Onkyo TX-NR696 vs Denon AVR-S970H

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Along with the growing popularity of custom home theater builds, the comparison of Onkyo TX-NR696 and Denon AVR-S970H takes place. According to the results of our review, Onkyo TX-NR696 received 7.6 points out of 10 possible, and Denon AVR-S970H was rated 8.3 points. The release date of TX-NR696 is 2019, and AVR-S970H is 2022. Based on the data on the characteristics and features of both models, we can conclude that AVR-S970H has better performance than TX-NR696.

Main advantages Onkyo TX-NR696 over Denon AVR-S970H

Main advantages Denon AVR-S970H 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 AVR-S970H it is 125/6 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the TX-NR696 9 out of 10, and the AVR-S970H - 8.

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.

Speaker A/B switching allows you to change between the main and sub speaker set. Denon AVR-S970H can work with the main and additional set of speakers - and switch between them.

Connectivity

The connectivity of competitors in our comparison is equal and was rated 8 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, Onkyo TX-NR696 got 7 points, but Denon AVR-S970H received 8 points.

Onkyo TX-NR696 is equipped with 7/2 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Denon AVR-S970H has 6/2 HDMI inputs and outputs.

HDMI eARC is the next step in the development of audio return channel technology, which works in conjunction with HDMI 2.1. Using eARC provides the highest sound quality for home audio systems. HDMI eARC is available on Denon AVR-S970H.

The HDCP encryption protocol is now mandatory for most media devices. This security technology encrypts digital signals from one product to another. HDCP content-encryption protocol is present on Onkyo TX-NR696 in the HDCP 2.2 version, and Denon AVR-S970H has the HDCP 2.3 version.

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 10 for the AVR-S970H.

With the 4K pass-through feature, the AV receiver sends "native" 4K signals to a 4K TV from a video source without any processing. The TX-NR696 works with the 4K/60Hz video, and the AVR-S970H has the 4K/120Hz.

The AV receiver passes "native" 8K signals from a video source to 8K TV without any encoding, with the 8k pass-through features. The 8K path-through is available on Denon AVR-S970H.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the TX-NR696 got 9 points, but the AVR-S970H has 10.

Denon AVR-S970H has the ECO mode.

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

Onkyo TX-NR696 got 7 points for the multichannel surround sound and Denon AVR-S970H got 8.