Onkyo TX-RZ70 Review – The Audiophile’s Choice

Onkyo TX-RZ70 Review

The Onkyo TX-RZ70 stands as a testament to the evolution of home audio entertainment, offering a blend of innovative technology and user-friendly features. As a recent addition to Onkyo’s esteemed line of AV receivers, the TX-RZ70 has garnered attention for its promise of enhancing the home theater experience. This Onkyo TX-RZ70 Review delves into the heart of what makes the TX-RZ70 a noteworthy contender in the crowded market of audio-visual equipment.

At the core of the TX-RZ70’s appeal is its cutting-edge sound technology, designed to deliver a rich, immersive audio experience. Whether it’s the crisp clarity of dialogue in a movie or the nuanced layers of a classical symphony, this receiver promises to handle audio with finesse. Its compatibility with various surround sound formats, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, positions it as a versatile choice for audiophiles and casual listeners alike.

The review explores the TX-RZ70’s array of features, such as its connectivity options, user interface, and build quality. With an emphasis on both performance and practicality, the receiver is scrutinized for how well it balances advanced technology with ease of use. Special attention is given to its streaming capabilities, multi-room audio, and calibration system, all of which contribute to its overall appeal.

The Onkyo TX-RZ70 is more than just a piece of equipment; it’s a gateway to a superior audio experience. This review aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of its performance, helping readers understand whether this AV receiver is the right addition to their home entertainment setup.

Onkyo TX-RZ7O Design

The Onkyo TX-RZ70 AV receiver maintains a consistent design philosophy with its predecessors in the RZ series, specifically resembling the TX-RZ50. This receiver is characterized by its simple yet functional aesthetics, typical of many AV receivers. It features a black box design with a large display screen on the front, accompanied by numerous small buttons. Its dimensions are 17-1/8″ × 7-15/16″ × 18-7/8″ (435 mm × 201.5 mm × 480 mm), making it quite sizable, and it weighs 48.5 lbs (22 kg). 

The front layout lacks a knob for input selection, opting instead for dedicated buttons for each input. A flip door under the central display, a hallmark of the RZ series, conceals most buttons and ports, contributing to a cleaner appearance that helps reduce dust accumulation.

Internally, the TX-RZ70 is built with robust hardware typical of the RZ series. It utilizes Onkyo’s Dynamic Audio Amplification (DAA) and features a Class AB dynamic audio amplifier and a custom high-current low-noise power transformer. The processing is handled by two 32-bit ESS Sabre ES9206 DACs, and it includes technologies like Phase Locked Loop (PLL) anti-jitter technology for SPDIF audio and Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry (VLSC) noise filtering for the front left and right channels.

The remote control provided with the TX-RZ70 is notably distinct from those of previous models like the TX-RZ50 or TX-NR7100. It is larger, with well-grouped, spacious, and sizable buttons. The remote also includes a manual backlight feature, which, while not motion-sensitive, is still a useful addition in dark environments.

Features of Onkyo TX-RZ70

11.2-Channel AV Receiver

The Onkyo TX-RZ70 is a part of Onkyo’s premium RZ series, offering 11.2 channels with 140 watts of power output per channel. This feature benefits users by allowing them to design a comprehensive home theater setup, accommodating discrete zones and multiple subwoofers. The high power output ensures that the audio performance remains robust and dynamic, even in larger spaces.

Studio Grade Processing

The TX-RZ70 boasts studio-grade processing capabilities with ESS Sabre DACs, THX Certification, and eARC functionality. This enhances the audio quality significantly, providing users with premium home theater performance. The receiver’s ability to handle a wide range of audio formats, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, ensures that users experience sound exactly as the creators intended, with high fidelity and clarity.

Advanced HDMI & Video Inputs

Featuring HDMI 2.1 ports, the TX-RZ70 supports 8K/4K Ultra HD, Dolby Vision, HDCP2.3, and HDR10+, ensuring compatibility with the latest video technologies. This feature allows users to experience stellar visuals with their home entertainment setup, making the TX-RZ70 a future-proof choice for both audio and video needs.

Dirac Live Technologies

With built-in Dirac Live Room Calibration Full Bandwidth, the TX-RZ70 uses machine learning to adapt and calibrate audio settings to the specific speaker system and room layout. This feature benefits users by optimizing audio performance for their unique environment, ensuring the best possible sound quality.

IMAX Enhanced Mode

The IMAX Enhanced Mode on the TX-RZ70 brings the theater experience home by recreating IMAX content as intended by filmmakers. This feature offers users an immersive cinema experience with reduced noise, brighter and clearer pictures, and immersive sound.

