Onkyo TX-NR696 Review: High-Performance Audio Meets Modern Convenience
Home entertainment systems today need to deliver both quality and versatility, and the Onkyo TX-NR696 does just that. With support for Dolby Atmos, DTS
, and numerous streaming services, this receiver is designed to elevate your listening experience. Whether you’re enjoying your favorite movies or hosting a party, the Onkyo TX-NR696 delivers rich sound across multiple channels.
Looking for something that can seamlessly integrate with your home setup while offering exceptional power and sound clarity? The Onkyo TX-NR696 could be the perfect fit. Let’s dive into the details, the good and the not-so-good, and find out if this receiver checks all the right boxes for your home theater setup.
Product Details – Onkyo TX-NR696 A/V Receiver
- Power Output: 210W per channel at 6 Ohms
- Surround Channels: 7.2-channel support
- Audio Support: Dolby Atmos, DTS
, THX Certified Select - Streaming Services: Amazon Music, Pandora, TIDAL, Spotify
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Chromecast built-in, AirPlay 2
- HDMI Ports: 7
- Audio Decoding: DTS, Dolby Surround
- Additional Features: Zone 2 for multi-room audio, voice control (Alexa, Google Assistant)
✅ Best For: Home theater enthusiasts looking for a high-performance AV receiver with extensive connectivity options and advanced audio formats.
Onkyo TX-NR696 Review: Pros & Cons
Pros of Onkyo TX-NR696
✅ THX Certified Select: Ensures exceptional sound quality with minimal distortion.
✅ Dolby Atmos & DTS
: Provides an immersive, 3D surround sound experience.
✅ Multiple Streaming Options: Seamlessly integrates with popular services like Spotify and TIDAL.
✅ High Power Output: Delivers robust sound performance even at higher volumes.
✅ Multi-Room Audio: Zone 2 allows you to enjoy music in different areas of your home.
✅ User-Friendly: Easy-to-use Onkyo app for managing and controlling audio settings.
Cons of Onkyo TX-NR696
❗ Setup Time: Requires some time and effort for initial configuration.
❗ Bass Tuning: May need manual adjustment for optimal bass performance.
The Onkyo TX-NR696 A/V Receiver has received mostly positive reviews for its high-quality sound and advanced features. Users appreciate its powerful audio output and multi-room capabilities, though some noted that the initial setup could be more intuitive.
In-Depth Review of the Onkyo TX-NR696 A/V Receiver
The Onkyo TX-NR696 A/V receiver promises top-tier audio performance paired with an array of modern features. Whether you’re upgrading your home theater system or looking for a versatile AV receiver, this model stands out with its combination of power, connectivity, and immersive sound capabilities.
Exceptional Sound Quality: THX Certified Select
One of the most striking features of the Onkyo TX-NR696 is its THX Certified Select status, a guarantee of high audio fidelity. Whether you’re watching movies, playing games, or listening to music, the receiver provides crystal-clear sound with minimal distortion. The THX certification ensures that sound levels remain consistent across various formats, delivering a cinematic experience right at home.
Immersive Surround Sound: Dolby Atmos and DTS
The Dolby Atmos and DTS
technologies are integral to the Onkyo TX-NR696, providing listeners with a 3D audio experience. Unlike traditional surround sound setups, these formats add a vertical dimension to the audio, making sounds feel like they’re coming from all directions, including overhead. Whether it’s the rumbling of thunder or the soft flutter of wings, you’ll feel truly immersed in your media.
Multi-Device Connectivity
The Onkyo TX-NR696 excels in connectivity, boasting 7 HDMI inputs and support for popular streaming services like Amazon Music, Spotify, TIDAL, and more. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi come standard, making it easier to stream music wirelessly from your devices. The receiver also integrates with Chromecast and AirPlay 2, enabling multi-room audio. Need voice control? The TX-NR696 is compatible with both Alexa and Google Assistant, letting you control playback without lifting a finger.
Zone 2: Multi-Room Audio at Your Fingertips
One standout feature is the Zone 2 functionality, which allows you to extend your sound experience into different rooms. Whether you want music playing in the living room while catching up on a podcast in the kitchen, Zone 2 makes it easy. With this feature, the TX-NR696 becomes the heart of a multi-room entertainment system.
Powerful Performance for High-Volume Enthusiasts
With 210 watts per channel, the Onkyo TX-NR696 provides more than enough power to drive your surround sound system. This kind of wattage ensures that even at high volumes, the sound remains clear and undistorted, whether you’re playing an action-packed blockbuster or streaming your favorite playlist.
