Onkyo TX-NR696B 7.2 Channel Network AV Receiver

Description

Enjoy wireless audio streaming and object-based, multi-channel audio with the Onkyo TX-NR696B 7.2 Channel Network AV Receiver. The receiver features Dolby Atmos and DTS:X compatibility for object-based audio support. It outputs up to 100W of power per channel at 8 Ohms for room-filling sound. You can connect the receiver in a 7.2-channel setup or in a 5.2.2-channel setup for use in a Dolby Atmos or DTS:X object-based audio setup. AccuEQ sound calibration tailors the sound to your room's specific acoustics. Built-in Bluetooth connectivity lets you listen to music wirelessly from your favourite Bluetooth-capable devices.

The TX-NR696 is equipped with seven HDMI inputs and two HDMI outputs. One HDMI output supports ARC for the reproduction of display-based audio, such as your TV's built-in streaming apps. Onboard Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity allow you to connect the receiver to your network, enabling app control via the Onkyo Controller app or a variety of other network controllers. The on-screen display via HDMI helps you connect your receiver quickly and easily.

Key Features:

SMART AV Receiver

SMART AV Receiver integrates Amazon Music, Pandora, Spotify, TIDAL, Deezer, and TuneIn and supports multiroom audio with Works with Sonos (when connected to an optional Sonos Connect), Chromecast built-in (via a future firmware update), AirPlay 2 (via a future firmware update), DTS Play-Fi, and FlareConnect. Manage your music with just your voice via the Google Assistant (via a future firmware update) or Siri (with an Apple HomePod), enjoy the Sonos app, or use various Onkyo apps for simplified entertainment control around your home.

THX Certified Select Theatre-Reference Sound

THX Certified Select helps ensure your home theatre has the high-volume sound experience as a commercial movie theatre. To gain certification, amplifiers must pass THX benchmark tests covering nearly every aspect of audio performance. THX Certified Select components suit rooms where screen-to-seat viewing is roughly 10 to 12' and room volume around 2000 cubic feet.

Dolby Atmos and DTS:X Sound

These two sound technologies mix audio in 3D space using object-based encoding as opposed to channel-based to help create the effect of sound moving all around you. Dolby Surround and DTS Neural:X find localisation cues in legacy stereo or multichannel soundtracks and upmix them to simulate 3D audio.

Dynamic Audio Amplification

DAA features a High-Current Low-Noise Power Transformer, discrete amps, and capacitors. The circuit topology is designed to prevent phase-shift for enhanced sound clarity. High current through low impedance helps provide augmented control over the speakers for better detail resolution, faster dynamics, and more energy. Overall, this configuration can push 4 ohm loads with all channels driven.

Technical Design Enhancements Help Enhance Sound

The TX-NR696 has components designed to help control noise, boost driving power, and improve S/N performance. Its HDMI board features large, strong, well-finished grounds and short signal paths for clean and accurate A/V signals. Its SoC processor has its own board remote from audio signal paths to help reduce noise. Key aspects of the power supply line have been strengthened and upgraded to enhance driving power, which helps provide clearer separation and localisation of instruments across a spacious soundstage.

Zone 2 Outputs Flexibly Share Audio

The Zone 2 outputs enable 7-channel surround sound in the main room plus stereo speakers in Zone 2. Distribute different analogue, network, Bluetooth, SPDIF, and HDMI audio sources (in select formats) in either or both zones at the same time (thanks to a dedicated Zone 2 DAC) by switching to a 5.1-channel + Zone 2 layout. Output from Zone 2 and Zone 2 line-out is enabled.

Quad-Core SoC with Wi-Fi 5 Support

The onboard quad-core System on a Chip (SoC) can perform multiple processing tasks at once. It provides network functionality with support for Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac, 2x2 MIMO).

Zone 2 / Zone B Line-Out

The Zone 2 line-out lets you connect a component with an analogue RCA line input to audio sources connected to the receiver, including digital audio via HDMI, optical, or digital coaxial. Zone B line-out is well suited for connecting your wireless headphone transmitter to enjoy your programming without disturbing anyone else.

Clear Dialogue with the Touch of a Button

The TX-NR696 features DSP-controlled Vocal Enhancer that identifies vocal frequencies and allows you to raise or lower them to your taste using the keys on the remote or via the tone controls on the receiver's front panel.

Stereo Assign Mode

With the touch of a button, this mode switches playback from the front speakers to either the surround, rear surround, or height speaker pairs to provide ambient listening music or background music when you want to create a relaxing atmosphere.

AccuEQ Room Acoustic Calibration with AccuReflex

AccuEQ sets speaker parameters, such as size and distance, and sets their sound-pressure levels. It then selects the right subwoofer crossover setting and applies equalisation to all your speakers. AccuReflex is designed to optimise object-based audio reproduction through Dolby Atmos-enabled speakers, resolving phase-shift caused by the path differences between directional and non-directional sounds. These features combine to help improve localisation and provide a 3D soundstage with vertical movement and overhead dimensionality.

Virtual 3D Sound with DTS Virtual:X, Available via a Future Firmware Update

DTS Virtual:X is designed to create an immersive 3D soundfield from any speaker layout, regardless of whether height, surround, or rear speakers are installed. It uses DSP-based algorithms to place you at the centre of a multidimensional soundfield with height and surround effects, and works in large or small speakers. DTS Virtual:X works in the 3D domain with DTS:X soundtracks, other DTS formats, and non-encoded stereo. This feature is scheduled to be made available via a future firmware update.

Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer, Available via a Future Firmware Update

When playing any Dolby format, engaging the Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer helps provide a more immersive listening experience by creating a virtual surround and height effect from traditional speaker layouts. This feature is scheduled to be made available via a future firmware update.

HDMI Support

• HDCP 2.2
• 4K / 60 Hz
• HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG
• 3D and ARC
• BT.2020, Deep Colour, x.v.Colour, LipSync, 4:4:4
• DVD-Audio, multichannel PCM
• SACD playback (2.8 MHz / 2-channel, multichannel)
• 1080p to 4K upscaling
• HDMI Sub/Zone 2 output shares media to a second display or projector

Network Features

• Supports the Onkyo Controller streaming and remote app
• Hi-Res Audio playback (DSD 11.2 MHz / 5.6 MHz / 2.8 MHz, FLAC, WAV (RIFF), AIFF, and ALAC up to 192 kHz / 24-bit)

Additional Features

• One-touch volume memory presets for A/V inputs
• Bluetooth technology and Wake on Play Standby with auto input selection supporting select smart speakers
• GUI with overlaid OSD over HDMI
• Direct Mode for enhanced stereo sound
• Crossover adjustment for each channel (40/50/60/70/80/90/100/120/150/180/200 Hz)
• A/V sync control (up to 500 ms in 5 ms Steps at 48 kHz)
• On-screen setup guide
• Standby (All), CEC Standby, Network Standby, Bluetooth Wake on Play Standby, and HDMI Passthrough modes
• IP control support for home automation systems via LAN
• 3-mode front-panel display dimmer (Normal/Dim/Dimmer)