If you’ve been following home audio recently, you know that Onkyo is back and in a big way. But with three heavy-hitting models in the "RZ" Premium Series, it can be tough to decipher which box belongs under your TV.
We’re skipping the dry spec sheets today. Instead, we’ve combed through expert reviews and real user feedback to answer the most common questions about the TX-RZ50, TX-RZ70, and the new TX-RZ30.
Here is the breakdown of which receiver is right for your setup.
1. The "Best Bang for Your Buck" Choice: Onkyo TX-RZ50
Best for: The enthusiast who wants high-end features like Dirac Live without breaking the bank.
The TX-RZ50 has been the talk of the town for a reason. It brought professional-grade room calibration (Dirac Live) to a price point that made the competition sweat.
What are people asking? “Is the Dirac Live calibration actually worth the hype?”
The Consensus: Absolutely. The standout feature here is the inclusion of the full-bandwidth Dirac Live license (usually a costly add-on). This software analyzes your room and adjusts the audio to remove "muddy" bass and sharpen dialogue.
Reviewers Say:
"Thanks to an extensive feature set, including full-bandwidth Dirac Live for in-depth calibration, Onkyo's TX-RZ50 receiver offers impressive value for money." — TechRadar / Onkyo Reviews
"The Onkyo TX-RZ50 is arguably the best value AV component that is currently on the market. If you can get this receiver for under $1000, it's a steal!" — Upscaled Home Theater (YouTube)
Why buy it? It’s a 9.2-channel powerhouse that is THX Certified. If you are building a standard 5.1.4 or 7.1.2 Dolby Atmos system, this receiver hits the "sweet spot" of performance and price.
2. The Audiophile Flagship: Onkyo TX-RZ70
Best for: Those who demand the absolute best music performance and have larger, power-hungry speakers.
The TX-RZ70 is the big brother. It pumps up the channel count to 11.2 and, crucially, upgrades the internal components to include ESS Sabre DACs, the same tech found in high-end dedicated Hi-Fi streamers.
What are people asking? “I mostly watch movies, but I listen to a lot of vinyl and streaming music. Is the upgrade to the RZ70 noticeable?”
The Consensus: Yes, especially for music lovers. While the RZ50 is fantastic for movies, the RZ70’s superior DACs (Digital-to-Analog Converters) and extra power offer a cleaner, more detailed soundstage for music.
Reviewers Say:
"Onkyo's big-boy receiver is a thrilling, detail-rich cinematic performer... With even the maddest action scenes there was a slight touch of delicacy and airiness to be detected." — Home Cinema Choice
"It sits at the top of the hill... I have concluded that it is an incredible deal in the cost/performance ratio analysis for a product of this caliber." — HomeTheaterHifi
Why buy it? If you plan to run a full 7.2.4 Atmos setup (that’s 11 speakers plus subwoofers) without needing extra external amplifiers, this is the one. It handles dynamics with "grace and power."
3. The New Heavyweight Contender: Onkyo TX-RZ30
Best for: Modern living rooms and gamers who want the latest tech in a slightly more compact package.
The TX-RZ30 is the newest addition, sitting as the entry point to the premium RZ line. Don't let the "entry" label fool you, it shares much of the same DNA as the flagship models, including that coveted Dirac Live tech and ultra-wide bandwidth (5Hz–100kHz).
What are people asking? “Do I really need the bigger models if I have a normal-sized living room?”
The Consensus: Probably not. The RZ30 is being praised for "outperforming its price." It is designed to be punchy and precise. For most UK living rooms running a solid 5.1 or 5.1.2 system, the RZ30 provides more than enough headroom.
Reviewers Say:
"The Onkyo TX-RZ30 delivers premium performance at a mid-range price... [It] proves that excellent sound doesn't have to come with a flagship price tag." — Sound & Vision
Why buy it? It fixes the HDMI headaches of the past with rock-solid HDMI 2.1 support for 4K/120Hz gaming (perfect for PS5 and Xbox Series X). It’s the smart choice for a dual-purpose media room.
Quick Summary: Which one is for you?
- Go with the TX-RZ50 if you want the best overall value. It’s the proven winner for 9-channel setups.
- Go with the TX-RZ70 if you are an audiophile or have a massive 11-channel home cinema.
- Go with the TX-RZ30 if you want modern features and gaming specs at a highly competitive price.
