Onkyo TX-RZ50 Review (Home Theater AVR)

[dlaloum]

How can a rz30 with parallel sub outs get dlbc when rz50 doesn't even have it...

How is dlbc going to do each sub differently when that's impossible.

And I just read a post dirac got rid of 1 of the dlbc subwoofer purchase options and price of the license came down by a bit.

Is rz50 going to get a firmware update?

Single sub dlbc.

 

[peng]

How can a rz30 with parallel sub outs get dlbc when rz50 doesn't even have it...

How is dlbc going to do each sub differently when that's impossible.

And I just read a post dirac got rid of 1 of the dlbc subwoofer purchase options and price of the license came down by a bit.

Is rz50 going to get a firmware update?

We are on the same page on this. The "two independent/discrete" subout thing is just speculation at the moment. We will soon know as the manuals become available. I say manual because even the RZ50 and other manufacturers (example: Anthem) that advertised the "two" subout feature don't always clarify whether are are independent or not, and you have to dig in further, such as reading the manuals.

 

[peng]

Coming soon.

Onkyo TX-RZ50 – Dirac

DIRAC LIVE FOR Onkyo TX-RZ50 Get your license

www.dirac.com

Unless I missed your point somewhere, that link only shows BC is going to be available for upgrade, and that's software. For AVRs, such as the RZ50, DLBC will still treat it as single sub because the two subouts are basically like a single subout to two using a Y connector.

 

[popej]

Unless I missed your point somewhere

The point is, that Onkyo don't misname RZ30, it should be a lower model than RZ50 and missing some features rather than adding more like getting DLBC while RZ50 doesn't. As for missing, at first look I would say no radio and single USB port. And I doubt it has 2 independent subs, since it would be a major redesign - more connections to DSP, more DACs, more preamp channels.

 

[EWL5]

The point is, that Onkyo don't misname RZ30, it should be a lower model than RZ50 and missing some features rather than adding more like getting DLBC while RZ50 doesn't. As for missing, at first look I would say no radio and single USB port. And I doubt it has 2 independent subs, since it would be a major redesign - more connections to DSP, more DACs, more preamp channels.

I see no problem w/the naming convention or that newer features are featured on the "junior unit". Sometimes Mercedes will introduce something newer on the C class before the E Class (happens all the time in various industries)!

As long as you understand it's 2024 tech vs 2021 tech, then you should be able to believe the "good things" are coming!

 

[peng]

The point is, that Onkyo don't misname RZ30, it should be a lower model than RZ50 and missing some features rather than adding more like getting DLBC while RZ50 doesn't. As for missing, at first look I would say no radio and single USB port. And I doubt it has 2 independent subs, since it would be a major redesign - more connections to DSP, more DACs, more preamp channels.

Agreed, very much my points too. If one values the more than one real sub out feature, and for price points similar to the RZ50, the Denon AVR-X3800H remains to be the one to beat.

 

[popej]

As long as you understand it's 2024 tech vs 2021 tech, then you should be able to believe the "good things" are coming!

Would be nice, but I doubt Onkyo would give name RZ30 for a truly new design. It looks like a remake of NR7100.

 

[peng]

I see no problem w/the naming convention or that newer features are featured on the "junior unit". Sometimes Mercedes will introduce something newer on the C class before the E Class (happens all the time in various industries)!

As long as you understand it's 2024 tech vs 2021 tech, then you should be able to believe the "good things" are coming!

If you are still referring to the two sub outs being independent, I 100% hope you are right but that is just wishful thinking at the moment. If they did do that, the RZ30 may be the only real so called "9.2" on the market at the moment at the <$1,000 list price range. I may then try to sell my AVR-X1800H and buy the RZ30.

 

[EWL5]

If you are still referring to the two sub outs being independent, I 100% hope you are right but that is just wishful thinking at the moment. If they did do that, the RZ30 may be the only real so called "9.2" on the market at the moment at the <$1,000 list price range. I may then try to sell my AVR-X1800H and buy the RZ30.

Unfortunately, list price for all this new goodness is $1199!

TX-RZ30 | Onkyo

The Onkyo TX-RZ30 AV Receiver delivers ultra-wide bandwidth and boasts the latest technology like built-in Dirac Live, THX and Dolby Atmos for the home theater of your dreams. Shop now!

onkyo.com

 

[peng]

Unfortunately, list price for all this new goodness is $1199!

TX-RZ30 | Onkyo

The Onkyo TX-RZ30 AV Receiver delivers ultra-wide bandwidth and boasts the latest technology like built-in Dirac Live, THX and Dolby Atmos for the home theater of your dreams. Shop now!

onkyo.com

Well it comes with the Dirac Live without bass control license that is worth $349. So, I am okay with $1199 and still consider it as a <$1000 AVR haha.

 

[ban25]

If you are still referring to the two sub outs being independent, I 100% hope you are right but that is just wishful thinking at the moment. If they did do that, the RZ30 may be the only real so called "9.2" on the market at the moment at the <$1,000 list price range. I may then try to sell my AVR-X1800H and buy the RZ30.

If we read the press release carefully:

With a Dirac Live Room Correction Full Bandwidth license included with the purchased, and an optional Dirac Live Bass Control upgrade available for Single/Multi, users are ensured perfectly calibrated audio from the get-go. Dirac Live Room Correction can calibrate the full frequency range (20 Hz to 20 kHz) of music and movie sound. The optional Dirac Live Bass Control ensures that the two independent subwoofer outputs that are calibrated with all other speakers to provide bass refinement and fine details, while enhancing mid and high frequencies.

