Onkyo TX-NR696 vs Onkyo TX-NR656

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Choosing an AV receiver is not an easy task and the Onkyo TX-NR696 versus Onkyo TX-NR656 comparison is meant to help you with this. According to the results of our review, Onkyo TX-NR696 received 7.6 points out of 10 possible, and Onkyo TX-NR656 was rated 7.2 points. The release date of TX-NR696 is 2019, and TX-NR656 is 2016. As a result, it becomes clear that TX-NR696 is a better option for home theater than TX-NR656.

Main advantages Onkyo TX-NR696 over Onkyo TX-NR656

Main advantages Onkyo TX-NR656 over Onkyo TX-NR696

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the models have rated 7 points out of 10.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. Both receivers can handle the 7.2-channels configuration.

RMS stands for the actual power of the receiver. The higher this value, the louder the sound can be produced. The differences between the models in terms of RMS power are significant - for the TX-NR696 this value is 165/6 W/Ohm, and for the TX-NR656 it is 160/6 W/Ohm.

Audio features

The score for audio features is 9 of 10 for both receivers.

Most receivers now come with a microphone included. It is with the help of this microphone that the auto-calibration system functions, which adjusts the sound of the receiver to the room.

Connectivity

The connectivity of competitors in our comparison is markedly different, Onkyo TX-NR696 scored 8, and Onkyo TX-NR656 scored 7 out of 10.

Bluetooth connection is now one of the main communication protocols for the receiver's control or even music broadcasting.

Streaming services

Now music streaming services are gaining more and more popularity. They allow users to listen to millions of songs by subscription.

Extensive connections

The presence of many connectors makes the receiver more versatile. But there are also narrowly targeted models, the number of connectors which are limited to a certain area of use. And when choosing their own receiver, users need to consider exactly your goals for using the receiver. For extensive connection, both receivers got 7 points on our 10-point scale.

Onkyo TX-NR696 is equipped with 7/2 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Onkyo TX-NR656 has 8/2 HDMI inputs and outputs.

Video features

The AV receiver is the heart of the home theater. And in this case, support for all current video formats ensures the best user experience, so it is very important to consider this when choosing a device. Video features of the TX-NR696 were rated 8 out of 10 against the 9 for the TX-NR656.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the TX-NR696 got 9 points, but the TX-NR656 has 7.

Voice control allows you to control the basic functions of the receiver through a smartphone, smart speaker or using the microphone that comes with the kit. The TX-NR696 can be controlled by voice via Google Assistant.

Multi-room

As the center of a home media system, each multichannel receiver has an additional set of terminals for connecting the second set of speakers to create additional audio space in Zone 2 or even Zone 3 where audio can have the separate source.

Multichannel surround

For the ability to create multichannel surround sound, each of the receivers received 7 points out of 10.