Onkyo TX-RZ820 Receiver Features | Enhance Your Home Theater!

[@albiss1164]

I'm contemplating buying the little Onkyo 595; your videos are very informative. Thanks, and have a beautiful 2020! :)

[@davidmckibben8282]

Awesome informative video thriftyav you have me sold on this model been looking around at other model types but this one suites most of what I’m looking for in a home theater system 👍

[@ericnortan9012]

I own this model. Really nice AVR, a ton of connections/functions, true to the power ratings of 130wpc 2 ch 8 ohms. I saw one dyno tested. And preouts for every channel. It's a really capable receiver. I don't like EQ function, 15 bands but you can only adjust 9. I like an EQ for some music, depending on the quality of the recording, plus my room acoustics are jacked. 🤘💀🤘

[@josepereda2651]

Me too and i realized is eArc capable and 120HZ on 1080P passthrough

[@davidgerald285]

I had that 820, then got the 830, now I'm thinking of getting the new 840

[@ThriftyAV]

The 840 has nice specs, but $890 is a bit steep for my "thrifty" budget. Did you find it on sale?

[@merkules2001]

Nice song choice.

[@ThriftyAV]

It didn't trigger a copyright notice!

[@davidlynch433]

I have the TX- RZ830 and I am blowed if I can find the menu button on the remote, Ho do you find the menu on my receiver, would be grateful if you can help me with my problem.

[@Frank-ru6wk]

I have an Onkyo TX-RZ820. I recently changed configurations, dropping my cable box, and now use a Firestick with apps. On Zone 2, I easily connect to a patio TV using the Zone 2 HDMI. I prefer listening to the audio on my Zone 2 speakers. This no longer works. How can I reconnect audio output to the Zone 2 speakers?

[@carcar5911]

Do you know how to enable dolby vision on this reciever?? Please help!

[@dragongirl420]

Hello, I want to play my Super Nintendo games in higher resolution. I have an Onkyo TX-RZ820 receiver. Does it upscale the video RCA connector input when output via the HDMI out? If yes, what resolution does it output, 720p or 1080p? I'm wondering if it is worth it for me to get one of those upscalers/adapters that converts RCA connectors into 720p / 1080p via HDMI. Or if my receiver already does that. Thanks

[@marcms21]

On the RZ-820 - is there any way to add 2 atmos speakers on an existing 7.1 system (even using an extra amp)?

[@briancilia3588]

Hi I have an onky tx-rz1100 how set the atmos set up pls tks

[@clarencejonesiii7970]

Good afternoon. I have the very same a/v receiver and I've noticed some strange things about it like when I adjust the treble control the bass in the right channel seems to increase. Any idea what can be causing ? Thanks in advance sir.

[@Wolfie66]

How is the audio sound on cds and vinyl?

[@ThriftyAV]

Very good on both counts. With CD, I cannot hear any difference between optical digital, coax digital, HDMI, or analog audio in. The built in phono preamp is as good as my outboard ART phono preamp, with no ground hum and good S/N ratio.

[@Wolfie66]

@@ThriftyAV Glad to hear! I'm thinking about purchasing this receiver for my tv room. It's also my listening room ! I have a 20 year old Onkyo 2ch receiver that crapped out. I want to upgrade to 5.1 but also want something that I can listen to in stereo mode. Thank you :)

[@dmellchannels7429]

Hello I own this model but I'm having some issues with it. I have 7.1.2 setup speakers but when I Play Dolby Atmos movies it says Dolby Atmos but only as a 5.1.2 setup do you have any idea how to make the receiver enable the 2 speakers missing. thank you

[@ThriftyAV]

On remote hit the "Setup" button that looks like a gear. Select menu item 2. Speaker > 1. Configuration > Speaker Channels. Arrow right until you find 7.1.2 ch. I hope this fixes your setup!

[@pulpanochamaster]

Very nice video! Subscribed... question, can you do all the setup from the mobile app? or for example, to select a radio station, can you do it from the app? and input the radio numbers with a number pad in the tablet/smartphone or is just with the arrows as in the remote or receiver? thanks.

[@ThriftyAV]

Great question worth investigating! I just tuned in three FM stations, set them as presets, then recalled the presents all from the app... One disappointment is that I couldn't "name" the presets, they are simply set as 1,2, & 3. Looks like you can have up to 40 FM presets.

