from a Denon owner's perspective.... Only one 12V trigger! although as someone that despises Audyssey XT32 (including the mobile app) and just manually EQ's and levels their system with a tone generator and a meter. I was pleasantly surprised when I saw the15 band graphic EQ on the Onkyo. (only 9 bands on a Denon) Other interesting things I came across on your video. The support for non standard setups such as 6.1.2 and the alike ( phantom center). Which can be done on the Denon as well, but it's nice to see it a preset option on the Onkyo. Which is non existent on my 4300H. On a side note, if you're going to keep on reviewing receivers, please keep it in this format. I enjoyed watching this review , cheers. I think I might get rid of my Denon

B&H Photo getting a nice little shout out. Onkyo has done a nice job with the sleek lines and simple front panel layout. The GUI has a really nice modern look to it.

I own the TX-RZ830, which is nearly identical. I was able to pick it up for $450, NEW, from an authorized dealer a few months ago (it’s easy to get screwed on your warranty if it’s not from an authorized dealer). That warranty is THREE years, by the way! These Onkyo TX-RZs are THE best A/V deal out there. Also, you could have chosen to run 5.1.4, and retained your overhead speakers- it’s only while running 7 ear-level channels or dedicating 2 (of the 9) channels for a second zone, that you trade away the ability to have 4 overheads. Of course, as you correctly stated, you may supplement with an external 2-ch amplifier, and all atmos configurations will be available, including 7.1.4. Oddly, the external amp must be used to power the rears (speakers 6 & 7 of a 7.1 system)- it would be nice to have the option of running the front L & R speakers from a separate dedicated amp, leaving the less-demanding surround duties to the internal amps. In any case, I’m using an older 6.1 channel (yes!) Cambridge Audio AVR I bought in 2005 to run the rears (which in turn allows me to do 7.1.4). Because the Cambridge has direct analog RCA inputs for all six channels I’m also able to run my front LCRs with it! That way, the Onkyo doesn’t have to work very hard at all, and the Cambridge amp is much better sounding (and ultimately more powerful) than the Onkyo. A pretty good use of an otherwise “obsolete” piece of equipment, I think!

Well Shane my taught on the Onkyo it is an amazing unit and im really glad you did a review on it! peoples tend to go with marantz and denon but on my side i find Onkyo pioneer and integra to be an excellent choice.. paired with power amp this make and unbelievable bargain pre pro

Please keep reviewing Avr recievers awesome and enjoyable to watch plus very educated.

Hello I recently purchased Onkyo to replace my 12 year old Denon avr-1609 I tried to find a middle ground between the Sound Performance of my Denon I still miss my Denon I will buy one another one in the future but for now this does the job I really like your videos keep up the good work you had a really great feedback I am from Canada

Onkyo & Pioneer Receivers are on my C list. A list Receivers: Anthem, Arcam, NAD ( all have great DACS, Great Room correction software, good amp section). B List receivers: Marantz, Denon, Yamaha.

Im contemplating buying this unit. Thanks for making this video

I need one of these in my life

Still running a TX-NR818 Class AB. I note the harmonic distortion of these Class D receivers. Compared to some other class D amplifiers, these Onkyos still have another generation to go before I upgrade. I have plenty of solar power, so energy efficiency isn't an issue with the AB amp. I have also heard many complaints about the new auto room calibration, and personally find the older XT32 calibration fairly useless as well compared to by-ear calibration. See what Onkyo does next. The RZ models have bee running for a while now.

Thanks for the review. I would like if you can make a follow up review for this unit working with the Xbox One X and Atmos games, so Onkyo acknowledges the 2019 AVR are not compatible with Atmos implementation from the X Box. Also, after the upgrade, HDCP for all HDMI ports were upgraded to v2.3. I would also point out, that using external amp to accomplish 7.1.4 wont allow to drive the Front Speakers through the external amp, only the Surround Backs.

Great looking AVR. Love that front panel design. Very cool to hear that is has IMAX enhanced feature. Great rear panel layout. love all those inputs.

at 5:01 actually no. it can handle 5.1.4 without any addition. you'll need pre out for 7.1.4

Giving 👍👍👍👍👍for showing the price! Thank you.

Shane, can you ask Onkyo to let 840 owners to upgrade to Dirac for a cost? 840 has the same hardware as RZ50 so it should be doable :)

Did you get a chance to hook this up to your dedicated amps and use as just a processor? I would enjoy hearing your thoughts on it as a processor along with any future receivers with the available pre-outs. Also I notice in the specs that it is compatible with HDR10, Dolby vision etc but no mention of HDR10+. Do you know know if it is compatible with HDR10+? Keep up the great reviews.

