With the increased popularity of soundbars and streaming amplifiers, the traditional AVR (AV Receiver, Home Theater Receiver) seems to have taken a back seat in the last couple of years, as the introduction of new AVR models is becoming less frequent. However, they still have an integral part to play in the home theater environment and with that in mind, Onkyo is releasing the latest entry into the high-end RZ series, the TX-RZ30.
The Onkyo TX-RZ series currently consists of two models, the RZ70 released in 2023, and the RZ50 that was released in 2021. Looking at the release dates, it is the right time to either replace the RZ50 or add a newer, lower-priced model to the mix. The latter is where the RZ30 seems to come in: a new entry point to Onkyo’s high-end RZ series receivers. Our comparison chart at the end of this article will give you a better idea of how it fits into the line-up..
Features
Just as the RZ50 and RZ70, the RZ30 is THX-Certified, which assures consistent performance.
With nine amplified channels and two subwoofer outputs, the RZ30 supports up to a 5.2.4 or 7.2.2-channel home theater speaker setup. Two additional wired zone preamp outputs are also provided that support Zone 2 and Zone 3 controllable two-channel stereo set-ups.
To manage the several speaker setup options, the RZ30 has Dirac Live room correction built-in (full-bandwidth version – license included). This allows users to fine-tune their speaker setup to more accurately match room acoustics. The room correction process can be accomplished via the Dirac PC/MAC app and USB mic (requires additional purchase).
Dirac Live requires a network/internet connection. Dirac Live Bass Control is also available as an optional one-time $299 charge.
Pro Tip: Klipsch Optimized Mode is also included for peak performance with compatible Klipsch-branded hi-fi speakers.
As mentioned at the top of the article, the RZ30 incorporates a 9-channel amplifier (Class A/B) rated to deliver 100 Watts per channel (8 ohms). Support is provided for Dolby Atmos/Dolby Atmos Music, DTS:X, as well as IMAX Enhanced and additional surround sound processing.
24-bit/192kHz Hi-res audio playback is supported. Digital audio format file format compatibility includes MP3, WMA, WAV, MPEG-4/AAC, FLAC, and ALAC.
For access to Music streaming content, the RZ30 provides access to Apple Music, Amazon Music HD, Spotify Connect, Tidal, Deezer, Pandora, Tune-In, and is Roon Ready.
In addition to providing physical speaker connectivity, the RZ30 incorporates DTS Play-Fi and is “Works with Sonos” Certified (via Sonos Port) for flexible wireless multiroom setup capability.
The RZ30 includes HDMI-eARC and Gaming Support (4K/120Hz, 8K/60Hz) with up to 40Gbps transfer rate, VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), QFT (Quick Frame Transport), SBTM (Source-based Tone Mapping) and Dynamic HDR. HDR: Pass-through support is provided for all HDR formats, including Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
Wireless connectivity for the RZ30 includes Bluetooth (Aptx HD), AirPlay 2, Chromecast Built-in, and Wi-Fi (Wired Ethernet is also included).
In addition to wireless connectivity, the RZ30 provides access to abundant wired inputs: 6 HDMI, 1 Component Video, 2 Composite Video, 6 Analog Audio, 1 Digital Optical, 1 Digital Coaxial, 1 Phono (MM), and 1 USB port. If you’re still rocking
As far as wired outputs go, the RZ30 provides 2 HDMI, 9 Multichannel Pre-out, 2 Subwoofer outputs, and 1 quarter-inch analog headphone output.
To operate the many features that the RZ30 has to offer, Onkyo provides several control options, including a wireless handheld remote, a smartphone app, voice control via Google Assistant and Siri, and third-party CI control via RS232 connection.
Onkyo TX-RZ Receivers Comparison Chart
| TX-RZ30 | TX-RZ50 | TX-RZ70 | |
| Price | $1,199 | $1,599 | $2,799 |
| THX Certified | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Amplifier Type | Class A/B | Class A/B | Class A/B |
| Number of Amplified Channels | 9 | 9 | 11 |
| Power Output (per channel, 8 ohms, 20Hz-20kHz, THD 0.08%, 2-ch Driven) | 100-watts | 120-watts | 140-watts |
| Preamp Outputs | 9 | 11 | 11 |
| Subwoofer Outputs | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Max Audio Processing Channels | 9.2 | 11.2 | 11.2 |
| Surround Sound Support | Dolby Atmos Dolby Atmos Music DTS:X IMAX Enhanced | Dolby Atmos Dolby Atmos Music DTS:X IMAX Enhanced | Dolby Atmos Dolby Atmos Music DTS:X IMAX Enhanced Auro 3D Audio via Firmware Update |
| Klipsch Optimized Mode | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ESS Sabre DAC | – | – | Yes |
| Room Correction | Dirac Live Full Bandwidth version included | Dirac Live Full Bandwidth version included | Dirac Live Full Bandwidth version included |
| Video Support | Up to 4K/120Hz, 8K/60Hz | Up to 4K/120Hz, 8K/60Hz | Up to 4K/120Hz, 8K/60Hz |
| HDR | HDR10 HDR10+ Dolby Vision HLG | HDR10 HDR10+ Dolby Vision HLG | HDR10 HDR10+ Dolby Vision HLG |
| Gaming Support | VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) QFT (Quick Frame Transport) | VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) QFT (Quick Frame Transport) | VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) QFT (Quick Frame Transport) |
| HDMI Version | 2.1 | 2.1 | 2.1 |
| HDMI ARC/eARC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI Inputs/Outputs | 6/2 | 6/2 | 7/3 |
| Analog In/Out | 6/13 | 6/15 | 5/17 |
| Digital In: Optical / Coaxial | 1/1 | 1/1 | 2/2 |
| Phono Input (MM) | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Speaker Terminals | 9 | 11 | 13 |
| Headphone Output | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| WiFi | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Power Consumption | 750 W | 850 W | 850 W |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 17.1 x 7 x 15.1” 435 x 177.5 x 382.5 mm | 17 1/8 x 7 15/16 x 15 11/16˝ 435 x 201.5 x 398 mm | 17.1 x 7.9 x 18.9” 434.34 x 200.7 x 480.1 mm |
| Weight | 25.4 lbs (11.5 kg) | 30.9 lbs (14 kg) | 48.5 lbs (22 kg) |
The Bottom Line
The Onkyo TX-RZ30 has an interesting place in Onkyo’s line-up. It is not a breakthrough AVR, but there are some standout features, such as offering built-in full bandwidth Dirac Live Room Correction at an affordable price point and an optional upgrade to Dirac Live Bass Control with two independent subwoofer outputs, Onkyo’s continuation of THX Certification, and offering both multi-zone wired and wireless connection options.
Also, Onkyo is continuing to partner with sister company Klispch through the offering of the Klipsch Optimized Mode for select Klipsch Reference Series speakers. Onkyo and Klispch have also partnered on a new soundbar line and there is more to come on that front.
However, one of Onkyo’s tag lines for the RZ30 (and other models) is the use of the term “Smart AV Receiver.” Although this may be a good marketing label, AVRs with built-in streaming and multi-room wireless connectivity have been around for a few years – including several of Onkyo’s own AVR products in the RZ and the TX-NR line (NR stands for Network Receiver) – which are the next step down from the RZ line. So being “smart” doesn’t really say much.
In any case, even without an IQ test, the new TX-RZ30 has a lot to offer for those who want to bring that cinematic sound experience home.
Pricing & Availability
The Onkyo TX-RZ30 A/V Receiver will be available in October 2024 for $1,199 at Crutchfield and authorized retailers.
Optional Dirac Live Bass Control costs $299 extra.
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