[@ThriftyAV]

And thank you for subscribing!

[@pulpanochamaster]

@@ThriftyAV Thank you! will try mine next week! best.

[@davidhyman6934]

Good Job doing your video. Question: What are your Speaker Settings that you prefer other than using the microphone to set up speaker levels? My volume has to be turned up to 60 or more before it sounds loud enough. How can I set it to be louder at lower volume levels?

[@ThriftyAV]

When watching movies with dialogue buried in the mix, I boost the center channel, as this is usually the predominant channel for voices.

[@ericnortan9012]

You can calibrate it manually with your ears or a db meter. It puts out white noise as you go through each speaker and you adjust level accordingly

[@IsmaelMartinezPR]

Thanks, I just ordered one. How has it been so far. Does the streaming in the menu/app services reach the receiver through the WiFi/Ethernet or through the Bluetooth? Cant wait to get mine.

[@ThriftyAV]

When a streaming service (Pandora, Spotify, etc) is selected as your source, the data goes directly from your network router to the receiver with the app simply acting as a remote control. When you select bluetooth as your source, you can stream from your phone or any other bluetooth device. Congratulations on your purchase! I am still really enjoying mine!

[@IsmaelMartinezPR]

@@ThriftyAV its $399 today in Amazon. Could not pass up the opportunity. thanks

[@ThriftyAV]

@@IsmaelMartinezPR Awesome deal! That's less than I paid.

[@ericnortan9012]

I've had one for a while, really like it. Can't beat that price.

[@IsmaelMartinezPR]

eric nortan enjoying it as I write. Listening to the Eagles in Spotify. Still trying to get up to speed with AirPlay and DLNA

[@AudioElectronicsChicago]

WOW Thats a beast

[@ThriftyAV]

Yeah. It was too big to fit on the lower shelf where my old receiver was. But it has lots of power and lots of features, so I'm glad I found it on sale.

[@davidhuaman9159]

how do I connect my amazon stick for audio to my onkyo 820

[@ThriftyAV]

Good question. I would first try to use an available HDMI input on the receiver instead of plugging it in directly to your TV. Another option would be to plug directly to your TV, then output your TV audio to the receiver either via ARC or optical out. I plan on doing a "Part 3", and I will add this scenario to the video.

[@edrinhedayat8275]

I updated the firmware of my Reciver and then there is no video signal!!!

[@CaptBubbs]

I just boight one but haven't set it up yet. I'm upgrading from and older Onkyo 6.1 recever and I'm curious - is there a way to run a 6.1 setup without losing my front center channel? This way I can keep my current speaker setup (front l/c/r and rear l/c/r) until I get around to getting a matched set for the back. I'm not sure if it's safe to run a u.1 setup with only 1 rear surround speaker. Thanks

[@ThriftyAV]

6.1 is one of the 12 speaker configuration options listed on page 13 of the manual, but it looks like you will lose the option of "zone 1" with this configuration. Here is the full manual for this receiver. www.intl.onkyo.com/downloads/manuals/pdf/tx-rz820_bas_adv_manual_en.pdf

[@daveerald6251]

How much actual watts per 7 channels are there, when watching 4k movies? Thanks for your great channel

[@ThriftyAV]

I use 8ohm speakers... For those it's rates at 130W / Ch RMS into 7 powered channels with 0.08THD.

[@NineteenEighty-Four]

The rating for 130W is for 2 channels, not 7. How do you get 910W out of a listed 650W power supply?

[@ThriftyAV]

@@NineteenEighty-Four I stand corrected. Reading the manual, Onkyo does not state the power of each channel when 7 channels are driven. It states 130W / Ch RMS with .08THD into 8ohms when TWO channels are driven.

[@brandonphillips4553]

@@ThriftyAV roughly 40w per channel all driven at the same time.

[@ericnortan9012]

I use an seprate amp to power my SL15'S. That was my main buying point, pre outs for every channel. It has pretty good power, especially on 2 channel but if you have big fronts get a seperate amp, with any AVR. A guy on KZbin Dyno tested the 810 and it surpassed the power ratings.

