There’s a moment every home entertainment enthusiast faces. You’ve invested in a beautiful 4K television, subscribed to all the right streaming services, and curated a collection of your favorite films. You dim the lights, press play on a blockbuster, and… the sound just falls flat. The epic explosions sound like muffled pops, the whispered dialogue is lost in the mix, and the soaring musical score feels confined to a tiny box. It’s a deeply unsatisfying experience that shatters the cinematic illusion. For years, my living room suffered from this exact problem. It was a collection of high-quality components without a proper conductor, a brain to unite them all. This isn’t just about volume; it’s about dimension, clarity, and immersion. Without a capable AV receiver, you’re merely watching a movie. With the right one, you’re experiencing it. That’s the problem we set out to solve when we brought the Onkyo TX-NR696 Smart AV Receiver Dolby Atmos 4K into our testing lab.
- SONOS COMPATIBLE. This Onkyo receiver can join your existing Sonos Home Sound System, or start a new...
- SMART AVR. This is the heart of your entertainment system. Stream from Amazon Music, Pandora,...
What to Consider Before Buying an AV Receiver
An AV receiver is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for transforming your living room into a veritable home theater. It acts as the central nervous system for all your audio and video sources—your gaming console, streaming box, Blu-ray player, and more—routing signals to your TV and speakers with precision. Its main benefits are twofold: simplifying a complex web of connections into a single, manageable hub, and dramatically elevating your audio experience from simple stereo to breathtaking, three-dimensional surround sound. It decodes advanced audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, amplifies the signal to power your speakers, and ensures your video is passed through to your display without degradation. Essentially, it’s the component that unlocks the true potential of your entire entertainment setup.
The ideal customer for a product like this is someone facing the limitations of their TV’s built-in speakers and looking to create a genuine, immersive audio environment. They likely have multiple devices they want to connect and value the ability to experience sound as the creators intended, with deep bass, clear dialogue, and effects that envelop the listener. This might not be suitable for those who only watch casual TV or live in a small apartment where a full surround sound system is impractical. For those users, a high-quality soundbar or a simple 2-channel stereo receiver might be a more fitting and cost-effective alternative. The leap to a multi-channel AV receiver is for the person ready to take their home entertainment seriously.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: AV receivers are substantial pieces of equipment. The Onkyo TX-NR696, for instance, measures 17.13″D x 14.94″W x 6.83″H. You must ensure your entertainment center or rack has not only the physical space to accommodate it but also adequate ventilation around the top and sides. These devices generate significant heat, and proper airflow is critical for long-term performance and reliability.
- Capacity/Performance: This is paramount. Look at the number of channels (e.g., 7.2 for the Onkyo, allowing for a 5.2.2 Dolby Atmos setup), power output (Watts per channel), and support for the latest audio/video formats. Ensure it has enough HDMI inputs for all your sources and supports 4K/60p passthrough with HDR formats like Dolby Vision and HDR10 to be future-proof. THX Certification, as found on the TX-NR696, is a valuable mark of quality, guaranteeing a certain level of performance.
- Materials & Durability: The build quality of a receiver often reflects the quality of its internal components. A solid metal chassis, high-quality binding posts for speaker connections, and a feeling of heft are good indicators. Cheaper models may use more plastic and spring-clip connectors, which can be less durable and offer a poorer connection. Longevity is key, as a good receiver can be the centerpiece of your system for many years.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: A powerful receiver is useless if it’s impossible to set up. Look for features like on-screen setup guides and automated room calibration systems (like Onkyo’s AccuEQ). From a maintenance perspective, the main task is keeping it dust-free to ensure proper ventilation. Also, consider the user interface and the quality of the remote control, as these are your primary interaction points. You want an experience that feels seamless, not frustrating.
While the Onkyo TX-NR696 Smart AV Receiver Dolby Atmos 4K is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- 5.1-Channel powerful surround sound.Audio Delay : Yes (0-500 ms). Extensive Connection - HDMI CEC :...
- Amplify and enjoy your home audio experience in the comfort of your home.Frequency band : 2,400 MHz...
