Onkyo Announces The TX-RZ30 9.2 Channel A/V Receiver
Onkyo has announced the Onkyo TX-RZ30 9.2 channel A/V receiver. It boasts 100wpc, THX certification, and Dirac Live Full Bandwidth. Plus it has all the goodies that we have come to expect with HDMI 2.1a, support for all the latest formats, and nine channels of amplification. Priced at $1199, and available now, the Onkyo TX-RZ30 just made the competition stand up and take notice.
Onkyo TX-RZ30 At A Glance
Under The Hood Of The Onkyo TX-RZ30
The Onkyo TX-RZ30 is entry-level in their popular RZ line. Priced at $1199, it competes very closely with the Onkyo TX-NR7100. However, the RZ30 has a few features the NR7100 doesn’t have. First, there is a set of full pre-outs on the Onkyo TX-RZ30. This allows you to add an external amplifier for demanding speakers. However, there is only 9.2 channel processing. Even with an external amp, you only have the options for 7.2.2 or 5.2.4 configurations. That’s it!
Secondly, there is Dirac Live onboard. I know, Dirac on the Onkyo RZ line is not new, and the NR7100 has it to boot. However, the Onkyo TX-RZ30 will allow you to use Dirac Live Bass Control for single or multiple subwoofers. The cost for this add-on has not been announced. If it follows other pricing we have seen, it will be $200(ish) and up.
Lastly, it appears that all six HDMI ports are HDMI 2.1a. This allows 40 Gbps passthrough with Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDCP2.3, VRR, QFT, ALLM, and SBTM (source-based tone mapping). It can do all the things that you would want in a decently future-proofed A/V receiver.
If you have legacy gear, have no fear. On the audio side, the Onkyo TX-RZ30 has six sets of user-assignable analog RCA inputs, a coaxial and an optical digital input, and a phono input. For legacy video, it has a single component and a pair of composite inputs. Onkyo has always been known for its numerous inputs, so vintage devices are well supported. We haven’t seen a component video input in years so this is a surprising inclusion!
Our Take
The Onkyo TX-RZ30 is nothing groundbreaking. However, it’s a continued refinement of their A/V receivers and a value option for their RZ line. At $1199, it is VERY competitive and gives pause to those looking to upgrade to a more modern A/V receiver.
If the Onkyo TX-RZ30 had been on the market when I was shopping, it would have been my choice. It has all the features that most enthusiasts lust after, with a price tag that won’t break the bank.
