Alright, audio enthusiasts, let's dive headfirst into the world of home theater and take a good look at the Onkyo TX-RZ50, a 9.2 channel AV receiver that's been making some serious waves. This bad boy promises a premium home cinema experience, and we're here to see if it delivers on that promise. We will explore every single aspect of this receiver, from its features and performance to its overall value, to help you figure out if it's the right fit for your entertainment setup. Get ready for a thorough Onkyo TX-RZ50 review.

Unboxing and Initial Impressions of the Onkyo TX-RZ50

First impressions matter, right? When you unbox the Onkyo TX-RZ50, you're immediately struck by its solid build. It feels substantial, like a piece of equipment designed to last. The design is sleek and modern, with a clean front panel that houses a display, some essential controls, and, of course, the volume knob. The back panel is a different story – it's packed with connections. You'll find a wealth of HDMI inputs and outputs, along with various audio inputs and outputs. This receiver is clearly built to handle a wide range of devices. The included remote control feels comfortable in hand and offers a good selection of buttons for easy navigation.

Setting up the TX-RZ50 is, thankfully, made easier by Onkyo's setup wizard and the AccuEQ room correction system. AccuEQ uses a microphone to analyze your room's acoustics and adjust the receiver's settings accordingly. This can make a huge difference in the sound quality, particularly in rooms that aren't perfectly treated. During the initial setup, you'll be prompted to connect your speakers and other devices, run the room correction, and configure your network settings. The process is pretty straightforward, and even if you're not an AV expert, you should be able to get everything up and running without too much trouble. Overall, the initial impression is positive. The Onkyo TX-RZ50 seems to be a well-built, feature-rich receiver that's ready to bring your home theater to life. And after this setup, you can enjoy all the features that it offers.

Key Features and Technologies in the Onkyo TX-RZ50

Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty and explore what makes the Onkyo TX-RZ50 tick. This receiver is packed with features designed to enhance your home theater experience.

Firstly, and perhaps most importantly, the TX-RZ50 is a 9.2 channel receiver. This means it can power a traditional 7.1.2 or 5.1.4 Dolby Atmos or DTS:X setup, which allows for immersive, object-based surround sound. Imagine sound effects moving seamlessly around your room, including overhead, creating a truly cinematic experience. The receiver is also compatible with Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer, which can simulate the effects of overhead speakers even if you only have a 7.1 or 5.1 setup. This is a neat trick that can improve the perceived height and spaciousness of the sound.

On the video side of things, the TX-RZ50 supports the latest HDMI standards, including 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz passthrough. This means it can handle high-resolution video signals from the latest gaming consoles and other sources. It also supports HDCP 2.3, which is essential for enjoying copy-protected content. The receiver includes several HDMI inputs and outputs, allowing you to connect multiple devices, such as a Blu-ray player, gaming consoles, and streaming devices. For audio formats, this receiver can decode a wide range of formats, including Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, and more. It also supports high-resolution audio playback, so you can enjoy your favorite music in the highest quality possible. You can also listen to any music through the receiver's multi-room audio capabilities.

The TX-RZ50 also features built-in streaming capabilities, including Chromecast built-in, Apple AirPlay 2, and DTS Play-Fi. This means you can easily stream music from your smartphone, tablet, or computer. It also works with popular voice assistants like Google Assistant, so you can control your receiver with your voice. The AccuEQ room correction system, which we mentioned earlier, is a key feature. This system analyzes your room's acoustics and automatically adjusts the receiver's settings to optimize the sound for your specific environment. This can make a significant difference in the overall sound quality. To make your life easier, this receiver has a user-friendly interface.

Performance and Sound Quality: Does the Onkyo TX-RZ50 Deliver?

Alright, the moment of truth. How does the Onkyo TX-RZ50 actually sound? The short answer is: it sounds fantastic. The receiver delivers clean, powerful, and dynamic sound that brings movies and music to life. The 9.2 channel configuration allows for immersive surround sound, creating a truly cinematic experience. The soundstage is wide and detailed, with excellent separation between the various audio channels. This allows you to pinpoint the location of sound effects and enjoy a more immersive experience. The receiver has plenty of power on tap, so it can drive even demanding speakers with ease. Whether you're watching an action movie with explosions and roaring engines or listening to a delicate classical piece, the TX-RZ50 can handle it all.

The AccuEQ room correction system does a great job of optimizing the sound for your specific room. It smooths out any peaks and dips in the frequency response, resulting in a more balanced and natural sound. This is particularly important if your room isn't acoustically treated. The receiver's ability to handle high-resolution audio is also a plus. If you have a collection of high-resolution audio files, you'll be able to hear every detail and nuance of the music. The TX-RZ50 also does a great job with bass management. The bass is tight, punchy, and well-defined. The receiver is also capable of reproducing the full dynamic range of movies and music, so you can experience the full impact of explosions, crashes, and other sound effects. The receiver also does a good job of upscaling lower-resolution content. This means that even if you're watching a standard definition DVD, the receiver will make it look and sound its best. This is where the Onkyo TX-RZ50 shines.

