Looking for a reliable and powerful AV receiver to elevate your home theater experience? Look no further than the Onkyo TX-NR696. This 7.2-channel powerhouse boasts an impressive array of features, making it an attractive option for serious audiophiles and casual movie watchers alike. With support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X immersive sound formats, the TX-NR696 delivers a truly cinematic listening experience that will transport you to the heart of the action.
Beyond its exceptional audio capabilities, the TX-NR696 also boasts a wealth of connectivity options, including HDMI 2.1 for the latest gaming consoles and 4K Ultra HD content. You’ll also find a dedicated phono input for connecting your turntable, allowing you to enjoy your vinyl collection in high fidelity. This makes the TX-NR696 a versatile and future-proof choice for any home theater setup.
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Whether you’re watching your favorite movies, playing the latest video games, or simply enjoying your music collection, the Onkyo TX-NR696 is sure to impress. Its powerful performance, advanced features, and extensive connectivity make it a top contender in its price range. In this review, we’ll delve into the details of the TX-NR696, exploring its strengths, weaknesses, and overall value proposition.
Join us as we put this AV receiver through its paces and determine if it’s the perfect fit for your home theater needs.
| Name: | Onkyo TX-NR696 |
| Image: |  |
| Price: | |
| Rating: | 4.2 out of 5 stars |
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Onkyo TX-NR696 Review: Introduction
The Onkyo TX-NR696 is a 7.2-channel AV receiver that aims to deliver a powerful and immersive home theater experience without breaking the bank. It boasts a sleek design, a wealth of features, and impressive sound quality, making it a compelling choice for movie buffs and music lovers alike.
This review will delve into the TX-NR696’s strengths and weaknesses, exploring its performance in key areas such as sound quality, connectivity, and user-friendliness. We’ll also examine its smart features and streaming capabilities to determine how well it integrates into modern entertainment setups. Ultimately, we’ll aim to answer the question: is the Onkyo TX-NR696 the right AV receiver for your home theater needs?
Unboxing and First Impressions
The Onkyo TX-NR696 arrived in a sturdy box with a sleek design featuring the Onkyo logo and product information. Inside, the receiver was nestled securely in protective foam, along with a comprehensive set of accessories. This included a remote control, an AM/FM antenna, a setup microphone, a user manual, and various cables for connecting speakers and other devices. The unboxing experience was straightforward and impressed with the high-quality packaging and included accessories.
The first impression of the TX-NR696 was one of solidity and refinement. It’s a substantial piece of equipment with a solid, reassuring weight. The front panel features a large, bright display that clearly shows the selected input, volume, and other important settings. Below the display are buttons for source selection, volume control, and other basic functions. There’s also a large, central knob for navigating the on-screen menu.
The TX-NR696 has a clean, modern aesthetic. Its black finish and minimalist design blend seamlessly with most home theater setups. The overall build quality feels premium, with a sturdy construction that suggests long-term reliability. The receiver’s size is appropriate for its capabilities, and it fits comfortably on a standard AV rack.
Design and Features
The Onkyo TX-NR696 is a sleek and modern-looking receiver that fits right in with most home theater setups. Its front panel is a mix of brushed aluminum and black plastic, with a large, clear display screen that shows all the essential information. The unit has a clean, minimalist design, with a focus on functionality. It features a large volume knob, a power button, and a few other buttons for accessing common functions. The rest of the controls are handled through the remote or Onkyo’s mobile app.
One of the standout features of the TX-NR696 is its support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, which means you can enjoy immersive, object-based audio for a truly cinematic experience. It also boasts a powerful 7.2-channel amplifier with 160 watts per channel, making it suitable for even larger rooms. The receiver comes equipped with a variety of inputs, including HDMI, optical, coaxial, and analog, making it easy to connect all your devices.
One of the things we appreciate about this receiver is its built-in phono preamplifier, which allows you to connect a turntable and enjoy your vinyl collection. In addition, the TX-NR696 has a dedicated zone 2 output, which allows you to play audio in another room simultaneously. With its high-quality components, the Onkyo TX-NR696 is built to last and deliver years of reliable performance.