Hey Spare I got dizzy from the speed...LOL

It would be interesting to see how this receiver stacks up to the new denon X3600. I know that receiver has nine channels of amplification, not sure if it has 11 channels of processing though.

My shop list is between yamaha 2080 Denon x4500h or marantz sr6013

I wish I had a theater like you

Great review, i have it's older brother the NR-797 Run the Accu EQ just so i can turn on the double Bass. then I only use the manual EQ. for under 200hZ. also there is a separate EQ setting for the sub woofer which is nice. run everything THX except my fronts which are set to full range. i have Zu DW's so there very efficient and dynamic. Love the Onkyo sound especially for 2 channel. mine is Class A/B i believe the RZ models are Class D but I'm not sure.

Came here to look it over it over. US$999 when it came out 2 years ago? Why is it on super boxing sale for about the same price (C$1300) now in December 2021?

Well done another great review

Plz tell the 2channel driven power at 8ohms or 4ohms bcoz 250 watts 1 channel driven at 6ohms is inflated.

first a good video thumbs up, I am considering buying the Denon AVR-X4500H, right now I have Yamaha Aventage RX-A1060 it is 3 years old. Regards Johnny

I onw the Onkyo TX NR686 looking forward for upgrade to RZ840..

I envy you brother, keep up the nice content!

For that price I'll go with a marantz av receiver

Aren’t you able to run 4 height speakers if you run a 5.1.4 setup? It’s only an 9.2 channel receiver correct?

Looks good. What is Sony privilege 4K ?

Thanks for the review ! Any chance you will be reviewing the GoldenEar Supercinema 3d Array XL ?

ILL STICK WITH MY PIONEER VSX 933,AS ITS 7.1 OR 7.1.2 AND THE ONLY REAL DIFFERENCE IN SOUND IS THAT THE ONKYO IS T,H,X.😉💪💪✌👊

How about Onkyo last time hdmi problematic no sound

Great video as always thank you! Did you by chance do a video on the 920? That’s the one I currently have and would love to see that video.

Upgrading to this from NR636 😀

So def considering this receiver! However because my equipment will be 30 feet away from the actual room, what is your suggestion on the calibration mic not being long enough? Great video!

Spare change you have a good following because your work you do is really good however i realise you hardly resonds to your fans questions..dont say u cant answer all because you rarely answer any. I checked ur other channels and its the same so i hope you can take 15 min of your time and reply to the help your followers.

Great review..I've always bought into the Onkyo brand..I have the TXRZ-810 Receiver from 2017..very nice receiver the 840.

How about thi receiver is that too hot or not?Same like Tx-nr hdmi chip problem?

GREAT REVIEW

Hello. I know this is an old video, but I just found it. I have a question about sound quality and amplifier section, comparing Onkyo, Denon and Marantz. When comparing similarly priced receivers from all three, which do you feel has better sound quality and which seems to have better amp sections? Also, now that Onkyo/Pioneer/Integra has Dirac, how much of an edge (if any) does this give them in sounding better than similarly priced competitors that don’t have Dirac? I’m trying to decide what to buy on a $1500 - $2000 budget and want the best sound quality I can get for that price range. Thank you for your help.

Got a Denon X4500H with 2x Klipsch SPL-150 and 2 Klipsch RP-8000Fs. I love the quality and everything. BUT. I am aiming for a 7.2.4 dolby atmos system. I was thinking to get an external amp since my denon can't process 11 channels. If I pair my AVR with this Onkyo receiver, will I be getting the THX cinema experience as well? and if not, how could I connect my 7.2.4 system in a way that I got both atmos and THX? Thanks in advance!

What would you recommend for someone who has $500 to spend on a Dolby atmos receiver? It’s not for a theater room, just a living room.

I'll stick with my seperates! I guess if one is starting out that's ok? I was using a Pioneer with the class D amplification. Now that thing could rumble,but to be far it cost 1,500 Euro. Nice video for the beginners.

Hi there. I have a very short question: I have Onkyo tx nr1009 as you may know it has many codecs but Dolby Atmos. I am about to buy Klipsch 625FA. Can I utilize the Atmos top speakers on that with Onkyo nr1009? Would it be a good idea? Thanks for your reply in advance. Cheers.

I noticed in the menu for bass you had crossovers at 80hz and the lpf hpf at 120hz, I’ve asked about this the rule I remember hearing that your hpf needs to be approx 40hz above your crossover, is this correct

Like my rz840 with my klipsch speakers but I’m not getting ATMOS label through my Xbox 1x .

Interesting - which would you rate more, the 840 or the marantz 6013...

