Onkyo RZ70 vs. RZ50 for me?

[rimmi2002]

Hey all,

I'm looking for advice from anyone with hands-on experience or insights between the Onkyo RZ50 and the newer RZ70.

My setup and usage:

• Currently running an Onkyo NR7100.
• Plan to use a 5.2 setup (with 5.2.4 Atmos as my max future configuration, but that’s unlikely).
• My use is about 60% movies/streaming (Netflix, Disney+, etc.), 40% watching music videos on YouTube; basically, very little to no pure music listening.
• I want to make sure my next AVR has Dirac Live and preouts.

Where I’m at:

• Both RZ50 and RZ70 have Dirac Live (plus the new Dirac Live Bass Control with recent updates) and preouts.
• I keep reading that the RZ70 comes with a higher-end (ESS SABRE) DAC vs. the RZ50, but I’ve also read that DACs really stand out more for 2-channel setups rather than for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X/HD and other multichannel formats, which is what I mostly use the system for.
• RZ70 is 11.2 channels vs. RZ50’s 9.2 (I’m not sure I’ll need 11.2, but good to have future-proofing).
• Power is bumped a little (RZ70: 140W/channel vs. RZ50: 120W/channel).
• RZ70 has some build/feature improvements and more HDMI outs, but not a huge leap for streaming/movies.

What I’m wondering:

• For a user like me (mainly movies, YouTube music videos, almost never straight-up music listening, and running a 5.2, maybe 5.2.4) would I really notice an improvement dropping big bucks for the RZ70 over the RZ50?
• Does the “better DAC” in the RZ70 materially impact Atmos/DTS:X experience, or is it almost indistinguishable for multichannel content?
• Has anyone compared both units with similar speaker setups in a home theater for movies/streaming and music videos (not stereo/hi-fi listening)?

Thanks for your input!

 

[Power Pop 23]

Hey all,

I'm looking for advice from anyone with hands-on experience or insights between the Onkyo RZ50 and the newer RZ70.

My setup and usage:

• Currently running an Onkyo NR7100.
• Plan to use a 5.2 setup (with 5.2.4 Atmos as my max future configuration, but that’s unlikely).
• My use is about 60% movies/streaming (Netflix, Disney+, etc.), 40% watching music videos on YouTube; basically, very little to no pure music listening.
• I want to make sure my next AVR has Dirac Live and preouts.

Where I’m at:

• Both RZ50 and RZ70 have Dirac Live (plus the new Dirac Live Bass Control with recent updates) and preouts.
• I keep reading that the RZ70 comes with a higher-end (ESS SABRE) DAC vs. the RZ50, but I’ve also read that DACs really stand out more for 2-channel setups rather than for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X/HD and other multichannel formats, which is what I mostly use the system for.
• RZ70 is 11.2 channels vs. RZ50’s 9.2 (I’m not sure I’ll need 11.2, but good to have future-proofing).
• Power is bumped a little (RZ70: 140W/channel vs. RZ50: 120W/channel).
• RZ70 has some build/feature improvements and more HDMI outs, but not a huge leap for streaming/movies.

What I’m wondering:

• For a user like me (mainly movies, YouTube music videos, almost never straight-up music listening, and running a 5.2, maybe 5.2.4) would I really notice an improvement dropping big bucks for the RZ70 over the RZ50?
• Does the “better DAC” in the RZ70 materially impact Atmos/DTS:X experience, or is it almost indistinguishable for multichannel content?
• Has anyone compared both units with similar speaker setups in a home theater for movies/streaming and music videos (not stereo/hi-fi listening)?

Thanks for your input!

I would say 'No' to whether you would notice an improvement using the RZ70 over the RZ50 and I don't believe I would perceive a difference between the DAC's in each model. I have not heard either AVR.

