Dec 9, 2016

Onkyo TX-RZ3100 vs TX-RZ1100 Review

The TX-RZ3100 has 11.2 channels of amplification while the TX-RZ1100 has 9.2 amplifier channels. The TX-RZ3100 is thus able to drive a full 7.2.4 channel Dolby Vision or DTS:X speaker system, whereas the TX-RZ1100 can power up to 5.2.4 channel of either Dolby Vision or DTS:X object-based audio system without an external amplifier. That being said, the TX-RZ1100 utilizes 11.2 processing (pre-out) channels, so it's possible to run a full 7.2.4-channel setup but an external stereo amplifier is required. Regardless of the difference between the number of power amps, the TX-RZ3100 and TX-RZ1100 are both rated at 140 Watts per channel (into 8 Ohms, 1 kHz, 0.08% THD, 2 Channels Driven). VLSC (Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry) is utilized by both for the purpose of providing noise-free signal processing across all channels. Also employed by both of them is a low-hum transformer which leads to an identical signal-to-noise ratio for the TX-RZ3100 and TX-RZ1100. They also have identical design and connections layout. For example, both models have 11 speakers terminals, even though only the TX-RZ3100 has the built-in amplification to drive the connected speakers on all terminals simultaneously. It should be said, though, that transparent knobs for the speaker posts are used on the TX-RZ3100, but not on the TX-RZ1100.

Other than that, there aren't any significant differences between the TX-RZ3100 and TX-RZ1100. That being said, it should be noted that not all of the 7 HDMI inputs that can be found on the back support 4K/60 Hz video, 4:4:4 chroma subsampling and High Dynamic Range (HDR) signal. If you wish to connect a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player, you'd have to use HDMI IN 1 to 5 jacks, labeled as HDCP 2.2. This applies to both models. They also have 2 HDMI outputs: one MAIN (with an Audio Return Channel support) and the other is Sub/Zone 2. Further, there is one HDMI input on the front panel (behind a cover). They support 4K pass-through, in addition to being able to upscale 1080p to 4K. While neither of them includes Composite video outputs, they do have 2 Composite inputs, as well as 2 Component video inputs and 1 component output.

Included with both of them is a speaker setup microphone. It's intended to be used with the AccuEQ room calibration suite. The calibration process consists of two rounds of measurements. During the first one the distance, sound pressure level, and crossover frequency are set. Secondly, your room acoustic characteristics are determined and analyzed. After that, the speakers frequency response is appropriately adjusted but this happens only below a certain frequency range point; the Partial Band Equalization leaves the higher-end of the frequency range unchanged. AccuReflex provides optimization for object-based audio formats. In particular, it eliminates the phase shift that may occur when you're hearing both direct, non-reflected sound from your floor standing speakers, and reflected sound from the Dolby-enabled speakers. That being said, this applies only to up-firing speakers that direct sound towards the ceiling which then gets reflected towards your listening position. If you're using an in-ceiling loudspeakers for the height channels, for example, the AccuReflex won't be necessarily.

Check availability and pricing on Amazon.com for the TX-RZ3100 and the TX-RZ1100 (affiliate links; As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)

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