Onkyo TX-RZ920 vs Denon HEOS AVR

vs

Let's compare Onkyo TX-RZ920 versus Denon HEOS AVR for an overview of all their pros and cons. According to the results of our review, Onkyo TX-RZ920 received 8.4 points out of 10 possible, and Denon HEOS AVR was rated 4.8 points. Both AV receivers were introduced in 2017. And as a result of the comparison, TX-RZ920 seems to be a better option for the role of a home theater center than HEOS AVR.

Main advantages Onkyo TX-RZ920 over Denon HEOS AVR

Main advantages Denon HEOS AVR over Onkyo TX-RZ920

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 9 and 6, respectively, on a 10-point scale.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. The Onkyo TX-RZ920 supports 9.2-channels sound, but Denon HEOS AVR supports a 5.1-channels configuration.

RMS stands for the actual power of the receiver. The higher this value, the louder the sound can be produced. The differences between the models in terms of RMS power are significant - for the TX-RZ920 this value is 135/8 W/Ohm, and for the HEOS AVR it is 50/8 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the TX-RZ920 8 out of 10, and the HEOS AVR - 5.

Bi-amping is the amplification of one speaker with two amplifiers. This amplification method has a positive effect on sound quality. Bi-amping is possible only on the TX-RZ920.

Most receivers now come with a microphone included. It is with the help of this microphone that the auto-calibration system functions, which adjusts the sound of the receiver to the room.

Connectivity

The connectivity of competitors in our comparison is markedly different, Onkyo TX-RZ920 scored 8, and Denon HEOS AVR scored 7 out of 10.

Bluetooth connection is now one of the main communication protocols for the receiver's control or even music broadcasting.

Streaming services

Now music streaming services are gaining more and more popularity. They allow users to listen to millions of songs by subscription.

Extensive connections

The presence of many connectors makes the receiver more versatile. But there are also narrowly targeted models, the number of connectors which are limited to a certain area of use. And when choosing their own receiver, users need to consider exactly your goals for using the receiver. For extensive connection, Onkyo TX-RZ920 got 9 points, but Denon HEOS AVR received 5 points.

Onkyo TX-RZ920 is equipped with 8/2 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Denon HEOS AVR has 4/1 HDMI inputs and outputs.

HDMI eARC is the next step in the development of audio return channel technology, which works in conjunction with HDMI 2.1. Using eARC provides the highest sound quality for home audio systems. HDMI eARC is available only on Onkyo TX-RZ920.

Connecting a vinyl player or phonograph is possible using a Phono input which is represented by mini-jack or RCA connectors. Only the TX-RZ920 has a Phono interface.

Video features

The AV receiver is the heart of the home theater. And in this case, support for all current video formats ensures the best user experience, so it is very important to consider this when choosing a device. Video features of the TX-RZ920 were rated 10 out of 10 against the 5 for the HEOS AVR.

HDR pass-through gives you the possibility to broadcast HDR content directly from source to TV without the processing of the receiver. HDR support is available only on the Onkyo TX-RZ920.

Most of the AV receivers have a video scaling function, it is the process of reformatting the video signal to a higher resolution without losing the quality of the image. Upscaling the video signal resolution is possible only with Onkyo TX-RZ920.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the TX-RZ920 got 8 points, but the HEOS AVR has 4.

Multi-room

As the center of a home media system, each multichannel receiver has an additional set of terminals for connecting the second set of speakers to create additional audio space in Zone 2 or even Zone 3 where audio can have the separate source.

Multichannel surround

Onkyo TX-RZ920 got 7 points for the multichannel surround sound and Denon HEOS AVR got 5.

Dolby Atmos' particularity is that this is the object-oriented sound format, that is, each audio signal object is independently sounded and connected to its spatial position. Onkyo TX-RZ920 can create 3D sound due to the Dolby Atmos support.

DTS:X is an algorithm used by the processor to create sound scenes, where sounds connected directly to objects rather than channels, and to determine the optimum sound output distribution in space. Surround sound with DTS:X is available only on the TX-RZ920.