Onkyo TX-RZ70 11.2-Channel AV Receiver at Vinyl Sound Toronto Canada

The TX-RZ70 is Onkyo's flagship 11.2-channel AV receiver (Osaka, Japan), available at Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada. Built on the premium RZ Series platform, it delivers 140 W per channel across all 11 channels (8 ohms, Class AB) driven by a custom high-current power supply and 32-bit ESS Sabre DACs. The TX-RZ70 features Dirac Live Room Correction Full Bandwidth included, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Auro-3D, and IMAX Enhanced certification, with 13 pre-amplifier outputs for 7.2.4 system expansion, HDMI 2.1 with 8K support, and a full wireless streaming suite encompassing AirPlay 2, Chromecast built-in, DTS Play-Fi, and Works with Sonos. It received the Audioholics 2024 Product of the Year award.

11-Channel Class AB Amplification with ESS Sabre DACs

The TX-RZ70 is Onkyo's most powerful consumer AV receiver, housing eleven discrete Class AB amplifier channels each rated at 140 W into 8 ohms. The design is anchored by a large custom-wound power transformer and high-capacity smoothing capacitors, delivering dynamic headroom well beyond the rated output: Audioholics bench tests measured 213 W per channel (8 ohms, 2-ch driven, CEA-2006 burst) and over 180 W per channel with all seven front channels driven simultaneously. Dual 32-bit ESS Sabre DACs handle all digital-to-analogue conversion throughout the receiver, contributing to the TX-RZ70's clean, low-noise signal path from source to speaker terminal. The result is a neutral, detailed presentation with the authority to drive demanding loudspeakers at cinema reference levels without strain. Gold-plated speaker binding posts and separated signal ground paths further minimise interference between channels in complex multi-speaker configurations.

Dirac Live, Auro-3D, IMAX Enhanced, and THX Certification

Dirac Live Room Correction Full Bandwidth is included with every TX-RZ70, calibrating the complete 20 Hz to 20 kHz audible range for every speaker in the system. An optional Dirac Live Bass Control upgrade extends calibration to unlimited subwoofers, using machine learning to align low-frequency output across all subwoofers and main speakers simultaneously. Auro-3D object-based surround decoding is supported via firmware, joining Dolby Atmos, Dolby Surround, DTS:X, and Neural:X to cover every major immersive audio format. IMAX Enhanced certification applies both a precision object-based audio rendering pipeline and a proprietary video processing algorithm that optimises colour accuracy, contrast, and detail, while enabling a stretched aspect ratio for up to 26% more picture area on compatible IMAX-formatted content. THX Certified status across four listening modes (Cinema, Music, Gaming, and Surround EX) confirms that the TX-RZ70 meets independently verified cinema reference standards for distortion, output level, and channel separation. Onkyo first achieved THX certification in 1993, making it the pioneering brand in THX-certified consumer electronics.

HDMI 2.1, Gaming, and Multi-Zone Distribution

Seven HDMI 2.1 inputs and three outputs give the TX-RZ70 comprehensive source and display connectivity. All seven inputs pass 8K/60 and 4K/120 video with VRR, QFT, ALLM, HDCP 2.3, Dolby Vision, and HDR10+. The eARC-equipped main HDMI output feeds the primary display, while a second HDMI output enables independent Ultra HD video distribution to a second room. VRR eliminates screen tearing for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X gaming, and ALLM switches the display into low-latency mode automatically. In addition to HDMI zone distribution, the TX-RZ70 provides Zone 2 and Zone 3 stereo RCA line outputs for independent audio delivery to additional rooms, alongside a component video input and two composite video inputs for legacy source compatibility.

Streaming, Roon Ready, and Klipsch Optimised Mode

The TX-RZ70 carries Roon Ready certification, the highest level of Roon integration, enabling lossless, bit-perfect playback from a Roon Core with full metadata display and Roon transport control. AirPlay 2, Chromecast built-in, DTS Play-Fi, and Works with Sonos with Volume Pass-Through cover every major multiroom streaming ecosystem, with up to three independent Sonos zones each streaming a different service. Built-in services include Spotify Connect, Amazon Music HD, Tidal Connect, Deezer, TuneIn, and Pandora. Bidirectional Bluetooth supports SBC and AAC for incoming audio and SBC, aptX, and aptX HD for 24-bit wireless headphone output. Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) ensures stable network operation. Klipsch Optimised Mode stores factory-calibrated crossover values for Klipsch Reference and Reference Premiere speakers, automatically applying the correct settings when those models are selected per channel in the setup menu. The TX-RZ70 also supports custom installation control via Control4, Crestron, Savant, URC, Elan, and RTI.