Lovely review. Well since 10 hears I how been using Yamaha rx-v550 till my sweet daughter broke it down. Sure that old model had lovely sound. Now I am ready to invest in. New one and I tried to find new rz900 but couldn't find it nowhere. I find your review tends Me to get the 840 but I m lost when you asked what is the shopping list. Sir if you are going to invest 1k in 1 box to get all those deciding options like atmos dtsx THX (lovely option) ND the option of iMax is not the important. Give me 3 Alternative options even older models to spend on. My range from 500 to 1k on an avr or Max 1k on avr with 2 atmos speakers. I do not mind older models at all I would appreciate your help

I ask, ¿in the crossover do you hear the front speakers in full band better??

Anyone purchased this Onkyo 9 months ago and manage to still have it function? Has it been stable? Curious since my buddy’s unit stopped working and before that he was having HDMI issues. Wondering if it is just bad luck with his unit. Trying to investigate to help him decide to get it fix or purchase another brand.

Why do I need all the 4k/8k processing?

Looks nice but I still consider the Denon AVR-X3600H the best 7.1.4 Atmos/DTS:X receiver for almost around the same price as this, just only an hundred bucks more.

I haven’t upgraded my 5.1 set up in years. What AV Receiver would you recommend as my set up is only for my living room? I currently use Definitive Technology ProMonitor 800 bookshelf speakers with a golden ear technology force field 5 sub. My current receiver is a Yamaha RX-V1800 (very old but have never had issues). I will upgrade my speakers later and would like to use 7.1.4. Would like a mid to high tier model.

I have the 830, Do you know how to turn off the eq?

You're comparing a receiver to emotiva amplifiers and preamps? Of course it's going to seem lower midtear. Come on man at least compared it to a receiver. Let's do apples to apples. I love your videos very professionally put together but let's keep it real next time

I want this thing! 🔊🎼🎶🎵🎹🎶🎶🎻🎶🎵😊

I've been enjoying a TX-NR818 for years, not that I use it much. It has the updated HDMI board capacitors, but haven't yet placed passive heat sinks on the two hottest HDMI board processing chips. The RZ class-D series from Onkyo just doesn't encourage me to want class-D at all. It has high THD, and lack-lustre clear power. The old Onkyo Apps for Smartphones have always been garbage, and in my experience with Onkyo, including service, and repair, has been quite shit, and parts through one repairer only supplier. One of my kids crossed a surround channel speaker wire, and no circuit protection prevented an entire cascade failure of that class AB channel. I won't be buying another Onkyo until they are actually good. The competition brands are doing a LOT better. Denon... No way thanks!

My review is on Amazon under "ME Willhite". It's a bad ass receiver.

what is the best setup you have or tested?

I have a question. I have an onkyo txrz820. I thought I could do 7.2.2 atmos. Turns out I can only do 5.2.2 atmos or 7.2. Should I return the upfiriring Dolby atmos speakers and do 7.2 or keep them and do 5.2.2 atmos. Do the upfiriring speakers really make that much of a difference? Please help!

Mine was dead out of the box, but it was only 850$. Might try again

This is cute but you can never beat separates.

Had a onkyo for a few months. Dolby atmos receiver. nothing but TROUBLE with hdmi and CEC issues with samsung qled. Drama! We swapped to a denon and worked in 5 mins and not have had any problems anymore and even better sound. Never buying a onkyo again

How many price for indian money value?

You say for four height speakers you need external amplification. What about the processing of those extra two speakers? How do you make that work with this avr?

Please review yamaha 3080 or 2080

Hello! does it support banana plugs?

This or the Marantz SR6013?

Even this new design inside is better, its display screen still looks too narrow to us, isn't it.

Whats a really good mid level AV receiver

can someone tell me what i need for externel amplification. i really dont know what to buy.

which one is better Marantz sr 6013 or this Onkyo?

As my last onkyo lasted almost 10 years ill stick to the brand. Just trying to find one that supports 2 height front and rear built in

Would it be able to fo 5.1.4 instead

Hi!! How can I get the set up 9.2 Dolby Atmos in My onkyo receiver..????

very interesting

How would you compare that to Integra? Thanks

Will this unit do 7.2.2 ? The manual I seen says it can but I didn't see it on the menus..

how big is your theater?

tx-rz740 support for eARC? i'm buy yesterday

Does this receiver support 5.1.4 without an external amp?

Hi, I was thinking about the onkyo also thinking about the new Denon Avr-3600 what are your thoughts please

IS IT E ARCA ?

I've heard that particular model has an issue decoding atmos through Xbox

Can you review the Polk T Series speakers? I’m planning to have a home theater system on a budget with Atmos in my room because I don’t want to spend a ton of money on a home theater room with Klipsch speakers.

No USB slot in front!!!

250W 6ohms 1ch driven???