 

[dlaloum]

Some thoughts (things on my mind too when choosing)

1) The amplifier differences between the NR7100/RZ30/RZ50 and the RZ70 are not reflected by the "mere" 8ohm power specifictions - the big difference is visisble in the size of the transformer and capacitors, the power supply - the RZ70 has far greater current reserves, this of course is completely irrelevant if your speaker are easy to run, true 8ohm speakers. - However speakers do not have a simple 8ohm resistance, rather they have a complex impedance curve that varies with frequency... most 8ohm speakers will have an impedance which at some frequencies (usually around crossovers) drops down to 4ohm - requiring substantially more current. - Speakers specified at 8ohm won't generally be an issue for any of these AVR's - but speakers specified as 4ohm (nominal) - will often dip down below 2ohm - and that can be a major issue for the "smaller" (as in smaller power supply, lower current capabilities) amps.
My Integra DRX3.4 (same amps and power supply as NR7100,RZ30 ) does not sound great with my 4ohm speakers which dip down to 1.6ohm - but it sounds fabulous once you use the pre-outs and drive the speakers with amps that can handle that load - Power is not a major requirement...at peak, my actual utilisation is still below 16W.... the issues is current, as well as amp stability into difficult and reactive loads.

The RZ70 can handle such speakers with ease, the RZ50 cannot.

2) RZ70 processing features - the RZ70 includes Auro3d and Auromatic mixer, the more basic AVR's in the range don't. - Many users have pointed out that the Auromatic mixer is the best sounding mixer currently available for music.

3) RoomEQ - although the RZ50 supports DLBC, it only provides a single sub channel - with your setup described as being 5.2 - you need something that can properly take advantage of your two subs... if processing &EQ is the key thing, and the amps are not an issue (either because your speakers are an easy to drive 8ohm design, or because you use external power amps for the difficult speakers) - then the RZ30 might be a better and more economical choice than the RZ50, if you want a single box solution that can drive difficult speakers then the RZ70 is it.

4) Dirac ART - the great unknown... there is reason to believe that PAC - Onkyo/Integra are working on releasing Dirac ART on their AVR's in the near future - although any of these AVR's could theoretically use ART (they all have the same processing capabilities!) - Marketing has already interceded and barred DLBC from the NR7100 and DRX3.4.... there is IMO a high likelihood that the RZ70 will receive Dirac ART as an option in the near future... as you go down the range from there, the likelihood of ART support/updates reduces - not because the hardware cannot support it, but because marketing will get involved to attempt to induce upgrades...

My own system:
Integra DRX 3.4 5.1.4 setup
Crown XLS2500 amps driving front L/C/R
(DRX3.4 internal amps driving the surrounds and heights)

I will probably look to upgrade in the new year to something that supports ART and Auro...

P.S. - with regards to DAC's and such, I don't believe there is any audible difference between RZ30/50/70

 

[Power Pop 23]

FYI,

Adorama in NYC is currently selling the Onkyo TX-RZ30 5.2.4 AVR with a paid Dirac Live license and pre-outs for all channels for $749 via an affiliate link from Slickdeals. The 'RZ30' supports DLBC at an additional cost.

Onkyo TX-RZ30 9.2-Ch 8K/4K Network AV Receiver - 2025-08-08

Update: This popular deal is still available. Adorama has Onkyo TX-RZ30 9.2-Ch 8K/4K Network AV Receiver on sale for $749. Shipping is free. Thanks to Deal Editor iconian for sharing this deal.

slickdeals.net

 

[ban25]

The RZ50 does not have multiple independent subwoofer outputs like the RZ70 and RZ30. You are better off with either of those than the old RZ50. The RZ30 is the best bet for your 5.2 use-case IMO.

 

[rimmi2002]

@dlaloum Thanks, that is great info. I am hoping to use an external amplifier (Monoprice Monolith 200W x 3 or 5 channel). From what I've heard, it's the best bang for the buck in this price range, so hopefully most of the expensive internals of the RZ70 won't matter as much if going this route.

@ban25 Thanks for sharing that. Don't know why Onkyo did that with model numbering... Just looking at the numbers, I thought the RZ30 was an inferior model to the RZ50. I looked more into it after reading your comment and it looks like it's an upgrade (sort of)... The amp is weaker but that shouldn't matter if using preouts, plus it has better HDMI and an update in 2024 vs 2021 for the RZ50.

The sale going on is tempting, but I'm not in a rush to buy, so hoping it might be better around the holidays. Fingers crossed. Does the RZ30 offer DLBC? Though I doubt they will offer ART on it. Waiting to see how that plays out and how well it works when released. For now, I don't need DLBC much. I have miniDSP and feel with MSO and REW I can do much of what DLBC offers manually. Though it’s nice to have the option to auto it and see how well Dirac does.

