Thanks so much for the donation. I feel the Onkyo TX-RZ50 is a very good value. Onkyo did well to keep the cost lower then many competing models with the same feature set and sound quality. -Jon

Thanks for that feedback on how Dirac enhanced your experience. Depending on your room and speakers the impact of those filters can produce more noticeable results - as you are hearing. -Jon

I’m curious about the loudness level button that maintains dynamics at lower levels if it can’t be used with Dirac is that an easy toggle or does it wipe out any settings if you go with one or the other

It's the cats meow! Lmao

It is looking that way. So far the main gap for some is the lack of Auro-3D support. -Jon

@@ripewave what type of Auro 3D contents you watch Jon ? I thought There is not much Auro 3D content at the moment ?

I went with the TX-RZ50 based on Jon’s review and a few others. I’m not concerned with having either Auro 3D, 8K, HEOS or any other market driven features/upgrades. They’re are there to pique interest to get you to spend more money on features you may or may not use. Kind of like getting the higher trim level on a car to get the heads up display, for example. Hey, I get it. It’s a personal/subjective opinion. Just saying. Go with what makes you happy, as long as it’s affordable.

@@milehighed52801 and you do get 8K with the RZ50

Glad this series helped with your decision. Did you end getting the RZ50? How is it working out? -Jon

@@ripewave not yet, but it is in my list. If I will get it I will let you know my experience. Many thanks for your great videos on your YT channel.

I appreciate the feedback. It is a continual learning process for me. Trying to come up with a good standard approach to consistently approach each new receiver and processor I bring in-house to assess. -Jon

Nice account after a year of service - thanks for sharing. I am with you on streaming - so convenient for everyday use and excellent sound quality is now a reality.

I'm looking to by an rz50 over a sr7015, I had a sr5008, do u think I will be happy with rz50 I have a sony also never had others

I am glad you found value in the content. -Jon

So glad the content and approach are helpful. Happy to share my experience. -Jon

I find myself discovering details and characteristics that are different from my initial assumptions as I conduct product reviews on a regular basis - not all the time, but on occasion the surprise finding. I proves there is no substitute for hands-on evaluation, especially when you can conduct side-by-side against a known entity. -Jon

Thanks for reporting that issue you had with the standard Onkyo microphone that comes with the TX-RZ50. While I did run a calibration session with both the Onkyo and UMIK-1, I didn't spend much time comparing. With my quick analysis I preferred the UMIK-1. However, the Onkyo in my case was not that far behind. I understand room and speaker characteristics could make the process more challenging, making it harder to achieve desire results with a lower quality microphone. -Jon

This is an amazing video

That is correct. Many televisions will not send a signal to the ARC or eARC port if their internal speakers are turned on. So you must first disable the intern TV speakers. There can even be additional steps to ensure output to ARC or eARC on both ends. -Jon

So far in my assessment the sound quality has been so close, that I can’t recommend spending more for Denon or Marantz models aside from personal preference and whether Auro-3D is a must have for someone. -Jon

@@ripewave Thank you Jon for your assessment. 🙏 As you said these receivers are so close & we need to pick on the features we wanted like free Dirac , Auro 3D & independent Sub woofer controls . Thanks for your detail comparison on these receivers & it helped me to take decisions. Really appreciate your time on these videos 🙏

Considering selling all previously owned equipment and getting the RZ-50 or RZ70 or both 🤔

Try running Dirac again. If you can take care to lower room noise down to a minimum results will be best. If you can also more to running DIRAC from a laptop with calibrated MIC, results could improve, but you my prefer the simplicity of the Onkyo Controller app. While the built-in crossover settings for Klipsch speakers are a nice touch for convenience, I don't believe that feature will change much (simply because no one is talking about it from a first-hand account). I don't have Klipsch speakers so I could test myself. Tannoys are respectable speakers. I think you need to first pick a speaker based on how want a speaker to sound, then use the AVR settings to fine tune the output to your room and preference. Jon

Glad I could provide some useful content. Thanks for the compliment. -Jon

Thank you - that is a good use case. How about using simply to test the other pairs in their proper position? -Jon

I am glad the video provided inspiration for your speaker switch. How different in sound is the Pass Labs amp from that of the Onkyo? -Jon

That is coming is the next week or so. Soon. -Jon

I am glad you enjoyed the content. Thanks for the feedback. -Jon

I just picked up a Onkyo TX-RZ50 and I’m so disappointed in the remote. My Denon AVR-S760H which I bought a few months ago at Costco for only $399 has a very nice remote. Whatever! Come on Onkyo!

