Onkyo TX-RZ70 & Onkyo TX-RZ50 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Onkyo TX-RZ70 rather than the Onkyo TX-RZ50.
Why Do I Recommend The Onkyo TX-RZ70?
- The Onkyo TX-RZ70 features 11 powered amplifier channels for powering a full 7.2.4 Dolby Atmos layout without external amplification, while the Onkyo TX-RZ50 uses 9 powered channels that limit native playback to 5.2.4 or 7.2.2 configurations.
- Onkyo TX-RZ70 comes with a 140-watt-per-channel rating at 8 ohms for stronger headroom and cleaner dynamics in large home theaters, whereas the Onkyo TX-RZ50 has a 120-watt-per-channel rating.
- It includes Dirac Live Bass Control for precise multi-subwoofer calibration to achieve smoother, more balanced low-frequency response, while the Onkyo TX-RZ50 requires an additional license to access Bass Control.
- The Onkyo TX-RZ70 features three HDMI outputs including a dedicated Zone 2 output for independent video distribution to another room, whereas the Onkyo TX-RZ50 has only two HDMI outputs with a shared Sub/Zone 2 function.
- Onkyo TX-RZ70 supports the ESS Sabre ES9026PRO 32-bit DAC for lower noise and enhanced detail retrieval in high-resolution music playback, while the Onkyo TX-RZ50 uses an AKM 32-bit DAC with a slightly higher noise floor.
- It comes with a larger high-current power transformer for improved current delivery and stability during high-volume sessions, whereas the Onkyo TX-RZ50 uses a smaller transformer.
- The Onkyo TX-RZ70 features eight total HDMI inputs to accommodate more gaming consoles, streaming boxes, and media players at once, while the Onkyo TX-RZ50 provides seven HDMI inputs.
- Onkyo TX-RZ70 includes a reinforced dual-fan cooling system to maintain optimal operating temperatures during extended playback, whereas the Onkyo TX-RZ50 relies on a single-fan design.
Maybe the Onkyo TX-RZ50 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Onkyo TX-RZ70. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.
Side By Side Comparison
| Feature | Onkyo TX-RZ70 | Onkyo TX-RZ50 |
| Amplified channels | 11-channel amplification | 9-channel amplification |
| Native Atmos/DTS:X layout with internal amps | Up to 7.2.4 | Up to 5.2.4 |
| Rated power (8Ω, 2ch) | 140 W/ch | 120 W/ch |
| Dynamic headroom | Higher dynamic power reserves | Lower dynamic power reserves |
| HDMI outputs | 3 | 2 |
| HDMI inputs (rear/front total) | 7 rear + 1 front | 6 rear + 1 front |
| Dirac Live Bass Control | Included | Optional paid add-on |
| Dirac Live ART (Active Room Treatment) | Supported | Not supported |
| DAC platform | ESS Sabre 32-bit implementation | AKM 32-bit implementation |
| Speaker binding posts | 11 pairs | 9 pairs |
| Preamp/processing headroom | Designed for full 11.2 layouts without extra amps | Requires external amp to exceed 9 channels |
| Power supply | Larger high-current transformer | Smaller transformer |
| Chassis depth/size | Deeper/heavier chassis | Shallower/lighter chassis |
| Cooling design | Enhanced cooling for higher current | Standard cooling |
| Front-panel I/O | Additional HDMI flexibility with extra rear input | Fewer rear HDMI inputs |
| Multi-zone video | Dedicated Zone-2 HDMI out plus Main/Sub | Main + Sub/Zone2 shared path |
| Price | Check Onkyo TX-RZ70 Price | Check Onkyo TX-RZ50 Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- HDMI 2.1 Inputs (8K/60, 4K/120): Both receivers include full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 inputs supporting 8K/60 Hz and 4K/120 Hz video, ensuring compatibility with the latest gaming consoles and future-proof home theater displays.
- HDMI eARC Support: Each model supports enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC), allowing a single HDMI connection to send lossless, object-based audio like Dolby TrueHD from a TV back to the receiver.
- Dolby Atmos & DTS:X Decoding: Both units decode these immersive audio formats, delivering true 3D surround sound with overhead effects for a cinematic experience.
- IMAX Enhanced Certification: Each receiver meets IMAX Enhanced standards, guaranteeing optimized picture and sound when paired with certified content and displays.
- THX Certified Select: Both are THX Certified Select, which verifies that they can produce reference-level sound in medium-sized home theaters without distortion or loss of dynamics.
- Dirac Live Room Calibration (Full): Each supports the full version of Dirac Live, providing advanced room correction to flatten frequency response and improve imaging across your listening space.
- 11.2-channel Pre-outs: Both models provide 11.2 preamp outputs, making it easy to add external amplifiers for larger speaker setups beyond their internal amplification.
- Chromecast Built-in: Each model includes Chromecast, enabling direct streaming from Android devices, Chrome browsers, and many audio apps without extra hardware.
- Apple AirPlay 2: Both support AirPlay 2 for seamless wireless streaming from iOS devices and integration into multi-room Apple Home setups.
- DTS Play-Fi: Both integrate DTS Play-Fi, allowing whole-home wireless audio and synchronized playback with other Play-Fi devices.
- Roon Ready: Each receiver is Roon Ready, making them ideal endpoints for a Roon music library with bit-perfect high-resolution playback.
- Works with Sonos: Both integrate with the Sonos ecosystem, allowing you to use them as part of a Sonos multi-room system and control them through the Sonos app.
- Bluetooth with aptX HD: Both feature Bluetooth with aptX HD codec support for higher-quality wireless audio from compatible smartphones and tablets.
- Wi-Fi (2.4/5 GHz): Each provides dual-band Wi-Fi, ensuring reliable wireless streaming and firmware updates without the need for Ethernet cabling.
- Multi-Zone Audio (Zone 2/3): Both support independent audio zones, enabling music playback in additional rooms while maintaining main-zone home theater performance.
Common Features
| Feature | Onkyo TX-RZ70 | Onkyo TX-RZ50 |
| HDMI 2.1 Inputs (8K/60, 4K/120) | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI eARC Support | Yes | Yes |
| Dolby Atmos & DTS:X Decoding | Yes | Yes |
| IMAX Enhanced Certification | Yes | Yes |
| THX Certified Select | Yes | Yes |
| Dirac Live Room Calibration (Full) | Yes | Yes |
| 11.2-channel Pre-outs | Yes | Yes |
| 32-bit Audio Processing | Yes | Yes |
| 32-bit/192 kHz DAC Capability | Yes | Yes |
| Dual Subwoofer Pre-outs | Yes | Yes |
| Chromecast Built-in | Yes | Yes |
| Apple AirPlay 2 | Yes | Yes |
| DTS Play-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| Roon Ready | Yes | Yes |
| Works with Sonos | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth with aptX HD | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi (2.4/5 GHz) | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-Zone Audio (Zone 2/3) | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Check Onkyo TX-RZ70 Price | Check Onkyo TX-RZ50 Price |
FAQ
Do both receivers support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X immersive audio formats? Can these receivers handle 8K and 4K/120Hz video signals for gaming or next-gen video sources? Is Dirac Live room correction available on both models? What are the channel configurations for each receiver? Do both support eARC for high-quality audio return from a TV? Are these receivers THX certified? Do they provide wireless streaming options like AirPlay 2 and Chromecast? Can I integrate these receivers with a Sonos system? Do both units support Bluetooth with high-quality codecs? Is Roon Ready support included? What DAC technology do these receivers use? Do they offer dual subwoofer outputs? What are the differences in physical size and weight? Can both receivers handle multi-zone audio setups? |