Connectivity and Ease of Use in the Onkyo TX-RZ50

Connectivity is a critical aspect of any AV receiver, and the Onkyo TX-RZ50 doesn't disappoint. As we've mentioned, it's packed with HDMI inputs and outputs, allowing you to connect a wide range of devices. There are seven HDMI inputs on the back panel, along with two HDMI outputs. This gives you plenty of flexibility to connect all your devices, such as a Blu-ray player, gaming consoles, and streaming devices. The HDMI ports support the latest standards, including 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz passthrough. The receiver also supports HDCP 2.3, which is essential for enjoying copy-protected content.

Besides HDMI, the TX-RZ50 offers a variety of other connectivity options. There are analog audio inputs and outputs, as well as digital coaxial and optical inputs. This allows you to connect older devices that don't have HDMI. The receiver also has a phono input, so you can connect a turntable and enjoy your vinyl records. The built-in streaming capabilities are another highlight. As we mentioned earlier, the TX-RZ50 includes Chromecast built-in, Apple AirPlay 2, and DTS Play-Fi. This allows you to stream music from your smartphone, tablet, or computer. The receiver also works with popular voice assistants like Google Assistant, so you can control your receiver with your voice. The user interface is well-designed and easy to navigate. The on-screen menus are clear and concise, and the included remote control is comfortable to use. The receiver also has a web interface, which allows you to control it from your computer or smartphone. This is a convenient feature if you want to make adjustments to the settings from a distance. The Onkyo TX-RZ50 offers a comprehensive set of connectivity options and is easy to use, making it a great choice for any home theater setup. Overall, the receiver is very easy to set up and use. The user interface is simple and straightforward.

Onkyo TX-RZ50 vs. The Competition

In the competitive world of AV receivers, the Onkyo TX-RZ50 faces some stiff competition. How does it stack up against rivals from brands like Denon, Marantz, and Yamaha? Here's a quick comparison:

• Denon: Denon is a well-respected brand, and their receivers often offer excellent sound quality and a wide range of features. The Denon AVR-X3700H is a popular model in the same price range as the TX-RZ50. It offers similar features, including 9.2 channel processing, 8K passthrough, and Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support. However, some users may find the Denon's user interface to be a bit more complex than the Onkyo's. The Denon also has a reputation for offering a slightly warmer sound, while the Onkyo is known for its more neutral and detailed sound.
• Marantz: Marantz receivers are known for their high-end sound quality and elegant design. The Marantz SR6015 is a popular model that's in a similar price range to the TX-RZ50. It offers similar features, including 9.2 channel processing, 8K passthrough, and Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support. However, the Marantz is typically more expensive than the Onkyo. The Marantz also has a more refined sound, with a focus on detail and clarity.
• Yamaha: Yamaha is another well-known brand in the AV receiver market. The Yamaha RX-A2A is a popular model that's in a similar price range to the TX-RZ50. It offers similar features, including 7.2 channel processing, 8K passthrough, and Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support. The Yamaha receivers are known for their reliability and user-friendly interface. The Yamaha also offers a wide range of features, including built-in streaming capabilities and a sophisticated room correction system.

The Onkyo TX-RZ50 holds its own against the competition. It offers a great balance of features, performance, and value. Its 9.2 channel processing, 8K passthrough, and Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support make it a versatile choice for any home theater setup. The Onkyo TX-RZ50 offers excellent sound quality, with a focus on detail and clarity. The Onkyo is also a good choice if you're looking for a receiver with a user-friendly interface. Ultimately, the best receiver for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. However, the Onkyo TX-RZ50 is definitely worth considering. It is also important to consider the price when purchasing a receiver.

Pros and Cons of the Onkyo TX-RZ50

Let's break down the good and the not-so-good of the Onkyo TX-RZ50 to help you make an informed decision.

Pros:

• Excellent sound quality with clear, detailed audio and powerful performance.
• 9.2 channel processing for immersive surround sound experiences.
• Supports the latest HDMI standards, including 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz passthrough.
• Comprehensive connectivity options, including HDMI, analog, digital, and streaming capabilities.
• User-friendly interface and easy setup.
• AccuEQ room correction system helps optimize sound for your room.
• Built-in streaming capabilities with Chromecast built-in, Apple AirPlay 2, and DTS Play-Fi.

Cons:

• Can be a bit pricey compared to some competitors.
• The initial setup may require some time and effort.
• Some users may find the remote control to be a bit basic.

Final Verdict: Is the Onkyo TX-RZ50 Worth It?

So, after a thorough Onkyo TX-RZ50 review, is this receiver worth your hard-earned money? Overall, the answer is a resounding yes, especially if you're looking for a receiver that offers a premium home cinema experience. The Onkyo TX-RZ50 delivers excellent sound quality, supports the latest video standards, and offers a wide range of features and connectivity options. Its 9.2 channel processing allows for immersive surround sound, and its AccuEQ room correction system helps optimize the sound for your specific room. While it may be a bit pricey compared to some competitors, the Onkyo TX-RZ50 offers a great balance of features, performance, and value. If you're serious about creating a high-quality home theater, the Onkyo TX-RZ50 is definitely worth considering. It's a powerful and versatile receiver that will bring your movies, music, and games to life. This receiver is going to satisfy most users. Also, be sure to compare other receivers.