First - thanks so much for the donation. Sorry for the delay, it has been a busy week. You are picking up on some good points. 1 - Subwoofer outputs - You are correct, the RZ50 only have parallel sub outs while the RZ70 has independent (x2) sub outs. With that said, I had better sounding bass coming out of the RZ50 then with my Marantz Cinema 50 that supports up to 4x independent subs. I believe that enhanced circuitry and calibration that is well executed can make the difference. I calibrated both the RZ50 and the Cinema with Dirac Live and found the RZ50 to sound better. Given that, having true multi-sub outputs doesn't appear to make the unit better on its own. 2 - Multiple Profiles - Correct again. It is not possible to have both a Dirac Live Profile and a AccuEQ profile running on the same unit at the same time. As soon as you run Dirac, the AccuEQ profile is deleted. As soon as you run AccuEQ, the Dirac profile is deleted. Here is where Marantz was nice and lets you load both a Dirac and an Audyssey profile at the same time in different slots. 3 - Tweaking - Yes, Technodad and Joe and Tell developed a Spatial Audio Toolkit that aids in the manual calibration of various setting - level matching, phase alignment, etc. Joe and Tell is also developing a "Magic Beans" calibration tool that I have been beta testing. The results from that tool appear to be better then even Dirac. I will release more videos on those tools going forward. 4 - Remote - I agree, no backlight, and an old design which is a carry-over from the previously generation. Obviously they didn't put any effort to enhance the remote with the latest range. Let me know if you have further questions and feedback on the unit. Perhaps you can return if it doesn't suit all your needs, but from a sound quality perspective, I believe it is a good value provided you are okay with a few misses. Jon

I agree that is a difficult decision. The Dirac calibration that comes with the Onkyo models provides more visibility and custom parameters you don't have with Sony's proprietary DCAC IX calibration. That one is plug-and-play, quick, but there is very limited as to how you can adjust the resulting filters. The 360SSM is nice, but for me not enough to overcome such a price difference. Albeit, I don't fault those who make the jump for that reason. -Jon

I find that one good amp with ample power is better then bi-amping speakers. In fact you will know that the same tonal quality is being sent to both the high and low frequencies. The SVS Ultras are 8 ohm 88db sensitivity. I would aim for 300W/ch to make them sing. -Jon

If you don't need a clean sub out for TR like hovereze then adding a Minidsp is the best option for multi subs Nothing to fix the lack of audo3d of you like that though.

I felt the internal amps were pretty good - even for front stage. I think the value of adding external can still benefit you with surround approach as it reduces the overall load. You need at least a 2-channel external amp to drive either rear surround or rear heights as your noted. If you purchase a 4-channel amp (or better yet 5-channel amp), you could power the front speakers (L-R or L-R-C) plus cover the rear surrounds externally. -Jon

Francois - Your donation is very much appreciated. Thanks for your support. -Jon

The RZ70 is the greatest technological advancement since the moon landing!

Yes - Yamaha is available on Amazon so I can easily purchase and return. I was thinking of getting two Yamaha models at the same time to understand the differences. The RZ70 is currently exclusive Crutchfield purchase (which I like working with them as well) -Jon

I don’t have experience with rear center channel speakers so I am not the best person to respond. My guess is the results depends on the AVReceiver or AV Processor and whether it is able to process to a rear center channel. Many don’t permit a rear center to be configured. I believe Denon and Marantz are one of the few that recognize and send the information to that channel. Then I would play will different upmixers to see what sounds best. -Jon

I don't know the DAC used in the Onkyo TX-RZ50. The TX-RZ70 uses an ESS 9026 Pro chip. I suspect the TX-RZ50 is a grade lower in quality. -Jon

At $1,700, I think the Denon AVR-X3800h may be the lowest cost Auro-3D AVR out there. I will have to check my notes. Just got one in for review. With Onkyo, you need to move up to the TX-RZ70 which is about $2,800.

