I went to a high-end consumer electronics store in the 1990s at Pearl Kai Center. I bought an Onkyo turntable, receiver, and cassette deck. The best recording from records to cassettes, to date.
@@crutchfield Yeah, I'm ripping CDs with my desktop PC. I transferring them to my portable music player. I recently started ripping in FLAC format. I haven't had that Onkyo beautiful for decades. : - )
FLAC is a great way to listen to your music especially if you are taking it on the go. One of these days I swear I will back up my record collection to something like FLAC, but it is a monumental task!🤣
I got my RZ-50 from Crutchfield. It's a steal when on sale. I did have to bring it to be repaired 2 times, under warranty, did have to drive over an hour each way NOT FUN. its finally fixed and works fine.
I just realized in order to run 7.1.4 I have to add a 2 channel amp to the zone 3 pre outs and I ordered the 3 channel Emotiva XPA-DR3 for my front stage which is coming to me this week. Now I have to get another amp to use the Klipsch atmos R-40SA I just installed up high on my back wall. 😢 I just wish it had balanced outputs to maximize the Emotiva amp I’m getting.
The RCA preamp output connections provide an excellent sound quality since you do not have XLR preamp outputs available on the RZ-50. For your rear Atmos R-50SA's you will use the zone 3/height 2 channels. The OSD XMP300BT in the link below is an excellent choice. It's small footprint and robust power would be perfect for the additional Atmos channel needs! www.crutchfield.com/I-rYALc166/p_452XMP300B/OSD-XMP300BT-GEN2.html
Hi Sam, great speaker choice! What's your exact setup? How many other speakers will you be using? Are you hoping to use the Onkyo to power all of them?
would this be overkill for a basic 5.1 setup with in Proficient Audio in ceiling speakers? A Bowers & Wilkins Center channel speaker and Bowers & Wilkins ASW610 Sub/ I currently have the Denon AVR-S970H which sounds great.
Even though the TX-RZ50 is a 9-channel receiver, it will also work well with a simple 5.1-channel setup. Are you having issues with your Denon receiver?
@@crutchfield yes I had issues. Had the Denon for about 3 months but had compatibility issues with it and my Sonny Bravia TV. TV would reset, Sony replaced mainboard, still had the same issue. Then upgraded to high end HDMI and then started getting screen freeze. I went through every option/setting on both receiver and TV and would still get random freezes. I settled on a Sony STR-AN1000 yesterday. No problems so far. The Sony and Denon weren't compatible for some reason. I don't think the Denon was defective. I'm past the return for the Denon so I have to eat the loss. and put it in the closet.
I am sorry to hear about the issues with the Denon, but I am happy hear that installing the Sony STR-AN1000 has alleviated those issues and allowed you to enjoy your system!
@@crutchfield Had the same issue of screen freeze with the Sony receiver. After alll of the trouble shooting I did, I've concluded it's the HDMI cables. 1 of 2 or both in my setup. I ordered new cables. I can return the Sony receiver, but I'm going to keep it. It sounds really good.
We are glad you found your way to better sound too lol Keep us updated on the outcome of the cables. We are rooting for the new HDMI cables to be the change that fixes it now!!
I’m looking at upgrading my old pioneer elite receiver with this one. I currently own the R-34-C, 2 x R620F’s, and a R-120SW. Any suggestions or thoughts with running this receiver with these speakers? Also, I’m looking at purchasing two of either the CDT-5800-C II or CDT-5650-C II ceiling speakers for atmos while they are on sale. Any reason to go with the 8” over the 6.5”? My setup is upstairs in a ~350 sq ft bonus room. Thanks!
HI Damion, sounds like you've got a great speaker setup so far and adding the Klipsch in-ceiling height speakers will take things to the next level. Either size will work; but you don't need large drivers for height speakers as they are mainly for nuances and effects. The Onkyo TX-RZ50 is an excellent choice and will work perfectly for your system. Let us know how you like it.
