$1,199.00
Released in late 2022, the TX-RZ30 represents Onkyo's latest push into the premium home theater receiver market. After extensive testing, we've found it delivers impressive performance that justifies its $1,200 price point, especially for serious home theater enthusiasts.
The home theater receiver landscape has changed dramatically in recent years. Where basic surround sound processing was once enough, today's units need to handle everything from 8K video to wireless streaming. The TX-RZ30 embraces these changes with sophisticated digital processing that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago.
The TX-RZ30's 100 watts per channel (measured at 8 ohms) might not sound revolutionary, but it's how this power is delivered that matters. The High Current Power Supply (HCPS) means the receiver maintains consistent performance even during demanding movie scenes where lesser units might struggle. In our testing, this translated to clear dialogue and powerful explosions without distortion, even at higher volumes.
Perhaps the most impressive feature is the included Dirac Live room correction system. Think of room correction as an advanced equalizer that compensates for your room's acoustic properties. While previous systems like Audyssey were good, Dirac Live takes it further by analyzing not just frequency response but also the timing of sound reflections. During our testing in various rooms, this made a noticeable difference in sound clarity and bass response.
As gaming becomes increasingly important, HDMI 2.1 support isn't just nice to have - it's essential. The TX-RZ30 includes:
We tested these features with both PS5 and Xbox Series X consoles, and the performance was flawless. The receiver switched modes automatically and maintained low latency throughout gaming sessions.
For movie enthusiasts, the TX-RZ30 supports:
The difference between 7.1 and 9.2 channels might seem subtle, but those extra height channels create a more immersive sound bubble. When testing with modern Atmos content like "Dune," the overhead effects were precisely placed and natural sounding.
Modern receivers need to handle streaming, and the TX-RZ30 excels here with:
The integration is seamless - we particularly appreciated how the receiver automatically powers on when streaming is initiated from a phone or tablet.
While the TX-RZ30 is feature-rich, initial setup can be daunting. The included setup microphone and Dirac Live software guide you through room correction, but expect to spend about an hour getting everything optimized. The good news is that once configured, daily operation is straightforward thanks to the intuitive remote and front panel controls.
At $1,200, the TX-RZ30 sits in a competitive space. However, the inclusion of Dirac Live (which typically costs several hundred dollars as a separate purchase) and full HDMI 2.1 support makes it a strong value proposition. The build quality also suggests this receiver will last through several equipment upgrades.
The TX-RZ30 is ideal for:
However, it might be overkill if you:
Since its release, Onkyo has provided several firmware updates improving stability and adding features. The most notable was the addition of Sonos compatibility in early 2023, making the receiver more versatile for whole-home audio setups.
After extensive testing across various content types and setups, the TX-RZ30 proves itself as a capable and future-proof receiver. While the price might seem steep, the combination of premium room correction, gaming features, and robust amplification justifies the investment for serious audio enthusiasts.
The receiver market continues to evolve, but the TX-RZ30's feature set should keep it relevant for years to come. Whether you're building a new home theater or upgrading an existing setup, it's a solid choice that balances advanced features with reliable performance.
For those serious about home theater or gaming, the comprehensive feature set and superior audio quality make the TX-RZ30 a worthwhile investment, even at its premium price point.
Yes, the TX-RZ30 is worth its $1,200 price tag for serious home theater enthusiasts. It offers premium features like Dirac Live room correction, full HDMI 2.1 support, and high-quality amplification that justify the investment for those building a comprehensive home theater system.
The receiver supports up to 9.2 channels, meaning you can connect nine main speakers and two subwoofers. This allows for a full Dolby Atmos setup with height channels for immersive surround sound.
Yes, it fully supports next-gen gaming with HDMI 2.1 features including 4K/120Hz, VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), making it perfect for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S gaming.
Yes, it supports multiple streaming services including Spotify, Tidal, Apple Music, and Amazon Music HD. It also features AirPlay 2, Chromecast built-in, and Bluetooth connectivity for wireless streaming.
With 100 watts per channel, the TX-RZ30 is ideal for medium to large rooms up to 500 square feet. It has enough power to fill larger spaces while maintaining clear, detailed sound.
Yes, it supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and IMAX Enhanced formats, providing full support for the latest immersive audio formats used in modern movies and streaming content.
