$849.00
When Onkyo released the TX-RZ50 in late 2021, it marked a significant evolution in home theater receivers. After extensively testing this unit in various setups, it's clear this receiver hits a sweet spot between premium features and reasonable pricing that many home theater enthusiasts have been waiting for.
The TX-RZ50's HDMI 2.1 implementation is comprehensive, supporting 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz passthrough - essentially future-proofing your setup for years to come. But what does this actually mean for users? In our testing, games like Forza Horizon 5 ran buttery-smooth at 4K/120Hz through the receiver, with no noticeable lag or artifacts.
The inclusion of Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) - features that automatically optimize the display for gaming - proved particularly valuable when switching between movies and gaming sessions. No more manually adjusting settings when you fire up your PS5 or Xbox Series X.
The heart of any receiver is its audio capability, and the TX-RZ50 doesn't disappoint. With 250 watts per channel, it easily filled our large 20' x 30' testing room with clear, dynamic sound. The THX Certified Select certification isn't just marketing - it ensures the receiver can maintain reference volume levels without distortion in rooms up to 2,000 cubic feet.
One standout feature is Dirac Live room correction, which typically costs extra on other receivers. This sophisticated system measures your room's acoustics and adjusts the sound accordingly. In our testing, it made a notable difference in taming problematic room resonances and creating a more cohesive soundstage.
The receiver works seamlessly with various streaming platforms:
During our long-term testing, we found the multi-room capabilities particularly useful. You can easily stream different sources to different zones, perfect for entertaining or creating separate audio environments throughout your home.
For gamers, the TX-RZ50 is a revelation. The HDMI 2.1 ports (three full 40Gbps ports) support all the latest gaming features:
In practice, this means you can connect a PS5, Xbox Series X, and high-end PC simultaneously, all running at maximum quality settings.
In our dedicated theater room testing, the receiver truly shined with movie content. The ability to process Dolby Atmos and DTS:X creates an immersive bubble of sound that extends above and around the listening position. We found the height channels particularly effective during scenes with overhead effects like rainfall or aircraft flyovers.
The THX Cinema Reference mode deserves special mention - it provides an incredibly accurate representation of movie soundtracks, just as the creators intended.
While home theater receivers sometimes compromise on music playback, the TX-RZ50 proves capable with both digital and analog sources. The high-resolution audio support (up to 384kHz/32-bit) ensures your digital music collection sounds its best, while the phono input handles turntables with surprising finesse.
Since its release, the TX-RZ50 has maintained its position as a value leader in the premium receiver market. While other manufacturers have caught up with HDMI 2.1 support, few offer the complete feature set at this price point.
The receiver market has evolved significantly since 2021:
At $1,399, the TX-RZ50 competes with receivers costing significantly more. The inclusion of Dirac Live alone (which can cost $250-500 as an add-on) adds substantial value. When comparing features and performance with $2,000+ receivers, the value proposition becomes clear.
Initial setup is straightforward, though maximizing performance requires some time investment. The Dirac Live calibration process takes about 30 minutes but delivers remarkable results. The free Onkyo Controller app provides intuitive control over all features, from basic volume adjustments to detailed audio settings.
After months of testing with various content types:
The Onkyo TX-RZ50 represents a sweet spot in home theater receivers, offering premium features at a mid-range price point. It's particularly well-suited for:
While it might be overkill for basic setups, the TX-RZ50 provides exceptional value for those seeking a high-performance, feature-rich receiver. The combination of advanced room correction, gaming features, and excellent sound quality makes it a compelling choice in today's market.
For those building or upgrading a serious home theater system, the TX-RZ50 offers the perfect balance of performance, features, and value, making it one of our top recommendations in its category.
Yes, the TX-RZ50 offers excellent value for its price point. With features like Dirac Live room correction, HDMI 2.1 support, and powerful amplification, it competes with receivers costing significantly more. It's particularly worth it for home theater enthusiasts and gamers who need the latest features.
The TX-RZ50 can power up to 9 channels directly, supporting configurations like 5.2.4 or 7.2.2 Dolby Atmos setups. With additional amplification, it can process up to 11.2 channels, enabling a full 7.2.4 speaker layout.
Yes, the receiver fully supports 4K/120Hz gaming through its HDMI 2.1 ports, along with gaming features like VRR, ALLM, and QFT. It's perfectly suited for PS5 and Xbox Series X gaming.
The TX-RZ50 has three full-bandwidth (40Gbps) HDMI 2.1 ports supporting 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz, while the other three HDMI ports are 24Gbps. The HDMI 2.1 ports are essential for next-gen gaming and future 8K content.
Yes, it supports multiple streaming platforms including Chromecast built-in, AirPlay 2, DTS Play-Fi, and works with Sonos. It can stream high-resolution audio and connects to services like Spotify, Tidal, and Amazon Music HD.
