Hey audiophiles! Today, we're diving deep into the Onkyo TX-RZ50, a 9.2 channel AV receiver that's been making waves in the home theater community. If you're considering upgrading your sound system, or just curious about what this beast can do, you're in the right place. We'll break down everything from its features and performance to its pros and cons, so you can make an informed decision. So, buckle up and let's get started!

First Impressions and Design

When you first lay eyes on the Onkyo TX-RZ50, you'll notice its sleek and robust design. It's not just a pretty face, though. This receiver is built like a tank, which speaks to its quality and durability. The front panel is clean and intuitive, with all the essential controls easily accessible. The large volume knob has a satisfying feel, and the display is clear and easy to read, even from a distance. The overall aesthetic is modern and understated, so it should fit seamlessly into most home theater setups. But let's be honest, it’s what's on the inside that truly counts, right? And the TX-RZ50 definitely doesn’t disappoint. Inside, you'll find high-quality components and a meticulously engineered design that promises top-notch audio and video performance. The back panel is well-organized with plenty of connectivity options, which we’ll get into later. For now, let’s just say that Onkyo has paid attention to every detail, both inside and out, to deliver a premium product. Considering its price point, the build quality and design are definitely a major plus.

Key Features and Specifications

The Onkyo TX-RZ50 is packed with features that make it a standout in its class. Let's start with the basics: it's a 9.2 channel receiver, meaning it can power a full surround sound system with ease. But it's not just about the number of channels; it's about the quality of the amplification. This receiver boasts Onkyo's high-current power supply, which delivers clean and dynamic power to all your speakers. This results in a more immersive and engaging listening experience, whether you're watching movies, playing games, or listening to music. In terms of specifications, the TX-RZ50 delivers 120 watts per channel (8 ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 0.08% THD, 2 channels driven), which is more than enough for most home theater setups. It also supports a wide range of audio formats, including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and IMAX Enhanced, ensuring you get the best possible sound quality from your favorite content. Connectivity is another area where the TX-RZ50 shines. It has seven HDMI inputs and two outputs, all of which support the latest HDMI 2.1 standard. This means you can enjoy 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz video, as well as HDR10+ and Dolby Vision. There's also plenty of analog and digital audio inputs, as well as phono input for your turntable. Streaming is also a breeze with built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Chromecast, and AirPlay 2. You can easily stream music from your favorite services like Spotify, Tidal, and Apple Music. And if you're into voice control, the TX-RZ50 works with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. In summary, the Onkyo TX-RZ50 is a feature-rich receiver that offers something for everyone. Whether you're a serious audiophile or just looking to upgrade your home theater, this receiver has you covered.

Audio Performance

Okay, let's get to the good stuff: audio performance. The Onkyo TX-RZ50 truly shines when it comes to sound quality. The high-current power supply delivers clean and dynamic power to your speakers, resulting in a more immersive and engaging listening experience. Whether you're watching a blockbuster movie or listening to your favorite album, the TX-RZ50 delivers a level of detail and clarity that's hard to match. One of the standout features of this receiver is its ability to handle complex audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. These formats add height channels to your surround sound system, creating a more three-dimensional and realistic soundstage. The TX-RZ50 decodes these formats with ease, placing sounds precisely where they're supposed to be. During action scenes, you'll hear bullets whizzing overhead and explosions rumbling beneath your feet. And during quieter moments, you'll notice subtle details that you never heard before. But it's not just about movies; the TX-RZ50 also excels at music playback. The receiver's DAC (digital-to-analog converter) is top-notch, delivering a smooth and natural sound that's free from harshness or distortion. Whether you're listening to classical music, rock, or hip-hop, the TX-RZ50 brings out the best in your music collection. The bass is tight and punchy, the midrange is clear and detailed, and the highs are crisp and airy. Overall, the audio performance of the Onkyo TX-RZ50 is simply outstanding. It's a receiver that will satisfy even the most discerning audiophiles. With its powerful amplification, support for the latest audio formats, and high-quality DAC, the TX-RZ50 delivers a truly immersive and engaging listening experience.