@@ripewave it's one of them. I opted for the X4700H when they were reduced.

@@mikeortiz2139 I’m a newbie to AV receivers . Currently there is not much content for Auro 3D , How do you watch Auro 3D content ? Thanks in advance

@@RajanKannan11 well you wouldn't. You would use the Auromatic upmixer. So older media in 5.1 you can upmixer to a 5.1.4 speaker layout or you could even take a subpar atmos mix and upmix if desired.

@@mikeortiz2139 Thanks for your response. This is good information. In the Denon receiver do you have an option to upmix an 5.1 Atmos content to a Auro 3D format ? If yes , can you share me how do you do this in a denon remote / receiver ? Thanks in Advance . 🙏

Sony is on my list to review. Their sound mode technology has a lot of interest and they have been out of the market for a while. -Jon

@@ripewave Be great if you could get Sony AV Receiver in for review, thanks

Yes - I glossed over the THX features by only listing the sound modes and not explaining them. THX Audio Setting: - Back Speaker Spacing - THX wants to know how far apart the rear speakers are. Setting can be A) 1.2 m" - THX Ultra / Select Subwoofer. Turn on if your subwoofer is THX-certified. (NOTE: Disabled BGC wall boundary compensation) - THX Loudness Plus - - Available only with THX listening mode selected. - THX version of variable loudness - Similar to Dolby Loudness Management for improved below reference listening. - Automatically applied with any THX listening mode. - With THX Cinema, THX Music, THX Games modes, the optimum THX Loudness Plus setting is applied for each content type THX Crossover settings - - just an indication that 80Hz is the crossover setting that THX requires - for all THX Certified speakers. THX Sound Modes: - THX Cinema - 4.1 - 7.1, 4.1.2 - 7.1.4 Use this mode in a home theater environment to play the soundtrack that was recorded on the assumption that it is played in a movie theater or similar large area. In this mode, THX Loudness Plus is set to the theater level, and Re-EQ, Timbre Matching and Adaptive Decorrelation are all enabled. - THX Select Cinema - 6.1-7.1, 6.1.2-7.1.2, 6.1.4-7.1,4 The THX Select Cinema mode provides a high-quality surround sound experience by expanding movie sources recorded in 5.1 ch for 7.1 ch playback. In this mode, the THX ASA processing technology gives smooth transition between side and back surround sounds, creating the best atmosphere and directional sense of surround sound. - THX Music - 4.1 - 7.1, 4.1.2 - 7.1.4 This mode mainly adjusts the playback of music sources that are mastered to a much higher quality obviously than movie audio. In this mode, THX Loudness Plus is set to a level suited to the playback of music, and Timbre Matching is enabled. - THX Sel Mus - 6.1-7.1, 6.1.2-7.1.2, 6.1.4-7.1,4 The THX Select Cinema mode provides a high-quality surround sound experience by expanding movie sources recorded in 5.1 ch for 7.1 ch playback. In this mode, the THX ASA processing technology gives smooth transition between side and back surround sounds, creating the best atmosphere and directional sense of surround sound. - THX Games - 4.1 - 7.1, 4.1.2 - 7.1.4 Use this mode for high-fidelity spatial reproduction of game sound. THX Loudness Plus is set to a level suited to the audio level of the game, and Timbre Matching is enabled. - THX Sel Gam - 6.1-7.1, 6.1.2-7.1.2, 6.1.4-7.1,4 Select the THX Select Games mode to play game sound recorded in a multichannel format. In this mode, the THX ASA processing technology enables the playback of game sound in a 360-degree sound field which was recorded in PCM, DTS, Dolby Digital and other 5.1 ch formats. THX Sel Mus (THX Select Music): Select THX Select Music to play music sources recorded in a multichannel format. In this mode, the THX ASA processing technology creates a broad and stable back sound field when playing music sources recorded in 5.1 ch, such as DTS, Dolby Digital, and DVD-Audio. THX Settings: Re-EQ(THX) - soundtracks with the enhanced high range mix will be re-EQ'd to lower the high frequencies. These mixes are suitable for cinema but not home theater. This setting will be applied with THX Cinema and THX Select Cinema sound modes. THX Features: - Timbre Matching - filters the signals sent to the surround speakers, adjust the tonal characteristics of front speakers and surround speakers to create smooth sound movement from font to surround speakers. - Adaptive Decorrelation - For systems with only 2 surround speakers. Changes the time axis and phase between the surround channels so that you can enjoy the same spatial sound with two surround speakers as in a movie theater. - Advanced Speaker Array (ASA) - Adjusts the sounds of two surround speakers on the sides and two surround speakers at the back. The distance setting between the two surround back speakers in the THX Audio setting is used with this feature.

