Onkyo TX-RZ50 Review: Elevating Your Home Entertainment Experience
I have been a devoted fan of Onkyo ever since my initial purchase of the remarkable TX-NR619 amplifier, a device I continue to use to this very day. Upon seeing this year’s EISA award winners, and learning that the TX-RX50 was honored with the Best Buy AV Receiver award, I felt compelled to try it out and ascertain whether it truly lives up to all this acclaim.
The Onkyo TX-RZ50 is a standout among AV receivers, boasting an array of features and technologies that cater to both audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts. With its multi-award-winning status, this 9.2-channel powerhouse delivers an exceptional audiovisual experience that is second to none.
Design and Build Quality: The TX-RZ50 is not only a performance powerhouse but a visual one as well. Its sleek and modern design is complemented by a robust build, making it an attractive addition to any home entertainment setup. The front panel is minimlistic and intuative, and the closing panel simply give the amp a very neat look.
Immersive Audio Performance: At the heart of the TX-RZ50 lies its remarkable audio performance. With 9.2 channels of amplification, THX certification, and support for Dolby Atmos and DTS-X, it immerses you in a world of sound. You get 3 powered zones, so you can have multiple rooms powered by this goliath of an amp as well as an 8k gaming mode for low latency gaming sessions.
Movies come to life, and music takes on a new dimension, with crystal-clear, dynamic audio, rich in detail and precision. The added bonus of 8K video support over HDMI 2.1 ensures that the visuals are as breathtaking as the audio. I tested this amp on a pair Klipsch speakers. These would be the preferred brand of speakers to purchase for this amp, not only for their exceptional quality, but also because the Rz50 has an integrated Klipsch Reference optimizer. This system ensure that you are getting the maximum out of your Klipsch speakers and amp.
Precision with Dirac Live Room Correction: A standout feature of the TX-RZ50 is the inclusion of Dirac Live Room Correction technology. This game-changing feature optimizes audio performance by tailoring it to your room’s specific acoustics. The result is a sound that is more accurate, balanced, and immersive. This is definitely the best key feature of this amp that simply makes it stand out.
Seamless Connectivity and Streaming: The TX-RZ50 offers a plethora of connectivity options. With HDMI 2.1, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and AirPlay 2, you can effortlessly stream content from various devices, providing access to a vast world of entertainment. Spotify Connect is also an added bonus for music lovers.
Sonos Integration: An exceptional feature of the TX-RZ50 is its compatibility with the Sonos ecosystem. By pairing it with a Sonos Port, this receiver seamlessly integrates into your Sonos Home Sound System. This means that you can control and stream content with ease, making it an integral part of your smart home setup.
Smart Home Integration: The TX-RZ50 extends its utility as a smart home-compatible device. It works seamlessly with Apple AirPlay, Alexa, Google apps, and more, offering you the ability to control and stream your favorite content throughout your home with up to 8K60 resolution.
Final Verdict: The Onkyo TX-RZ50 is not just an AV receiver; it’s a premium home entertainment experience. Its remarkable audio performance, support for the latest technologies, Dirac Live Room Correction, and seamless integration into the Sonos ecosystem make it a versatile and powerful addition to any entertainment setup. Whether you’re a cinephile or a music enthusiast, this receiver has you covered. I simply couldn’t find anything that could sway my review to the negative.