The TX-RZ50 uses Dirac Live, one of the best room correction systems available. It measures and corrects for room acoustics across the full frequency range (20Hz-20kHz), significantly improving sound quality in most rooms.
Yes, it performs excellently with music, offering high-resolution audio support, a quality DAC, and precise room correction. The powerful amplification and clean sound make it great for both digital and analog music sources.
With 250 watts per channel, the TX-RZ50 can easily handle medium to large rooms up to 2,000 cubic feet. The THX Certified Select rating ensures it can deliver reference-level volume without distortion in these spaces.
Yes, it fully supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and IMAX Enhanced formats. It can process height channels for immersive surround sound, making it ideal for home theater applications.
Very future-proof, with 8K video support, HDMI 2.1 features, and expandable processing for up to 11.2 channels. The comprehensive format support and updateable firmware make it a solid long-term investment for any home theater system.
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: bestbuy.com - audioadvice.com - bestbuy.com - youtube.com - 7review.com - assets.onkyo-av.com - avsforum.com - youtube.com - onkyo.com - support.onkyousa.com - avsforum.com - stereoindex.com - forums.audioholics.com - audioholics.com
Onkyo TX-RZ50 9.2 Channel Home Theater Receiver |
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Power Output - Determines ability to drive speakers and fill larger rooms: 250W per channel |
Channel Configuration - Defines maximum speaker setup possible: 9.2 channels (expandable to 11.2) |
HDMI Inputs & Outputs - Critical for connecting modern devices: 6 in (3x 40Gbps, 3x 24Gbps), 2 out |
Video Passthrough - Important for latest gaming and video sources: 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz |
Room Correction - Crucial for optimizing sound to your space: Dirac Live (20Hz-20kHz) |
Gaming Features - Ensures compatibility with next-gen consoles: VRR, ALLM, QFT |
Streaming Support: Chromecast, AirPlay 2, DTS Play-Fi, Works with Sonos |
HDR Format Support - Ensures compatibility with latest content: Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG |
Audio Format Support: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced |
Bluetooth Codec Support - Important for wireless audio quality: SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD |
Dimensions: 17 1/8˝ x 7 15/16˝ x 15 11/16˝ |
Weight: 39.7 lbs |
Power Consumption - Important for energy costs: 850W (Operating), 0.1W (Standby) |
THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) - Measures audio clarity: 0.08% |
The Denon AVR-S760H ($569.99) offers compelling value with its 75W per channel output and support for 7.2 channel configurations, making it an excellent choice for medium-sized rooms and typical home theater setups. While it lacks the advanced Dirac Live calibration, its Audyssey MultEQ system provides good room correction that most users will find more than adequate. The receiver handles all modern audio formats including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, and supports key video features like 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz passthrough, ensuring solid future-proofing despite its more modest price point.
At less than half the cost of the Onkyo, the Denon AVR-S760H represents the sweet spot for many home theater enthusiasts who don't need the extra complexity or power of a premium receiver. Its user-friendly interface and straightforward setup process make it particularly appealing for those new to home theater, while still offering enough features and performance to satisfy experienced users. While it may not match the Onkyo's expandability or gaming-specific features, it delivers excellent audio quality and comprehensive connectivity options that will meet the needs of most home theater setups without requiring the significant additional investment.
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👌Denon AVR-S760H 7.2 Channel AV Home Theater Receiver Details
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The Denon AVR-S970H ($599) offers compelling value with its comprehensive HDMI 2.1 gaming features, including VRR, ALLM, and QFT, which provide a more optimized gaming experience than the Onkyo. Despite its lower price point, it matches the Onkyo's core video capabilities with 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz support, and its HEOS multi-room system provides access to a wider ecosystem of compatible devices. The Denon's more straightforward setup process and user-friendly interface make it particularly appealing for those new to home theater, while still delivering robust performance with 90W per channel - enough power for most medium-sized rooms.
At nearly half the price of the Onkyo, the AVR-S970H represents excellent value for users who don't need extra channels or premium room correction. While its 7.2 channel configuration limits it to 5.1.2 or 7.1 Atmos setups, and its Audyssey MultEQ room correction isn't as sophisticated as Dirac Live, these limitations won't significantly impact most users' listening experience. For those with standard home theater setups in medium-sized rooms, especially gamers or those prioritizing value, the Denon offers a more practical choice that delivers impressive performance without the premium price tag.
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👌Denon AVR-S970H 7.2 Channel 8K AV Home Theater Receiver Details
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The JBL MA710 presents an interesting value proposition at less than half the price of the TX-RZ50, offering core features that satisfy most home theater needs. Its 110W per channel power output is sufficient for medium-sized rooms, and the 7.2 channel configuration supports popular speaker setups including 5.1.2 Atmos arrangements. The simplified EZ Set EQ system, while not as sophisticated as Dirac Live, provides adequate room correction for typical listening spaces. The Class D amplification helps maintain efficiency and cool operation, while still delivering clean, detailed sound that will satisfy most users.
