Onkyo has taken the wraps off a high spec new addition to its popular RZ range of AV receivers. Heading up the premium features of the TX-RZ30 is a 9.2 channel count with an impressive 100W of classA/B amplification available for each channel and what Onkyo describes as unique analog circuitry and high-end amplifier technology.
The RZ30 also carries custom noise power transformers and smoothing capacitors that Onkyo claims can deliver bass frequencies as low as 5Hz and trebles as high as 100Hz, while the acclaimed Dirac Live Room Correction system is on hand to optimize the receiver’s sound quality to your specific room space and layout.
Rather than rely on just its own claims for the RZ30’s capabilities, though, Onkyo has sought and gained a couple of key third-party endorsements of its new receiver’s quality: THX Certification, signifying the AVR has passed independent quality assurance brand THX’s extensive list of quality tests, and an IMAX Enhanced mode designed to unlock the full quality of the special IMAX variation of the DTS:X sound format (used for the IMAX Enhanced movies used with some Marvel films on Disney+ and a few 4K Blu-rays).
The RZ30 supports Dolby Atmos sound alongside DTS:X, as you would expect, and there’s another third party tie-up in the shape of a Klipsch Optimize Mode, for which Klipsch and Onkyo have teamed up to equip the AVR with the precise crossover values for specific Klipsch Reference Premiere speakers.
The RZ30’s connections keep the premium theme going, thanks in particular to a two out, six in roster of v2.1a HDMI ports able to pass through 8K/60Hz images (if you can find any) and, more usefully, 4K/120Hz gaming feeds of the sort now available from the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and premium PC graphics cards. One of the HDMI outputs supports ARC/EARC HDMI technology, too, so that it can receive sound from connected eARC-capable TVs.
The HDMI loop throughs on the RZ30 also support HDR in all the main formats (including HDR10+ and Dolby Vision), while other ports include a component video input; a pair of composite inputs; RS-232, IR and 12V trigger ports for integrating the RZ30 into a wider control system; an Ethernet port; an optical audio input; FM and AM tuner connections; a roster of seven stereo line inputs; phono pre-outs for front, center, surround, height, stereo zone one, stereo zone two and two subwoofer speakers; and even a Sonos port that allows you to distribute high quality sound through your Sonos speaker network.
As you would expect these days, the connectivity doesn’t end with the RZ30’s physical connections. Wi-Fi and bi-directional Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are also built in, enabling you to, for instance, stream from your devices using SBC or AAC codecs, or transmit audio playing through the AVR to wireless headphones using SBC, aptX or aptX HD codecs (including 24-bit audio in the latter’s case).
The RZ30 is a fully ‘smart’ AVR, too, offering support for Apple Airplay, Works With Sonos (with volume pass-through), built-in Chromecast, built-in Google Home, Amazon HD Music, TIDAL, Deezer, Spotify, Pandora and TuneIn.
The RZ30 can even be upgraded with the optional Dirac Live Bass Control module for both single and multi-room use, enabling the two independent subwoofer outputs to be calibrated alongside the other speakers in your system, refining bass while also enhancing mid and high frequencies.
The Onkyo TX-RZ30 will be available from in the US from authorized retailers and Onkyo.com in October 2024, with an RRP of $1,199.
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