Onkyo is the latest to release a new AVR for 2023. Its flagship TX-RZ70 features 11 amplified channels and two subwoofer outputs combined with an extensive feature set complemented by THX Certification and the incorporation of Premium 32-bit ESS Sabre DACs.
With 11 amplified channels and two subwoofer outputs, the RZ70 supports up to a 7.2.4-channel home theater speaker setup. Two additional wired zone outputs are also provided that support Zone 2 and Zone 3 controllable two-channel stereo setups.
The RZ70 can also integrate into a custom install environment with Control4, Crestron, Savant, URC, Elan, and RTI control systems.
The RZ70 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 (single or multi) as an optional user setup upgrade.
Note: If you don’t want to use Dirac Live, the TX-RZ70 also includes Onkyo’s Accuroom EQ Calibration system which does not require a network internet connection. However, you can’t use Dirac Live and Accuroom at the same time.
Tip: Klipsch Optimized Mode is also included for peak performance with compatible hi-fi speakers.
Additional Features
Here are details on some of the additional features and specifications of the RZ70.
- Amplication: 11 Channel Amplifier (A/B class) rated to deliver 140 Watts per channel (8 ohms).
- Home Theater Audio: Support is provided for Dolby Atmos/Dolby Atmos Music, DTS:X, and Auro 3D (via firmware update – June 2023), as well as IMAX Enhanced and additional surround sound processing.
- Hi-Res Audio: 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.
- Wireless Music Streaming: Apple Music, Amazon HD, Spotify Connect, Tidal, Deezer, Pandora, Tune-In, Roon Ready (via firmware update).
Tip: Dolby Atmos music is available from Apple Music, and will be available soon from Amazon Music and TIDAL.
- Multi-room Audio: DTS Play-Fi, Works with Sonos Certified
- HDMI 2.1 Support: HDMI-eARC is included as well as 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), and Dynamic HDR.
- HDR: Pass-through support is provided for all HDR formats, including Dolby Vision.
- Remote Control: A wireless handheld remote is provided.
- Voice Control: Alexa Built-in, Google Assistant, and Siri
- Additional Control: 12-volt trigger (1), wired remote sensor (in/out), RS232C.
Connectivity
- Wireless: Bluetooth (Aptx HD), AirPlay 2, Chromecast Built-in Wi-Fi (Wired Ethernet is also included).
- Wired Inputs: HDMI (6 rear/1 front), Component Video (1), Composite Video (2), Analog Audio (4), Phono (MM-1), Digital Optical (2), Digital Coaxial (2), USB (1 Rear)
- Wired Outputs: HDMI (3), Multichannel Pre-out (11), Subwoofer (2), Headphone (1).
- Speaker Connections: 13 Pairs of speaker terminals.
- Dimensions (WHD): TBA
- Weight: TBA
Pricing & Availability
The Onkyo TX-RZ70 will be available Spring 2023 for $2,799 at Crutchfield and through Onkyo USA and Authorized Dealers.
Tip: The step-down Onkyo TX-RZ50 is $300 off at Crutchfield.
Optional Dirac Live Bass Control costs extra:
- One Subwoofer: $399
- Multiple Subwoofers:
- $499 (when buying the multiple subwoofer option outright)
- $169 (when upgrading from the One Subwoofer version to the multiple subwoofer version)
Competition
Integra recently announced its flagship DRX-8.4 AVR and Pioneer launched its flagship Elite VSX-LX805 AVR both of which have similar features to the Onkyo RZ70 except for the differences outlined in the table below. Other competitors include the Denon AVR-X4800H and Marantz Cinema 50, which are $2,500 each.
Brand/Model Onkyo TX-RZ70 Pioneer VSX-LX805 Integra DRX-8.4 Flipdown Front Panel Yes Yes No THX Certifed Yes Yes Yes Klipsch Optimized Mode Yes No No Balanced Audio Outputs No 2 (L/R) 5 (L, C, R, SW1, SW2 Onboard Diagnostic Tool Kit
(EDID, HDCP, Test Patterns)Not Indicated Not Indicated Yes DTS Play-Fi Yes Yes No Subwoofer Outputs 2 (parallel) 2 (parallel) 4 (2 independent/2 parallel) Price $2,799 $2.999 $3,299 
Tip: The Onkyo, Integra, and Pioneer brands are all a part of the Premium Audio Company, which in turn is owned by VOXX International.
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ORT
March 28, 2023 at 3:39 pm
This is good news indeed! In the list of AVRs I have owned, my Onkyo TX-NR818 remains second only to my Denon AVR-X4300H. My Onkyo is THX smurtified and it reproduced film and music in a most excellent manner.
It is good to see Onkyo and Pioneer are still with us. This one looks to be a winner as opposed to a whiner. Well done Onkyo!
ORT
Dale Summers
March 31, 2023 at 5:06 pm
I read that Onkyo has filed for bankrupsy and was ceasing operation. Does anyone have any reliable info on this?
Sad.
ORT
April 1, 2023 at 8:11 am
Dale, here is a report on this website:
https://www.ecoustics.com/news/onkyo-bankruptcy-2022-05-13/
ORT
ANDRE L ROY
April 3, 2023 at 9:54 am
Anyone using most channels and playing this beast loud will have to pick up some part time work on the side just to pay the electric bill. I love class AB, but I really think any multi channel amp over 600 Watts should convert to class D. Much smaller form factor, lighter, and much more efficient. I guess if you can afford to buy this one, you’re far from thinking about how much electricity it takes to run it. Thanks for the heads up.
ORT
April 5, 2023 at 5:42 pm
That’ll come Andre. That’ll come… 🙂
It will because it will make common sense and save cents and dollars.
ORT