- Advanced circuitry design.Speaker selector for 2 systems. Input Sensitivity (CD): 500 MV/47k...
First Impressions: A Promise of Power and Potential
Unboxing the Onkyo TX-NR696 Smart AV Receiver Dolby Atmos 4K immediately gives a sense of purpose-built quality. At 22 pounds, it has a reassuring heft that speaks to the substantial transformer and amplification components within. The front panel is classic Onkyo: a clean, black brushed-metal finish with a large, easy-to-read display, a prominent volume knob, and a tidy array of input selector buttons. It looks serious and capable without being overly ostentatious. Turning it around reveals the true business end: a well-organized array of seven HDMI inputs, assignable speaker binding posts that can accommodate a full 5.2.2 Dolby Atmos setup, and a host of other connections, including phono inputs for turntable enthusiasts. Included in the box are the essential accessories: a remote, batteries, a speaker setup microphone for room calibration, and FM/AM antennas. While we noted some users wished for a full printed manual, the on-screen Quick Start Guide is designed to get you up and running relatively quickly. Our initial impression is that this is a feature-packed hub designed to handle nearly any modern home theater configuration you can throw at it, making it a very compelling option you should see its full feature set and user reviews.
Key Benefits
- THX Certified Select for theater-reference sound quality
- Excellent Dolby Atmos and DTS:X 3D audio performance
- Comprehensive smart features including Sonos, Chromecast, and AirPlay 2
- Powerful and dynamic amplification for demanding speakers
Potential Drawbacks
- Lack of a physical manual can complicate setup for beginners
- Some user reports indicate potential long-term reliability concerns
A Deep Dive into the Onkyo TX-NR696’s Performance
A receiver’s spec sheet only tells half the story. The real test is how it performs in a real-world living room, driving a full speaker setup and juggling multiple high-resolution sources. We put the Onkyo TX-NR696 Smart AV Receiver Dolby Atmos 4K through its paces for weeks, using it as the core of our primary media system. We evaluated its audio immersion, connectivity, ease of setup, and raw power delivery to see if it truly lives up to its promise.
The Sonic Heart: THX Certified Power and Dolby Atmos Immersion
This is where the Onkyo truly shines. The moment we calibrated the system using the included AccuEQ microphone and fired up a Dolby Atmos-enabled film, the room came alive. We used the iconic opening space battle from *Star Wars: The Last Jedi*, and the effect was breathtaking. The THX Certified Select amplification provided a visceral, dynamic punch. Laser blasts weren’t just loud; they had texture and impact, streaking convincingly from the front speakers to the surrounds. The low-frequency effects channel sent powerful, tight vibrations through our subwoofer during explosions, shaking the room without sounding boomy or uncontrolled. One user perfectly captured this feeling, noting that “The dolby atmos sound truly dances around you.” We couldn’t agree more. With our two height speakers engaged in a 5.1.2 configuration, TIE fighters screamed overhead, creating a true bubble of sound that utterly immerses you in the action. It’s not just for movies, either. Listening to Dolby Atmos music tracks revealed layers and spatial details we’d never heard before. The clarity and power on display are remarkable for a receiver at this price point, offering an experience that genuinely rivals a commercial cinema. The Dynamic Audio Amplification system ensures that even during the most complex and chaotic scenes, every sound element remains distinct and clear. The Onkyo TX-NR696’s audio performance is, without a doubt, its crowning achievement.
The Connectivity Hub: Seamless Smart Home Integration
In today’s connected world, an AV receiver must be as smart as it is powerful. The Onkyo TX-NR696 Smart AV Receiver Dolby Atmos 4K excels as a central hub for a modern, multi-source household. The built-in 802.11ac Wi-Fi proved fast and stable throughout our testing, handling high-bitrate audio streams without a single dropout. The “SMART AV Receiver” functionality is a suite of features that work together beautifully. We tested Chromecast built-in by casting a playlist from Spotify on an Android phone; the receiver woke from standby and started playing in seconds. Similarly, using AirPlay 2 from an iPad was flawless and immediate. For homes with an existing Sonos system, the integration is a game-changer. Once linked, the Onkyo appears in the Sonos app, allowing you to wake the receiver, switch to the correct input, and control the volume all from the familiar Sonos interface. It seamlessly bridges the gap between a dedicated multi-room audio system and a high-performance home theater. With DTS Play-Fi and FlareConnect also on board, plus direct support for services like TIDAL and Deezer, the streaming options are exhaustive. This level of connectivity ensures the receiver will not only handle your current devices but will remain relevant for years to come.