@@ripewave...Thanks! I appreciate that information. Will I be able to do the Dirac Live run and then apply THX mode on top of that or do I need. If you are able to do a video on this, it would be helpful as well. I still find THX ratings to be a good standard to have. I am not sure on how many other people would find this helpful though.

@ripewave Wow! That was a mouthful, Jon! I didn’t know it was so elaborate. Thanks for spelling it out. I’ll have to do now with my brand new TX-RZ50, once I get a chance to get it out of the box!

The Onkyo TX-RZ50 supports Tidal but not MQA. MQA is going through administration (bankruptcy) and it is not likely MQA will be added to models that don’t already support it. NAD is one of the few AV Receivers that support MQA. -Jon

I have been very pleased with my Polk 900-ls ceiling speakers. There is enough of an angle for the higher frequency drivers to direct the sound to the listener, and they blend well with other Polk speakers. I recommend after using for a while now. -Jon

As I am not currently a TIDAL subscriber (using Apple Music mostly today, but have Amazon Music as well) I cannot speak to the quality of the TIDAL support. I can say that MQA is not supported by Onkyo. Not many AVRs natively support MQA. Harmon models (Arcam / JBL) and NAD T778 are the few that do.

What rotel do you have?

@@ngocehgayabebas2118 RB980BX

So true - it is possible that an external amp lowers performance over an internal amp. -Jon

Part 1 - Onkyo TX-RZ50 7.1.4 AV Receiver Review - Part 1 Initial Setup kzfaq.info/get/bejne/ead4bNKnyr6veHU.html Part 2 - Onkyo TX-RZ50 AV Receiver Sound Quality, Room Calibration vs. Marantz and Emotiva kzfaq.info/get/bejne/npinaZdpx8CqYJc.html Part 3 - Onkyo TX-RZ50 AV Receiver - Part 3 - internal amps, usability, sound modes kzfaq.info/get/bejne/rZmlh6qe3M61d4U.html Plus - comparisons with Denon / Marantz videos - Live Stream - Denon / Marantz AVR Super Unboxing - X3800H, X4800H & Cinema 40 + Cinema 50 kzfaq.infooHvGuW6Ga0c Part 1 - Denon Marantz 7.4.4 AVR Super Comparison - Initial Setup kzfaq.info/get/bejne/ldRdosx-sJ29op8.html Part 2 - Denon Marantz 7.4.4 AVR Super Comparison - Listening kzfaq.info/get/bejne/hph3dMWZt7-nfp8.html

Sorry to hear that. Is there any signs of life at all? Is the LCD display on the front displaying anything? Can you use the buttons behind the front panel door to cycle through menus? If so, there is a factory reset option. Have you attempted to call Onkyo support? Jon

HDMI is tough to troubleshoot. It is often the combination of source, AHR, TV, cables and settings on each component. The standard is poorly defined and has resulted in variations in implementation which causes performance issues. If you are using certified HDMI 4K or 8K cables, you should be fine on the cable side. I would try disabling CEC function on the TV and Panasonic UHD player to see if the problem resolves. If the CEC handshake has errors, it will slow down the connection. -Jon

Let me know your thoughts once you are able to bring online and use. -Jon

@@ripewave I will thanks hopefully it comes today. do atmos toppers work at all on 8ft ceiling? your reviews got me to buy rz50.

I it hooked up now and it sounded great did dirac and now when people talk they sound nasal sounding center speaker is at 100hertz ??