I am trying to decide between the rz50 and the Marantz cinema 70, using 6 ohm speakers but I just cannot decie and I want to prioritiz soun qualitiy in stereo because I listen to a lot of music in a 5.1 setup
Both are great units and offer settings to help improve stereo audio, but the Marantz takes it to a higher level and even turns its analog video circuitry to minimize the possibility of any noise being added to the audio from the other internal non-audio circuits. The Marantz is the better of the two models for stereo audio playback and can be found here: www.crutchfield.com/I-rYALc227/p_642CIN60/item.html
Overall sound quality is very similar between the RZ50 and RZ70 models. The main difference is that the RZ70 steps up to 11 channels of internal amplification.
I have a question, I got a 7.2.2 meaning 7 floor speakers 2 subs 2 height speakers. Do I need speaker visualization turn on or off. Also do anyone ever turn the bass up on the bass level to +0.1 or just use the subwoofer level volume?
Listening modes that have virtual speaker effects can be selected when speaker virtualization is "on". For adjusting your subwoofer level to best suit the content you are enjoying at the time, the subwoofer level control is a great choice! I find myself dialing in different levels of bass often depending on what I am watching or listening to.
The Onkyo RZ-50 has 9-channels of power. In the 7.1.4 configuration the receiver's nine channel amplifier powers the Front, Center, Surround, and two sets of Dolby Atmos speakers in the Main Zone, while the Surround Back speakers of the Main Zone are powered by a separate amplifier (sold separately). The OSD XMP300BT below is an excellent choice for the two additional channels of power! www.crutchfield.com/I-rYALc166/p_452XMP300B/OSD-XMP300BT-GEN2.html
@@crutchfield Thank you. I just was not sure how it was done. It's a next year task as I've yet to source four white in ceiling speakers for atmos in the UK.
Love mine, got it in Nov 2022 and use it everyday for movies, tv, music and I use the phono stage for vinyl. By far the best avr I've ever owned. Right now it is setup as 5.2.4 soon to be 7.2.4 (just need to find the right power amp to utilize the extra channels) only gripe is HDMI switching isn't always smooth. Small price to pay for this excellent avr though
This is a very popular receiver and there was quite a buzz about it before it was available, I am stoked to hear you are enjoying yours. Scope out the new OSD XMP300BT in the link below, this is a small footprint powerhouse that is perfect for adding channels to your Onkyo RZ50! www.crutchfield.com/I-rYALc166/p_452XMP300B/OSD-XMP300BT-GEN2.html
@@michael-4k4000My side surrounds are directly beside my listening position and I can't move them slightly behind me like I'd like to do, so I think going to a 7 channel bed layer and putting 2 more surrounds directly behind me will finish my 360 degree soundstage
I finally decided to upgrade and bought this system. I know, it's older and blah, blah, blah. It's still a great value to cost. I only run a 5.1.2 so I'm good with the current system. My speakers are older Klipsch, 100W, 8ohm speakers so this fits the bill better than most. The deal sealer was I found an open box for less than $900.00. Sometimes it just works out. I'll set it up this next weekend, after getting it, and see where I am.
@@crutchfield My Klipsch system is SR2's, SS1's and SC1 and the sub is an RSW-12. It's older but still really nice. I haven't been able to run it for a couple years so I'm really looking forward to getting going again.
I have one and the RZ50 is not .2. The subs are not independent. I wish companies didn’t do this crap. Bad enough with Nakamichi sub BS. Also RZ50 only allows the rear speakers to use the external amp. Just buy a cheap $150 2 ch amp like the ZA3 with 48V power supply and you are good. I seen the RZ50 on sale for $1000. Such a good bargain to get 7.1.4 or 5.1.4 setup. Dirac included which is like a $300 freebie.
@@Rookie-h6v Just know that they are not independent. You can't set the levels of each sub separately also the included Dirac is the normal one, not the bass control that is for multi subs which isn't a problem since the sub outs aren't independent in the first place. That said, if you have a normal sized room, I don't think you need multiple independent subs. My single 12" sub works fine for me. I'm sure two subs would be fine too.
