Yamaha RX-V685BL vs Onkyo TX-NR696

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Let's compare Yamaha RX-V685BL versus Onkyo TX-NR696 for an overview of all their pros and cons. According to the results of our review, Yamaha RX-V685BL received 7.4 points out of 10 possible, and Onkyo TX-NR696 was rated 7.6 points. The release date of RX-V685BL is 2018, and TX-NR696 is 2019. And as a result of the comparison, TX-NR696 seems to be a better option for the role of a home theater center than RX-V685BL.

Main advantages Yamaha RX-V685BL over Onkyo TX-NR696

Main advantages Onkyo TX-NR696 over Yamaha RX-V685BL

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 8 and 7, respectively, on a 10-point scale.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. Both receivers can handle the 7.2-channels configuration.

RMS stands for the actual power of the receiver. The higher this value, the louder the sound can be produced.

Audio features

The score for audio features is 9 of 10 for both receivers.

Most receivers now come with a microphone included. It is with the help of this microphone that the auto-calibration system functions, which adjusts the sound of the receiver to the room.

Connectivity

The connectivity of competitors in our comparison is equal and was rated 8 out of 10.

Bluetooth connection is now one of the main communication protocols for the receiver's control or even music broadcasting.

Streaming services

Now music streaming services are gaining more and more popularity. They allow users to listen to millions of songs by subscription.

Extensive connections

The presence of many connectors makes the receiver more versatile. But there are also narrowly targeted models, the number of connectors which are limited to a certain area of use. And when choosing their own receiver, users need to consider exactly your goals for using the receiver. For extensive connection, both receivers got 7 points on our 10-point scale.

Yamaha RX-V685BL is equipped with 5/2 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Onkyo TX-NR696 has 7/2 HDMI inputs and outputs.

HDMI eARC is the next step in the development of audio return channel technology, which works in conjunction with HDMI 2.1. Using eARC provides the highest sound quality for home audio systems. HDMI eARC is available only on Yamaha RX-V685BL.

Video features

The AV receiver is the heart of the home theater. And in this case, support for all current video formats ensures the best user experience, so it is very important to consider this when choosing a device. Video features of rivals in our comparison were rated 8 out of 10.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the RX-V685BL got 7 points, but the TX-NR696 has 9.

Voice control allows you to control the basic functions of the receiver through a smartphone, smart speaker or using the microphone that comes with the kit. The TX-NR696 can be controlled by voice via Google Assistant. Only the Yamaha RX-V685BL has the ECO mode.

Multi-room

As the center of a home media system, each multichannel receiver has an additional set of terminals for connecting the second set of speakers to create additional audio space in Zone 2 or even Zone 3 where audio can have the separate source.

Multichannel surround

For the ability to create multichannel surround sound, each of the receivers received 7 points out of 10.