Setup and Customization: Room for Improvement
Though the Onkyo TX-NR696 boasts a host of powerful features, the initial setup process can feel a bit cumbersome. While the Onkyo app helps with calibration, some users have noted that fine-tuning certain settings, like bass levels, requires manual intervention. However, once everything is set up, the receiver performs exceptionally well.
Who Will Love the Onkyo TX-NR696 A/V Receiver?
If you’re someone who values power, clarity, and modern features in your home theater setup, the Onkyo TX-NR696 is perfect for:
✅ Home theater enthusiasts seeking Dolby Atmos and DTS
support.
✅ Families who want multi-room audio with Zone 2 functionality.
✅ Audiophiles who value THX Certified sound quality and robust performance.
✅ Music lovers needing seamless integration with streaming services like TIDAL and Spotify.
Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere?
While the Onkyo TX-NR696 is a solid all-around performer, it might not be the best choice for:
✅ Users looking for an ultra-simple setup. The receiver’s initial configuration can be somewhat time-consuming.
Customer Experiences – Onkyo TX-NR696 A/V Receiver
We’ve thoroughly researched honest customer feedback about the Onkyo TX-NR696, and here’s what users have said:
✅ Sound Quality: Users love the clear and powerful sound output, especially when watching movies or listening to music at high volumes.
✅ Multi-Room Audio: The Zone 2 feature allows users to enjoy music in multiple rooms, which is particularly appreciated by those with larger homes.
✅ Streaming Capabilities: Users enjoy seamless connectivity with streaming services like Spotify, Pandora, and Amazon Music, adding to the convenience.
? Setup: Some users noted that the initial setup and calibration process could have been more straightforward.
? Bass Control: A few users felt that the bass settings needed further manual adjustment for an optimal listening experience.
Value Analysis – Onkyo TX-NR696 A/V Receiver
The Onkyo TX-NR696 offers an impressive combination of features, making it an excellent value for home theater enthusiasts who demand high performance.
Key Strengths: Power and Versatility
- Power Output: With 210W per channel, the Onkyo TX-NR696 delivers robust sound, perfect for filling large rooms or creating an immersive home theater experience.
- Advanced Audio Formats: Support for Dolby Atmos, DTS
, and THX Certified Select ensures cinema-quality sound. - Streaming Services: From Spotify to Pandora, this receiver supports numerous services, allowing you to enjoy high-quality music streaming.
- Zone 2 Functionality: The ability to manage multi-room audio is a big win for households that want to extend their sound system beyond the living room.
Considerations: Setup Complexity
- Setup Time: Although the TX-NR696 provides powerful performance, users should be prepared for a slightly complicated setup process, particularly with manual adjustments for bass levels.
- Bass Performance: While the receiver delivers a deep, rich sound, bass-heavy audiophiles may need to adjust settings to achieve the desired results.
The Onkyo TX-NR696 A/V Receiver is a great investment for those seeking power, immersive sound, and modern features like multi-room audio and streaming.
Final Thoughts: Is the Onkyo TX-NR696 A/V Receiver Worth It?
The Onkyo TX-NR696 is a powerful, versatile AV receiver that delivers excellent sound quality and supports the latest audio formats. Its multi-room capabilities and streaming options make it a solid choice for home theater setups, though the initial setup might require some effort.
FAQs – Onkyo TX-NR696 A/V Receiver
Does the Onkyo TX-NR696 support Dolby Atmos?
Yes, the Onkyo TX-NR696 supports Dolby Atmos, which adds an overhead dimension to your surround sound experience, making movie scenes more immersive.
Is the Onkyo TX-NR696 easy to set up?
While the Onkyo TX-NR696 comes with a microphone for auto-calibration, some users find the initial setup process and manual bass adjustments require extra effort.
Can I stream music with the Onkyo TX-NR696?
Yes, the Onkyo TX-NR696 supports streaming services like Spotify, Amazon Music, and TIDAL, and can be controlled via Chromecast built-in or AirPlay 2.
What kind of speakers can I connect to the Onkyo TX-NR696?
You can connect 7.2-channel surround sound speakers, along with Zone 2 speakers for multi-room audio, giving you flexible options for home theater setups.
Does the Onkyo TX-NR696 work with Alexa?
Yes, the Onkyo TX-NR696 works with Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing voice control for playback and volume settings.
Onkyo TX-NR696 Review – Conclusion
The Onkyo TX-NR696 offers a top-notch audio experience for home theater enthusiasts, delivering powerful sound and immersive 3D audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS
. While the setup process may require some time and adjustment, the overall performance and multi-room capabilities make it an excellent choice for those who value sound quality and versatility in their home entertainment systems.