@@ripewave sounds very good for music and movies not sure spending more on other brands is worth it for what rz50 gives you

I don’t have any experience with your issue. There are a lot of handshaking issues with HDMI (any receiver or processor can have issues), so I am not surprised. While I can envision how a pause may be disruptive, as the signal is disrupted, but don’t understand how a “mute” command could also impact the signal unless this is an ARC or eARC from the TV and you are muting the TV. -Jon

The pre-outs should always be active. That has been my experience with the Onkyo models. Confirm that you speakers configuration has height2 configured. That is usually the case when I don't hear anything through an output with known good cables, amplifier and speaker (tested on another output successfully). If you still don't hear anything, I would call support for their guidance. -Jon

@@ripewave when you set it to 7.1.4, it forces you to use an external AMP for the rear surrounds. It's in the documentation, it doesn't let you pick and choose.

That makes sense

I haven’t researched or experienced a protection mode condition. What is Denon saying? Even if it is out of warranty they should be able to provide guidance. -Jon

​@@ripewave, The Error Protection Mode Is On. But When I Switched Rooms And Outlets ( That's With All The Speaker Wires And Connected Devices DISCONNECTED!) The Error Code No Longer On, But This Is The Second Time It Happened, But First Time I Didn't Pull Everything Of The AVRX6700H Receiver, I Just DISCONNECTED The POWER PLUG For 30 Minutes Or More. So Gotta Check ✔️ The Speaker Wires ( They Through Banana Plugs By The Way!) And Other Things. I Just Am Trying To Find Out What They Are To Do. I Appreciate Your Feedback, And If You Get Any More Info On This Situation, I Would Greatly Appreciate It. Thanks Again Pal. Take Care.

Curious about this as well.

In order to get 7.1.4 you must power your surround backs with an external amplifier. If you use your internal amp you will lose the Height 2 speakers. That's one of the drawbacks of this unit, but for people with external amplification, as long as you know they have to power your back surrounds you're OK.

@@Kevingc1 Thanks but for me keeping my front, center and surrounds powered by my parasound Amp is a must and its shame I cant reassign two of these unused amps to power my back surrounds or heights.

@@mattgiunt In that case you would have to buy a 2 channel amp for the back surrounds, if you are completely set on using the parasound for your two side surrounds.

Great discussion- glad you got some good responses. Yes, let flexibility with this model. I need to take note so I can be sure this point on future videos. -Jon

Not sure. Are you saying that when you first powered on that is what the screen was saying? Sounds like something isn’t right. -Jon

Thanks for reporting. I am assuming you were using the built in amplifiers. I used external amplifiers so I didn’t put it under a load which would produce too much heat. How difficult to drive are your speakers?

Yes, was using built-in amps. Speakers are rated 8 ohm. They are 3 way towers that are now driven by a Denon 80 watt/ch class A amp that has never felt more than 1 or 2 degrees above room temp.@@ripewave

Yes - good thing you offloaded to the Denon amplifier. It should be getting that hot with an 8 ohm load will content is playing. -Jon

@@jstpsgthru That says a lot! 👍 If the same speakers can be driven by a Class A amp that barely gets hot: the Onkyo certainly had an issue. Class A solid-state amps are second only to tube amps when it come to heat generation / power efficiency.

Not sure if this helps, but the unit has two HDMI outputs - labelled "Main" and "Sub". Using the remote, the middle top button is labelled "HDMI Main/Sub" - pressing it cycles video output for three separate modes: 1) HDMI Main only 2) HDMI Sub only 3) HDMI Main+Sub Jon

@@ripewave yeah helps a Lot, better than use a external switching for projector to goback to use a tv

Glad that option may work for you - Jon

If you need amplification then RZ50 but if you have an amp and plan to expand then the processors. I cant decide what processor to get either that you listed. But RZ50 is high on my list too.

@@BrianGarside I currently use my Onkyo Rz820 as a processor hooked up to the Emotiva basx A7. I figured that as old as my AVR is I might get better performance from a newer one. 🤷

I am still waiting for Emotiva to send a MC1 evaluation unit to better understand the differences. I have a gut feeling that Emotiva is a safer choice over similar offerings from Tonewinner and IOTAVX from a support perspective (albeit, that may be country dependent - but Emotiva is expanding support in Europe as well). The RZ-50 is the best deal and is 8K now. Emotiva said they will introduce 8K this year. -Jon

@@ripewave Thanks!