[@billwhelpley6825]

I am thinking of picking this up as it's clearly being priced to move at this time. I'm nervous about the infamous HDMI/capacitor problems that seem to have plagued Onkyo. Do you think the company has addressed the issue with this and later models or is it still a ticking time bomb? I'm happy they offer a 3 year warranty but am a little nervous something will snap on 3 years + 1 day. I have had a high-end Onkyo and Integra stop operating just outside of warranty in the last several years.

[@ThriftyAV]

Yes. I thought this was a bargain when I picked it up a few months ago. It's even a better deal now. I guess newer models are coming out. I've read on forum posts that Onkyo has addressed the HDMI issues a few generations ago. But once a company develops a bad reputation for something, it's hard to shake. I will point out that if you do a search of Onkyo HDMI problems, you will find many references to older models, but not much about newer models. But maybe the devices are waiting for 3 years and one day... If mine develops these problems, you may be sure that I will do a video about it!

[@billwhelpley6825]

@@ThriftyAV Just plugged it in tonight. Setup is so easy, was thinking the Onkyo proprietary auto-speaker-adjust would be clunky but it was super easy and nice results. Using for surround home theater with two large (12" ported woofers) front speakers which require a lot of juice to move. Apocalypse Now sounds fantastic. HDMI ports all switch without any problems. Agreed, great deal for $399/Amazon assuming the board doesn't burn out after warranty!

[@ThriftyAV]

@@billwhelpley6825 I'm glad to hear everything has worked out for you. Happy listening!

[@superarsenal009]

I have my computer connected to an Onkyo TX-RZ820 receiver that outputs sound to 5.1 speakers. When I listen to music on "direct" or "pure audio" mode, I only get audio from front left & front right speakers. Is there a way for me to get audio from front left, front right, & subwoofer? Thanks

[@ThriftyAV]

Both the "direct" and "pure audio" modes minimize audio signal processing on the receiver, with "pure audio" also disabling video processing. Signal processing is required to create a sub-woofer signal from a stereo pair. Consequently, when a stereo signal is played back in "direct" mode, you will only get front left and right. On the other hand, when you hook up a Dolby Digital 5.1 signal in "direct" mode, all five main channels are engaged plus the subwoofer, as these are all part of the source signal. Yes, there is a way to get front left, front right, & subwoofer. On the remote, hit the "music" button until you see "stereo" mode on the receiver display. This mode DOES create a subwoofer signal from a stereo pair. This same button will also toggle through other modes such as "AllCh Stereo" if you want to feed surround speakers from a stereo signal.

[@superarsenal009]

Thanks, stereo worked. :) For "AllCh Stereo" what comes out of the center channel?

[@ThriftyAV]

@@superarsenal009 Not sure exactly how the center channel is processed, but to my ears, it sounds like a mix of what the front left and front right channels have in common.

[@SFMarine0311]

I’m thinking about picking this up as it’s now $400 on amazon. Surprised SiriusXM is not built in but of course u can just use the Bluetooth option. Glad it’s THX certified, Dolby vision compatible and of course DTS:X AND Atmos. I don’t really need a 9.2 setup so 7.2 would be ideal for me. Just need to get some decent speakers. Any suggestions?

[@ThriftyAV]

I do not subscribe to Satellite Radio, so I do not miss this feature. I'm looking at mains as well. I recently listened to a pair of Polk Audio Monitor 70 Series II speakers, and I liked them... I would like to find them at a "thrifty" price, but I haven't seen them go on sale since I added them to my watch list. Also, I use a 5.1 setup, allowing me to bi-amp my mains, and these speakers are bi-amp capable.

[@Twistid5one3]

Just put my order in for this reciever. How is it? My tx-rn686 went out after only a year for a "key lock" so I'm a little nervous about getting it but it was fairly cheap on Amazon.

[@ThriftyAV]

@@Twistid5one3 The RZ series has a three year warranty, so if this one dies in a year, it's covered. I don't know what you mean by "key lock" on the Onkyo.

[@Twistid5one3]

Basically the key lock keeps the receiver from turning on because it's thinking one the buttons/keys is being held in but I pushed them all and none of them seem stuck

[@tk421dr]

Great video, thanks for all the info! I'm just starting to look into home theater gear, is the THX cert. a big deal? I don't see any other receivers in this price range that has it, I'm willing to pay a bit more for a better theater experience. Also any recommendations for inexpensive satellite speakers to pair with the TX-RX820? I'm currently looking at some polk TL1s because of their price and size, but I honestly have no idea what i'm doing.