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The TX-NR696 also includes a variety of other features, including Bluetooth connectivity, Wi-Fi, and AirPlay 2. It also supports high-resolution audio formats like FLAC and ALAC, allowing you to enjoy your music in the highest possible fidelity. With its impressive feature set and powerful sound capabilities, the TX-NR696 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a great-sounding receiver with all the latest features.
Sound Performance
The Onkyo TX-NR696 delivers a robust and engaging audio experience that shines in both music and movies. Its 7.2-channel configuration, coupled with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, creates a truly immersive surround sound environment. The receiver’s ability to handle high-resolution audio formats like FLAC and ALAC further enhances its musical fidelity, delivering rich and detailed sound with excellent clarity.
For movies, the TX-NR696 excels in delivering dynamic and impactful sound. Explosions feel powerful and realistic, dialogue is crisp and clear, and the overall soundstage is wide and expansive. The receiver’s ability to decode Dolby Atmos and DTS:X soundtracks brings the action to life, with sound effects seamlessly transitioning from speaker to speaker, creating a truly immersive and engaging experience.
Music playback is equally impressive. The TX-NR696 provides a well-balanced sound signature, with a warm and natural tone that makes vocals sound smooth and instruments sound rich and detailed. The receiver handles various music genres with aplomb, from classical to rock, showcasing its versatility and musicality.
One notable aspect of the TX-NR696’s sound performance is its ability to deliver powerful bass without being overly boomy. The receiver’s bass response is controlled and articulate, providing a satisfying and impactful low-end without sacrificing clarity. This allows for a balanced and enjoyable listening experience, regardless of the source material.
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Overall, the Onkyo TX-NR696 impresses with its robust and engaging sound performance. It delivers a truly immersive surround sound experience for movies and a rich and detailed listening experience for music. Its versatility, powerful bass response, and support for high-resolution audio formats make it a compelling choice for audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts alike.
Connectivity and Features
The Onkyo TX-NR696 boasts an impressive array of connectivity options, catering to a wide range of audio and video sources. On the front panel, you’ll find a convenient USB port for connecting flash drives or portable music players, along with a headphone jack for private listening.
Moving to the rear panel, you’ll discover a comprehensive selection of inputs and outputs. There are six HDMI inputs, supporting the latest HDMI 2.1 standards, including 4K/120Hz and 8K video passthrough. This ensures compatibility with the most advanced gaming consoles and high-resolution displays. A dedicated HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) output allows for lossless audio transmission from your TV to the receiver, making it ideal for immersive surround sound experiences.
For those who prefer traditional audio connections, the TX-NR696 offers a variety of options, including analog RCA inputs and outputs, a dedicated phono input for turntables, and even a 7.1-channel speaker terminal for a truly immersive home theater setup.
Beyond audio and video connections, the receiver also features built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for wireless streaming. This enables you to connect your smartphone, tablet, or laptop to enjoy music from your favorite streaming services like Spotify, Tidal, and Pandora.
One of the standout features of the Onkyo TX-NR696 is its support for multi-room audio. The receiver can be integrated with other compatible Onkyo devices, allowing you to play music simultaneously in multiple rooms throughout your home. This feature is perfect for creating a truly immersive and personalized listening experience. The receiver also supports DTS Play-Fi, which enables multi-room audio with compatible devices from other brands.
The Onkyo TX-NR696 is equipped with a variety of advanced audio technologies, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, which create immersive surround sound experiences. It also supports Dolby Vision and HDR10 for stunning high-dynamic range video playback. These features combined with the receiver’s robust connectivity make it a powerful and versatile audio/video solution for any home theater enthusiast.
Setup and User Interface
Setting up the Onkyo TX-NR696 is a straightforward process, thanks to its clear and user-friendly interface. The receiver comes with a detailed instruction manual that walks you through each step, and the on-screen menus are intuitive and easy to navigate. The initial setup involves connecting your speakers, TV, and any other devices, and configuring the receiver to your specific needs. You can adjust the speaker size and distance, calibrate the sound based on your room’s acoustics, and choose from various sound modes.
