Onkyo TX-RZ50 Review – Next Level Entertainment

Onkyo TX-RZ50 Review

The Onkyo TX-RZ50 stands as a beacon of excellence in the ever-evolving world of audio receivers, blending traditional functionality with cutting-edge advancements. As the latest offering from Onkyo, a brand synonymous with quality and innovation in the audio industry, the TX-RZ50 is a testament to the company’s commitment to delivering superior sound experiences. This Onkyo TX-RZ50 Review delves into the intricacies of the TX-RZ50, offering a comprehensive analysis of its features, performance, and overall value.

At the heart of the Onkyo TX-RZ50 is its ability to cater to both audiophiles and casual listeners alike. With its sophisticated array of features including high-resolution audio support, advanced connectivity options, and a user-friendly interface, this receiver is designed to elevate the home entertainment experience. The unit boasts impressive specifications, such as multiple HDMI inputs, support for various surround sound formats, and integration with popular streaming services, making it a versatile centerpiece for any home theater setup.

In this review, we will explore the technical aspects of the TX-RZ50, assessing its audio quality, ease of use, and compatibility with other devices. We will also consider its design and build quality, ensuring that potential buyers have a thorough understanding of what this model has to offer. Whether you’re a seasoned audiophile or new to the world of high-quality audio, the Onkyo TX-RZ50 promises to be a compelling choice that warrants attention.

Onkyo TX-RZ50 Build And Design

The Onkyo TX-RZ50 AV receiver is a fine example of quality craftsmanship and thoughtful design, maintaining the legacy of the RZ series. The external design of the TX-RZ50 mirrors its predecessor, the TX-RZ840, featuring a consistent aesthetic that Onkyo has maintained across its premium RZ models. The receiver measures 17-1/8″ × 7-15/16″ × 15-11/16″ (435 mm × 201.5 mm × 398 mm) and weighs 30.9 lbs (14 kg). Its size, while not overly large, still requires ample space for optimal temperature control.

In terms of the front design, the TX-RZ50 maintains characteristic features of Onkyo AV receivers. It forgoes a knob for input selection, preferring dedicated buttons for each input, a design choice that may vary in practicality based on user preference. The receiver’s appearance is straightforward: a simple black box with a prominent display screen on the front and an assortment of small buttons. The front face includes a large volume knob, a central display for function indication, and a circular power button with a pure direct button below it. Additionally, the front features buttons for listening modes, tone, and various inputs, including streaming, Bluetooth, and Zone 2/3 selections.

A notable design element is the flip door under the central display, a typical feature of the RZ series. This door hides additional buttons and ports, helping to maintain a clean front panel. The inclusion of a front HDMI port, a feature removed in many 2020 AV receivers, adds practicality and convenience.

Internally, the TX-RZ50 is equipped with robust hardware consistent with the RZ series’ high standards. It includes a custom high-current low-noise power transformer, 15,000 μF high-current smoothing capacitors, an isolated network module to reduce high-frequency interference in audio circuitry, and a 2-stage non-phase-shift amplifier circuitry with a discrete output stage. The receiver also features an anti-resonant extruded aluminum heat-sink.

The electronic components of the TX-RZ50 are equally impressive. It employs Phase Locked Loop (PLL) anti-jitter technology for SPDIF audio, Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry (VLSC) for noise filtering on the front left and right channels, and high-quality DACs supporting 192 kHz/24-bit multichannel D/A conversion.

Overall, the TX-RZ50 upholds the design and build quality standards of its predecessors, featuring a familiar exterior shell and high-quality internal components, with a few innovative modifications. This consistency in design and build quality signifies Onkyo’s dedication to maintaining the high standards of its premium RZ series. However, the remote control’s design does not match the quality of the receiver itself, indicating a potential area for improvement by Onkyo.

Onkyo TX-RZ50 Features

Klipsch Optimize Mode

Klipsch Optimize Mode in the Onkyo TX-RZ50 enhances the integration of Klipsch Reference and Reference Premiere speakers with the receiver. This feature applies optimized crossover settings for specific Klipsch speaker models, benefiting users by ensuring seamless and precise sound reproduction from their Klipsch speakers.

Dirac Live Room Correction

Dirac Live Room Correction technology improves audio performance across the full frequency range. It automatically calibrates sound in your room, providing users with a more accurate and balanced surround sound system. This leads to an enhanced listening experience without the need for additional upgrades.

11.2 Channel Processing and Pre-Outs

The TX-RZ50 features up to 11.2 channel processing and pre-outs for 7.2.4 system layouts. This is ideal for premium home theater setups, allowing users to experience an immersive audio environment with flexible speaker configurations.

