Dec 27, 2019
Read MoreOnkyo TX-NR696 vs Onkyo TX-NR797 review
Onkyo TX-NR797 review
It offers 220 watts per channel at 8 ohms. The Onkyo TX-NR797 offers nine amplified channels and this includes a dedicated Zone 2. Using Dolby's nomenclature this would make the receiver a 5.2.2 model (with the last two digits indicating height). The TX-NR797 is the first Onkyo product to be released under the IMAX Enhanced program, which features DTS:X immersive audio decoding that is optimized to properly reproduce the full dynamic range of IMAX theatrical sound mixes available in digitally re-mastered IMAX Enhanced content. This receiver did not allow me to perform a manual speaker setup and calibration. 
Onkyo TX-NR696 review
The TX-NR696 is an AV receiver that delivers 7 x 100 watts of power (6 ohms). The TX-NR696 supports a flexible, 3D-ready, 5.2-channel speaker configuration in the home theater, plus two channels for stereo playback in another room. The outputs on Zone 2 allow you to distribute the amplified analog signal from the audio sources NET, Bluetooth, SPDIF and HDMI either simultaneously in both zones (there is a DAC for Zone 2), or separately. The outputs on Zone 2 and the line output on Zone 2 are activated. 
Onkyo TX-NR797 pros & cons
Pros
- The TX-NR797 offers a wealth of features, including copious streaming and connectivity options
- The user interface and remote are easier to use than before
- Sound quality is decent
Cons
- Plastic front panel and knobs look good but feel cheap
Onkyo TX-NR696 pros & cons
Pros
- Dolby Vision (HDR) passes through it fine and the picture looks great
- The ability to adjust tone and boost voice with the touch of a button is nice
Cons
- I do wish it was back-lit though. It seems remote back-lighting is becoming less common for whatever reason. Maybe to keep prices more competitive
Onkyo TX-NR696 vs Onkyo TX-NR797
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Common
Product
Onkyo TX-NR696
Onkyo TX-NR797
Model
TX-NR696
TX-NR797
Brand
Onkyo
Onkyo
Reviews
88
35
Amplifier
Channels
7.2
9.2
Stereo power (RMS), W/Ohm
165/6
100/8, 220/6
Output impedance, Ohm
6
8, 6
Frequency response
10Hz-100KHz
10Hz-100KHz
THD in stereo, %
0.08
0.08
Audio features
Digital to analog converter (DAC)
AK4458 384 KHz/32-bit
AK4458 384 KHz/32-bit
Bi-amping
Pure direct (straight)
Auto speaker calibration
AccuEQ
AccuEQ
Speaker A/B switching
Other audio features
Advanced Music Optimizer, Theater-Dimensional, Hi-Res audio
Advanced Music Optimizer, Theater-Dimensional, Hi-Res audio, Dynamic Audio Amplification
Connectivity
Wi-Fi
USB
1 (USB 2.0)
1 (USB 2.0)
Bluetooth
Ethernet (RJ45)
1
1
DLNA
MHL
Streaming services
Apple Music (AirPlay)
AirPlay, AirPlay 2
AirPlay, AirPlay 2
Amazon Music
Spotify
Other streaming services
Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, TuneIn Radio
Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, TuneIn Radio
Extensive connection
HDMI input/output
7/2
7/2
HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel)
HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel)
HDMI CEC
Digital content protection (HDCP)
HDCP 2.2
HDCP 2.2
Subwoofer output (LFE)
2
2
Headphone output
1 x 6.3
1 x 6.3
Optical digital input
1
1
Coaxial digital input
1
1
Composite input
0
2
Component input/output
0/0
1/0
Phono (MM) input
Front panel connectors
HDMI, phones, setup mic, AUX
HDMI, phones, setup mic, AUX
Multi channel preamp output
Video features
HDR (High Dynamic Range)
HDR10
HDR10
4K signal pass-through
4K/60Hz
4K/60Hz
8K signal pass-through
HDMI signal pass-through
3D signal pass-through
HDMI pass-through in standby mode
Video conversion
analog to HDMI
analog to HDMI
Analog to HDMI scaling
HDMI to HDMI scaling
Dolby Vision
Other video features
DeepColor, x.v.Color, HLG, BT.2020
DeepColor, x.v.Color, HLG, BT.2020
Additional features
Voice control
Google Assistant
Google Assistant
App control
iPhone, iPad, iPod, Android
iPhone, iPad, iPod, Android
Display
fluorescent
fluorescent
Tuner
AM, FM
AM, FM
Sleep timer
Auto power off
ECO mode
Graphical user interface (GUI)
Setup assistant
Firmware update
network, USB
network, USB
Other additional features
has not
IP Control
Multi-room
Multi-room zones
2
3
Zone audio output
speaker, preout
speaker, preout
Zone HDMI output
Multi-room control
FlareConnect
FlareConnect
RS-232
0
1
Remote control input/output (IR)
0/0
1/0
DC trigger output (12V)
0
1
Multichannel surround
Dolby Atmos
Dolby TrueHD
Dolby Surround
Dolby (other)
Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
DTS:X
DTS HD Master
DTS Virtual:X
DTS Neural:X
DTS (other)
DTS-ES, DTS 96/24, DTS-HD, DTS-EXPRESS
DTS-ES, DTS 96/24, DTS-HD, DTS-EXPRESS
Auro-3D
IMAX Enhanced
Multichannel stereo
Audio file formats
MP3
WMA
AAC
WAV
FLAC
ALAC
Other audio file formats
AIFF
AIFF
Power
Operational power consumption, W
570
750
Standby consumption, W
0.15
0.15
Removable power cord
Dimensions
Size W x H x D, cm/inches
43.5 x 17.3 x 37.9/17 x 6.8 x 14.5
43.5 x 17.3 x 37.9/17 x 6.8 x 14.5
Weight, kg/lbs
12.5/26.4
13.5/29.8
Other
Release year
2019
2019
AV receivers CHooseratoR comparison rating
- 7.6Onkyo TX-NR696
- 8.5Onkyo TX-NR797
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