@@jjimlee7009 Thanks for so many details,the RZ50 will upgrade its firmware at the end of this year to have the Dirac bass control in the future. As you said,it can't set the sub levels separately. Sorry, I have a silly question: Can the Dirac BC make the RZ50 set subs separately? I am just a rookie to home theater, and I really appreciate your help
@@jjimlee7009 I am asking this because I want to have two subs in my room to reduce the low-frequency standing waves, I saw someone said that is the best way to handle the subwoofer standing waves and increase the use experience at the same time,maybe two SVS 1000 pro subwoofers I guess
@@Rookie-h6v I believe the only way you can do what you want to do is purchase a minidsp and do REW so you can set the levels and delays. Unfortunately, they pretty expensive at $260 now days. If you want 2+ independent subs, instead of the RZ50, you may want to just get a Denon 3800h with 4 independent subs. I seen them for $1400 sometimes. Not a bad value at that price.
Ive heard people try to explain the THX certification and it makes zero sense. All THX seems to be is a licensing stat to make your product appear better then a product without. THX is owned by Razer computers now, THX is NOT a separate entity. Id rather pay a liitle less and not have THX licensing, I would bet any amount of money that no one could tell if a receiver has THX certification or not by listening, and i seriously doubt their is any difference on a graph. The RZ50 has IMAX as well, the onoy difference ive noticed is its louder when played IMAX content from Disney +, similar to how DTS is louder than Dolby Digital. Im not knocking the RZ50, i own one and enjoy it. However, all these acronyms are merely sales techniques, nothing more. It's worth noting that if Onkyo didnt included these features, some customers would not be happy. I have a 15 year old Sony ES receiver that does NOT have Dolby Atmos and all the other acronyms and i dont think u could really tell the difference. The main reasoned i needed to upgrade was the sony needed a seperate remote to control the volume as it lacked Arc or Earc, also the menu system is having trouble activating. Thanks for your review!
@@brynner6133 Yes that is correct, technically DA would be the acronym or DV for Dolby Vision. Know how it Atmos works, but thanks for the input. My point was these features, specifically IMAX & THX, don't seem to add any real value to the end user, IMO. Samsung does not use DV, as they don't want to pay the licensing fee's. Not having DV is NOT a deal breaker, personally I can tell the difference between DV and the other HDR formats, HDR 10, and 10+, but its very small difference and I wouldn't want to pay more for DV if I had a choice. I am not a big Samsung guy, though their prices very good. This is off the THX website "THX engineers perform hundreds of tests to ensure sound and picture reproduction in the industry's top entertainment equipment is fully preserved. Only the very best products with uncompromising quality, performance, and consistency become THX Certified, making your next home entertainment purchase an easy decision." that sounds like a bunch of marketing mumbo jumbo. The McIntosh MHT300 is an $8k receiver, it's NOT THX certified. So it appears like THX is prudent to be on lower end gear like the Onkyo RZ-50 to help bolster the product. Obviously the Macintosh is a better built receiver in every way, better parts, connectors, metals, and a better power supply, all this with out a THX certification. One would think if THX certification is important, then it would be a spec on the McIntosh MHT300. Is the MHT300 worth 8 times as much? no way, but it is better, and it doesn't have the IMAX certification either.
I went to a high-end consumer electronics store in the 1990s at Pearl Kai Center. I bought an Onkyo turntable, receiver, and cassette deck. The best recording from records to cassettes, to date.
That's great to hear! Are you still using that same gear today to make cassettes? Or have you changed to making digital music files from the albums?
@@crutchfield Yeah, I'm ripping CDs with my desktop PC. I transferring them to my portable music player. I recently started ripping in FLAC format. I haven't had that Onkyo beautiful for decades. : - )
FLAC is a great way to listen to your music especially if you are taking it on the go. One of these days I swear I will back up my record collection to something like FLAC, but it is a monumental task!🤣
@@crutchfield I buy CDs @ second-stores and use Media Player to rip.
Nice! 🙂 How many CDs do you have in your collection?
I got my RZ-50 from Crutchfield. It's a steal when on sale. I did have to bring it to be repaired 2 times, under warranty, did have to drive over an hour each way NOT FUN. its finally fixed and works fine.
What was the issue you had to repair it under warranty?
any more info? hdmi board ?