[@ThriftyAV]

If I buy a toaster, I want it to be UL certified... But for sound gear, THX certified isn't such a big deal. In fact, many top receivers don't bother with it. I say check the specs... Power, THD, signal-to-noise ratio. I'm shopping for an upgrade on my satellite speakers too. Polk TL1s might be a good choice. I also have an older pair of small KLH speakers I can use if I can figure out a way to mount them.

[@ericnortan9012]

Your not gonna find a better price for a receiver with as many options/functions plus pre outs for every channel for future expansion. As far as speakers, for a quality set on a budget the Sony core series are really nice. I use the SACS 3 towers for rear surrounds now, but I had them as fronts and they were great. If your into music they have a good sound, but you definitely need a sub. I would buy the biggest best fronts you can afford, a quality center, a sub,and quality rears. The Sony are a good starter set, great for a 5.1 set up. Just look up Sony core series. If you got some money to spend, Klipsch has some great home theater series. I have Onkyo txrz 820, Crown XLi2500 amp to power Cerwin-Vega! SL 15 fronts, an SL 45c center with the Sony SSCS 8 sub and SSCS 3 towers for surrounds. Like being at the theater. Those Cerwin-Vega! are awesome. Roughly $2800 bucks into it.

[@bjlracer1380]

Can you control bass and treble from either the app, or from the remote itself? 🤔

[@ThriftyAV]

there is no "button" for this, but EQ can be adjusted in the menu.

[@ericnortan9012]

Bass and treble can be adjusted from remote

[@ungerpsu]

My room is set up for 5.1, not 7.2. Does the Onkyo downmix audio into 5.1?

[@ThriftyAV]

Yes. Modern surround technologies like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X are compatible with multiple speaker configurations. As far of the setup process, you will select your speaker configuration, and the receiver will output correctly for the number of speakers you are using and the placement.

[@adampruitt9211]

Can you turn up the diologue on this Reciever to make it clearer?

[@ThriftyAV]

Make sure the listening mode is on "Movie/TV" and not "Music". If the dialogue is still too low, most dialogue comes through the center channel. You can go into the speaker levels, and boost the center channel until voices come through more clearly.

[@adampruitt9211]

@@ThriftyAV oh ok is does this onkyo Reciever get real loud? Does it have great sound? How loud does the Max Voulme go up to? I just wanna use it with this Bic FH-56 Speaker Bar and my powered Subwoofer i bought a few days ago

[@ThriftyAV]

@@adampruitt9211 I have not measure the SPL, but that sounds like a good idea for a future vid. Subjectively, it is louder than I need driving my Polk S60 speakers in my living room. It is rated at 135Watts RMS driving a stereo pair into 8 ohms.

[@adampruitt9211]

@@ThriftyAV oh ok is this Onkyo Reciever 4K ready?

[@ironmanlive3000]

I own the TX-RZ820, and I recently hooked up the ARC to my 2020 LG eARC, I just wonder, If I buy a UHD Blu-ray, will I be able to get uncompressed digital sound like Dolby True HD or DTS HD...considering that my AV RECEIVER ONLY HAVE ARC. I mean is the new eARC only for ONLINE DIGITAL BROADCASTING or it is for ALL uncompressed format.... Does ARC AV RECEIVER can receive uncompressed bitstream from Blu-Ray disregarding the new eARC technology.... So nobody have ever played uncompressed bitstream until the arrival of eARC ? True or False ?

[@ThriftyAV]

Your premise that UHD Blu-ray audio playback is dependent on ARC technology is False. ARC only applies to the HDMI connection to your LG set. ARC allows two way data communication between your TV set and your receiver. The literature on the TX-RZ820 (from 2019) makes no mention of eARC support, and I doubt this is a feature that will be added with a firmware upgrade. You should expect broadcast signals and the "LG Channels" to be limited to the older (compressed) Dolby Digital 5.1. The HDMI connection from your UHD Blu-ray is one directional, from the player to the receiver, with no data going the other direction, therefore no ARC or eARC required. Dolby True HD is one of the formats available as part of Dolby Atmos, and therefore is supported. Similarly DTS HD is part of the DTS-X standard. You WILL need a high speed HDMI cable for your UHD Blu-ray player, and you will need to set your preferred audio output mode on the UHD Blu-ray player.