The receiver features 6 HDMI inputs and 2 outputs, all supporting HDMI 2.1 specifications. This provides plenty of connectivity for modern entertainment devices like gaming consoles, streaming boxes, and Blu-ray players.
Yes, it excels at music playback thanks to its high-quality DACs, Dirac Live room correction, and robust amplification. It also includes a phono input for turntables and supports high-resolution audio formats.
Yes, it features powered Zone 2 and Zone 3 capabilities, allowing you to send different audio sources to three separate areas of your home simultaneously.
While initial setup can be complex due to the advanced features like Dirac Live room correction, the receiver includes clear instructions and an automated calibration process. Basic setup takes about an hour, with additional time needed for fine-tuning. The TX-RZ30 is best suited for users comfortable with technical setup procedures or those working with professional installers.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research has used advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: youtube.com - onkyo.com - cnet.com - audioholics.com - theabsolutesound.com - bestbuy.com - audiosciencereview.com - onkyo.com - onkyo.com - ecoustics.com - cine-craft.de
The Denon AVR-S760H ($569.99) offers remarkable value while delivering the core features most home theater enthusiasts need. Its 7.2 channel configuration and 75 watts per channel provide ample power for medium-sized rooms, and its three HDMI 2.1 ports support key features like 4K/120Hz gaming and 8K video passthrough. The Audyssey MultEQ room correction system, while not as advanced as Dirac Live, still delivers solid performance for typical room acoustics. The HEOS multi-room platform provides seamless streaming capabilities and whole-home audio integration that many users will find more than sufficient.
At nearly half the price of the Onkyo, the Denon AVR-S760H represents an excellent choice for those who want high-performance home theater without premium pricing. While it lacks the extra channels and power of the Onkyo, its feature set hits the sweet spot for most home theater applications. The straightforward setup process and user-friendly interface make it particularly appealing for those new to home theater, and its proven reliability since its 2021 release provides additional peace of mind. Unless you specifically need the extra channels or advanced room correction capabilities of the Onkyo, the Denon delivers exceptional performance per dollar.
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๐Denon AVR-S760H 7.2 Channel AV Home Theater Receiver Details
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The Denon AVR-S570BT ($319) offers an attractive entry point into genuine home theater audio, delivering solid performance at less than a third of the Onkyo's price. Its 5.2 channel configuration handles traditional surround sound content well, with 70 watts per channel providing enough power for most average-sized rooms. While it lacks advanced features like Dolby Atmos support, it still includes important modern capabilities like 8K/60Hz pass-through and gaming features such as Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM). The simplified setup process and straightforward interface make it particularly appealing for those new to home theater.
For basic home theater needs, the Denon's value proposition is compelling. Its core audio performance with standard surround sound content remains strong, and the basic auto-calibration feature helps achieve good sound in typical rooms. However, users should be aware of its limitations - there's no expansion path to height channels, streaming options are limited to Bluetooth, and the power output might struggle in larger spaces or with inefficient speakers. The Denon makes the most sense for users who want quality surround sound without the complexity and cost of more advanced features, or as a solid starting point for those just beginning their home theater journey.
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๐Denon AVR-S570BT 5.2 Channel AV Home Theater Receiver Details
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The $599 Denon AVR-S970H offers compelling value with its robust 7.2 channel configuration and proven Audyssey MultEQ room correction system. Despite its more modest price point, it delivers impressive performance with 90W per channel, which is plenty for most home theater setups. The AVR-S970H includes all the essential modern features like 8K/60Hz passthrough, 4K/120Hz gaming support, and comprehensive HDR compatibility, making it a practical choice for typical living room environments and gaming setups.
While it may lack the advanced room correction and additional channels of the Onkyo, the AVR-S970H represents a more practical investment for most users. Its straightforward setup process and user-friendly interface make it particularly appealing for those new to home theater, while its performance capabilities satisfy even experienced users who don't need the extra overhead channels. The money saved could be better spent on quality speakers or a subwoofer, which would likely have a more noticeable impact on overall system performance than the premium features found in more expensive receivers.
