Onkyo TX-RZ70 11.2CH AV Receiver - Official Support Thread

[aw73]

My Onkyo receivers do take a moment to output audio and the momentary delay coincides with the changing of the channel input/output display on the front panel. Once the input signal is recognized and processed according to the selected sound mode, audio is output and the channel indicators light up.

A recent software update for newer Onkyo models also changed the Power up sequence and resulted in a bit of a longer wait for audio output when coming out of Standby mode.

There are a multitude of items to check when transmitting data over HDMI 2.1 ports from an input source device into a receiver and out to a TV. Data transmission times will vary a bit based on the combination of devices and HDMI 2.1 settings in a system.

ok thanks! i really only noticed it when running test files. switching inputs takes a little longer. my x4400h is a little faster on switching and almost instant on audio output when running test files. still debating if i want the rz70 or x4800h.

 

[Trebdp83]

There is one sticking point about ALL the new Onkyo receivers. If one has a speaker configuration containing Surround Back speakers, Onkyo receivers will output the Surround Channel information contained in Dolby 5.1 tracks from the Surround Back channels when using a Straight decode of the 5.1 signal.

Many do not mind the automatic up mixing of Dolby signals by the Dolby Surround up mixer in their 7.1 or more channels systems. But, some do not like up mixing 5.1 signals. If the 5.1 signal in play is Dolby, Onkyos will output the Surround channel information from the Surround Back speakers.

Outputting the Dolby 5.1 signal as multichannel PCM, if possible based on the device used for playback, would result in the Surround channel information being output from the Surround speakers.

The RZ70 and X4800H will each have their own quirks concerning DTS signals compared to older models of each brand. There will be some channel output issues with IMAX DTS signals as well.

If I was going to upgrade today and add two more subs to make a total of four, I’d probably get an X4800H to play with the Subwoofer “Directional” mode. I think it is still on sale for around $1,800. The X3800H is also on sale but I hate that front display.

 

[aw73]

There is one sticking point about ALL the new Onkyo receivers. If one has a speaker configuration containing Surround Back speakers, Onkyo receivers will output the Surround Channel information contained in Dolby 5.1 tracks from the Surround Back channels when using a Straight decode of the 5.1 signal.

Many do not mind the automatic up mixing of Dolby signals by the Dolby Surround up mixer in their 7.1 or more channels systems. But, some do not like up mixing 5.1 signals. If the 5.1 signal in play is Dolby, Onkyos will output the Surround channel information from the Surround Back speakers.

Outputting the Dolby 5.1 signal as multichannel PCM, if possible based on the device used for playback, would result in the Surround channel information being output from the Surround speakers.

The RZ70 and X4800H will each have their own quirks concerning DTS signals compared to older models of each brand. There will be some channel output issues with IMAX DTS signals as well.

If I was going to upgrade today and add two more subs to make a total of four, I’d probably get an X4800H to play with the Subwoofer “Directional” mode. I think it is still on sale for around $1,800. The X3800H is also on sale but I hate that front display.

yea i sent the rz70 back and im testing the x4800h. the rz70 sounded less dynamic and more compressed using dirac but it timbre match my speakers really well. it sounded a bit brighter to me in direct 2 channel than the x4800h. it also sounded a little less detailed to me in some of the test tracks than the 4800 but that could be something to do with dirac and my untreated livingroom. i couldnt really tell a difference in power between the 2 with my revel f36's.

i like 5.1 upmixing with dolby surround. thats something else i noticed is my x4400h and the x4800h sounds more immersive upmixing 2 channel with dolby surround to my 5.2.2 system. i do think most of that is probably caused by dirac over eqing but im not sure.

 

[lhcpr1]

Hi all

I know this will be controversial given the background chat around power handling and the RZ70 when handling 4ohm speakers. I'm currently running Jamo 606 floor standing speakers in a stereo + centre speaker set up with my RZ70. They are bi-amped. I have an opportunity to snag Monoprice Monolith T6 floor standing units at an amazing price to replace the current. However, that are 4ohm speakers. Now, the RZ70 should be able to handle these in a basic writing configuration, but I wonder what you think about bi-amping the Monolith speakers?