[@patiorio1538]

I know Onkyo known for home theaters how are they now ? how does it sound with music the reason I ask because I had Onkyo txsr 608 with the auddysey eq that sounded phenomenal. thats why I had a Denon and now know i bought Yahama Rx683 what a nightmare

[@ThriftyAV]

The TX-RZ820 is more powerful than the TX-SR608 was. Auddysey has been replaced with AccuEQ. I have not used Auddysey, so I can't really compare them, but AccuEQ has done fine for me. My understanding is that the HDMI on the 608 had an unusually high failure rate (along with other Onkyo models from that period). The HDMI has gotten better, but Onkyo can't shake the reputation caused by those older units. I'm happy with the performance of my TX-RZ820.

[@patiorio1538]

@@ThriftyAV ok thanks for the info .

[@albiss1164]

Recent models now have AccuEQ Advance. Critics are good, but it's not at Audyssey's level yet. Personally I don't care because I've never used auto-calibration.

[@ThriftyAV]

@@albiss1164 My understanding is that Audyssey did not play well with Dolby Atmos. I'm not big into DSP for correction purposes anyway. Get good speakers and place them well, and you shouldn't have to "fix" very much. But I am about to do an AccuEQ re-calibration with my new Polk S60 mains...

[@albiss1164]

@@ThriftyAV I'd be interested to know about the results you'll get after performing a recalibration. Please write back once it's done. :)

[@andrewdoan1293]

No Toroidal transformer ?

[@ThriftyAV]

There is no noticeable transformer noise in the signal path on my TX-RZ820, so the faraday shielding on my I-E transformer is doing it's job. If having a Toroidal transformer is a "must-have" feature for you, and you are seeking a new full feature surround receiver, your options are expensive, such as the $3000 Marantz 8012.

[@andrewdoan1293]

@@ThriftyAV My old and famous one time Onkyo TX NR 805 used the EI shape transformer and I still use the 805 today for 2 channel audio. Onkyo makes good stuff, I agree. Most of tube amps use the EI transformers, so there is no thing wrong with EL transfomers.

[@short5stick]

how many watts per channel? I will be using 5.1

[@ThriftyAV]

They only publish the watts per channel as a stereo pair, 130 into 8 ohms. They do not publish the watts per channel driving 5 or 7 channels into 8 ohm speakers. There is speculation on the audioholics forum that this unit may be capable of 56 watts per channel with 7 channels driven, but that was a guess, not a measurement. I could not find anything with 5 channels driven, but I can tell you that it gets plenty loud in my living room when I turn it up full volume. (I have it hooked up as 5.1).

[@pulpanochamaster]

Finnaly im using my receiver! How do you feel the volume? I from 0 to 40 is really low, then from 40 to 60 goes up quite fast... And javnt tested above 60... To give more power to a specific speaker, im guessing you can just increment the distance of the speaker? So ig gives more volume?

[@ThriftyAV]

I'm kinda weird, so I switched from "absolute level" to "relative level" where is shows number of dB below the maximum. This can be found under "audio adjust". "Distance" affects time delay so sources are in sync at the optimal listening position. "Level Calibration", the menu option just below Distance, adjusts individual speaker levels.

[@pulpanochamaster]

@@ThriftyAV will try that thanks! Probably is too soon to take conclussions. Have a great weekend.

[@gregwhite234]

My 820 has no audio after the kids played with it, and I don’t know why

[@ThriftyAV]

I would try an "initial setup" and see if that clears it up. Hit the gear shaped setup button on the remote. Select "7. Miscellaneous" - "Initial Setup", and press ENTER. Good luck.

[@phillm156]

A flock if seagulls fan!

[@eitreyes1]

Alternate connection of Onkyo TV-RZ820 to TV with no ARC.

[@ThriftyAV]

If you TV has optical output, that works just fine. Make sure the optical input on the receiver is assigned to "TV" in the receiver menu. Coax digital will work, but most TVs do not have this. Analog stereo will also work in a pinch, but the best surround sound you will get out of those would be Pro Logic.