Onkyo TX-NR696 Review – Check What It Can Offer

Onkyo TX-NR696 comes with powerful 7.2-channel surround sound, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, and robust wireless connectivity through Chromecast, AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth. Whether you’re streaming music or diving into a movie night, the soundstage is wide, immersive, and incredibly detailed.

Table Of Contents hide
1 What Onkyo TX-NR696 Offer?
2 Pros & Cons
3 Comparison

What Onkyo TX-NR696 Offer?

  • The Onkyo TX-NR696 has a high-current Dynamic Audio Amplification system for powerful, clear sound across all channels to enhance movie and music listening experiences.
  • Onkyo TX-NR696 has Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support for creating immersive, three-dimensional audio that surrounds you from all directions.
  • It has HDMI with eARC support for transmitting high-quality, uncompressed audio from your TV to ensure more precise sound and compatibility with modern audio formats.
  • The Onkyo TX-NR696 has built-in Chromecast and AirPlay 2 for streaming music wirelessly from mobile devices, making it easy to enjoy your favorite apps and playlists.
  • Onkyo TX-NR696 has AccuEQ Room Calibration for adjusting speaker settings based on your room’s acoustics to ensure optimized sound no matter the space layout.
  • It has 4K HDR passthrough with support for Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG for maintaining ultra-clear, vibrant visuals from source devices to your TV or projector.
  • The Onkyo TX-NR696 has a powered Zone 2 output for playing different audio sources in a second room to allow multi-room audio without additional gear.
  • Onkyo TX-NR696 has an easy-to-use interface and remote control for quick access to settings, inputs, and audio modes, simplifying everyday operation.

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Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Powerful and immersive 7.2-channel surround sound

  • Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support for spatial audio

  • Chromecast, Bluetooth, and AirPlay 2 for flexible streaming

  • HDMI with eARC for better sound from smart TVs

  • AccuEQ Room Calibration for customized audio tuning

  • Clean, easy-to-navigate interface and remote

  • 4K HDR video passthrough ensures video fidelity

  • Dedicated Zone 2 audio output for multi-room listening

Cons
  • No built-in support for Alexa or Google Assistant

  • Slightly bulky design

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Comparison

FeatureOnkyo TX-NR696Denon AVR-S970HYamaha RX-V6A
Channels7.27.27.2
Dolby Atmos / DTS:XYesYesYes
Power Output (per channel)100W90W100W
HDMI Inputs667
HDMI eARCYesYesYes
Wireless StreamingChromecast, AirPlay 2, BTHEOS, AirPlay 2, BTMusicCast, AirPlay 2, BT
Room CalibrationAccuEQAudyssey MultEQYPAO
4K HDR SupportYesYesYes
Multi-Zone SupportYesYesYes
Weight22 lbs21 lbs21.6 lbs
PriceCheck TX-NR696 PriceCheck AVR-S970H PriceCheck RX-V6A Price

FAQ

Does the Onkyo TX-NR696 support Dolby Atmos?
Yes, the TX-NR696 supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, delivering immersive surround sound with height effects for a 3D audio experience.

Can I stream music from my phone to the TX-NR696?
Yes, you can stream music using Bluetooth, Chromecast built-in, AirPlay 2, and DTS Play-Fi directly from your phone or tablet.

Is the Onkyo TX-NR696 compatible with 4K TVs?
Absolutely, it supports 4K passthrough with HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision, ensuring compatibility with modern TVs and streaming devices.

What is AccuEQ and how does it work?
AccuEQ is Onkyo’s automatic room calibration system that optimizes speaker output based on your room’s size and acoustics, giving you better sound balance.

Can I use the TX-NR696 with a turntable?
Yes, it includes a dedicated phono input for connecting a turntable without needing an external preamp.

How many HDMI ports does it have?
It includes 6 HDMI inputs and 2 outputs, one of which supports eARC for enhanced audio return from your TV.

Does it support voice control?
Not directly. It doesn’t have built-in Alexa or Google Assistant, but you can control playback indirectly through streaming apps.

Can I connect it to two different zones?
Yes, it features Zone 2 capabilities with powered output, so you can enjoy audio in a second room independently.

What streaming services work with the TX-NR696?
You can stream from Spotify, TIDAL, Pandora, Deezer, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music using Chromecast or AirPlay 2.

Is there support for Wi-Fi?
Yes, the receiver has built-in dual-band Wi-Fi for stable wireless connections and streaming.

Can I use wireless rear speakers?
Not natively. The TX-NR696 does not support wireless surround speakers without additional adapters or third-party solutions.

Is setup difficult for beginners?
Setup is straightforward with on-screen guidance and AccuEQ, but beginners should follow the manual for best results.

What remote control options are available?
It includes a physical remote and supports control via the Onkyo Controller app on iOS and Android.

Does it support Dolby Vision pass-through?
Yes, Dolby Vision is supported, allowing rich video quality through compatible HDMI inputs.

Is the Onkyo TX-NR696 good for gaming?
Yes, with 4K passthrough and low latency, it works well with gaming consoles like PS5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch.

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