 

[Power Pop 23]

@dlaloum Thanks, that is great info. I am hoping to use an external amplifier (Monoprice Monolith 200W x 3 or 5 channel). From what I've heard, it's the best bang for the buck in this price range, so hopefully most of the expensive internals of the RZ70 won't matter as much if going this route.

@ban25 Thanks for sharing that. Don't know why Onkyo did that with model numbering... Just looking at the numbers, I thought the RZ30 was an inferior model to the RZ50. I looked more into it after reading your comment and it looks like it's an upgrade (sort of)... The amp is weaker but that shouldn't matter if using preouts, plus it has better HDMI and an update in 2024 vs 2021 for the RZ50.

The sale going on is tempting, but I'm not in a rush to buy, so hoping it might be better around the holidays. Fingers crossed. Does the RZ30 offer DLBC? Though I doubt they will offer ART on it. Waiting to see how that plays out and how well it works when released. For now, I don't need DLBC much. I have miniDSP and feel with MSO and REW I can do much of what DLBC offers manually. Though it’s nice to have the option to auto it and see how well Dirac does.

DLBC is optional on the TX-RZ30. No mention of support for ART.

https://assets.onkyo-av.com/spec-sheets/EMEA-Onkyo-TX-RZ30-Spec-sheet-EN.pdf?v=1726817641

Based on past history, I expect the price around the holidays to be the same as the current sale price.

 

[Timcognito]

Just got the RZ30 it runs 2 subs plus preouts for 7 speakers

 

[dlaloum]

@dlaloum Thanks, that is great info. I am hoping to use an external amplifier (Monoprice Monolith 200W x 3 or 5 channel). From what I've heard, it's the best bang for the buck in this price range, so hopefully most of the expensive internals of the RZ70 won't matter as much if going this route.

@ban25 Thanks for sharing that. Don't know why Onkyo did that with model numbering... Just looking at the numbers, I thought the RZ30 was an inferior model to the RZ50. I looked more into it after reading your comment and it looks like it's an upgrade (sort of)... The amp is weaker but that shouldn't matter if using preouts, plus it has better HDMI and an update in 2024 vs 2021 for the RZ50.

The sale going on is tempting, but I'm not in a rush to buy, so hoping it might be better around the holidays. Fingers crossed. Does the RZ30 offer DLBC? Though I doubt they will offer ART on it. Waiting to see how that plays out and how well it works when released. For now, I don't need DLBC much. I have miniDSP and feel with MSO and REW I can do much of what DLBC offers manually. Though it’s nice to have the option to auto it and see how well Dirac does.

The RZ50 was released 2 years before the RZ30 - and was the flagship model at the time (although it was clear that the RZ70 was on the way)

The RZ30 was released only recently and provided a step between the previous NR7100 and the RZ50.
(it isn't clear whether they have discontinued the NR7100...)

There was also supposed to be a true high end flagship RZ90 model - but it was never released

 

[EWL5]

The RZ50 was released 2 years before the RZ30 - and was the flagship model at the time (although it was clear that the RZ70 was on the way)

The RZ30 was released only recently and provided a step between the previous NR7100 and the RZ50.
(it isn't clear whether they have discontinued the NR7100...)

There was also supposed to be a true high end flagship RZ90 model - but it was never released

"The RZ50 was released 2 years before the RZ70 - and was the flagship model at the time (although it was clear that the RZ70 was on the way)"
Fixed that for you...

 

[EWL5]

@rimmi2002, here's the order you should consider the AVRs mentioned in this thread (most preferred is first):

1) RZ70 - an AVR w/o caveats. Only question is whether it supports ART.
2) RZ30 - newer HDMI board and supports DLBC. However, it is very much a lateral move to your 7100 power-wise.
3) RZ50 - slightly more power than your 7100 but has about 90% of the same parts as in your 7100. You most likely won't hear a difference and all the AVRs listed here all have pre-outs. Also purportedly suffers from the same "limp mode" that @dlaloum eluded to as in your 7100 for low impedance loads. What speakers are you running?

The best move is probably wait until September to see if any announcements are made by PAC for new/old product support for Dirac ART.

 

[perceptionist]

My suggestion: wait till you hear the first convincing rumors about Dirac ART on Onkyo.

 

[rimmi2002]

My suggestion: wait till you hear the first convincing rumors about Dirac ART on Onkyo.

Thanks was thinking along the same lines.