Setup and Calibration: From Box to Breathtaking Sound
Getting a complex piece of audio equipment running can be intimidating, and this is an area where we found both strengths and a notable weakness. The strength lies in Onkyo’s on-screen setup guide. It walks you through connecting speakers, sources, and networking step-by-step with clear graphics. Once everything is wired, the AccuEQ Room Acoustic Calibration process is straightforward. You place the included microphone at your primary listening position, and the receiver sends a series of test tones through each speaker to automatically measure distances, set levels, and apply equalization to correct for your room’s acoustic imperfections. For us, the results were impressive, creating a balanced and cohesive soundfield out of the box. However, we must acknowledge the point raised by one user who was frustrated by the lack of a physical instruction manual. While the full manual is available online as a PDF, not having a printed copy for reference can be a genuine hurdle for less tech-savvy users. We also took note of another user’s experience with a “Check SP Wires” error. While initially frustrating for them, it turned out to be a legitimate wiring issue, proving the receiver’s self-diagnostic system is effective. This serves as a critical reminder: take your time, double-check every speaker wire connection for stray strands, and ensure a solid positive-to-positive and negative-to-negative link. A little care during setup pays massive dividends in performance and stability.
Power and Reliability: The Long-Term View
The Onkyo TX-NR696 Smart AV Receiver Dolby Atmos 4K is rated to deliver a powerful 210 Watts per channel (at 6 ohms, 1 kHz), providing plenty of headroom to drive even demanding speakers to theater-reference levels without strain. Throughout our testing, even at high volumes (well past the “65” setting one user mentioned), the sound remained clean, dynamic, and free of distortion. It’s important to properly match your receiver to your speakers, but this Onkyo has enough current on tap for the vast majority of home theater speaker packages. This robust performance is a key reason it has earned such a strong following. One user happily reported their unit, purchased years ago, is “still working great” in a 5.1.2 configuration with 4K video, which speaks volumes about its potential for longevity when properly set up and cared for. However, it would be remiss not to address the more concerning user reports. While the vast majority of experiences are positive, we did find isolated accounts of units failing prematurely or, in one extreme case, producing smoke. These appear to be rare quality control outliers rather than a systemic issue, but they are an important factor to consider. The included two-year warranty provides a layer of protection, and our overall impression is that this is a solidly built machine, but it reinforces the importance of purchasing from a reputable seller to ensure support is available if needed. For those seeking this level of performance, it’s worth it to check the latest price and availability.
What Other Users Are Saying
Diving into the pool of real-world user feedback confirms our own findings, painting a picture of a highly capable but occasionally particular device. The overwhelming sentiment is positive. Many users, like one who called it “Top Shelf & very pleased,” echo our enthusiasm for the receiver’s powerful, immersive sound quality. Another user, upgrading from an older Onkyo model for their new projector, found it to be the perfect modern hub, highlighting its excellent 4K and HDR compatibility. One of the most compelling endorsements comes from a long-term owner who has been running their system flawlessly since 2017, calling the Dolby Atmos experience “better than any movie theatre.”
On the other hand, the negative feedback clusters around two main areas: setup and reliability. The complaint about the missing physical manual is a recurring theme, representing a genuine accessibility issue for some. More serious are the reports of hardware failure. While some issues trace back to user error, like the speaker wire problem, others point to potential component issues, such as the unit that stopped working after four months or the one that got stuck “now initializing.” These reports, though in the minority, serve as a reminder that with complex electronics, failures can happen. This balanced view from the community makes it even more important to see all the user feedback for yourself before making a final decision.