Key Features

• 11-Channel Class AB Amplification: 140 W per channel (8 ohms) across all 11 channels, with ESS 32-bit Sabre DACs and a large custom power supply for sustained high-output performance.
• 13 Pre-Amplifier Outputs for 7.2.4 Layouts: Full 13-channel pre-out array with 2 independent subwoofer outputs supports external amplification for any channel in a 7.2.4 Dolby Atmos configuration.
• Dirac Live Full Bandwidth Included: Calibrates the complete 20 Hz to 20 kHz range for all speakers; optional Dirac Live Bass Control adds unlimited subwoofer alignment via machine learning.
• Auro-3D, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and IMAX Enhanced: All major object-based surround formats supported natively or via firmware, with IMAX Enhanced providing up to 26% more picture area on certified content.
• THX Certified for Theater Reference Sound: Four THX listening modes (Cinema, Music, Gaming, Surround EX) with independently verified distortion, output level, and separation standards.
• HDMI 2.1 with 8K and Zone 2 HDMI: Seven HDMI 2.1 inputs and three outputs with VRR, ALLM, QFT, HDCP 2.3, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, eARC, and a dedicated Zone 2 HDMI output for independent second-room Ultra HD video.
• Roon Ready Certified: Highest-tier Roon integration for bit-perfect lossless playback, full metadata, and Roon transport control directly from the TX-RZ70.
• Works with Sonos (Up to 3 Zones): Volume Pass-Through for unified Sonos app control across up to three independent zones simultaneously.
• Comprehensive Streaming Suite: AirPlay 2, Chromecast built-in, DTS Play-Fi, Spotify Connect, Amazon Music HD, Tidal Connect, Deezer, TuneIn, and Pandora built in.
• Bidirectional Bluetooth with aptX HD: Receive audio via SBC or AAC; transmit 24-bit hi-res audio to wireless headphones via aptX HD.
• Klipsch Optimised Mode: Factory crossover values for Klipsch Reference and Reference Premiere speakers applied automatically per channel for instant, accurate system integration.
• Custom Install and Home Automation Ready: Compatible with Control4, Crestron, Savant, URC, Elan, and RTI control systems, plus IP control and RS-232 for professional installation environments.

Technical Specifications

Connections at a Glance

• 7 x HDMI 2.1 inputs / 3 x HDMI outputs (1 with eARC, 1 Zone 2)
• 1 x Component video input
• 2 x Composite video inputs
• 4 x RCA analogue inputs
• 1 x RCA Phono input (turntable)
• 2 x Optical digital inputs
• 2 x Coaxial digital inputs
• 13 x pre-amplifier RCA outputs (2 independent subwoofer outputs)
• Zone 2 Stereo RCA output
• Zone 3 Stereo RCA output
• Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz)
• Bluetooth bidirectional (aptX HD TX)
• IP control, RS-232, IR input
• Control4, Crestron, Savant, URC, Elan, RTI compatible

Awards and Critical Recognition

• Audioholics Product of the Year 2024 (Audioholics)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Onkyo TX-RZ70?

The Onkyo TX-RZ70 is the flagship 11.2-channel AV receiver in Onkyo's RZ Series, rated at 140 W per channel (8 ohms, Class AB) with dual 32-bit ESS Sabre DACs, Dirac Live Room Correction Full Bandwidth included, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Auro-3D, IMAX Enhanced, HDMI 2.1 with 8K support, and 13 pre-amplifier outputs for 7.2.4 system expansion. It is Roon Ready and THX Certified, and is available at Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada.

How does the Onkyo TX-RZ70 compare to the Denon AVC-A1H or Marantz Cinema 40?

The TX-RZ70 positions itself against the Denon AVC-A1H and Marantz Cinema 40 with a combination of features that neither competitor fully matches at its price point. Dirac Live Full Bandwidth is included out of the box, whereas the Denon AVC-A1H uses Audyssey MultEQ XT32 and the Marantz Cinema 40 uses Audyssey MultEQ XT32 Pro, both of which require additional cost to unlock full-range correction. The TX-RZ70's dual ESS Sabre DAC implementation and Roon Ready certification are also notable differentiators. The Denon AVC-A1H extends to 15.4-channel processing, which gives it an edge in the most complex configurations, but the TX-RZ70 offers strong value for 7.2.4 layouts with its 13 pre-amplifier outputs and onboard 11-channel amplification.

Can the Onkyo TX-RZ70 support a full 7.2.4 Dolby Atmos layout?

Yes, the TX-RZ70 supports a full 7.2.4 Dolby Atmos speaker layout. With 11 amplified channels onboard and 13 pre-amplifier outputs including 2 independent subwoofer outputs, the receiver can drive a 7.2 surround base plus four overhead or height speakers simultaneously. The 13-channel pre-out array also allows external amplification to be added for any channel, giving further flexibility to build more demanding configurations.

What is Dirac Live Bass Control and should I upgrade?

Dirac Live Bass Control (DLBC) is an optional paid upgrade for the TX-RZ70 that extends Dirac Live's calibration to cover unlimited subwoofers, using machine learning to optimise the timing, level, and frequency response of each subwoofer relative to all other speakers in the system. The base Dirac Live Full Bandwidth licence included with the TX-RZ70 already calibrates every speaker across 20 Hz to 20 kHz, which delivers excellent results for most setups. DLBC becomes most beneficial when running multiple subwoofers in large or acoustically complex rooms where bass integration is difficult to optimise manually.

Is the Onkyo TX-RZ70 compatible with Roon?

Yes, the TX-RZ70 holds Roon Ready certification, the highest tier of Roon integration. This means the receiver appears as a native Roon endpoint, enabling bit-perfect lossless audio delivery from a Roon Core server, full album and track metadata display on the receiver, and complete Roon transport control (play, pause, skip, volume) without any additional configuration. This makes the TX-RZ70 an excellent choice for audiophiles who use Roon as their primary music management platform alongside a home theater setup.

Does the TX-RZ70 support home automation control systems?

Yes, the TX-RZ70 is compatible with Control4, Crestron, Savant, URC, Elan, and RTI control systems, as well as standard IP control and RS-232 serial control for custom installation environments. This makes it well suited for integrated smart home projects where the AV receiver needs to be managed alongside lighting, climate, and security systems from a central control interface.

Where can I buy the Onkyo TX-RZ70 in Toronto or Canada?

The Onkyo TX-RZ70 is available at Vinyl Sound, an authorised Onkyo dealer located in Toronto, Canada. Vinyl Sound carries the complete Onkyo RZ Series AV receiver lineup and offers in-store demonstration, Dirac Live calibration guidance, and expert support for complex multi-channel and custom installation projects.