$849 brand new on Adorama right now
sounds like quality control issues.
Looks like this will do 5.1.4 without added amps?
Yes, it has nine channels of internal amplification and can power a 5.1.4 speaker setup without needing a separate external amp.
I just realized in order to run 7.1.4 I have to add a 2 channel amp to the zone 3 pre outs and I ordered the 3 channel Emotiva XPA-DR3 for my front stage which is coming to me this week. Now I have to get another amp to use the Klipsch atmos R-40SA I just installed up high on my back wall. 😢 I just wish it had balanced outputs to maximize the Emotiva amp I’m getting.
The RCA preamp output connections provide an excellent sound quality since you do not have XLR preamp outputs available on the RZ-50. For your rear Atmos R-50SA's you will use the zone 3/height 2 channels. The OSD XMP300BT in the link below is an excellent choice. It's small footprint and robust power would be perfect for the additional Atmos channel needs!
www.crutchfield.com/I-rYALc166/p_452XMP300B/OSD-XMP300BT-GEN2.html
Will the Onkyo RZ50 be enough to power the SVS ultra evolution titan speakers in a home theater?
Hi Sam, great speaker choice! What's your exact setup? How many other speakers will you be using? Are you hoping to use the Onkyo to power all of them?
would this be overkill for a basic 5.1 setup with in Proficient Audio in ceiling speakers? A Bowers & Wilkins Center channel speaker and Bowers & Wilkins ASW610 Sub/ I currently have the Denon AVR-S970H which sounds great.
Even though the TX-RZ50 is a 9-channel receiver, it will also work well with a simple 5.1-channel setup. Are you having issues with your Denon receiver?
@@crutchfield yes I had issues. Had the Denon for about 3 months but had compatibility issues with it and my Sonny Bravia TV. TV would reset, Sony replaced mainboard, still had the same issue. Then upgraded to high end HDMI and then started getting screen freeze. I went through every option/setting on both receiver and TV and would still get random freezes. I settled on a Sony STR-AN1000 yesterday. No problems so far. The Sony and Denon weren't compatible for some reason. I don't think the Denon was defective. I'm past the return for the Denon so I have to eat the loss. and put it in the closet.
I am sorry to hear about the issues with the Denon, but I am happy hear that installing the Sony STR-AN1000 has alleviated those issues and allowed you to enjoy your system!
@@crutchfield Had the same issue of screen freeze with the Sony receiver. After alll of the trouble shooting I did, I've concluded it's the HDMI cables. 1 of 2 or both in my setup. I ordered new cables. I can return the Sony receiver, but I'm going to keep it. It sounds really good.
We are glad you found your way to better sound too lol Keep us updated on the outcome of the cables. We are rooting for the new HDMI cables to be the change that fixes it now!!
I’m looking at upgrading my old pioneer elite receiver with this one. I currently own the R-34-C, 2 x R620F’s, and a R-120SW. Any suggestions or thoughts with running this receiver with these speakers? Also, I’m looking at purchasing two of either the CDT-5800-C II or CDT-5650-C II ceiling speakers for atmos while they are on sale. Any reason to go with the 8” over the 6.5”? My setup is upstairs in a ~350 sq ft bonus room. Thanks!
HI Damion, sounds like you've got a great speaker setup so far and adding the Klipsch in-ceiling height speakers will take things to the next level. Either size will work; but you don't need large drivers for height speakers as they are mainly for nuances and effects. The Onkyo TX-RZ50 is an excellent choice and will work perfectly for your system. Let us know how you like it.
I am trying to decide between the rz50 and the Marantz cinema 70, using 6 ohm speakers but I just cannot decie and I want to prioritiz soun qualitiy in stereo because I listen to a lot of music in a 5.1 setup
Both are great units and offer settings to help improve stereo audio, but the Marantz takes it to a higher level and even turns its analog video circuitry to minimize the possibility of any noise being added to the audio from the other internal non-audio circuits. The Marantz is the better of the two models for stereo audio playback and can be found here:
www.crutchfield.com/I-rYALc227/p_642CIN60/item.html
Any reason from an audio quality performance to get the RZ70?
