Read this thread, no owner using the amps inside the RZ30 is having problems. A powered sub or two unloads the amps and smaller or less speakers helps a lot. You are probably not going to use these with Maggies and certainly not recommended for a large HT setup in large room. Because it could not be tested in torture test and saved itself by going into safe mode is it bad? The fact that is does not display this mode is what is bad. It's a bargain under $800 with or without additional amps.
None
Agreed. While I appreciate Amir's work and reviews, I think that not taking into account the context of what this receiver would really be good for when deciding whether or not to recommend it at all was a miss. People aren't shopping for a receiver with Dirac Live & DLBC with full pre outs at the lowest price point to not use the pre outs. There are better options for users who don't plan on taking advantage of them. This is a great pre-pro. We want manufacturers to make more products like this at accessible price points. The internal amplification can be viewed as a bonus. I would fully recommend this to anyone looking for something to use as as a pre-pro with this feature set.
I disagree that "context" is necessary. Amir's reviews test the capabilities of the AVR. What you end up doing with it is up to you. If it helps you decide that it's better off as a prepro, more power to you! Just be thankful the info is available for you to make this decision! Criticizing someone for making the info available and then failing to give a hand-holding conclusion is not very consumer-centric!
No one is debating the RZ30 is a bargain. The fact that folks continue comparing it to the ART-capable 3800 (apples to apples) is downright laughable. The street pricing for both is about right for what you get.
We're each entitled to our own opinions.
I forgot to address your cynical statement above. There are plenty of people buying at the low price point hoping this AVR fulfills their needs w/o spending another dime. To think these people don't exist seems out of touch (again, just my personal opinion).
1 - Refurbished 3800H w/ART $1500, 1 - Dirac License $300 = $1800
Normally I wouldn't engage as nothing substantive comes from these kind of interactions. That said, you did miss my point. If a potential buyer were looking for something at a low price point and they don't intend to use the pre outs for external amplification, there are cheaper options for them. If they're not shopping at the lowest price point for this feature set with full pre outs, there are higher cost & better options for them. This receiver is uniquely positioned at the lowest price point with a key differentiator over cheaper alternative options being the full set of pre outs. When considering recommendations I think that's important context and an important distinction that speaks to its probable buyers and use case. It's also clearly priced around this fact, not a mistake. Potential buyers in niche markets like this generally do some level of research about what they're buying. Your belief that other people just buy something without understanding what they're doing speaks a little bit as to why we're having this back and forth.
How is this apples to apples? RZ30 can't do Dirac ART and never will! It almost sounds like you're trying to convince folks who are "on the fence" b/w a $700 (street) RZ30 and a $1400 refurb 3800. The chasm b/w the two is so great that decisions are made fairly quickly based on need!
So ART will do more than two subs for your room/system? ART or two subs that is your choice for $2k, those are your two apples
Look at the edit of my last post. The RZ30 and the 3800 aren't even on the same planet!
This is the first I've heard of this limitation. Hopefully, this doesn't trickle down to the new gen Onkyos coming out in 2027 (it'll continue to irritate the audio purists).
And the same for the 3800H so add $300 to RZ30 with two subs and $650 to the 3800 with no subs, still apples to apples for a little over $2K. Why keep posting and selling the 3800H on RZ30 thread and agree for the money the RZ30 is a bargain. You need to start a 3800h thread. Owners here describe their experiences and issues with the RZ30, from what I read is very good. Do you own ether AVR?
Yes, I own the 3800. There's no need to start an owner's thread as the coverage both here and over at AVS is more than sufficient.
Satire?
Your MacBook will work perfectly well with DIRAC. No need to buy a Windows machine.
Awesome news, thanks!