HDMI 2.1 Support

HDMI 2.1 support in the TX-RZ50 includes eARC and supports higher video resolutions and refresh rates, including 8K60 and 4K120, as well as Dynamic HDR formats. This future-proofs the receiver, ensuring it can handle the latest video formats for an enhanced viewing experience.

4K/120 Support

Support for 4K/120 enables ultra-fast motion UHD images to be crisp and sharp, which is particularly beneficial for watching sports, action movies, and high-performance gaming.

Discrete Zone 2 HDMI Switching

Discrete Zone 2 HDMI Switching allows users to send separate audio and video sources to a second zone (like another room). This feature is great for multi-room setups, letting users enjoy different content in different areas of their home.

THX Certification and Listening Modes

THX certification ensures that the TX-RZ50 reproduces sound exactly as intended, without any alteration from the source material. The four THX listening modes (cinema, gaming, music, and surround EX) offer users tailored audio experiences for different types of content.

IMAX Enhanced Certification

The IMAX Enhanced certification means the TX-RZ50 replicates the audio and visual quality of IMAX theaters. It allows precise placement of object-based audio in 3D space, giving users an immersive, lifelike home theater experience.

Smart Home Integration

Integration with smart home ecosystems like Apple Airplay, Alexa, and Google apps makes the TX-RZ50 a versatile network device. It allows for easy streaming of content in up to 8K60 resolution throughout the home.

Works with Sonos Certification

Being ‘Works with Sonos’ certified, the TX-RZ50 can integrate seamlessly into a Sonos ecosystem, benefiting users who already have or plan to have a Sonos setup in their home.

Access to Streaming Services

The receiver provides built-in access to popular streaming services like Spotify, TIDAL, and Pandora. Users can control these services directly through the Onkyo Control App, adding convenience and accessibility to the listening experience.

Bi-Directional Bluetooth Wireless Technology

Bi-Directional Bluetooth allows the TX-RZ50 to receive audio from Bluetooth devices and also transmit audio to Bluetooth headphones or speakers, offering users more flexibility in how they listen to their audio content.

DTS Play-Fi Ready

Ready for DTS Play-Fi, the TX-RZ50 can be part of a wireless multi-room audio system, allowing users to stream audio throughout their home with compatible devices.

Comprehensive Feature Set

The TX-RZ50 combines these features with Dynamic Audio Amplification, support for various high-quality audio formats, multi-room streaming capabilities, and a range of HDMI 2.1 features, making it a versatile and high-performance component in any home theater system.

Onkyo TX-RZ50 Connectivity

The Onkyo TX-RZ50 offers a robust array of connectivity options, catering to both traditional and modern audio-visual setups:

1. Rear Ports: 

Primarily located at the rear, it includes 11 speaker terminals (only nine can be used with the built-in amplification), 6 analog stereo inputs, a dedicated phono input, 1 optical and 1 coaxial digital audio input, 1 IR input, 1 12V trigger port, an RS-232 port, 11.2 multi-channel pre-outs, 1 component input, 2 composite inputs, an Ethernet port, and a USB port. There are also dual WiFi/Bluetooth antennas.

2. Front Ports: 

It features a headphones jack and a single HDMI input at the front, offering practical advantages for easy access.

3. HDMI 2.1 Ports: 

These ports support 8K/60p, 4K/120p video passthrough, VRR, ALLM, QFT, DSC, QMS, eARC, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG, BT.2020, DeepColor, x.v.Color, LipSync, and HDCP 2.3.

4. Wireless Capabilities: 

The receiver has built-in WiFi (802.11ac) for connecting to wireless and local networks and supports Bluetooth streaming. It features Bluetooth 4.2 and includes AptX and AptX HD for high-quality audio streaming.

These options allow users to seamlessly integrate a wide range of devices, from traditional audio sources to modern gaming consoles and streaming devices, providing flexibility and convenience for a comprehensive home theater experience.

Onkyo TX-RZ50 Sound Quality And Performance

The sound quality of the Onkyo TX-RZ50 is a highlight of this AV receiver, marked by its versatility and performance across various audio formats and content types.

1. Support for Multiple Audio Formats: 

The TX-RZ50 supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X formats, including their legacy cores, and also features IMAX Enhanced support. It includes up-mixing technologies like Dolby Surround and DTS Neural:X, which convert stereo and legacy mixes to utilize all available speakers. The receiver also supports Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer, creating a virtual setup for immersive audio experiences, even in the absence of physical speakers in certain positions.