New Onkyo TX-RZ30 9.2 Channel A/V Receiver is Technology Packed for the Immersive Home Theater of Your Dreams - The Absolute Sound

New Onkyo TX-RZ30 9.2 Channel A/V Receiver is Technology Packed for the Immersive Home Theater of Your Dreams - Onkyo® is pleased to announce the Onkyo TX-RZ30 Channel A/V Receiver, as it expands its premium RZ Series lineup.

www.theabsolutesound.com

The odds of both subwoofer outputs being independent on this model are very, very high. The confusion around the RZ50 is simply down to the fact that the RZ30 is a 2024 model and the RZ50 is a 2021 model. No different then comparing an X6700H with 2 sub outs to an X3800H with 4, when they were both on the market at the same time.

It's a shame it's only Roon Tested. Aside from that, it's an impressive feature set for the price.

 

[peng]

If we read the press release carefully:

New Onkyo TX-RZ30 9.2 Channel A/V Receiver is Technology Packed for the Immersive Home Theater of Your Dreams - The Absolute Sound

New Onkyo TX-RZ30 9.2 Channel A/V Receiver is Technology Packed for the Immersive Home Theater of Your Dreams - Onkyo® is pleased to announce the Onkyo TX-RZ30 Channel A/V Receiver, as it expands its premium RZ Series lineup.

www.theabsolutesound.com

The odds of both subwoofer outputs being independent on this model are very, very high. The confusion around the RZ50 is simply down to the fact that the RZ30 is a 2024 model and the RZ50 is a 2021 model. No different then comparing an X6700H with 2 sub outs to an X3800H with 4, when they were both on the market at the same time.

It's a shame it's only Roon Tested. Aside from that, it's an impressive feature set for the price.

I did read that part carefully as I am interested in that feature that I did not get on my Denon for the 2 channel system. My slight concern is that the narrative could have been referencing the bass control software capability, i.e. it "can do" if your hardware also has the capability. Too bad there isn't a clearly defined standard for the .1, .2, .4 notation.

Again, I am hopeful too, and agreed the odds is quite good, but I would suggest people who really need two independent sub outs not jump in right away just in case. Ommv.., obviously.

 

[EWL5]

I did read that part carefully as I am interested in that feature that I did not get on my Denon for the 2 channel system. My slight concern is that the narrative could have been referencing the bass control software capability, i.e. it "can do" if your hardware also has the capability. Too bad there isn't a clearly defined standard for the .1, .2, .4 notation.

Again, I am hopeful too, and agreed the odds is quite good, but I would suggest people who really need two independent sub outs not jump in right away just in case. Ommv.., obviously.

We already know multi-DLBC is capable of handling far more than 2 SW (4 at least)! What reason would they have to specifically limit the verbiage to "2" independent sub outs?

 

[dlaloum]

The point is, that Onkyo don't misname RZ30, it should be a lower model than RZ50 and missing some features rather than adding more like getting DLBC while RZ50 doesn't. As for missing, at first look I would say no radio and single USB port. And I doubt it has 2 independent subs, since it would be a major redesign - more connections to DSP, more DACs, more preamp channels.

Without dual independent subs, it would effectively be the same as an Integra DRX 3.4 - in which case, what's the point? - Those who don't need pre-outs can get the NR7100, those that do can get the Integra DRX 3.4!

On the other hand they may be starting a new generation - in which case the RZ30 would replace the NR7100... and presumably an updated AVR would replace the RZ50 - with dual independent subs....

No announcements for Pioneer or Integra - that raises questions?

 

[EWL5]

No announcements for Pioneer or Integra - that raises questions?

Not really. It's just giving Onkyo an opportunity to enjoy the spotlight by itself. I'm sure the Pioneer and Integra equivalents will follow soon enough!

 

[Pilliyarvenkatesan]

Bought 4800. Previously used pioneer lx57 . Not happy with 4800. How about rz70? (Not looking at rz50 caz of multi sub)

 

[dlaloum]

Bought 4800. Previously used pioneer lx57 . Not happy with 4800. How about rz70? (Not looking at rz50 caz of multi sub)

The RZ70 (and Pio/Integra sibs) is a high current design - the 4800 (and RZ50) isn't - you would have to go up to the X6800 to get decent current in the Denon family...

If the 4800 isn't doing it, chances are you have low impedance speakers (or high phase angles) - that require a high current amp design... cos it has plenty of power... but not so much current.

 

[Pilliyarvenkatesan]

The RZ70 (and Pio/Integra sibs) is a high current design - the 4800 (and RZ50) isn't - you would have to go up to the X6800 to get decent current in the Denon family...

If the 4800 isn't doing it, chances are you have low impedance speakers (or high phase angles) - that require a high current amp design... cos it has plenty of power... but not so much current.

Got anthem mca 325 hooked to polk 400 and crown 2502 to polk r700...not making 4800 sounding to my taste yet. Will rz70 help?

 

[EWL5]

The RZ70 (and Pio/Integra sibs) is a high current design - the 4800 (and RZ50) isn't - you would have to go up to the X6800 to get decent current in the Denon family...

If the 4800 isn't doing it, chances are you have low impedance speakers (or high phase angles) - that require a high current amp design... cos it has plenty of power... but not so much current.

Why do you say the 4800 isn't a high current design? According to Amir's review, it certainly had nowhere near the clipping found in the RZ50 for 4 ohms:

 

[popej]

Why do you say the 4800 isn't a high current design?

Because "high current design" is a marketing term used by Onkyo?