Onkyo TX-RZ30: New 9.2-Channel AV Receiver

Onkyo has unveiled its latest high-end addition to the RZ series, the TX-RZ30, a 9.2-channel AV receiver that is poised to deliver an extraordinary home theater experience. This new model showcases Onkyo’s dedication to integrating top-tier technology and advanced performance features, making it a compelling choice for audiophiles and gaming enthusiasts alike.

Central to the TX-RZ30’s appeal is its 9.2-channel configuration, which allows for a deeply immersive audio experience. Each channel is powered by 100 watts of class A/B amplification, a significant step up from typical AV receivers. This setup ensures that every channel receives ample power, delivering clean, powerful sound across a wide range of frequencies. Onkyo has incorporated custom analog circuitry and high-end amplifier technology to enhance the fidelity and detail of the audio, providing listeners with a rich and nuanced soundscape.

In terms of audio reproduction, the TX-RZ30 features custom noise power transformers and smoothing capacitors, which are engineered to handle a wide frequency range. Onkyo claims that these components enable the receiver to reproduce bass frequencies as low as 5Hz and treble frequencies up to 100kHz. This capability is crucial for delivering both the deep, rumbling lows of action sequences and the crisp, high-frequency details of delicate musical passages. To further enhance audio performance, the receiver includes the Dirac Live Room Correction system. This advanced technology analyzes the acoustics of your room and adjusts the audio output to match the specific characteristics of your space, ensuring optimal sound quality.

Onkyo’s commitment to quality is underscored by the TX-RZ30’s THX Certification. This prestigious certification indicates that the receiver has undergone and passed a series of rigorous tests designed to ensure high standards of audio performance. Additionally, the TX-RZ30 features IMAX Enhanced mode, which is tailored to unlock the full potential of the IMAX version of the DTS

sound format. This mode is particularly useful for enjoying IMAX Enhanced content, such as select Marvel films on Disney+ and certain 4K Blu-ray discs, providing an enhanced cinematic experience.

The receiver supports a range of audio formats, including Dolby Atmos and DTS

, which are essential for creating a fully immersive sound environment. To further tailor the audio experience, the TX-RZ30 includes a Klipsch Optimize Mode. This feature, developed in collaboration with Klipsch, provides precise crossover values for Klipsch Reference Premiere speakers, optimizing the performance of these high-quality speakers when paired with the receiver.

Connectivity is another area where the TX-RZ30 excels. It features a comprehensive selection of HDMI ports: two outputs and six inputs, all supporting HDMI v2.1a. These ports are capable of handling 8K/60Hz video signals, although 8K content is still relatively rare. More significantly for gamers, the receiver supports 4K/120Hz gaming feeds, making it compatible with the latest gaming consoles, including the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and high-end PC graphics cards. One of the HDMI outputs also supports ARC/eARC technology, which allows the receiver to receive audio from eARC-capable TVs, simplifying connectivity and enhancing audio quality.

The TX-RZ30 also supports a variety of HDR formats, including HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, ensuring compatibility with the latest video standards. In addition to HDMI ports, the receiver includes a range of other connection options: component video inputs, composite inputs, RS-232, IR, and 12V trigger ports for integration into broader control systems, an Ethernet port, an optical audio input, and FM/AM tuner connections. For connecting various audio sources, the receiver offers seven stereo line inputs, phono pre-outs for multiple speaker configurations, and a Sonos port for distributing high-quality sound through a Sonos speaker network.

Wireless connectivity is equally impressive, with built-in Wi-Fi and bi-directional Bluetooth. This allows users to stream audio from their devices using SBC or AAC codecs and transmit audio to wireless headphones using SBC, aptX, or aptX HD codecs. The latter supports 24-bit audio, providing an enhanced listening experience.

The TX-RZ30 is also equipped with smart features, including support for Apple AirPlay, Works With Sonos (with volume pass-through), Chromecast, Google Home, Amazon HD Music, TIDAL, Deezer, Spotify, Pandora, and TuneIn. These features make it easy to integrate the receiver into various smart home ecosystems and access a wide range of music streaming services.

For those seeking additional customization, the TX-RZ30 can be upgraded with the optional Dirac Live Bass Control module. This module enhances both single and multi-room setups by calibrating the two independent subwoofer outputs in conjunction with the other speakers in the system. This refinement improves bass performance and balances mid and high frequencies, further enhancing the overall audio experience.

The Onkyo TX-RZ30 is set to become available in the US from authorized retailers and Onkyo.com starting in October 2024, with a retail price of $1,199. For those looking to invest in a high-performance home audio system, the TX-RZ30 offers a compelling mix of advanced features and cutting-edge technology.