The catch
Onkyo TX-NR7100
A 7.1.4 layout later on is ruled out by nine-channel processing.
Side by side
Onkyo TX-NR7100 vs Onkyo TX-RZ50: RZ50 brings external-amp connections and a way past nine speakers
Quick verdict
A finished nine-speaker room with included Dirac is a job for the NR7100. The RZ50 is the better choice for multichannel power-amp connections or a later 7.1.4 expansion with a separate stereo amplifier.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
The initial four-height installation is common to both
Each powers a 5.1.4 room directly. That makes RZ50 a decision about expansion. You do not need it to get four heights.
Where this comes from
Nine built-in amplifiers and a documented 5.1.4 configuration come with each.
The catch
Onkyo TX-RZ50
7.1.4 remains dependent on a separate stereo amplifier.
Onkyo TX-NR7100
- Why pick it
- The finished layout has nine main speakers
- A shorter chassis sits more easily in the rack
- The catch
- A 7.1.4 layout later on is ruled out by nine-channel processing.
Onkyo TX-RZ50
- Why pick it
- You plan a 7.1.4 layout for later
- Main pre-outs are required for a multichannel external amplifier
- The catch
- 7.1.4 remains dependent on a separate stereo amplifier.
We may earn a commission from qualifying Amazon purchases. How we make money
What this page compares
Onkyo NR7100 vs RZ50 for a finished 5.1.4 room, reusing an external amplifier, future 7.1.4 expansion and shelf clearance for the receiver.
A finished nine-speaker room with included Dirac is a job for the NR7100. The RZ50 is the better choice for multichannel power-amp connections or a later 7.1.4 expansion with a separate stereo amplifier.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
A 5.1.4 room that is done, using Dirac
Nine speakers are powered by each, and full-bandwidth Dirac is included.
- Onkyo TX-NR7100
- Better fit
- Onkyo TX-RZ50
- Good
A 7.1.4 room added later, with a stereo amp
RZ50 alone processes eleven main channels.
- Onkyo TX-NR7100
- Not suitable
- Onkyo TX-RZ50
- Better fit
You already own a multichannel power amplifier
Eleven full-range main-channel pre-outs are on RZ50.
- Onkyo TX-NR7100
- Not suitable
- Onkyo TX-RZ50
- Better fit
The smaller chassis is better for shelf clearance
NR7100 stands 1 1/8 inches lower and is 3/4 inch shallower.
- Onkyo TX-NR7100
- Better fit
- Onkyo TX-RZ50
- Caution
In practice
Differences you will notice
The initial four-height installation is common to both
Each powers a 5.1.4 room directly. That makes RZ50 a decision about expansion. You do not need it to get four heights.
How we worked this out
Nine built-in amplifiers and a documented 5.1.4 configuration come with each.
More processing opens a path without adding two internal amplifiers
For the documented 7.1.4 layout, RZ50 needs two external amplifier channels.
How we worked this out
Its nine internal amplifiers fall two short of eleven full-range speakers. NR7100 processes just nine.
Both have the same connection conveniences
NR7100 already has front HDMI, six fast rear inputs and included full-bandwidth Dirac.
How we worked this out
Each has seven HDMI inputs, among them one front input and six 4K120-capable rear inputs, plus included Dirac Live Full Bandwidth.
Plan your receiver connectionsLay out my system
Check a documented speaker layout against HDMI sources and external-amplifier plans.
Onkyo TX-NR7100
Handles your setup
Runs 5.1.2 on its own built-in amplifiers. Takes 3 HDMI devices, 1 of them at 4K/120Hz. Input count does not guarantee every chroma, bit-depth or DSC combination. Check the manufacturer's HDMI format table and current firmware.
Onkyo TX-RZ50
Handles your setup
Runs 5.1.2 on its own built-in amplifiers. Takes 3 HDMI devices, 1 of them at 4K/120Hz. Input count does not guarantee every chroma, bit-depth or DSC combination. Check the manufacturer's HDMI format table and current firmware.
A powered subwoofer does not count toward the speaker channels. This checks one main room. Check Zone 2, bi-amping and unusual speaker assignments yourself. Leave room for ventilation, and confirm HDMI settings, cables and speaker impedance before you install.
Option A
Onkyo, TX-NR7100
TX-NR7100
Full-bandwidth Dirac Live Room Correction is included, and the nine amplifiers can power 5.1.4 or 7.1.2. A seventh HDMI input on the front is handy for temporary devices.
