Advice Needed: Onkyo RZ730 vs. Denon X5200w

j.man1503

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Short Story:
Alright, I need some help. I usually don’t ask for product help because I read reviews on my own but I can’t seem to weigh the options. Almost finished with converting a room into a (mostly) dedicated theater. I need a A/V receiver that can process Atmos 7.4.2 with a 9 channel amp

Question: Which is better? Onkyo RZ730 or Denon X5200W?

Long Story
So each amp processes 7.4.2 and I’ll need another outboard amp to power all 11 channels. My display is the JVC RS20, a 1080p projector. I DON’T plan on upgrading my display anytime in the next two years. If I do upgrade, I’ll upgrade to the JVC RS49, a 1080p/faux 4k, non-HDR projector.
Relevant Comparisons (help me if I am missing something!):

Dolby Vision/HLG: ………………...RZ730-YES | X5200W-No
Auto EQ/Calibration: ……………RZ730-AccuEQ | X5200W-Audyssey XT32
Sub EQ: …………………………….....Rz730-? | X5200W- Yes
Condition: …………………………....RZ730-New | X5200W - Used
Manufacture Year: …………………RZ730-2018 | X5200W-2014
Warranty: .......................... RZ730- 3 Year, Manufacturer | X5200W-1 year, third party
Amp:................................. .RZ730-Integrated | X5200W-Discrete
Apps/Connectivity: ...............RZ730-Sonos, Chromecast, Spotify | X5200W-Spotify
Price: ............................... .RZ730 - $1.11X (11% more) | X5200W - $X
Zone 2 hookup with 7.2.4 ?:. RZ730 – Yes | X5200W - No
Brand quality?:................... RZ730-Moderate? | X5200W - High?

Manual to RZ730
Manual to X5200W

My thoughts:
- Given my display and possible future display, Dolby Vision/HLG does not matter to me.
- I don’t mind older gear, given my budget is limited.
- Apps like Chromecast are nice but not a necessity.
- EQ is important to me, especially Subwoofer EQ
- With a firmware update, both do DTS: X. I don't care about Auro-3D.
- I plan to run at least another Zone. The RZ730 allows me to do without another external amp. Although, I'll have to get at least another amp for either option any way, given I want to run 7.4.2.

Questions:
1. How good is AccuEQ? Audyssey XT32 is obviously great. I can’t find any information on how good AccuEQ is.
2. How much of a difference is the integrated vs. discrete amplifier technology?
3. Am I missing something? Given my situation, what would you suggest?
 

Todd Anderson

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Given your thoughts detailed at the end, I think the clear choice is the Denon.

I only have experience with an early version of AccuEQ. More recent versions, from what I can tell, are basically similar to Pioneer's MCACC. It does a fine job running the basics, but you're not going to get great sub coverage. As for amps, I believe most will tell that you'll get better performance from a discrete amp. Although, I'd be surprised if you could hear a striking difference.

Looking at your lists, I don't think you're missing anything. And the fact that integrated music apps aren't a priority (nor is 4K passthrough), I'd save your coin and enjoy the living daylights out of that Denon!
 

j.man1503

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Gotcha. I was leaning towards the Denon but wanted to make sure.

The Denon has 4k, just not HDCP 2.2 for Bluray Ultra HD nor BT 2020/Dolby Vision/HLG.
 

Tony V.

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AccuEQ does a fine job in my opinion however I am unsure what version is in the 730. I have a higer end Onkyo and found it to sound really good in my setup. Audyssey XT32 on the other hand is tried, tested and true and will certainly do the job.
 

Todd Anderson

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More  
Preamp, Processor or Receiver
StormAudio ISP.24 MK2
Main Amp
Emotiva XPA-5
Additional Amp
Emotiva XPA Gen3 2.8 multichannel amp
Other Amp
Denon X8500H
Computer Audio
AudioEngine A2+
DAC
THX ONYX
Universal / Blu-ray / CD Player
Kaleidescape TERRA, OPPO UDP-203, Panasonic UB9000
Front Speakers
GoldenEar Technology Triton One.R
Center Channel Speaker
GoldenEar Technology SuperCenter Reference
Surround Speakers
SVS Ultra Surround
Surround Back Speakers
SVS Ultra Bookshelf
Front Height Speakers
SVS Prime Elevation x4 (Top Front, Top Mid-Front)
Rear Height Speakers
SVS Prime Elevation x4 (Top Middle, Top Rear)
Subwoofers
dual SVS SB16s + dual PSA XS30s
Other Speakers or Equipment
Behringer 1124p; Aura Bass Shaker Pros; SuperSub X
Video Display Device
JVC NX7
Screen
Seymour Screen Excellence, Enlightor NEO AT Screen
Streaming Equipment
iFi Audio Zen Blue
Streaming Subscriptions
Qobuz, TIDAL, Spotify, ROON
Other Equipment
LG Electronics 65-inch B6 OLED, Sony 65-inch X900F, ZeroSurge 8R15W x 2, ZeroSurge 2R15W x 2
@Tony V. did you happen to take note of its impact in the bass region?

I wouldn't be surprised if it's otherwise very sufficient at getting a room to really sing.

@j.man1503 - the Denon can passthrough 4K, yes, but it's missing key components of what nearly every modern 4K capable receiver has. But, I really think that's a moot point for you. And I think it's great that you're open to accepting gear that doesn't have every single little 4K feature. If you're totally happy rolling with Blu-ray, then go for it.

At the end of the day, you can't go wrong with either brand. In my opinion, Audyssey is going to give you more control over your system's output. BUT, if your bass doesn't need tons of EQ, that also becomes a diminished factor!
 

Tony V.

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Location
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More  
Preamp, Processor or Receiver
Onkyo TX RZ920
Main Amp
Samson Servo 600
Additional Amp
QSC MX1500
Universal / Blu-ray / CD Player
Panasonic 220
Front Speakers
EV Sentry 500
Center Channel Speaker
EV Sentry 500
Surround Speakers
Mission 762
Surround Back Speakers
Mission 762
Subwoofers
SVS PB13u
Video Display Device
Panasonic AE 8000
Remote Control
Logitech 1100
Streaming Subscriptions
Denon DT 625 CD/Tape unit, Nintendo WiiU, and more
The only results are what I posted in my AccuEQ discussion: Here
I did not take before readings (I could still do this I suppose)
 

j.man1503

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Messages
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@Tony V. did you happen to take note of its impact in the bass region?

I wouldn't be surprised if it's otherwise very sufficient at getting a room to really sing.

@j.man1503 - the Denon can passthrough 4K, yes, but it's missing key components of what nearly every modern 4K capable receiver has. But, I really think that's a moot point for you. And I think it's great that you're open to accepting gear that doesn't have every single little 4K feature. If you're totally happy rolling with Blu-ray, then go for it.

At the end of the day, you can't go wrong with either brand. In my opinion, Audyssey is going to give you more control over your system's output. BUT, if your bass doesn't need tons of EQ, that also becomes a diminished factor!

Yes, that's what I was thinking. In the event I do upgrade (in two years, or so) to a 4k, HDR projector that needs the relevant 4k standards, I can either do an HDFury so I can keep the Denon, or sell the Denon and get an even newer receiver. I am beginning to think though if I know I'm not going to use the features, then the Denon is the higher quality and therefore the one I should go with.

The only results are what I posted in my AccuEQ discussion: Here
I did not take before readings (I could still do this I suppose)

Yes, I'd love to see your before and after waterfall plots and frequency response in the bass region. I suspect that your higher end Onkyo and the 730 will have similar (if not identical) AccuEQ, since they are not distinguished by Onkyo in any way.
 
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