Onkyo has been a prominent AV receiver manufacturer with an enviable reputation. You can come across various home theater receiver models from this reliable and eminent manufacturer. This review makes a detailed study on Onkyo TX-RZ50 vs Onkyo TX-NR7100 to provide a clear idea about the performance and usability of these two popular products. This study focuses on conducting a comprehensive analysis of Onkyo TX-RZ50 vs Onkyo TX-NR7100.
Table of Contents
Onkyo TX-RZ50 vs Onkyo TX-NR7100 Comparison:
Onkyo TX-RZ50 | Onkyo TX-NR7100 | |
Preview |   Best Choice |   Best Value |
Channels | 9.2 | 9.2 |
Watts Per Channel | 120 | 100 |
Audio | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X |
Video | HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 8K Upscaling, 8K Passthrough | HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 8K Upscaling, 8K Passthrough |
HDMI Inputs | 7 | 7 |
Wireless Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Chromecast | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Chromecast |
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Design
The design of Onkyo TX RZ50 is highly appreciable. However, you cannot find a noticeable difference compared to previous models. It does not feature any input selection knobs. You can find 15 dedicated buttons for a variety of functions. The large volume knob on the front instantly catches your attention.
The display screen is pretty big. The typical black box design doesn’t look extremely conventional. It boasts 15 small buttons above the large volume knob on the right. There is a flip door on the front panel, which conceals small knobs and input buttons to make the AV receiver look clean and organized.
The remote never makes you feel disappointed. With larger buttons and a rubber feel, it offers supreme convenience to users. You cannot find a backlit feature on this home theater receiver. Onkyo utilizes durable aluminum to ensure excellent build quality.
The overall design of Onkyo TX NR7100 looks elegant and attractive. The large volume knob is a feature that you can come across on all Onkyo models. The display on the front panel makes an instant impression. It is a black box with sharp corners and straight lines.
Apart from the large knob on the front panel, this model has two small knobs for controlling the bass and treble. Premium quality plastic provides outstanding build quality. You can expect high longevity when buying this AV receiver. The remote may not look elegant. However, it offers high user-friendliness.
If you compare the designs of these two devices, you can find both appealing. The ultimate decision depends on your aesthetic sensibility and personal preferences.
Winner: Tie
Channels
Intelligent buyers always look at the channels and the configuration options available before making a purchase decision. Onkyo uses a 9.2-channel amplifier on RZ50. You can also find the same amplifier on the NR7100 model. The channel processing capability of RZ50 is 11.2. The NR7100 supports only 9.1 channel processing.
What about the channel configuration possibilities of these two devices? The current internal amplifiers of RZ50 allow you to transform this device to a 7.2.2 setup. You can also convert it into a 5.2.4 system using internal amplifiers. A 7.2.4 setup can be achieved with the help of external amplifiers. The internal amplifiers of NR7100 let you create a 5.1.4 or 7.1.2 system.
TX RZ50 is the clear winner when comparing the channels and configuration possibilities.
Winner: Onkyo TX-RZ50
Connectivity
Connectivity must be a top consideration when purchasing an AV receiver. Which model offers better connectivity features? 7 HDMI inputs can be seen on TX RZ50 and TX NR7100. The former contains 3 HDMI outputs compared to 2 outputs of the latter. Other connectivity features of these two models are the same.
Both devices are equipped with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth adapters. They also come with an Ethernet port. Another common feature you can come across is the HDCP 2.3 copy protection and AirPlay 2 compatibility. You can use Alexa or Google Assistant to control these two home theater receivers.
A detailed comparison reveals that TX RZ50 offers enhanced connectivity features.
Winner: Onkyo TX-RZ50
Audio Capabilities
The audio capabilities and sound quality are the most critical qualities that determine the performance level of an AV receiver. The power generation capacity of Onkyo TX-RZ50 is 120 watts per channel. NR7100 is capable of producing 100 watts per channel. These two receivers are compatible with leading surround processing formats, including Dolby Atmos, DTS, and Dolby Digital. If you analyze the power generation capabilities of these products, you can find that RZ50 offers slightly better performance.
Let us shift our focus to the sound quality of these home theater receivers. RZ50 offers an unprecedented listening experience to users. The overhead layer filling of this model is exceptional. With an effective blending of surround channels, this device transforms your viewing and listening experiences.
RZ50 uses bass delicately to deliver the best user experience. The subwoofers are taken to maximum limits to offer an enjoyable and completely immersive sound reproduction. You can expect a harmonious blend of actions and dialogues. It always pushes you to the center of actions without any distortions.
If you want to experience faithful and authentic sound reproduction, you can choose this home theater receiver. You don’t have to get concerned about frequency levels. This device handles everything with immaculate precision and fineness to provide the ultimate sound quality. Even the most ambitious AV experts talk highly about the panning effects of RZ50. It also offers exceptional balance and control to keep listeners optimally satisfied.
How does NR7100 perform? The first thing to be noticed is its deep soundtrack. The marvelous soundstage is highly appreciated by all users. It handles explosive, action, and noisy scenes with unmatched control to optimize the immersive feel. The dialogues stay clear and crisp to take audience engagement to the next level.
Do you want to transform your home into a highly dynamic media sanctuary? Look no further than Onkyo TX-NR7100. It is a perfect choice for music listening and movie watching. The clarity and bass make a harmonious combination to redefine the audio performance.
Like TX RZ50, this model stands taller in terms of atmospherics. Forget about transition delays. This home theater receiver offers incredible transition capabilities. The overhead effect of NR7100 is as good as RZ50.
Winner: Onkyo TX-RZ50
Video Capabilities
The upscaling capabilities of these receivers are 8K UHD. An 8K pass-through at 60Hz is what you can expect with them. They also support the same HLG, Dolby Vision, and HDR surround processing formats. The bottom line is that RZ50 and NR7100 are equipped with the same video capabilities.
Winner: Tie
Value for Money
If you want to buy RZ50, you have to pay $300 more than the price of NR7100. Are you one of them who focus only on features with minimal focus on the price? If you are one among them, RZ50 offers better value for money. However, NR7100 is a more suitable option for people with budget constraints.
Winner: Onkyo TX-NR7100
Verdict
This Onkyo TX-RZ50 vs Onkyo TX-NR7100 analytical study reveals that RZ50 offers more advanced features and capabilities than NR7100. The audio capabilities, amplifier power, and connectivity features of RZ50 are slightly higher than NR7100.
Onkyo TX-RZ50 | Onkyo TX-NR7100 |
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REFERENCES AND FURTHER READING:
- Denon AVR-S970H Review – New Value King - February 12, 2024
- How To Choose An AV Receiver – Make An Informed Decesion - May 6, 2023
- Onkyo TX-RZ70 Review – The Ultimate Flagship - April 26, 2023