2. Built-in Amplification and Speaker Configuration: 

With 9 channels of built-in amplification rated at 120W per channel, the TX-RZ50 is capable of creating a Dolby Atmos system up to 7.2.2 or 5.2.4 channels. It can also process up to 11 channels with an external amplifier, allowing for even more expansive setups like a 7.2.4 channels system.

3. Performance with Various Movie Genres: 

The receiver excels in handling dynamic scenes with complex audio elements. For example, during action sequences in movie scenes the TX-RZ50 demonstrates precision, clarity, and excellent balance, creating an immersive soundstage. It skillfully renders subtle details in quieter scenes while providing robust and balanced bass in action sequences. The receiver provides a vivid and engaging audio experience, effectively handling both dialogue and intense action scenes.

4. Dirac Live Room Correction: 

Post Dirac calibration, the TX-RZ50 delivers a large, wide, and cohesive Dolby Atmos soundstage with a strong low-end and detailed high frequency. This feature enhances the audio quality for a variety of content.

5. Music Performance: 

For two-channel music listening, the TX-RZ50’s Pure or Direct Modes, which disable additional processing, offer a robust performance. It delivers a punchy and large-scale sound, handling a variety of music genres with well-rounded bass and distinct high frequencies. The receiver turns energetic tracks into an immersive audio experience, demonstrating its capability not just for movies but also for music listening.

6. Overall Performance and User Experience: 

The TX-RZ50 is noted for its lively performance, showcasing strong dynamics and effective sound steering. While it may not be the smoothest in its class, its performance, especially with the inclusion of full-fat Dirac Live, makes it a worthwhile option for those seeking a high-quality audio experience in their home theater systems.

In summary, the Onkyo TX-RZ50 excels in delivering high-quality audio for a variety of content, from movies to music, with its support for multiple audio formats, built-in amplification for various speaker configurations, and advanced features like Dirac Live Room Correction. Its ability to handle both action-packed scenes and subtle audio nuances, along with its robust music performance, makes it a compelling choice for audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts.

Onkyo TX-RZ50 Pros And Cons

Pros

1. THX Certification: 

The TX-RZ50 is THX certified, ensuring that it reproduces sound exactly as intended, without any alteration from the source material. This guarantees high-quality audio performance for a range of media.

2. Advanced Room Correction: 

It features state-of-the-art Dirac Live Room Correction technology, which calibrates sound in your room, enhancing audio performance across the full frequency band without needing additional upgrades.

3. High Channel Processing Capability: 

The receiver supports up to 11.2 channel processing and pre-outs for 7.2.4 system layouts, making it highly versatile for premium home theater setups.

4. Cutting-Edge HDMI Support: 

With HDMI 2.1 support, the TX-RZ50 is future-proof, accommodating a range of higher video resolutions and refresh rates including 8K60 and 4K120, and Dynamic HDR formats.

5. Multiple Streaming Options and Voice Control: 

The receiver integrates easily into smart home ecosystems, supporting a variety of streaming services and voice control options like Apple Airplay, Alexa, and Google apps.

6. Bi-Directional Bluetooth Technology: 

The TX-RZ50 features bi-directional Bluetooth wireless technology, enabling both streaming to the receiver and transmission from the receiver to compatible devices.

Cons

1. Company Stability Concerns: 

Onkyo has experienced some instability in recent years, which might concern users about the long-term support and availability of the product.

2. Basic Remote Control: 

The included remote control is considered basic and somewhat cheap in comparison to the overall quality and capabilities of the receiver, potentially diminishing the user experience.

3. Inconvenient USB Port Placement: 

The rear placement of the USB port for music streaming from external hard drives is noted as inconvenient, making it difficult to access without a USB extender.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Onkyo TX-RZ50 emerges as a compelling contender in the AV receiver market, especially for those seeking a balance between high-end features and practical functionality. Its THX certification, advanced Dirac Live Room Correction, and extensive channel processing capabilities make it a powerful choice for audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts. The inclusion of HDMI 2.1 ensures future-proofing for emerging video formats, while its integration with smart home ecosystems and bi-directional Bluetooth technology underscore its modernity and user-friendliness.

However, potential buyers should consider Onkyo’s recent corporate instability, which could affect long-term support for the product. The basic remote control, though a minor drawback, might detract from the overall user experience for some. Additionally, the inconvenient placement of the USB port could be a nuisance for those frequently relying on external hard drives for media playback.

Overall, the Onkyo TX-RZ50 stands out for its sound quality, versatility, and a range of features catering to both current and future home entertainment demands. While it may not be perfect, it offers a robust performance that could very well satisfy the needs of a diverse range of users, from casual listeners to dedicated audiophiles.