The TX-NR696’s remote control is well-designed and ergonomic. It features dedicated buttons for commonly used functions, making it easy to control the receiver without having to delve into the menus. The receiver also supports the Onkyo Controller app for iOS and Android devices, which provides a convenient way to control the receiver from your smartphone or tablet.
The user interface is well-organized and visually appealing. The menu system is logical, with each option clearly labeled and easy to understand. The on-screen display provides detailed information about the current settings, input sources, and audio output. The receiver also supports a number of customization options, allowing you to tailor the sound to your preferences. Overall, the Onkyo TX-NR696 provides a user-friendly experience, making it a great option for both novice and experienced home theater enthusiasts.
Smart Features and Streaming
The Onkyo TX-NR696 is packed with smart features and streaming capabilities, making it a versatile entertainment hub. It boasts compatibility with popular streaming services like Spotify, Pandora, Tidal, and Deezer, allowing you to access millions of songs and playlists. You can also stream audio directly from your smartphone or tablet using Bluetooth, Chromecast built-in, or AirPlay 2.
The receiver features a dedicated streaming app, “Onkyo Music Control,” which provides a user-friendly interface for browsing and controlling your favorite music sources. It also supports high-resolution audio formats like FLAC, ALAC, and DSD, ensuring that you can enjoy your music in its purest form.
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For those who prefer listening to podcasts or radio, the Onkyo TX-NR696 offers access to popular streaming platforms like TuneIn Radio. It also comes with a built-in FM tuner, allowing you to enjoy traditional radio broadcasts.
The smart features extend beyond streaming music. The receiver supports voice control via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing you to control playback, volume, and other functions using your voice. This hands-free control enhances convenience and ease of use.
In addition to streaming capabilities, the Onkyo TX-NR696 features a built-in network player that lets you access music stored on your home network. This is a great option for those who have a large music library and want to stream it wirelessly throughout their home.
Overall, the smart features and streaming capabilities of the Onkyo TX-NR696 make it a highly versatile and modern receiver. Whether you prefer streaming your favorite music, podcasts, or radio, this receiver offers a wide range of options to satisfy your entertainment needs.
Conclusion and Verdict
The Onkyo TX-NR696 is a solid mid-range AV receiver that delivers excellent performance for its price. Its sound quality is rich and detailed, with a powerful bass response that can fill even larger rooms. The receiver’s numerous connectivity options, including HDMI 2.1, make it a versatile choice for both movies and music. While the user interface could be more intuitive, the overall experience is pleasant. With its impressive features and sound quality, the Onkyo TX-NR696 is an excellent choice for home theater enthusiasts looking for a reliable and affordable receiver. It’s definitely worth considering if you’re in the market for a new receiver that can handle both movies and music with ease.
In conclusion, the Onkyo TX-NR696 is a solid choice for those seeking a capable and feature-rich AV receiver at a reasonable price point. It offers a compelling blend of power, audio quality, and connectivity, making it suitable for a wide range of home theater setups. The inclusion of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support ensures an immersive and engaging cinematic experience, while its versatile connectivity options cater to various audio and video sources.
The TX-NR696’s user-friendly interface and setup process make it accessible to both seasoned audiophiles and newcomers to home theater. Its built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities enhance connectivity and streaming options, allowing users to enjoy music and podcasts effortlessly. While the receiver might not be the absolute top performer in terms of sheer power or audiophile-grade accuracy, its overall performance and value proposition remain highly competitive in its class.
Overall, the Onkyo TX-NR696 delivers a well-rounded audio experience that is sure to impress. It’s a reliable and versatile receiver that offers a solid blend of power, features, and connectivity. Whether you’re an avid movie enthusiast, a casual listener, or a gamer seeking an immersive audio experience, the TX-NR696 provides an excellent foundation for a satisfying home theater setup.
With its competitive price point and comprehensive feature set, the Onkyo TX-NR696 stands as a worthy contender in the mid-range AV receiver market. It’s a receiver that delivers on its promises, offering a satisfying audio experience and versatile connectivity options to enhance your home entertainment setup.
Yasmin 
Hassan