Unless you need more channels of processing the Onkyo TX-RZ50 should serve you well for a long time. -Jon

@@ripewave thanks I’m only running 5.1 adding 2 atmos later

The front door has a bottom hinge. Just pull down from the top. -Jon

As an owner I agree. -Jon

are u happy with the rz50 coming from the 6010

@@mikeschmidt2339 yes, the DIRAC really made a difference in my room for the better. Movies come alive and soundstagibg is improved. My only niggle with it is having connections for 2 subs but they are strapped together versus the SR6010. So far though running just my RSL Speedwoofer S10mk I doesn't seem to lack for impact.

@@christoofart Thanks im running 5.1 upgrading to atmos ,50m bookshelf klipsch one sub, no extra amp, im in a carpet basement finished everything is off to the left, do u think rz5o will work and how has it held up , used to maretz quality hopefully rz50 is as good. how long have u had rz50 1year?

@@mikeschmidt2339 Have had it only about a month , but am very happy with, as I think so shall you be. It is a great avr and has lots of useful features.

Thanks for this information- very useful

They're on their way. Well thank you.

KZfaq just generates them for me - but it seems they can be delayed. -Jon

I think your statement aligns with my goal. I am aiming to indicate the receiver's capabilities, what works, what doesn't and what is in between. Then have each viewer take that information in and make their own decision based on what is important to them. Of course, my feedback on listening test is the most subjective content but at least the direct side-by-side comparison provides a relative analysis. Glad this approach is helpful. -Jon

@@ripewave I believe that most of people needs that what you do, other reviews they saying oh marantz is warm, ok what is warm? Local stores dont have marantz tô show, "oh warm sound" is high frequênces roll of, that's Still dont help I cant reproduce or hear what is that, or what sounds like with "HDAM" processing, that's is only a exemple of stuff that's dont help, cause never heard before The point is theres really amount of information thats really dont help me to choose a receiver because I never heard nome of this before, I believe the most of people dont hád too, what COULD helps is what you do, and hearing the same músic demo, on my headphone listening How sound should be hearing the marantz sound, now the same músic switch to Rottel live sound, now Clinical sound of Yamaha, otherwise are Just words in the Wind,

Thanks for that detailed explanation of the type of reviews you find helpful. Until I bought a newer Marantz I though I preferred a “warm” sound. LPs vs early CDs sounded warmer and less harsh. So my definition comes from that time. But I would say the Cinema 50 sounds more dull than warm. I have stayed away from recording playback as I feel there is so much to get lost in translation and I also need to locate royalty free content to upload to KZfaq - but would locate if it wasn’t for the technical challenge of reproducing what I am hearing through recording. I struggle just getting my voice to sound accurate and Fred from noise. Other reviewers do just what you say - I lack the confidence I could pull it off. If positive with fidelity I might try. At this point I am focused on refining the segments I do cover first. -Jon

While I would say the Onkyo is on the old school side with is dot-matrix display, I do feel it looks alright. Just not a modern style -Jon

True - not all separates deliver. A bad receiver with the amplifiers removed will produce a bad separate. -Jon

That’s how it appear. Same channel count. Better sound quality? That is my hope. -Jon

My dad bought a Pioneer “Elite” receiver as one of his last components and the amplifiers were so bad no chance of driving his 4 ohm Polk SDA 2Bs. I found the Onkyo to be much better then that, but I did not fully test the amplifier section. -Jon

Please elaborate your experience with the 840. The sound quality? Something else? -Jon

Thanks for sharing your experience - event though it was different then mine. While my unit preformed well, consistency is very important. I hope that your 3rd replacement will finally be made with quality parts and assembly. Let me know how this new unit performs. -Jon

@@ripewave I kid you not, Jon…..the replacement came today and 2 of the feet were broken. I can’t make this up. The company I bought it from graciously refunded my money, even though they didn’t have to. Kudos to them for sure. It just wasn’t meant to be for me, I suppose. Back to the drawing board. Cheers!

So sorry you went through that. They are having Sharp manufacture these units for them. Such quality issue are not excusable. -Jon

I felt that this model from Onkyo performed better then more expensive models from other brands. -Jon

I don’t like over paying

Thank you very much - I appreciate the support. -Jon