Overall sound quality is very similar between the RZ50 and RZ70 models. The main difference is that the RZ70 steps up to 11 channels of internal amplification.
I have a question, I got a 7.2.2 meaning 7 floor speakers 2 subs 2 height speakers. Do I need speaker visualization turn on or off.
Also do anyone ever turn the bass up on the bass level to +0.1 or just use the subwoofer level volume?
Listening modes that have virtual speaker effects can be selected when speaker virtualization is "on". For adjusting your subwoofer level to best suit the content you are enjoying at the time, the subwoofer level control is a great choice! I find myself dialing in different levels of bass often depending on what I am watching or listening to.
How do i hook it up to play dolby atmos 7.1.4
The Onkyo RZ-50 has 9-channels of power. In the 7.1.4 configuration the receiver's nine channel amplifier powers the Front, Center, Surround, and two sets of Dolby Atmos speakers in the Main Zone, while the Surround Back speakers of the Main Zone are powered by a separate amplifier (sold separately). The OSD XMP300BT below is an excellent choice for the two additional channels of power!
www.crutchfield.com/I-rYALc166/p_452XMP300B/OSD-XMP300BT-GEN2.html
@@crutchfield Thank you. I just was not sure how it was done. It's a next year task as I've yet to source four white in ceiling speakers for atmos in the UK.
We would love to assist in getting those to you, but we do not ship to the U.K., sadly.
@@crutchfield I know have to look and shop around
Good luck!! Hope you find some
Love mine, got it in Nov 2022 and use it everyday for movies, tv, music and I use the phono stage for vinyl. By far the best avr I've ever owned. Right now it is setup as 5.2.4 soon to be 7.2.4 (just need to find the right power amp to utilize the extra channels) only gripe is HDMI switching isn't always smooth. Small price to pay for this excellent avr though
Nice, you're really getting a lot out of it!
This is a very popular receiver and there was quite a buzz about it before it was available, I am stoked to hear you are enjoying yours. Scope out the new OSD XMP300BT in the link below, this is a small footprint powerhouse that is perfect for adding channels to your Onkyo RZ50!
www.crutchfield.com/I-rYALc166/p_452XMP300B/OSD-XMP300BT-GEN2.html
@@crutchfield thank you for the recommendation, I might just have to order one
5.2.4 is fine, you really do not need more speakers, unless your room is huge and u need more side channels.
@@michael-4k4000My side surrounds are directly beside my listening position and I can't move them slightly behind me like I'd like to do, so I think going to a 7 channel bed layer and putting 2 more surrounds directly behind me will finish my 360 degree soundstage
Buy one from Crutchfield now!
Thanks for the glowing endorsement! What speakers are you running with yours?
@@crutchfield Klipsch. 5.1.2. Great for movies and music.
What do you think of the Klipsch Optimized Mode?
I finally decided to upgrade and bought this system. I know, it's older and blah, blah, blah. It's still a great value to cost. I only run a 5.1.2 so I'm good with the current system. My speakers are older Klipsch, 100W, 8ohm speakers so this fits the bill better than most. The deal sealer was I found an open box for less than $900.00. Sometimes it just works out. I'll set it up this next weekend, after getting it, and see where I am.
It's a fantastic receiver! Which older Klipsch speakers do you have? Klipsch sub too?
@@crutchfield My Klipsch system is SR2's, SS1's and SC1 and the sub is an RSW-12. It's older but still really nice. I haven't been able to run it for a couple years so I'm really looking forward to getting going again.
Nice! Hopefully you'll have the system up and running again very soon! 🙂
I have one and the RZ50 is not .2. The subs are not independent. I wish companies didn’t do this crap. Bad enough with Nakamichi sub BS. Also RZ50 only allows the rear speakers to use the external amp. Just buy a cheap $150 2 ch amp like the ZA3 with 48V power supply and you are good. I seen the RZ50 on sale for $1000. Such a good bargain to get 7.1.4 or 5.1.4 setup. Dirac included which is like a $300 freebie.