- Best for
- 5.1.4 where Dirac comes included
Facts we checked
- 9 main processing channels and 9 built-in amplifier channels
- Of 7 HDMI inputs, 6 support 4K120 video
- 2 HDMI outputs
- Room setup by Dirac Live Full Bandwidth
- Subwoofer outputs aside, 0 full-range main-channel pre-outs
- Before ventilation space, the chassis is 6.8125-inch high with antennas horizontal
Option B
Onkyo, TX-RZ50
TX-RZ50
Dirac Live Room Correction and a front HDMI input are included. The nine built-in amplifiers and eleven-channel processing can grow into a 7.1.4 system later, using an external stereo amp.
- Best for
- Dirac included now, 7.1.4 expansion later
Facts we checked
- 11 main processing channels and 9 built-in amplifier channels
- Of 7 HDMI inputs, 6 support 4K120 video
- 2 HDMI outputs
- Room setup by Dirac Live Full Bandwidth
- Subwoofer outputs aside, 11 full-range main-channel pre-outs
- Before ventilation space, the chassis is 7.9375-inch high with antennas horizontal
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Onkyo TX-NR7100 | Onkyo TX-RZ50 | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main processing channels | 9 | 11 | The eleven full-range channels that 7.1.4 needs are processed by RZ50. |
| Full-range main-channel pre-outs on US model | 0 | 11 | A multichannel external power amplifier can be connected to RZ50. |
| Chassis height | 6 13/16 inches | 7 15/16 inches | Not counting ventilation space, RZ50 needs another 1 1/8 inches. |
| Chassis depth | 14 15/16 inches | 15 11/16 inches | Before rear cable clearance, RZ50 adds 3/4 inch of depth. |
| Published two-channel power | 100W into 8 ohms | 120W into 8 ohms | Each is rated from 20Hz to 20kHz at 0.08% distortion with two channels driven. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Onkyo TX-NR7100
- On the US model, main pre-outs cannot feed a multichannel power amplifier.
With Onkyo TX-RZ50
- More shelf clearance is demanded by the taller, deeper chassis.
Change of plan
When the answer changes
The finished layout has nine main speakers
Go with Onkyo TX-NR7100. The finished layout runs on its nine amplifiers, and full-bandwidth Dirac is included.
You plan a 7.1.4 layout for later
Go with Onkyo TX-RZ50. With an external stereo amplifier, its eleven-channel processing supports the documented 7.1.4 configuration.
All eleven speakers of 7.1.4 have to use internal amplification
Neither model fits. With nine internal amplifiers each, neither can power all eleven speakers without an external amp.
Decision guide
How to decide
Pick NR7100 when the nine-speaker room is final and Dirac should be included. Pick RZ50 when you need multichannel power-amp connections or plan to expand to 7.1.4 later with a separate stereo amplifier.
Work out if nine speakers is where you stop
A completed 5.1.4 or 7.1.2 room gets nine amplifier channels and included Dirac from the NR7100. The RZ50 adds no internal amplifier channels. What it does bring is eleven-channel processing and an eleven-channel main pre-out array. That counts when 7.1.4 is a firm future plan or separate amplification is already in the installation.
Plan the budget and wiring for the external amp
The documented 7.1.4 setup on the RZ50 uses an external stereo amplifier and the correct speaker assignment, because a processing label alone does not power all eleven speakers. The US NR7100 has no full-range main-channel pre-outs and no eleven-channel processing path, and adding an amplifier to it does not create the missing configuration.
Make room around the bigger receiver
Full-bandwidth Dirac, two HDMI outputs and a front HDMI input are on both. Match the six fast rear inputs against the exact manufacturer video-format table. The RZ50 stands 1 1/8 inches taller and 3/4 inch deeper. Its published stereo rating of 120W versus 100W implies about 0.8dB of theoretical electrical headroom, which cannot establish audible room performance.
What this page can’t tell you
- Neither an all-channel output measurement nor a room-specific Dirac result is claimed.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the AV receivers we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
How many fit
Only 3 of the 34 models checked meet every need here: “Use four height speakers”, “Set up a 7.1.4 room”, “Use a separate power amplifier again”, and “Begin with Dirac room correction already included”.
3 models fit, out of 34 checkedShow the facts and the math
How we countedThe count uses each product's current fit ratings for “Use four height speakers”, “Set up a 7.1.4 room”, “Use a separate power amplifier again”, and “Begin with Dirac room correction already included”. A need with no documented match is not counted.
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Onkyo TX-NR7100 |
|
|
|
| Onkyo TX-RZ50 |
|
|
|
Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Open either model on Amazon for the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
Onkyo TX-NR7100
The finished layout has nine main speakers
See price & reviews on AmazonOnkyo TX-RZ50
You plan a 7.1.4 layout for later
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
We may earn a commission from qualifying Amazon purchases. How we make money