The catch
Yamaha RX-A8A
In a 7.1.4 layout, standard powered Zone 2 takes away the rear-presence pair.
Side by side
Yamaha RX-A8A vs Onkyo TX-RZ70: Speakers in the kitchen take different pairs away from the theater
Quick verdict
Each powers 7.1.4 alone, but powered Zone 2 borrows two main-room amplifiers. In the documented assignments, A8A loses rear heights and RZ70 loses surround backs. If neither compromise is acceptable, plan on external amplification. Seven rear high-refresh inputs point to A8A. Included full-bandwidth Dirac and convenient front HDMI point to RZ70, though the front port is limited to lower-bandwidth formats.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
The same request for kitchen music affects the film in different ways
Seven ear-level speakers and four heights are already active, so two kitchen speakers need two more amps. A8A’s standard powered Zone 2 assignment borrows the rear-height pair and leaves 7.1.2. RZ70 borrows the surround-back pair and leaves 5.1.4. Neither leaves the full theater as it was. If cooking and films overlap often, go with a documented external amplification route rather than finding out about the compromise after installation. Which pair matters more depends on your actual room and how you listen, and there is no universal ranking.
Where this comes from
Eleven main speakers and two zone speakers add up to thirteen amplified channels. The exact manuals say which pair is borrowed. The number of subs has no effect on this main-amplifier arithmetic.
The catch
Onkyo TX-RZ70
NET/Bluetooth selections are shared between zones, and powered Zone 2 takes the surround backs out of 7.1.4.
Yamaha RX-A8A
- Why pick it
- Your seven compatible high-refresh sources need to stay connected at the rear.
- MusicCast suits your household setup, and the main-room and zone assignments are already planned.
- The catch
- In a 7.1.4 layout, standard powered Zone 2 takes away the rear-presence pair.
Onkyo TX-RZ70
- Why pick it
- Six fast rear sources do the job, and a supported guest input within easy reach would be useful.
- Included full-bandwidth Dirac is what you want, and the documented zone-source limits are ones you can live with.
- The catch
- NET/Bluetooth selections are shared between zones, and powered Zone 2 takes the surround backs out of 7.1.4.
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What this page compares
Yamaha A8A vs Onkyo RZ70 for 7.1.4 and kitchen speakers, including which main speakers go quiet during powered Zone 2 and how seventh HDMI access differs.
Each of these eleven-amplifier receivers powers 7.1.4 in one box. If you also want listening in a second room at the same time, you need the assignment details that the shared channel label conceals.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
A seventh high-refresh source left connected
Seven capable inputs at the rear are on A8A.
- Yamaha RX-A8A
- Better fit
- Onkyo TX-RZ70
- Caution
Supported guest source, easy front access
RZ70 has front AUX, which comes with a lower format ceiling.
- Yamaha RX-A8A
- Caution
- Onkyo TX-RZ70
- Better fit
Powered kitchen speakers alongside 7.1.4, with no compromise
Each borrows a speaker pair, unless you use supported external amplification.
- Yamaha RX-A8A
- Caution
- Onkyo TX-RZ70
- Caution
7.1.4 in one box, with Dirac included
Full-bandwidth Dirac is included with RZ70, while A8A uses YPAO.
- Yamaha RX-A8A
- Caution
- Onkyo TX-RZ70
- Better fit
In practice
Differences you will notice
The same request for kitchen music affects the film in different ways
Seven ear-level speakers and four heights are already active, so two kitchen speakers need two more amps. A8A’s standard powered Zone 2 assignment borrows the rear-height pair and leaves 7.1.2. RZ70 borrows the surround-back pair and leaves 5.1.4. Neither leaves the full theater as it was. If cooking and films overlap often, go with a documented external amplification route rather than finding out about the compromise after installation. Which pair matters more depends on your actual room and how you listen, and there is no universal ranking.
How we worked this out
Eleven main speakers and two zone speakers add up to thirteen amplified channels. The exact manuals say which pair is borrowed. The number of subs has no effect on this main-amplifier arithmetic.
A front connection gives up a fast permanent slot in return for easier guest access
Each lists seven HDMI inputs, but A8A has seven rear 40 Gbps inputs, while RZ70 pairs six rear 40 Gbps inputs with a front 9 Gbps AUX. A seventh gaming source that stays connected favors Yamaha. A supported camera or laptop that visits can favor Onkyo, since its socket is within reach. At 4K60, the Onkyo front input needs 8-bit YCbCr 4:2:0 and can’t work as a seventh 4K120 input. These are different conveniences. The seven sockets are not equivalent.
