Onkyo TX-NR696: AV receiver with plenty of bass

Onkyo TX-NR696 is an AV receiver that is a representative of the popular 600 series, the models of which have a very favorable quality-to-price ratio. Although the appearance of the Onkyo TX-NR696 remains quite traditional and recognizable, its...

Onkyo TX-NR696
Onkyo TX-NR696

Onkyo TX-NR696 is an AV receiver that is a representative of the popular 600 series, the models of which have a very favorable quality-to-price ratio. Although the appearance of the Onkyo TX-NR696 remains quite traditional and recognizable, its electronic circuit and functionality were improved in 2019.

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To achieve 175 W per channel power from the built-in amplifiers, the system features a custom low-noise power transformer. High-capacity capacitors are also, according to the manufacturer, made to order. Featuring a non-phase shift topology with discrete two-transistor output stages for left, right and center channels, these amplifiers are capable of instantly doubling output current for improved dynamics and massive bass reproduction.

The Onkyo TX-NR696 supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, and it is claimed that in the absence of “height” speakers, i.e., if a 5.2.2 configuration is not possible, Dolby Atmos HeightVirtualizer and DTS Virtual:X technologies will be able to create a three-dimensional sound field from horizontal column arrangements. As before, stereo output from the amplifier to a second room is possible.

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The AV receiver is THX Select certified, reflecting its superior theatrical performance. To obtain the most dynamic and rich sound while maintaining a relatively compact body size, this seven-channel AV receiver is equipped with amplifiers manufactured using Dynamic Audio Amplification technology. Thanks to the high output current, which is ensured, among other things, by using a custom HCPS transformer in the power supply, the Onkyo TX-NR696 is capable of fully driving even 4-ohm speakers. The unit’s audio circuitry also uses VLCS to eliminate high-frequency noise, and its circuit design eliminates signal phase shift to maintain audio clarity. The result is excellent transient response, detailed sound and a wide frequency range. Such an AV receiver confidently controls even large three-way floorstanding speakers.

The audio decoder in the Onkyo TX-NR696 also supports all existing surround and surround sound recording formats, and can also process multi-channel tracks using DTS Neural:X and Dolby Surround processors. To adjust the surround sound, the receiver uses the AccuEQ auto-calibration system with the AccuReflex extension for the Dolby Atmos format.

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The Onkyo TX-NR696 AV receiver has full network functionality, including support for the popular DTS Play-Fi wireless multiroom technology. The device has the ability to use common streaming services and listen to Internet radio. Over the network, you can play files in all popular PCM formats (up to 24 bit / 192 kHz), as well as DSD 2.8/5.6 MHz. The AV receiver has built-in Bluetooth, as well as AirPlay 2 and FlareConnect technologies. To sound an additional living area, you can use both linear and acoustic stereo outputs. If the home theater system has a 5.2 configuration, the front speakers can be connected using a bi-amping scheme.

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The Onkyo TX-NR696 AV receiver received seven HDMI inputs (one front), two outputs (main – ARC and sub/zone 2), two digital audio inputs (optical and assignable coaxial), four analog RCA inputs (assignable), 3. 5mm mini stereo analog input (front), one audio input with built-in MM EQ for turntable, 3.5mm microphone input for AccuEQ (front), 6.35mm headphone jack (front), two signal outputs for the subwoofer, zone 2/zone B line out/front output (analog RCA), seven screw-type speaker cable terminals, an Ethernet terminal for network connection and IP control, and finally a USB input (5V, 1A) for audio playback (located at the back).

Characteristics Onkyo TX-NR696

Number of channels 7.2
Output power 175 W per channel (6 Ohms, 1 kHz, 1% THD, 1 Channel Driven, IEC)
Dynamic power 240 W (3 Ohms, front channels), 210 W (4 Ohms, front ), 120 W (8 ohms, front)
Harmonic distortion 0.08% (20 Hz – 20 kHz, half power)
Input sensitivity/impedance 200 mV/47 kOhm (line input), 3.5 mV/47 kOhm (Phono)
Frequency range 10 Hz – 100 kHz (+ 1 dB, – 3 dB, Direct mode)
Voices ± 10 dB, 90 Hz (LF), ± 10 dB, 7.5 kHz (HF)
Signal-to-noise ratio 106 dB (line input ), 80 dB (Phono)
Speaker Impedance 6 – 16 Ohm
Tuner FM 87.5 MHz – 108 MHz
Tuner AM 522 kHz – 1611 kHz; 530 kHz – 1710 kHz
Number of memory presets 40
Built-in decoders (main) Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby Pro Logic IIz, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-HD High Resolution Audio, DTS-HD Express, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio
Processors Dolby Surround, DTS Neural:X
Auto-calibration system AccuEQ, AccuReflex
Number of additional zones 1
Output to the second zone linear, acoustic, Flare Connect
Wireless multiroom DTS Play-Fi, Flare Connect
DAC AKM 4458 (32 bit/384 kHz)
DSP processor 32 bit
Enhancer for compressed music files Advanced Music Optimizer
Supported streaming audio file formats (LAN) MP3, WMA, WMA Lossless, FLAC, WAV, Ogg Vorbis, AAC, Apple Lossless, DSD (5.6 MHz), LPCM
DLNA v1.5 protocol
Wi-Fi support 5 / 2.4 GHz
AirPlay support yes
Bluetooth version 4.1 + LE support (A2DP v1.2, AVRCP v1.3) with Advanced Music Optimizer technology
Onkyo application support for iPhone and Android yes
Direct Mode yes
Supported Internet services TuneIn Radio, Pandora, Spotify, AUPEO!, Deezer
Chromecast support built-in
Independent crossover frequency adjustment for each channel 40/50/60/70/80/90/100/120/150/200 Hz
Inputs 7 HDMI inputs (2.0) with support for 4K/60 Hz, HDCP 2.2 / HDR10, Dolby Vision. HLG, Phono, 5 line (RCA), 1 coaxial, 1 optical, USB port, Ethernet
Outputs 2 HDMI 2.0 with support for 4K/60 Hz, HDCP 2.2 / HDR10, line (for zone 2), 2 subwoofer outputs, 6 .3 mm headphone jack
Other connections mini-jack for calibration microphone, AM and FM antenna jacks, ground terminal Speaker
output terminals 7 pairs of screw terminals
HCPS power supply, high-current transformer
Power consumption 570 W, standby mode: 0.15 W
Dimensions (WxHxD) 435x174x379 mm
Weight 10 kg

Francis Adamiak
Author: Francis Adamiak

Francis Adamiak is a passionate audiophile and expert in high-fidelity audio equipment, with a focus on amplifiers and speakers. Drawing on years of experience and a deep love for sound quality, he shares in-depth reviews and insights on the latest audio technology.