If you’re setting up a home theater or upgrading from an older AV receiver, the Onkyo TX-NR696 is a model worth serious consideration. Positioned in the mid-range market, this 7.2-channel AV receiver blends power, versatility, and high-end audio features without drifting into high-end pricing territory. With support for Dolby Atmos, 4K HDR passthrough, and built-in compatibility with Sonos and Chromecast, it’s engineered to bring cinematic audio into your living room—whether you’re an audiophile, a movie lover, or someone who just wants a smarter, more immersive home theater setup.
Let’s take a deeper look at what the Onkyo 696 offers, how it performs in real-world use, and whether it’s the right fit for your entertainment system.
Key Features of the Onkyo TX-NR696
THX Certified Select for Theater-Reference Sound
One of the first things that makes the Onkyo TX-NR696 stand out is its THX Certified Select designation. This certification means the receiver meets a high standard of performance used in professional cinemas—optimized for rooms where the viewing distance from the screen is about 10 to 12 feet. You can expect crystal-clear dialogue, powerful bass, and precise surround effects that help replicate the movie theater experience in your own space.
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Dolby Atmos and DTS-X Enabled for 3D Soundscapes
The Onkyo TX-NR696 supports both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X—two of the most advanced surround sound formats currently available. These technologies provide object-based audio that moves fluidly around your room, not just from left to right, but from above and below as well. Even if you don’t have ceiling speakers, the Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer simulates that vertical space using your existing setup, making your audio feel truly three-dimensional.
This feature alone is a game-changer for anyone looking to bring movies and games to life with immersive, lifelike sound.
Sonos Compatibility and Chromecast Built-In
If you’ve already invested in the Sonos ecosystem or you enjoy casting music and video from your phone, the TX-NR696 has you covered. With Sonos integration, you can use the receiver as part of your whole-home audio system, controlled directly from the Sonos app. Chromecast Built-In and AirPlay 2 are also available, so streaming Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and more is seamless—no dongles or add-ons required.
This flexibility makes it one of the more connected receivers in its class, especially for those who live in smart homes or rely on multi-room audio setups.
4K Ultra HD and High Dynamic Range (HDR) Support
When it comes to video, this receiver isn’t left behind. It supports 4K Ultra HD at 60Hz along with HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) formats. This means you’ll get vibrant color and dynamic contrast—perfect for pairing with the latest 4K TVs and streaming devices.
The HDMI connections (6 in, 2 out) use a high-quality chipset with separate grounds to reduce interference and preserve signal integrity. While it doesn’t support HDMI 2.1 (so no 4K at 120Hz for next-gen gaming), it’s more than capable for current movie watching and streaming setups.
Monitor Audio Silver C250 Center Channel New 7G in Black Gloss
Dual Zones and Flexible Speaker Layout
The TX-NR696 supports 7.2-channel output in the main room, with the ability to power a second zone simultaneously. That means you can watch a movie in your living room while streaming music to speakers in the kitchen or on the patio—all from the same receiver.
If you’re short on speakers for full Atmos, you can also reassign rear channels to height or surround back configurations, giving you flexibility depending on your layout.
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Smart Streaming
The receiver supports dual-band Wi-Fi (802.11ac) and Bluetooth, letting you connect wirelessly to a wide range of devices. Streaming from phones, tablets, and PCs is fast and mostly stable, though some users have reported occasional Bluetooth dropouts, especially with older phones or in crowded wireless environments.
Chromecast, DTS Play-Fi, and FlareConnect offer even more ways to get audio into the receiver, while built-in support for popular streaming services like Spotify Connect, Pandora, and Amazon Music adds convenience.
Sound Quality: What Customers Are Saying About the Onkyo NR696
Users consistently praise the TX-NR696 for its clean, dynamic sound. Its Direct Analog Amplification (DAA) system and high-current power supply deliver strong output across the frequency range. Mids and highs come through with excellent clarity, while bass hits hard without being muddy.
Whether you’re watching a high-action blockbuster or listening to classical music, the receiver delivers precise, rich audio that brings content to life. Dialogue remains clear even at high volumes, and the surround effects are well-defined and immersive.
While some AV receivers lean more toward home theater, the TX-NR696 handles music just as well. With support for high-resolution audio playback and excellent stereo imaging, it’s a solid option for both vinyl lovers and digital streamers. It also includes Pure Audio mode, which strips away unnecessary processing for a cleaner signal path—great for serious music sessions.
Onkyo TX-NR696 Setup
Initial setup is relatively straightforward, but there are a lot of options—especially for first-time receiver users. The on-screen setup wizard is helpful, and once everything’s configured, navigating inputs and sound modes becomes second nature.
That said, if you’re new to AV receivers, expect to spend a little time getting familiar with the menus and features. Still, for the power and customization you get, it’s worth the time investment.
Positives:
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Clear, powerful sound for both movies and music
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Strong Dolby Atmos and DTS:X performance
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Easy integration with Sonos and Chromecast
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Supports a wide range of formats and connections
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Great for medium-to-large home theaters
Negatives:
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Occasional Bluetooth connectivity issues
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Complex menus for beginners
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Some users report minor hardware failures after 1 year (though not widespread)
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Lacks voice assistant integration (like Alexa or Google Assistant)
Who Is the Onkyo TX-NR696 Best For?
The Onkyo TX-NR696 is a great choice for anyone building a serious home theater system without jumping into ultra-premium pricing. It’s ideal for:
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Movie lovers who want cinematic sound with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
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Music fans who stream from multiple platforms or play high-res files
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People with smart homes that use Sonos or Chromecast
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Homeowners wanting multi-room audio (via Zone 2)
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Enthusiasts who want power, clarity, and versatility from one receiver
If you have a large space or are looking for future-proof gaming features like 4K/120Hz support, you may want to consider models with HDMI 2.1. But for most users—especially those focused on home theater and music—this receiver hits a great balance of price, performance, and features.
Final Thoughts on the Onkyo 696
The Onkyo TX-NR696 offers outstanding value in the mid-range AV receiver category. With THX certification, Dolby Atmos, robust amplifier output, and smart connectivity features, it delivers a compelling mix of sound quality and modern convenience.
While it has a few drawbacks—like no voice assistant support and some minor Bluetooth gripes—its strengths easily outweigh the cons. If you’re looking for an AV receiver that sounds great, handles multiple sources, and adapts to your lifestyle, the TX-NR696 is a sound investment.
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