THX Certified

Having THX certification means the TX-RZ70 meets rigorous performance standards. This certification assures users that regardless of the input or features used, the audio reproduction will be as true to the source material as possible. The receiver offers four distinct THX listening modes: cinema, gaming, music, and surround EX.

Advanced Music Streaming & Connectivity

The TX-RZ70 includes various options for streaming and smart home assistant integration, making it a highly versatile and user-friendly choice for modern homes. It supports popular streaming apps and is compatible with various smart home ecosystems, ensuring seamless integration into users’ lifestyles.

Multi-zone Streaming & Voice Control

This feature allows the receiver to integrate into smart home systems, including Apple Airplay, Alexa, and Google apps. Users benefit from the ability to stream audio in multiple zones of their home, controlling the system through voice commands or smart devices.

The Ultimate 4K Gaming Experience

The receiver is designed with gamers in mind, offering 4K/120 capabilities for ultra-fast motion UHD images. This feature is particularly beneficial for users who enjoy sports, action movies, and high-performance gaming, as it ensures crisp and clear visuals.

Additional Features

The TX-RZ70 is also equipped with wireless capabilities, including built-in WiFi and Bluetooth streaming with advanced codecs like AptX and AptX HD. This ensures high-quality audio streaming and low-latency synchronization, particularly beneficial for users streaming music or using Bluetooth headphones.

Each of these features enhances the overall user experience, making the Onkyo TX-RZ70 a versatile and high-performing option for home audio and entertainment systems.

Onkyo TX-RZ70 Connectivity

The Onkyo TX-RZ70 AV receiver offers a comprehensive range of connectivity options, catering to various home entertainment needs:

Front Panel Connectivity

Headphones Jack, HDMI Port, and Setup Microphone Port: Located under the flip door on the front, these ports offer convenient access for quick connections, such as connecting headphones for private listening, a temporary HDMI source, or setting up the calibration microphone.

Rear Panel Connectivity

HDMI Inputs and Outputs: The receiver has 6 HDMI inputs and 3 HDMI outputs, all at the rear. The HDMI ports are HDMI 2.1 with 40Gbps capabilities, supporting 8K/60p and 4K/120p video passthrough, along with VRR, ALLM, QFT, DSC, eARC (Main Out), HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG, BT.2020, DeepColor, x.v.Color, LipSync, and HDCP 2.3. This ensures compatibility with the latest video formats and devices. The third HDMI output (Zone 2) is a 18Gbps capable HDMI 2.0 port, while the front HDMI port, with a 9Gbps rating, supports up to 4K resolution but is more limited compared to the rear ports.

Speaker Terminals and Channel Pre-outs: The unit includes 13 speaker terminals and 11.2 channel pre-outs, allowing for extensive speaker configurations and external amplifier connections.

Digital and Analog Audio Inputs: It offers 2 optical and 2 coaxial digital audio inputs, 4 analog stereo ports, and a dedicated phono input.

Video Inputs: For video, there are 2 composite and 1 component video inputs.

Additional Ports: The receiver also includes 2 subwoofer ports, an Ethernet port for network connectivity, a USB port for external media, a 12V trigger, an RS-232C, and an IR input for expanded control options and integrations.

Wireless Connectivity

WiFi and Bluetooth: Built-in WiFi (802.11ac) enables connection to wireless and local networks. The receiver supports Bluetooth streaming with advanced codecs like AptX and AptX HD, which is uncommon in many commercial AV receivers. This enhances the quality of audio streaming over Bluetooth, offering a more reliable and high-fidelity experience.

Advanced Music Streaming & Smart Home Integration

DTS Play-FI: Allows high-quality music streaming from connected online services, networked media servers, and device libraries over Wi-Fi, supporting multi-room audio setups.

Works with Sonos: The receiver can integrate with an existing Sonos Home Sound System, offering seamless control and multi-zone audio capabilities.

Multi-zone Streaming & Voice Control**: Supports integration into Smart Home ecosystems like Apple Airplay, Alexa, and Google apps, providing versatile streaming options across different zones of the home.

The Onkyo TX-RZ70’s extensive connectivity options ensure it can serve as the central hub for a modern, multi-faceted home entertainment system, accommodating a wide range of audio, video, and streaming needs.

Onkyo TX-RZ70 Sound Quality

The Onkyo TX-RZ70 AV receiver delivers high-quality sound performance, as noted in various reviews:

Movies Testing

Front Soundstage: 

The TX-RZ70 demonstrates a dominant front stage without sacrificing directionality. Its impressive expansion and depth create a vast sound wall, pushing the boundaries of the system’s physical limits. Dialogue clarity is maintained even during intense action scenes, ensuring distinct and clear audio reproduction.