Hi, I want to buy the RZ50 for my 5.2.2 home theater, do you think RZ50 can handle the 2 subwoofers well?
@@Rookie-h6v Just know that they are not independent. You can't set the levels of each sub separately also the included Dirac is the normal one, not the bass control that is for multi subs which isn't a problem since the sub outs aren't independent in the first place. That said, if you have a normal sized room, I don't think you need multiple independent subs. My single 12" sub works fine for me. I'm sure two subs would be fine too.
@@jjimlee7009 Thanks for so many details,the RZ50 will upgrade its firmware at the end of this year to have the Dirac bass control in the future. As you said,it can't set the sub levels separately. Sorry, I have a silly question: Can the Dirac BC make the RZ50 set subs separately? I am just a rookie to home theater, and I really appreciate your help
@@jjimlee7009 I am asking this because I want to have two subs in my room to reduce the low-frequency standing waves, I saw someone said that is the best way to handle the subwoofer standing waves and increase the use experience at the same time,maybe two SVS 1000 pro subwoofers I guess
@@Rookie-h6v I believe the only way you can do what you want to do is purchase a minidsp and do REW so you can set the levels and delays. Unfortunately, they pretty expensive at $260 now days. If you want 2+ independent subs, instead of the RZ50, you may want to just get a Denon 3800h with 4 independent subs. I seen them for $1400 sometimes. Not a bad value at that price.
Ive heard people try to explain the THX certification and it makes zero sense. All THX seems to be is a licensing stat to make your product appear better then a product without. THX is owned by Razer computers now, THX is NOT a separate entity. Id rather pay a liitle less and not have THX licensing, I would bet any amount of money that no one could tell if a receiver has THX certification or not by listening, and i seriously doubt their is any difference on a graph. The RZ50 has IMAX as well, the onoy difference ive noticed is its louder when played IMAX content from Disney +, similar to how DTS is louder than Dolby Digital. Im not knocking the RZ50, i own one and enjoy it. However, all these acronyms are merely sales techniques, nothing more. It's worth noting that if Onkyo didnt included these features, some customers would not be happy. I have a 15 year old Sony ES receiver that does NOT have Dolby Atmos and all the other acronyms and i dont think u could really tell the difference. The main reasoned i needed to upgrade was the sony needed a seperate remote to control the volume as it lacked Arc or Earc, also the menu system is having trouble activating. Thanks for your review!
Atmos isn’t an acronym, it’s a codec based on sound objects rather than specific channel assignments
@@brynner6133 Yes that is correct, technically DA would be the acronym or DV for Dolby Vision. Know how it Atmos works, but thanks for the input. My point was these features, specifically IMAX & THX, don't seem to add any real value to the end user, IMO. Samsung does not use DV, as they don't want to pay the licensing fee's. Not having DV is NOT a deal breaker, personally I can tell the difference between DV and the other HDR formats, HDR 10, and 10+, but its very small difference and I wouldn't want to pay more for DV if I had a choice. I am not a big Samsung guy, though their prices very good. This is off the THX website "THX engineers perform hundreds of tests to ensure sound and picture reproduction in the industry's top entertainment equipment is fully preserved. Only the very best products with uncompromising quality, performance, and consistency become THX Certified, making your next home entertainment purchase an easy decision." that sounds like a bunch of marketing mumbo jumbo. The McIntosh MHT300 is an $8k receiver, it's NOT THX certified. So it appears like THX is prudent to be on lower end gear like the Onkyo RZ-50 to help bolster the product. Obviously the Macintosh is a better built receiver in every way, better parts, connectors, metals, and a better power supply, all this with out a THX certification. One would think if THX certification is important, then it would be a spec on the McIntosh MHT300. Is the MHT300 worth 8 times as much? no way, but it is better, and it doesn't have the IMAX certification either.
There's thx sound modes tho
Since yesterday, 29.10.2024 new firmware update for rz50 with the new feature dirac bas control
Hi Marin, did you do the Dirac Live Bass Control update yesterday?
Just firmware update for rz50. In crossover section apear a new option about dirac bass control.
Cool. Have you had a chance to try it out?