Feb 8, 2019

Onkyo TX-RZ830 vs TX-RZ730 vs TX-RZ720 Review

The output power is different on the Onkyo TX-RZ830 vs TX-RZ730 vs TX-RZ720. The TX-RZ830 is rated at 120 Watts per channel; the TX-RZ730: at 110 Watts per channel; and the TX-RZ720: at 100 Watts per channel. This is with both channels driven and 8 ohm loads, from 20Hz to 20kHz, while the total harmonic distortion (THD) is less than 0.08%. Despite these differences, all three Onkyo receivers utilize a high current power supply as well as large custom block capacitors. Furthermore, non-phase-shift circuits and discrete output transistors are utilized for the purpose of improving clarity and minimizing distortion.

Another difference can be found in the number of power amp channels: the TX-RZ830 and TX-RZ730 have 9 power amps vs 7 power amps on the TX-RZ720. Furthermore, there are 11.2 channel pre-outs on the TX-RZ830 and TX-RZ730 (Height 2 is shared with Zone 3 on both receivers), as well as dedicated stereo pre/line outs for Zone 2. In comparison, there are only 2 subwoofer pre-outs and stereo pre/line outs for Zone 2 on the TX-RZ720, meaning that you cannot use an external amplifier for expanding a 5.2.2-channel Dolby Atmos speaker setup that the TX-RZ720 can natively support. The TX-RZ830 and TX-RZ730, on the other hand, have the built-in amplification and processing capability not only to drive up to 5.2.4 or 7.2.2 channel Dolby Atmos systems but also allow you to use an external amplifier so that you can have 7.2.4 channel Dolby Atmos.

There are 11 speaker terminal on either the TX-RZ830 or TX-RZ730 but due to the two Onkyo receivers having only 9 power amplification channels, not all 11 speakers can be powered simultaneously. For example, it's not possible for the Zone 2 and Height 1 speakers to be active at the same time in case you are running a 5.2.4 channel Dolby Atmos in the main room. If you have only 5.1 channel system in your main room, though, then the TX-RZ830 and TX-RZ730 are able to power both Zone 2 and 3. The TX-RZ720 has 9 speaker terminals (and 7 power amp channels). The North American model of this receiver has the ability to power Zone 2 A/B speakers. That being said, the Zone 2B speaker outputs are also used for connecting Surround Back or Height speakers, as well as for a bi-amp connection of the front channels, so utilizing the Zone 2A/B functionality is highly dependent on your main room setup which should be up to 5.1 channels without a bi-amp connection, and the speakers for both Zone 2A and 2B need to have impedance of 8-16 ohms. Apart from that, the TX-RZ720 supports speakers with 4-16 ohms of impedance, and so do the TX-RZ830 and TX-RZ730. You need to set the correct impedance of the speakers you're using in the setup menu, however, especially if you're using 4-ohm speakers because the default setting is 6 ohms.

The TX-RZ830 has an aluminium front panel and a flap door behind which a headphone jack, an HDMI input, and a setup mic jack can be found. This is also where a bunch of controls reside, such as for turning on and off the Music Optimizer function (that aims to improve the quality of compressed music) or enabling the Whole House mode. There are cursor buttons which are used not only for navigating menus but also for tuning radio stations. The TX-RZ730 and TX-RZ720 omit the front flap door, so they place the input selector buttons below the display (instead to the right of it as the TX-RZ830 does). While the TX-RZ730 and TX-RZ720 lack most of the controls that can be found behind the TX-RZ830's flap door, they do keep the Cursor (and Enter) buttons (which are placed immediately to the right of the display) and the Music Optimizer button. Furthermore, they have the same connections as the TX-RZ830, in addition to an analog audio input which is omitted from the TX-RZ830.

Even though the TX-RZ830 and TX-RZ730 utilize the same firmware, only the TX-RZ830 can be updated to support eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) on the main HDMI OUT. The TX-RZ730 and TX-RZ720 cannot be updated to support eARC, meaning that it's not possible to pass-trough Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD Master audio from your TV. Nevertheless, they do support ARC on the main HDMI output, so it's possible to transfer certain formats such as Dolby Digital Plus or DTS.

The TX-RZ830 and TX-RZ730 support FlareConnect out of the box whereas the TX-RZ720 needs a firmware update in order to be able to stream wirelessly music to other compatible devices. You also need the Onkyo Controller app that is available for iOS and Android devices in order to select music and group devices. There is a firmware update only for the TX-RZ830 and TX-RZ730 that enables them to work with Sonos Connect (which is sold separately). Furthermore, the Sonos Connect needs to be connected to your receiver either by RCA or digital cable.

Check availability and pricing on Amazon.com for the TX-RZ830, TX-RZ730, and TX-RZ720 (affiliate links; As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)

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