The THX Certified Ultra 11.2-Channel TX-RZ3400 Network A/V Receiver is rated at 11 x 260W (6 ohms, 1 kHz, 10% THD, 1-ch driven) and creates a seamless Dolby Atmos or DTS:X soundfield up to 7.2.4. 

As well as those single room, multi-channel smarts, the TX-RZ3400 can also serve up app-controlled powered digital or analogue audio to Zone 2 and Zone 3 with a 5.2.2-ch surround system in the main room. 

Dolby Surround and DTS Neural:X upmixers remap legacy soundtracks for 3D surround playback, while Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer enhances immersion with traditional layouts.

Inputs and outputs

Naturally, with all of those options, inputs and outputs are important. Thankfully, you get seven HDMI inputs (one front-mounted) and three HDMI outputs that support simultaneous output and independent video playback. Main Out carries eARC, and all terminals are HDCP 2.3-compliant with 4K/60p, HDR (HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision), and BT.2020 video pass-through.

Onkyo's range-topping Dynamic Audio Amplification is a high-current digital system with a custom-built main power transformer, bespoke high-current smoothing capacitors, and sophisticated output-stage filtering. 

Custom parts are used throughout and are tuned by ear, measured, and tuned again to achieve subjectively and objectively good sound. 

The result is an ultra-wide 5 Hz-100 kHz frequency response that captures the entire recording, as well as the atmosphere of the space around it, giving you true-to-life expression, according to the makers.

Top DAC

With a premium AKM AK4490 768 kHz/32-bit stereo DAC dedicated exclusively to the front channels (two more 384 kHz/32-bit DAC modules handle zone and surround channels) and a carefully designed pre-amp section, the receiver smoothly handles Hi-Res Audio including DSD Direct 256, DSD 64/128/256 (PCM conversion), and a wide range of PCM formats up to 192 kHz/24-bit. 

Tech

The TX-RZ3400 boasts a DSP-based Vocal Enhancer; on-screen media information overlay allowing source input and output parameters to be compared and adjusted; Stereo Assign Mode, which switches audio from front to height or surround/surround back speakers; and a Zone B line-out that shares any source to wireless headphones via a compatible dock or wireless transmitter.

Additionally, the TX-RZ3400 will take your Blu-Ray player audio and video streams and transmit them separately to the TV and A/V receiver via dual HDMI output thanks to the unit's Discrete Audio Path Mode. Also, since the A/V receiver is handling audio exclusively, HDMI output circuitry isn't required and can be shut down to limit interference on the audio signal. This significantly improves the clarity of movie soundtracks and can be switched on and off, via the Quick Menu overlaid OSD.

Moreover, you get gifted noise-suppression skills due to the 'Cinema Dedicated' mode that switches off the module clock, reducing interference. Also, 'Cinema Dedicated - Net Off' mode' shuts down its power supply, eliminating noise for occasions when sound quality takes priority over an active network connection.

Furthermore, a new HDMI circuit board features shorter signal paths and larger grounds. That means that errors are minimised and clean ground-potential is assured. On the audio-processing side, VLSC (Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry) on the DAC output stages compares input and output waveforms to filter high-frequency pulse-modulation noise, improving clarity and realism in the upper treble region.

Networking

All that would almost be to nought if the TX-RZ3400 didn't have it where it counts in the networking area. Well, high-speed 802.11ac (2x2 MIMO) 5 GHz/2.4 GHz Wi-Fi is enabled by the high-speed quad-core SoC. Integrated services comprise TIDAL, Spotify, Amazon Music, TuneIn, and Deezer.

The TX-RZ3400 even works with Sonos Home Sound Systems. Just pair it with a Sonos Connect. The receiver wakes, changes inputs, and plays at the desired volume on command from the Sonos Controller app. DTS Play-Fi and FlareConnect round out the multi-room platform.

Oh, you can also hook the Onkyo up with Roon as the TX-RZ3400 is certified under the Roon Tested program, its product icon appears in Signal Path and Zone Selector on Roon apps. Music is easily streamed from a Roon Core (Mac or Windows PC with Roon app installed, or Roon Server device) to the TX-RZ3400.

The TX-RZ3400 is a big, heavy, amp with an aggressive stance and the bare minimum of controls to spoil its smooth, imposing aluminium front panel. It uses technology for thrills, not frills.

Price and availability

The TX-RZ3400 - 11.2-channel Flagship AV Receiver is priced at £2499 and is available in black or silver when it lands in November.