How we worked this out
Port location and format, matched against permanent and guest use of sources. The exact format support is carried through into the recommendation.
Two independent network players can’t be had by adding a zone amp
With external Zone 2 amplification, Onkyo doesn’t have to borrow the amps for the main speakers, but its NET and Bluetooth selections are still shared across zones. When one person picks Bluetooth while another is listening to NET, that choice can change what plays in the other room. A household that expects independent programs has to plan for supported separate sources as well as extra amplifier channels. Yamaha MusicCast may suit a compatible multiroom setup you already have, though services, accounts and source routing each need their own check. Neither receiver is claimed to offer unlimited independent streaming.
How we worked this out
The Onkyo source-sharing rule, matched against two listeners in the household. Needing independent amplifiers and needing independent sources are separate requirements.
Plan your receiver connectionsLay out my system
Check a documented speaker layout against HDMI sources and external-amplifier plans.
Yamaha RX-A8A
Handles your setup
Runs 5.1.2 on its own built-in amplifiers. Takes 3 HDMI devices, 1 of them at 4K/120Hz.
Onkyo TX-RZ70
Handles your setup
Runs 5.1.2 on its own built-in amplifiers. Takes 3 HDMI devices, 1 of them at 4K/120Hz. Use the six rear inputs for 4K/120Hz. The front input has lower limits.
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
Yamaha, US black standalone receiver
RX-A8A
Your seven compatible high-refresh sources need to stay connected at the rear.
- Best for
- Your seven compatible high-refresh sources need to stay connected at the rear.
Facts we checked
- Main room alone: 7.1.4 powered internally
- Powered Zone 2 during 7.1.4: Rear heights stop
- Seventh input: Rear 40 Gbps
- Included calibration: YPAO multipoint
Option B
Onkyo, US black standalone receiver
TX-RZ70
Six fast rear sources do the job, and a supported guest input within easy reach would be useful.
- Best for
- Six fast rear sources do the job, and a supported guest input within easy reach would be useful.
Facts we checked
- Main room alone: 7.1.4 powered internally
- Powered Zone 2 during 7.1.4: Surround backs stop
- Seventh input: Front 9 Gbps
- Included calibration: Dirac Live Full Bandwidth
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Yamaha RX-A8A | Onkyo TX-RZ70 | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main room alone | 7.1.4 powered internally | 7.1.4 powered internally | Eleven main amplifiers are built into each. |
| Powered Zone 2 during 7.1.4 | Rear heights stop | Surround backs stop | Both borrow two amps, yet the layouts that are left over differ. |
| Seventh input | Rear 40 Gbps | Front 9 Gbps | Which model wins depends on whether you need permanent high-refresh capacity or guest access. |
| Included calibration | YPAO multipoint | Dirac Live Full Bandwidth | Pick the workflow you need, and don’t assume either ranks higher for sound quality. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Yamaha RX-A8A
- To run the zone without giving up any main speakers, you need the documented external amplification route.
With Onkyo TX-RZ70
- Front AUX is 9 Gbps, and Bass Control needs its own optional license.
Change of plan
When the answer changes
Seven high-refresh sources need to stay connected at all times
Go with Yamaha RX-A8A. Seven rear inputs at 40 Gbps are on Yamaha.
The extras worth having are guest access and included Dirac
Go with Onkyo TX-RZ70. Front AUX and the included correction license both come from Onkyo.
Decision guide
Before you buy
Music in the kitchen during a film should not come with the surprise that some theater speakers have gone silent.
What this page can’t tell you
- We name no winner on measured acoustics or calibration. Eleven main processing channels is the limit for both.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the AV receivers we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
Show the facts and the math
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yamaha RX-A8A |
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| Onkyo TX-RZ70 |
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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.
Yamaha RX-A8A
Your seven compatible high-refresh sources need to stay connected at the rear.
MusicCast suits your household setup, and the main-room and zone assignments are already planned.
See price & reviews on AmazonOnkyo TX-RZ70
Six fast rear sources do the job, and a supported guest input within easy reach would be useful.
Included full-bandwidth Dirac is what you want, and the documented zone-source limits are ones you can live with.
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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