How Does the Onkyo TX-NR696 Compare to the Alternatives?
The Onkyo TX-NR696 Smart AV Receiver Dolby Atmos 4K doesn’t exist in a vacuum. The AV receiver market is competitive, and several alternatives cater to different needs and budgets. Here’s how it stacks up against some popular options.
1. Yamaha RX-V6A 7.2-Channel AV Receiver
- HDMI with HDCP 2.3 and eARC (7 in / 1 out)
- 4K60, 4K120AB and 8K60B HDMI 2.1 with HDCP 2.3 and eARC (Three 8k + 4 (7) in/1 out)
The Yamaha RX-V6A is a direct and formidable competitor to the Onkyo. It also offers 7.2 channels of amplification, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, and a robust suite of smart features centered around its own MusicCast multi-room ecosystem. Where they differ is in philosophy and features. Yamaha is famous for its Cinema DSP 3D processing, which creates unique sound fields that some users adore. The RX-V6A also boasts a more modern, minimalist design and has more forward-looking HDMI 2.1 features (though early firmware had some bugs). Someone might prefer the Yamaha if they are already invested in the MusicCast ecosystem, prefer Yamaha’s sound signature, or require specific HDMI 2.1 gaming features like 4K/120Hz support.
2. Yamaha R-S202BL Stereo Receiver
- Advanced circuitry design.Speaker selector for 2 systems. Input Sensitivity (CD): 500 MV/47k...
- Bluetooth to your favorite streaming music services
This alternative represents a completely different category of product. The Yamaha R-S202BL is a 2-channel stereo receiver. It has no video processing, no HDMI ports, and no surround sound capabilities. Its sole purpose is to power two speakers for music listening. It includes Bluetooth for simple wireless streaming but lacks the advanced networking and multi-room features of the Onkyo. A user should choose this over the TX-NR696 if their primary, or only, interest is high-quality stereo music playback. It’s a simpler, more affordable solution for a dedicated music system, not a home theater.
3. Onkyo TX-8220 2-Channel Stereo Receiver Bluetooth
- MULTI-ROOM AUDIO. The TX-8220 features two sets of speaker posts. The receiver drives either a...
- BLUETOOTH COMPATIBLE. Seamlessly connect your phone, tablet or PC and stream to the receiver with...
Much like the Yamaha stereo model, the Onkyo TX-8220 is built for music lovers. As a 2-channel receiver from the same brand, it shares some of Onkyo’s audio DNA but applies it strictly to a stereo configuration. It features Bluetooth, digital audio inputs (optical and coaxial), and even a phono input for a turntable, making it a versatile hub for a music-focused setup. However, it cannot process video or surround sound. This is the ideal choice for someone who loves the Onkyo sound but has no need for a home theater. If your goal is a great-sounding music system for a den or office, the TX-8220 is a far more practical and affordable choice than its multi-channel sibling.
Our Final Verdict on the Onkyo TX-NR696 Smart AV Receiver Dolby Atmos 4K
After extensive testing and analysis, we can confidently say that the Onkyo TX-NR696 Smart AV Receiver Dolby Atmos 4K is a phenomenal piece of equipment that punches well above its weight class. Its combination of THX Certified power, superb Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding, and a truly comprehensive suite of smart features makes it an incredibly versatile and high-performing heart for any modern home theater. The sound is dynamic, immersive, and thrilling, transforming movie night into a genuine cinematic event. It successfully bridges the gap between high-end audio performance and modern streaming convenience.
While we acknowledge the setup can be challenging for beginners without a printed manual, and that isolated reports of reliability issues exist, the overwhelming value and performance offered here are undeniable. For the home theater enthusiast looking to make the leap into immersive 3D audio without spending a fortune, this receiver is an absolute top contender. It provides the power, features, and connectivity to build a stunning system around. If you’re ready to unlock the true audio potential of your entertainment setup, the Onkyo TX-NR696 is an investment in immersive sound that we wholeheartedly recommend.