Video Capabilities

Let's talk about video capabilities. In today's world, audio is only half the battle. A great home theater experience also requires stunning visuals. The Onkyo TX-RZ50 doesn't disappoint in this area. It supports the latest HDMI 2.1 standard, which means it can handle 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz video. This is crucial if you have a new TV or gaming console that supports these resolutions. With the TX-RZ50, you can enjoy incredibly sharp and detailed images, with smooth motion and vibrant colors. The receiver also supports HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, which are HDR (high dynamic range) formats that offer a wider range of colors and contrast. This results in a more realistic and lifelike picture. When you watch HDR content on the TX-RZ50, you'll notice brighter highlights, deeper blacks, and more subtle gradations in color. It's a truly stunning visual experience. The TX-RZ50 also has advanced video processing capabilities. It can upscale lower-resolution content to 4K, making your old DVDs and Blu-rays look better than ever. And it has a variety of picture settings that allow you to fine-tune the image to your liking. Whether you prefer a more natural look or a more vibrant one, the TX-RZ50 gives you the flexibility to customize the picture to your preferences. The Onkyo TX-RZ50 also supports eARC (enhanced audio return channel), which allows you to send high-quality audio from your TV to your receiver over a single HDMI cable. This simplifies your setup and ensures that you're getting the best possible sound quality from your TV's built-in apps and streaming services. Overall, the video capabilities of the Onkyo TX-RZ50 are top-notch. It supports the latest video standards, has advanced video processing capabilities, and offers a variety of picture settings. If you're looking for a receiver that can deliver stunning visuals, the TX-RZ50 is an excellent choice.

Connectivity and Setup

Connectivity and setup are crucial aspects of any AV receiver. The Onkyo TX-RZ50 shines in both of these areas. As we mentioned earlier, it has seven HDMI inputs and two outputs, all of which support the latest HDMI 2.1 standard. This gives you plenty of flexibility to connect all your devices, such as your Blu-ray player, gaming console, and streaming box. There are also plenty of analog and digital audio inputs, as well as phono input for your turntable. For those who prefer wireless connectivity, the TX-RZ50 has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. You can easily stream music from your smartphone or tablet, or connect to your home network for access to streaming services like Spotify and Tidal. The TX-RZ50 also supports Chromecast and AirPlay 2, making it easy to stream music from your favorite apps. Setting up the TX-RZ50 is a breeze, thanks to its intuitive on-screen menu and AccuEQ room calibration system. The AccuEQ system uses a microphone to analyze the acoustics of your room and automatically adjust the receiver's settings for optimal sound quality. This is especially useful if you have a challenging room layout or uneven speaker placement. The on-screen menu is well-organized and easy to navigate, making it simple to adjust settings like speaker levels, crossover frequencies, and input assignments. You can also customize the receiver's settings to your liking, such as setting up custom listening modes or assigning different inputs to different sources. The Onkyo TX-RZ50 also supports voice control with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. You can use your voice to control basic functions like turning the receiver on and off, adjusting the volume, and switching inputs. This is a convenient feature for those who like to keep their hands free. Overall, the connectivity and setup of the Onkyo TX-RZ50 are excellent. It has plenty of inputs and outputs, supports wireless connectivity, and has an intuitive setup process. Whether you're a seasoned audiophile or a first-time receiver owner, you'll find the TX-RZ50 easy to use and configure.

Pros and Cons

Let's break down the pros and cons of the Onkyo TX-RZ50 to give you a clear picture of what it offers:

Pros:

• Excellent Audio Performance: The TX-RZ50 delivers clean, dynamic power with support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
• Advanced Video Capabilities: HDMI 2.1 with 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz support, plus HDR10+ and Dolby Vision.
• Extensive Connectivity: Seven HDMI inputs, multiple audio inputs, and wireless options like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
• User-Friendly Setup: Intuitive on-screen menu and AccuEQ room calibration system.
• Voice Control: Compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.

Cons:

• Price: It's a mid-range receiver, so it might be a bit pricey for budget-conscious buyers.
• Complexity: The abundance of features might be overwhelming for beginners.
• Reliability Concerns: Some users have reported issues with Onkyo's reliability in the past.

Final Verdict

So, what's the final verdict on the Onkyo TX-RZ50? Overall, it's an excellent AV receiver that offers a compelling combination of performance, features, and value. The audio performance is outstanding, with clean and dynamic power that brings your movies and music to life. The video capabilities are top-notch, with support for the latest HDMI 2.1 standard and HDR formats. The connectivity is extensive, with plenty of inputs and outputs for all your devices. And the setup is user-friendly, thanks to the intuitive on-screen menu and AccuEQ room calibration system.

While the price may be a bit high for some, the TX-RZ50 offers a lot of value for the money. It's a receiver that will satisfy even the most discerning audiophiles and videophiles. If you're looking to upgrade your home theater system, the Onkyo TX-RZ50 is definitely worth considering.

Alternatives to Consider

If the Onkyo TX-RZ50 doesn't quite fit your needs or budget, here are a few alternatives to consider:

• Denon AVR-X3700H: A similarly priced receiver with excellent audio performance and features.
• Yamaha RX-A2080: A higher-end receiver with more power and advanced features.
• Sony STR-DH790: A more affordable option with fewer features but still delivers good performance.

Each of these receivers has its own strengths and weaknesses, so be sure to do your research before making a decision. Consider your budget, your needs, and your personal preferences when choosing an AV receiver.