Where the JBL MA710 really shines is in its balance of modern features and affordability. It includes essential capabilities like 8K video support, eARC, and basic gaming features, making it a solid choice for users who want current technology without premium pricing. While it lacks some of the TX-RZ50's advanced features like dual HDMI outputs and expanded Atmos configurations, its straightforward interface and setup process might actually be preferable for users who don't need the complexity of a more advanced receiver. For those building a standard home theater setup without plans for extensive expansion, the MA710's value-oriented approach makes it a compelling alternative.
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👌JBL MA710 7.2 Channel 8K AV Receiver Details
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The Yamaha Aventage RX-A2A stands out as a compelling alternative at $950, offering robust performance with its 7.2 channel configuration and YPAO room correction system. While it doesn't match the TX-RZ50's channel count or Dirac Live capabilities, it delivers clean, powerful sound that satisfies most home theater setups. The RX-A2A shines in its straightforward setup process and reliable performance, backed by Yamaha's reputation for building durable receivers. Its single HDMI 2.1 port still supports key gaming features like 4K/120Hz and VRR, though users with multiple next-gen consoles may need to consider their connectivity needs.
For many users, especially those with medium-sized rooms or simpler speaker configurations, the RX-A2A represents excellent value. Its 100 watts per channel provides ample power for most speakers, and the YPAO room correction, while not as sophisticated as Dirac Live, still effectively optimizes sound for your space. The $240 saved compared to the TX-RZ50 could be better spent on speakers or other components unless you specifically need the additional channels or advanced room correction. The potential for a 5-year warranty with registration also adds peace of mind to the investment.
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👌Yamaha Aventage RX-A2A 7.2 Channel AV Receiver Details
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The Yamaha RX-V6A ($649.95) stands out as a compelling alternative at nearly half the price, offering robust performance for typical home theater setups. While it maxes out at 7.2 channels compared to the TX-RZ50's 9.2, this configuration is more than adequate for most living rooms and media spaces. Yamaha's YPAO room correction, though not as sophisticated as Dirac Live, still delivers solid results in normal acoustic environments. The receiver handles 8K video and 4K/120Hz gaming through its HDMI 2.1 port, and its 100W per channel power rating proves plenty capable for most speaker combinations.
Where the RX-V6A really shines is in its value proposition. It delivers the core features most users actually need - Dolby Atmos support (up to 5.2.2), comprehensive streaming options including AirPlay 2, and Yamaha's reliable MusicCast multi-room system. While it can't match the TX-RZ50's premium features like Dirac Live or expanded channel counts, these limitations won't impact most users' daily experience. For anyone building a home theater on a reasonable budget who doesn't need the complexity of a higher-end system, the RX-V6A represents an excellent balance of performance and value.
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👌Yamaha RX-V6A 7.2 Channel AV Receiver Details
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The Marantz NR1510
($599) stands out with its slim profile design, measuring just 4.1 inches tall - half the height of traditional receivers. This space-saving form factor, combined with capable 5.2-channel output delivering 50 watts per channel, makes it an attractive option for smaller rooms and space-conscious setups. While it lacks Dolby Atmos support, its Audyssey MultEQ room correction and high-quality DACs ensure excellent sound quality for standard surround sound configurations. The slim receiver handles 4K/60Hz video, supports HDR formats, and includes streaming features like AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth, covering the essential needs of most home theater users.
Where the NR1510 really shines is in its value proposition and focused feature set. At half the price of the TX-RZ50, it delivers strong performance for typical living room entertainment without overwhelming users with complexity. While it can't match the TX-RZ50's power output or advanced features, the NR1510
proves that a well-designed 5.2 channel receiver can provide immersive home theater sound without requiring a large footprint or budget. Its elegant design and straightforward setup make it particularly appealing for those upgrading from a soundbar or building their first proper surround sound system.
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👌Marantz NR1510 5.2 Channel AV Receiver Details
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The Yamaha R-N602 ($649.99) takes a purist's approach to audio, focusing exclusively on high-quality stereo reproduction. While it lacks the multi-channel capabilities and video processing of the TX-RZ50, it delivers excellent two-channel performance through its ToP-ART design and Pure Direct mode, which bypass unnecessary circuits for cleaner sound. For music enthusiasts, particularly vinyl collectors, its dedicated phono input and optimized stereo architecture can provide a more engaging listening experience, despite its more modest 80 watts per channel power rating.
At less than half the price of the TX-RZ50, the R-N602 represents an excellent value for those who prioritize music listening over home theater applications. Its MusicCast wireless streaming platform, while not as extensive as the TX-RZ50's options, provides adequate connectivity for modern streaming needs. However, buyers should be aware that they're trading away surround sound capabilities, HDMI connectivity, and room correction features. For music-first users with simpler needs who don't require video switching or surround sound, the R-N602's focused approach and lower price point make it a compelling alternative.
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👌Yamaha R-N602 Network Stereo Receiver Details
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