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๐Denon AVR-S970H 7.2 Channel 8K AV Home Theater Receiver Details
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The Denon AVR-S770H ($519) offers remarkable value with its well-implemented 7.2 channel configuration and user-friendly approach to home theater. While it may lack the advanced room correction of the Onkyo, its Audyssey MultEQ system still provides solid room calibration that will satisfy most users. The intuitive setup process and HEOS streaming platform make it particularly appealing for those new to home theater, and its 75 watts per channel proves more than capable in typical living rooms and dedicated theater spaces.
At nearly half the price of the Onkyo, the Denon AVR-S770H represents a sweet spot in terms of features versus cost. It handles all the essential modern features including 8K video passthrough, Dolby Atmos support, and gaming-focused HDMI 2.1 capabilities. While it can't match the Onkyo's channel count or power output, its performance in standard 5.1.2 or 7.1 configurations is excellent, making it the smarter choice for users who don't need the extra overhead channels or zone capabilities. The only real compromises are in areas that mainly affect enthusiast-level users, such as advanced room correction and THX certification.
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๐Denon AVR-S770H 7.2 Channel Home Theater Receiver Details
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The JBL MA710 ($679.95) offers an attractive alternative for those who want core home theater functionality without the premium price tag. While it lacks the advanced room correction and additional channels of the Onkyo, it delivers solid performance with its 7.2 channel configuration and slightly higher power rating of 110W per channel. The simplified EZ Set EQ system, while basic compared to Dirac Live, provides adequate room correction for typical living rooms and media spaces. For users setting up a standard 5.1 or 7.1 system, or even a basic 5.1.2 Atmos configuration, the JBL handles these tasks competently.
When considering value, the JBL MA710 makes a compelling case with its modern feature set including 8K/60Hz video support, AirPlay 2, and Chromecast capabilities, all at nearly half the price of the Onkyo. While it doesn't offer Sonos integration or the flexibility of a 9.2 channel setup, its straightforward interface and reliable performance make it an excellent choice for most home theater enthusiasts. The main compromise comes in terms of expandability and advanced audio processing, but for those who don't need these features, the cost savings could be better spent on higher quality speakers or other components.
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๐JBL MA710 7.2 Channel 8K AV Receiver Details
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The JBL MA510 ($510) offers remarkable value for those seeking a straightforward yet capable home theater receiver, coming in at less than half the price of the TX-RZ30. Its standout feature is the implementation of four full HDMI 2.1 ports, making it especially appealing for gamers who need multiple high-bandwidth connections for the latest consoles and gaming PCs. While limited to 5.2 channels, it still delivers solid performance with 75 watts per channel, which is plenty for small to medium-sized rooms, and its basic EZ Set EQ room correction system handles the fundamental task of speaker calibration effectively.
However, the JBL's limitations become apparent when comparing it to the TX-RZ30's more advanced features. The lack of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support means no overhead sound effects, and the simpler room correction can't match Dirac Live's sophisticated acoustic optimization. The MA510's power output and build quality, while adequate for most users, don't reach the same level of refinement as the Onkyo. Yet, for users focused on traditional 5.1 surround sound who don't need height channels or advanced room correction, the JBL MA510 represents an excellent value proposition that handles the basics exceptionally well without unnecessary complexity or cost.
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๐JBL MA510 5.2 Channel 8K AV Receiver Details
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The Onkyo TX-NR6100 ($519) stands out as a compelling alternative for those who don't need the TX-RZ30's premium features. With 7.2 channels, THX certification, and support for basic Dolby Atmos setups using two height speakers, it delivers impressive performance for typical living room theaters. The AccuEQ room correction, while not as sophisticated as Dirac Live, still provides good results in most spaces, and the receiver's 100 watts per channel offers plenty of power for common speaker configurations. The inclusion of HDMI 2.1 features on three inputs ensures compatibility with current gaming consoles and 8K video sources.
Where the TX-NR6100 really shines is its value proposition. At less than half the price of the TX-RZ30, it provides most of the essential features needed for a high-quality home theater experience. While it lacks the advanced room correction, additional channels, and premium components of its more expensive sibling, these differences may not be noticeable in many real-world setups. For those building a home theater in a typical living room or medium-sized space, who don't need extensive height speaker configurations or multi-zone capability, the TX-NR6100 represents an excellent balance of performance and affordability.