Surround Performance:

The receiver performs equally well in different settings. For instance, in action movies it excellently immerses the viewer in the action scenes. In other movies it excels in delivering clear and precise sounds of different actions, highlighting the receiver’s versatility.

Atmos Effects:

 The TX-RZ70 effectively utilizes Dolby Atmos tracks without allowing overhead effects to overshadow the main performance. It provides a balanced overhead layer, complementing rather than dominating the main action.

Bass:

The receiver’s low-end prowess adds substantial impact to cinematic presentations. It effectively conveys explosions, gunfire, and intense action scenes, delivering powerful and immersive bass.

Music Testing

Audio Support:

The TX-RZ70 supports a wide range of audio files and codecs, including high-resolution formats like FLAC, WAV, AIFF, Apple Lossless, and DSD.

Sound Quality: 

The receiver offers clear and detailed sound without audible distortion. It excels in sound imaging, accurately placing sound sources for a lifelike audio experience. The mid-range is colorful and balanced, while the high frequencies are energetic and emotional. The lower end is powerful, enhancing the overall musical experience.

Genre Versatility:

 The TX-RZ70 does not favor any particular genre, maintaining consistent sound characteristics across different types of music.

Overall Sound Performance

Amplifier Quality:

The TX-RZ70’s amplifier section is impressive, delivering powerful and dynamic sound. It maintains transparency and detail in audio reproduction, excelling in both stereo and surround sound formats. The receiver supports Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro-3D decoding, ensuring compatibility with various audio formats.

Dirac Live Room Correction:

The receiver includes Dirac Live room-correction EQ, which fine-tunes in-room sound and effectively manages room resonances. This feature enhances not just the bass but also the midrange and treble, resulting in clearer and more focused audio.

Performance with Movies and Music:

Whether for movies or music, the TX-RZ70 delivers consistent and high-quality audio performance. Its 11-channel amplifier section is suitable for a wide range of room sizes and designs, ensuring a high-fidelity experience across various content.

The Onkyo TX-RZ70, with its extensive audio capabilities, robust amplifier section, and effective room correction technology, offers a versatile and high-quality sound experience, suitable for both cinematic and musical applications.

Pros And Cons  of Onkyo TX-RZ70

Pros

1. High-Quality Sound Performance: 

The TX-RZ70 delivers impressive sound quality, with clear, detailed, and dynamic audio reproduction for both movies and music.

2. Extensive Connectivity Options: 

Offers a wide range of connectivity options, including HDMI 2.1 ports, multiple audio inputs, built-in WiFi, and Bluetooth streaming.

3. Advanced Room Correction Technology: 

Includes Dirac Live room-correction EQ, which fine-tunes the sound according to the room’s acoustics, enhancing overall audio quality.

4. Support for Various Audio Formats: 

Compatible with high-resolution audio formats and supports various surround sound technologies like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro-3D.

5. Strong Amplifier Section: 

Features a powerful and robust amplifier, ensuring high dynamics and audio fidelity.

6. THX Certification: 

The receiver is THX-certified, ensuring high standards in audio reproduction and quality.

Cons 

1. No Global User-Preset Feature: 

Lacks a feature for storing multiple combinations of settings for easy recall, which can be a drawback for users who prefer custom presets for different types of content.

2. Limited On-board Streaming: 

The receiver doesn’t include a full-function on-board streamer, limiting direct access to certain streaming services.

3. Physical Size and Weight: 

The TX-RZ70 is quite large and heavy, which might be a consideration for users with limited space or those who prefer more compact devices

Conclusion.

The Onkyo TX-RZ70 stands out as a highly capable AV receiver, offering a blend of powerful sound performance, advanced technology, and versatile connectivity. Its robust amplifier section and room correction technology with Dirac Live ensures an immersive and high-quality audio experience for both movies and music. The receiver’s extensive connectivity options, including HDMI 2.1 and wireless streaming capabilities, make it a versatile choice for modern home theaters.

However, certain limitations, such as the lack of a global user-preset feature and limited on-board streaming, may be drawbacks for some users. Additionally, its size and weight could be a consideration for those with space constraints. Despite these minor issues, the TX-RZ70’s overall performance and feature set to position it as a strong contender in its category, particularly for those prioritizing sound quality and audio format support. This receiver is a testament to Onkyo’s commitment to delivering high-fidelity audio equipment, suitable for both audiophiles and home cinema enthusiasts.