I currently have the Onkyo TX-RZ50. It’s still new in the box and I have until January 14th to return it. I purchased this Onkyo based on this video review by Andrew Robinson.
In the review he says it’s one of his favorites for many reasons.
It does come with Dirac live ready to use out of the box. It only has 2 subwoofer outs and they are not independent from each other. However at this time I only plan to use one sub. I was reading a review that the Onkyo RZ50 is not capable of doing 4 Atmos?? Can anyone confirm this? The Onkyo is a 9.2. Andrew loves the sound of the Onkyo. After comparing the Denon X3800H to the Onkyo TX-RZ50, the Onkyo still takes the lead in his opinion.
I read one comment from someone saying to choose the Denon X3800H for these reasons:
“looked at both rear panels, and it wasn’t even close. The RZ50 only has 1 set of height channels, whereas the Denon has 2 sets, but, can be configured to 3 pair. The Onkyo has 2 sub outputs, Denon has 4, as well IMAX Enhanced IMAX DTS, Auro3D, and although next year and a fee, you can get Dirac live. The Onkyo retails for $1599, the Denon $1699. It seems you get more bang for your buck with that extra $100! I preordered one! One is that’s it’s a 9.4. It has 4 sub outs and all 4 of them are independent from each other.”
Andrew did also review the Denon 3800 here:
He said that this was by far the most competitive head to head comparison since Onkyo’s RZ50 release last year. Out of the box, Denon has audyssy multi EQ XT32, and sometime in March once a couple firmware updates become available will have Dirac Live (with an additional fee, I wonder that price?)
The price of the Denon used to be quite a few hundred more than the Onkyo, they are now about the same price. I was planning to do a 5.1.4. Will the Onkyo allow for this? Was that comment correct I’m sayin it will only allow for 2 Atmos?
here is another comparison of these two AVR’s side by side:
https://www.zkelectronics.com/compare/denon-avr-x3800h/usa/onkyo-tx-rz50/north-america/
I’m stuck not knowing which receiver to get. Can anyone help shed any light on the potential better choice? I currently plan on doing a 5.1.4, and eventually may add an amp down the road for a 7.1.4. This will be my first receiver and my first home theater set up. I really want to make the best choice and not regret it later because I didn’t do enough research. Although I’m trying to learn a lot and keep diving in deeper as I research home theaters, there is still a lot I don’t understand and need some guidance. Thank you in advance for any advice