When it comes to creating a home theater system that delivers exceptional audio quality and immersive experiences, choosing the right AV receiver is crucial. In this comparison article, we will take a closer look at two popular models: the Onkyo RZ50 and the Denon X4700H. Both receivers come from renowned manufacturers and offer advanced features to elevate your audio setup. Join us as we explore their specifications, performance, connectivity options, and unique selling points to help you make an informed decision on which receiver suits your needs and preferences.
Onkyo RZ50: Power and Precision
The Onkyo RZ50 is a flagship AV receiver that boasts impressive power and performance. With its THX Certified Select Plus certification, this receiver guarantees high-quality audio reproduction, ensuring that you experience your movies, music, and games with stunning clarity and accuracy.
Equipped with 11 channels of amplification, the RZ50 delivers a robust 140 watts per channel, providing ample power for even the most demanding speakers. It supports popular audio formats such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, allowing you to enjoy a truly immersive surround sound experience. Additionally, the AccuEQ Advance room calibration system optimizes audio output according to your room’s unique characteristics, ensuring the best possible sound quality.
Connectivity-wise, the RZ50 offers a wide range of options. It features eight HDMI inputs and three outputs, all of which support 4K Ultra HD and HDR content, including Dolby Vision and HDR10+. This receiver also supports eARC, enabling lossless audio transmission from your TV to the receiver. The inclusion of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and AirPlay 2 ensures seamless wireless streaming from various devices.
Denon X4700H: Versatility and Immersion
The Denon X4700H is another top-tier AV receiver that excels in delivering exceptional audio performance. With nine channels of amplification and a power output of 125 watts per channel, this receiver offers substantial power and dynamic range for a captivating home theater experience.
One of the standout features of the X4700H is its support for 8K Ultra HD and 4K/120Hz video passthrough. It also supports HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG, making it compatible with the latest video standards. The receiver’s advanced video processing capabilities ensure smooth and crisp visuals on your compatible display.
In terms of audio, the X4700H supports immersive formats such as Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro-3D. The receiver utilizes advanced room calibration technology known as Audyssey MultEQ XT32, which precisely measures and adjusts the sound to match your room’s unique acoustics. This ensures accurate sound staging and balanced audio across all listening positions.
Connectivity options are abundant with the X4700H as well. It features eight HDMI inputs and three outputs, offering extensive connectivity for your media devices. The receiver also supports Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and AirPlay 2, allowing for wireless audio streaming from various sources.
Comparison and Conclusion
When comparing the Onkyo RZ50 and the Denon X4700H, both receivers excel in delivering exceptional audio quality and a plethora of features. However, there are a few key differences to consider.
In terms of power output, the Onkyo RZ50 has a slight advantage with its 140 watts per channel, while the Denon X4700H offers 125 watts per channel. While this may not make a significant difference in most setups, it might be a factor to consider if you have particularly demanding speakers or a large room that requires more power.
Another notable difference is the channel configuration. The Onkyo RZ50 offers 11 channels of amplification, allowing for a more expansive speaker setup and enhanced surround sound experience. On the other hand, the Denon X4700H provides nine channels, which still provides an immersive audio experience but with slightly fewer speaker configuration options.
Both receivers support popular immersive audio formats such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, ensuring a three-dimensional soundstage with precise positioning of audio elements. Additionally, they feature advanced room calibration systems—AccuEQ Advance for the RZ50 and Audyssey MultEQ XT32 for the X4700H—that analyze your room’s acoustics and make necessary adjustments to optimize the audio output. This results in a more accurate and balanced sound experience tailored to your specific environment.
Connectivity options play a crucial role in modern AV receivers, and both the Onkyo RZ50 and the Denon X4700H offer a wide range of options to connect your devices. With eight HDMI inputs and three outputs, they allow for seamless integration with various media sources such as Blu-ray players, game consoles, and streaming devices. Additionally, both receivers support the latest video standards, including 4K Ultra HD, HDR, and even 8K passthrough in the case of the X4700H. This ensures compatibility with the latest display technologies and future-proofing your home theater setup.
When it comes to wireless connectivity, both receivers offer Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities, allowing for easy streaming of audio from your mobile devices or online music services. Furthermore, they support popular wireless protocols such as AirPlay 2, enabling convenient streaming from Apple devices.
In terms of design and build quality, both the Onkyo RZ50 and the Denon X4700H are well-built and feature sleek aesthetics that blend seamlessly with any home theater setup. However, personal preference may play a role in choosing the receiver that aligns with your aesthetic taste.
In conclusion, the Onkyo RZ50 and the Denon X4700H are both formidable high-end AV receivers that offer exceptional audio performance and a range of features to elevate your home theater experience. The RZ50 shines with its higher power output and 11-channel configuration, making it suitable for larger rooms or those seeking maximum audio immersion. On the other hand, the X4700H impresses with its support for the latest video standards, including 8K passthrough, making it an excellent choice for those looking for future-proofing their system.
Ultimately, the decision between the Onkyo RZ50 and the Denon X4700H will depend on your specific needs, room size, desired features, and personal preferences. We recommend auditioning both receivers if possible and considering factors such as power output, channel configuration, connectivity options, and room calibration capabilities to determine which one aligns better with your requirements and budget. Whichever option you choose, rest assured that both receivers offer an exceptional audio experience that will bring your home theater to life.