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๐Onkyo TX-NR6100 7.2 Channel THX Certified AV Receiver Details
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The Yamaha Aventage RX-A2A ($949) stands out with its proven reliability and comprehensive gaming support, including full HDMI 2.1 features across all inputs. While it offers fewer channels than the TX-RZ30, its 7.2 configuration still delivers powerful performance for most home theater setups. Yamaha's signature sound quality shines through with clean, detailed audio reproduction, and their YPAO room correction system, while not as sophisticated as Dirac Live, provides solid results with minimal fuss. The RX-A2A also excels in build quality, featuring Yamaha's anti-resonance design and carefully selected components.
At $250 less than the TX-RZ30, the RX-A2A represents excellent value for users who don't need the extra channels or advanced room correction. Its MusicCast integration offers seamless whole-home audio capabilities, and the receiver handles all current video formats including 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz. For most living room setups or medium-sized home theaters, especially those focused on gaming, the RX-A2A delivers all the essential features and performance without the premium price tag.
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๐Yamaha Aventage RX-A2A 7.2 Channel AV Receiver Details
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The $649 Yamaha RX-V6A stands out as a compelling alternative for those who don't need the TX-RZ30's premium features. While offering fewer channels at 7.2, it delivers the same 100 watts per channel and handles most modern surround formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. The RX-V6A's YPAO room correction, though not as sophisticated as Dirac Live, still provides good automatic speaker calibration for typical living room setups. It also includes essential modern features like 8K video support, HDMI 2.1 capabilities, and comprehensive streaming options including AirPlay 2 and MusicCast multi-room audio.
At nearly half the price of the TX-RZ30, the RX-V6A represents excellent value for most users who don't need advanced home theater features. Its 7.2 channels are sufficient for typical surround sound configurations including 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos setups, and its video capabilities meet the needs of current gaming consoles and streaming devices. While it lacks some premium features like THX certification and advanced room correction, the real-world performance difference may be negligible in many living room environments, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious buyers who still want modern features and reliable performance.
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๐Yamaha RX-V6A 7.2 Channel AV Receiver Details
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The Marantz NR1510 ($599) takes a distinctly different approach with its slim form factor and streamlined feature set. At half the height of the TX-RZ30, it's designed for spaces where a full-size receiver might be impractical, while still delivering impressive audio quality through its 5.2 channel configuration. The 50 watts per channel might seem modest compared to the TX-RZ30's output, but in rooms under 200 square feet, it provides more than enough power for engaging movie and music experiences. The NR1510's Audyssey MultEQ room correction, while not as sophisticated as Dirac Live, still does an admirable job of optimizing sound for your space.
Where the NR1510 really shines is in its value proposition and simplicity. For users who don't need height channels or advanced gaming features, it offers excellent sound quality, reliable 4K video switching, and comprehensive streaming options at half the price of the TX-RZ30. Its HEOS multi-room capability and AirPlay 2 support provide flexible wireless streaming options, while its more focused feature set makes it easier to set up and operate. While it can't match the TX-RZ30's advanced features or power output, it represents a smart choice for those seeking quality home theater audio without the complexity and cost of a flagship receiver.
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๐Marantz NR1510 5.2 Channel AV Receiver Details
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The Yamaha R-N602 takes a more focused approach as a dedicated stereo receiver, offering excellent two-channel performance at a more accessible $649 price point. Its simpler design prioritizes music playback through high-quality components and Yamaha's ToP-ART architecture, which minimizes signal interference. For users primarily interested in music listening rather than home theater applications, the R-N602's straightforward setup and operation, combined with its robust 80 watts per channel output, provide an attractive alternative that doesn't compromise on audio quality.
However, the Yamaha R-N602 lacks the TX-RZ30's extensive feature set and flexibility. Without HDMI connectivity, surround sound processing, or room correction capabilities, it's limited to traditional stereo setups. While it includes modern conveniences like network streaming and digital inputs, its functionality is primarily focused on two-channel audio. This makes it an excellent choice for pure music enthusiasts or those seeking a simpler solution, but users wanting immersive movie experiences or gaming features should consider the more capable TX-RZ30 despite its higher cost.
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๐Yamaha R-N602 Network Stereo Receiver Details
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Original price was: $5,997.99.$5,797.99Current price is: $5,797.99.
