Dec 27, 2019
Read MoreOnkyo TX-SR494 vs Onkyo TX-NR686 review
Onkyo TX-SR494 review
The 7.2 channel unit delivers 135W at 6 ohms. For automatic surround sound tuning, the Onkyo TX-SR494 features AccuEQ technology with extensions for the subwoofer channel, as well as 3D formats. The AV receiver uses high-quality DACs with 32-bit / 384 kHz parameters from AKM. You can use the Direct mode to turn off all additional audio processing. Onkyo TX-SR494 is equipped with four HDMI inputs with support for 4K video, Dolby Vision and HDR10. When applying a signal with 1080p parameters to the HDMI input, it can be upscaled to 4K. The device also has a good set of digital and analog inputs for connecting various signal sources. Also in this model provides Bluetooth with support for High Quality Audio. 
Onkyo TX-NR686 review
In addition to the main 7.2 channels - the last two of which can be used both for the rear and for the speakers of the “upper” channels in the Dolby Atmos or DTS setup: X - TX-NR686 is equipped with additional amplification channels for connecting a pair of speakers in the second zone. And given the receiver's output power, which is 165 watts per channel (6 ohm), even with fairly demanding acoustics, it should not have any problems. The device has a good set of physical inputs, it has seven HDMI connectors with HDCP 2.2 support. 
Onkyo TX-SR494 pros & cons
Pros
- Once you get the Atmos or DTS-HDMA going, the sound quality from this unit is perfect
- The HDMI ARC works perfectly and if your TV can pass HD sound, you will actually be able to hook 5, 6 or 7 devices to this, depending on your TV’s inputs
Cons
- The only drawback is the Bluetooth audio is a bit lacking in sound quality
Onkyo TX-NR686 pros & cons
Pros
- In fact, the device is really worthwhile, it has a good set of functions and is easy to listen to all day long
- Decent level of detail
Cons
- Not enough drive and speakers when playing
Onkyo TX-SR494 vs Onkyo TX-NR686
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Common
Product
Onkyo TX-SR494
Onkyo TX-NR686
Model
TX-SR494
TX-NR686
Brand
Onkyo
Onkyo
Reviews
159
152
Amplifier
Channels
7.2
7.2
Stereo power (RMS), W/Ohm
135/6
165/6
Output impedance, Ohm
6
6
Frequency response
10Hz-100KHz
10Hz-100KHz
THD in stereo, %
0.08
0.08
Audio features
Digital to analog converter (DAC)
AKM 384 KHz/32-bit
VLSC 384 KHz/32-bit
Bi-amping
Pure direct (straight)
Auto speaker calibration
AccuEQ
AccuEQ
Speaker A/B switching
Other audio features
Advanced Music Optimizer, Hi-Res audio
Advanced Music Optimizer, Theater-Dimensional, Hi-Res audio
Connectivity
Wi-Fi
2.4/5GHz
USB
1 (USB 2.0)
1 (USB 2.0)
Bluetooth
Ethernet (RJ45)
1
DLNA
MHL
Streaming services
Apple Music (AirPlay)
AirPlay
Amazon Music
Spotify
Other streaming services
has not
Deezer, TIDAL, TuneIn Radio
Extensive connection
HDMI input/output
4/1
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
2
Coaxial digital input
1
1
Composite input
0
2
Component input/output
0/0
2/0
Phono (MM) input
Front panel connectors
USB, phones
HDMI, phones, setup mic
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 scaling
HDMI to HDMI scaling
Dolby Vision
Other video features
DeepColor, x.v.Color, HLG, BT.2020
DeepColor, x.v.Color
Additional features
Voice control
Google Assistant
App control
iPhone, iPad, iPod, Android
iPhone, 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
USB
network, USB
Other additional features
has not
IP Control
Multi-room
Multi-room zones
2
2
Zone audio output
speaker
speaker, preout
Zone HDMI output
Multi-room control
has not
Onkyo Controller app, FlareConnect
RS-232
0
0
Remote control input/output (IR)
0/0
0/0
DC trigger output (12V)
0
0
Multichannel surround
Dolby Atmos
Dolby TrueHD
Dolby Surround
Dolby (other)
Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
Dolby Digital Plus
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
has not
AIFF
Power
Operational power consumption, W
490
570
Standby consumption, W
0.1
0.15
Removable power cord
Dimensions
Size W x H x D, cm/inches
43.5 x 16.1 x 32.7/17 x 6.3 x 12.6
43.5 x 17.3 x 37.9/17 x 6.8 x 15.6
Weight, kg/lbs
8.2/18.1
10/22.1
Other
Release year
2019
2018
AV receivers CHooseratoR comparison rating
- 5.5Onkyo TX-SR494
- 7.2Onkyo TX-NR686
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