Meet Onkyo's new 'big, heavy amp', the TX-RZ3400

Onkyo has announced it's introducing a new flagship AV receiver this November, describing it as 'a big, heavy amp... that uses technology for thrills not frills.'

Naturally, as the brand's new range-topper, the TX-RZ3400 offers the expected premium features, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding, an 11-channel power plant, and an HDMI stage offering eARC compatibility and 4K HDR passthrough with Dolby Vision support.

Additionally, the receiver can playback IMAX Enhanced content and is THX Ultra Certified. To earn the latter badge, Onkyo says the TX-RZ3400 was subjected to 'a barrage of 2,000 bench-tests examining 14,000 data-points.'

'THX Certified Ultra guarantees the reference sound-pressure, loudness, and minimal distortion levels of a commercial cinema in homes where the screen-to-seat viewing distance is more than 3.5m.'

The TX-RZ3400's amplification, delivered by Onkyo's Dynamic Audio Amplification technology, claims 215W per channel (6 ohms, 1 kHz, 1% THD, one-channel driven). Custom parts, including the main power transformer and capacitors, 'are used throughout and are tuned by ear, measured, and tuned again to achieve subjectively and objectively good sound,' says the brand.

Other tricks of Onkyo's new home cinema flagship are room optimisation through AccuEQ Advanced Plus; an AKM AK4490 768kHz/32-bit stereo DAC for the front L/R channels; DSP-based Vocal Enchancer technology; a Discrete Audio Path Mode to be used with Blu-ray players with split HDMI outputs, which shuts down the receiver's video output circuitry to limit interference; and isolation of the network board in conjunction with a 'Cinema Dedicated – Net Off’ mode that can shut down its power to suppress network noise.

Regards networking/streaming, the TX-RZ3400 supports Apple AirPlay 2, integrates Spotify, Tidal, Deezer, TuneIn and Amazon Music, and features Chromecast Built-in. Supported hi-res audio file formats include DSD 11.2MHz; FLAC, WAV and AIFF (to 192kHz/24-bit); and ALAC to 96kHz/24-bit.

Another new feature of the TX-RX3400 is Onkyo's overhauled backlit remote design, which is now self-illuminating. 'This function is invaluable for making in-program adjustments when the lights are down while watching movies.'

The receiver will launch with a price tag around £2,500, with black and silver finish options available. Visit www.uk.onkyo.com for more info.

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