Onkyo introduced this week some of the first fruits of its recently announced collaboration with wireless multi-room music system giant Sonos by introducing a trio of Sonos-ready AV receivers.
Onkyo AV receiver models TX-RZ830 ($1,399 suggested retail), TX-RZ730 ($1,099), and the TX-RZ630 ($899), will distribute music wirelessly throughout a home to supporting Sonos speakers using an optional Sonos Connect adapter to integrate the device into the network ecosystem.
All three RZ receivers, which will start shipping next month, step up from 7-channels last year to 9.2-channel surround sound, while the TX-RZ830 and TX-RZ730 models add THX Certified Select classifications.
Onkyo said that through a firmware update coming in June, the newly added Sono capability affords simple set up and use, including a virtually seamless integration into a Sonos, whole-home wireless music network. This allows the unit to instantly wake, change inputs and begin playing at a volume level selectd through a Sonos smart device app.
Using the app, the Onkyo receiver owner has the ability to use a Sonos Connect to send any music or source on the Sonos app to the receiver. The receiver can be grouped to other Sonos devices on the network or used independently.
Also supported in all three models is built-in Chromecast to allow users to stream any music a wide range of supported apps, with playback controlled by voice through a Google Assistant smart speaker.
Another included feature is DTS Play-Fi, which enhances the sound of music directed from online services, media servers and mobile devices using the Onkyo Music Control App, which will also enable synchronizing music in every room.
Onkyo’s FlareConnect technology in each model allows sharing audio between network sources, external audio inputs and compatible components for multi-room playback of vinyl records, CDs, network music services and other formats.
Amazon Music also can be accessed via the Onkyo Music Control App, while TIDAL, TuneIn, Deezer, and Spotify are accessible viat the Onkyo Controller. The latter accesses local and network audio through an easy to use remote-control system with a intuitive interface. The receivers are also equipped with Bluetooth wireless technology (plus built-in Apple AirPlay networking) to stream audio from BT-compatible PCs and mobile devices.
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Onkyo said the new RZ models are built using custom high-current transformers and customized block capacitors producing a frequency response of 5Hz-100 kHz, driving deep bass and clear, realistic treble.
For custom instegration needs, each unit is equipped with a 12V trigger, RS-232C port, IP Control and IR input.
Onkyo also enables auto sound calibration to the room using the AccuEQ Advance technology. This sets parameters for speaker distance, SP level, crossover, and multi-point measurement to eliminate standing waves from the listening space.
Onkyo assures, the technology will detect and adjust for subtle background noise in the space to deliver a highly accurate room equalization. At the same time, the AccuReflex technology aligns the phase of directional and non-directional sounds, which is ideal for Dolby Atmos 3D-audio speaker systems.
Individually, the TX-RZ830 drives 120 W per channel (8 ohms, 20 Hz–20 kHz, 0.08% THD, 2 channels driven, FTC) or 250 W (6 ohms, 1 kHz, 10% THD, 1 channel driven).
The TX-RZ730 drives 100 W per channel (8 ohms, 20 Hz–20 kHz, 0.08% THD, 2 channels driven, FTC) or 225 W ( 6 ohms, 1 kHz, 10% THD, 1 channel driven).
Both models will support systems of up to 11.2-channels via pre-out connection to an additional stereo amp and processing to enable Dolby Atmos and DTS:X soundtrack reproduction though speaker layouts supporting 7.2.4-channel Dolby Atmos configuration.
Users channel digital and analog audio through speakers in Zone 2 and Zone 3 for a 5.2-channel speaker layout in the media room or object-based audio through a 5.2.2 layout with powered audio distribution in Zone 2.
Both receivers include Zone 2 and Zone 3 pre-/line-outs to share audio to hi-fi systems in other rooms.
The most affordable model, the Onkyo TX-RZ630, offers 90 W per channel (8 ohms, 20 Hz–20 kHz, 0.08% THD, 2 channels driven, FTC) or 215 W (6 ohms, 1 kHz, 10% THD, 1 channel driven), capable of driving up to a 5.2.4-channel DTS:X or Dolby Atmos object-based surround-sound setup. This model will power speakers in Main, Zone 2, and Zone 3.
All three receivers feature Dolby Surround and DTS Neural:X up-mixing solutions that remap legacy soundtracks commonly encoded on DVD, Blu-ray Disc and streaming video.
Vinyl lovers will find phono inputs, with the TX-RZ830 adding Pure Audio mode to minimize unwanted interference.
Digital purists will find trio supports a range of Hi-Res Audio formats. The TX-RZ730 and TX-RZ630 play DSD 5.6 MHz/2.8 MHz while the TX-RZ830 supports direct playback of DSD 11.2 MHz files. All three support 24-bit audio up to 192 kHz in FLAC, WAV (RIFF), AIFF and ALAC formats.
Videophiles will find the RZ series models will pass-through their HDMI/HDCP 2.2 in/out connections high dynamic range (HDR) profiles including: HDR10, Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG) and Dolby Vision; as well as 4K/60p, BT.2020, 4:4:4, 24-bit signals.
By Greg Tarr
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