Thanks, G

 

[PENG]

Hi all

I know this will be controversial given the background chat around power handling and the RZ70 when handling 4ohm speakers. I'm currently running Jamo 606 floor standing speakers in a stereo + centre speaker set up with my RZ70. They are bi-amped. I have an opportunity to snag Monoprice Monolith T6 floor standing units at an amazing price to replace the current. However, that are 4ohm speakers. Now, the RZ70 should be able to handle these in a basic writing configuration, but I wonder what you think about bi-amping the Monolith speakers?

Thanks, G

That is hard to know without knowing your listening habits and distances. Just keep in mind, regardless of whether the amp is rated for 8, 4 or even 2 ohms (none can do that so just saying..), power not needed/used will not affect audio performance. So, you need to figure our what your need is, in this case, more likely current, in your applications. Once that's done, you can answer your own questions that are "power" related.

The RZ70, like most if not all AVRs are not really rated for 4 ohms, as they expect you to use the impedance setting.

See manual p.40:

Based Audioholics review, I would think the Monolith isn't that hard to drive, but again it depends on factors I mentioned above. For example, if you listen to a maximum level of 10 dB below reference, that would still be quite loud to a lot of people, from say 10 ft, the RZ70 should have no trouble meeting their demands unless you listen to certain contents for extent period at higher level, then you should use an external fan.

 

[Trebdp83]

Hi all

I know this will be controversial given the background chat around power handling and the RZ70 when handling 4ohm speakers. I'm currently running Jamo 606 floor standing speakers in a stereo + centre speaker set up with my RZ70. They are bi-amped. I have an opportunity to snag Monoprice Monolith T6 floor standing units at an amazing price to replace the current. However, that are 4ohm speakers. Now, the RZ70 should be able to handle these in a basic writing configuration, but I wonder what you think about bi-amping the Monolith speakers?

Thanks, G

Monoprice Monolith Encore T6 Tower Loudspeaker Review

The Monoprice Monolith Encore T6 (MSRP: $800/pr) are audiophile grade speakers with ample bass and output you would have to spend significantly more to rival. Read our review with measurements to see why.

www.audioholics.com

 

[dlaloum]

Hi all

I know this will be controversial given the background chat around power handling and the RZ70 when handling 4ohm speakers. I'm currently running Jamo 606 floor standing speakers in a stereo + centre speaker set up with my RZ70. They are bi-amped. I have an opportunity to snag Monoprice Monolith T6 floor standing units at an amazing price to replace the current. However, that are 4ohm speakers. Now, the RZ70 should be able to handle these in a basic writing configuration, but I wonder what you think about bi-amping the Monolith speakers?

Thanks, G

My experience with bi-amping (using both passive and active crossover methods) - was that the difference was absolutely marginal... and may well have been imaginary. (Did extensive listening over several months, before finally simplifying back to a standard amped configuration)

Basically I think BiAmping is of benefit if you are power (or current) constrained... if you have ample power/current then there is nothing to be gained.

The RZ70 is quite a powerful amp, and I would not expect it to be power/current constrained.

Having said all that - it is a hobby... and nothing beats doing the experiment yourself!
If you have the time and inclination - try it out.... but do compare to the simpler standard config - you may find that the difference is sufficiently slight that you are unsure whether it is or is not there.... (that was the case in my setup)

 

[lhcpr1]

That is hard to know without knowing your listening habits and distances. Just keep in mind, regardless of whether the amp is rated for 8, 4 or even 2 ohms (none can do that so just saying..), power not needed/used will not affect audio performance. So, you need to figure our what your need is, in this case, more likely current, in your applications. Once that's done, you can answer your own questions that are "power" related.

The RZ70, like most if not all AVRs are not really rated for 4 ohms, as they expect you to use the impedance setting.

See manual p.40:
View attachment 71874

Based Audioholics review, I would think the Monolith isn't that hard to drive, but again it depends on factors I mentioned above. For example, if you listen to a maximum level of 10 dB below reference, that would still be quite loud to a lot of people, from say 10 ft, the RZ70 should have no trouble meeting their demands unless you listen to certain contents for extent period at higher level, then you should use an external fan.

Thanks PENG - I'm generally in agreement with your comments here.

To be honest, I haven't seen much difference (if any) when bi-amping my current speakers to the RZ70 and I don't feel ABSOLUTELY inclined to do so with the Monoliths.

Most of the chat around impedance and AVR settings has been around the RZ50. Have a read of this and let me know what you think. There's not much I can fault in the RZ70 review and the comments around 4 ohm settings through the AVR menu are worthy of further thought.

Onkyo TX-RZ70 11.2CH AV Receiver Review

The Onkyo TX-RZ70 11.2CH AV receiver boasts 140 watts/ch, 8K HDMI inputs, Auro 3D, FREE Dirac Live and the BEST bench test results we’ve seen in its price class. Is this the best AVR at under $3k?

www.audioholics.com

Cliff notes (copied from a section of the review):

Editorial Note: Impedance Selector Switch – No matter how tempted you may be to do so, we DO NOT recommend changing the default "6 ohm min" impedance setting of ANY AV receiver, especially this unit. All this does is starve your speakers of power, simply so the manufacturer can get 4-ohm certification (at a reduced power level) without making the receiver get too hot during their power tests. We have tested this 'feature' on virtually every receiver that has offered it in the past, and the results were always the same: the low impedance setting significantly robs your speakers of power.

 

[lhcpr1]

My experience with bi-amping (using both passive and active crossover methods) - was that the difference was absolutely marginal... and may well have been imaginary. (Did extensive listening over several months, before finally simplifying back to a standard amped configuration)

Basically I think BiAmping is of benefit if you are power (or current) constrained... if you have ample power/current then there is nothing to be gained.

The RZ70 is quite a powerful amp, and I would not expect it to be power/current constrained.

Having said all that - it is a hobby... and nothing beats doing the experiment yourself!
If you have the time and inclination - try it out.... but do compare to the simpler standard config - you may find that the difference is sufficiently slight that you are unsure whether it is or is not there.... (that was the case in my setup)

Thanks dlaloum

Yes - it's going to be hard to answer the real world experience of bi-amping these new speakers until I actually give it a shot. That said, I haven't seen much difference (if any) when bi-amping my current speakers to the RZ70 and I don't feel ABSOLUTELY inclined to do so with the Monoliths. Maybe if I've got some time to twiddle my fingers I might give it a shot

 

[PENG]

and the comments around 4 ohm settings through the AVR menu are worthy of further thought.

Onkyo TX-RZ70 11.2CH AV Receiver Review

The Onkyo TX-RZ70 11.2CH AV receiver boasts 140 watts/ch, 8K HDMI inputs, Auro 3D, FREE Dirac Live and the BEST bench test results we’ve seen in its price class. Is this the best AVR at under $3k?

www.audioholics.com

Cliff notes (copied from a section of the review):

Editorial Note: Impedance Selector Switch – No matter how tempted you may be to do so, we DO NOT recommend changing the default "6 ohm min" impedance setting of ANY AV receiver, especially this unit. All this does is starve your speakers of power, simply so the manufacturer can get 4-ohm certification (at a reduced power level) without making the receiver get too hot during their power tests. We have tested this 'feature' on virtually every receiver that has offered it in the past, and the results were always the same: the low impedance setting significantly robs your speakers of power.

Again, if you want to be sure whether setting to 4 ohm would "rob" your speaker of "power", you can do your calculations using one of those online calculators to find out what you maximum requirement is. If that is below what the graph shows, then you can set it to 4-ohm without any audible effects. In that case, setting to 4 ohm would be just for a little more peace of mind, that's all.

If you need help in using those calculators just let me/us know. You have a very nice AVR and speakers, we would like you to get the best out of them.