Sony STR-DN1080 vs Onkyo TX-NR686

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Votes 1 1
Rating 5 5

STR-DN1080 vs TX-NR686 comparison chart

Sony STR-DN1080 vs Onkyo TX-NR686 review

Sony STR-DN1080
vs
Onkyo TX-NR686

Let's make the Sony STR-DN1080 versus Onkyo TX-NR686 comparison. According to the results of our review, Sony STR-DN1080 received 7.3 points out of 10 possible, and Onkyo TX-NR686 was rated 7.2 points. The release date of STR-DN1080 is 2017, and TX-NR686 is 2018. After comparison, it will become clear that among these two devices, the STR-DN1080 is more suitable for the role of the heart of home theater system.

Main advantages Sony STR-DN1080 over Onkyo TX-NR686

  • Include HDMI eARC function.

Main advantages Onkyo TX-NR686 over Sony STR-DN1080

  • 165/6 W/Ohm RMS makes it more productive compared to 120/6 W/Ohm RMS in another receiver in the review.

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the models have rated 7 points out of 10.

STR-DN1080
7
TX-NR686
7

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. The differences between the models in terms of RMS power are significant - for the TX-NR686 this value is 165/6 W/Ohm, and for the STR-DN1080 it is 120/6 W/Ohm.

STR-DN1080 TX-NR686
Channels7.27.2
Stereo power (RMS), W/Ohm120/6165/6
Output impedance, Ohm66
Frequency response10Hz-100KHz10Hz-100KHz
THD in stereo, %0.090.08

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the STR-DN1080 7 out of 10, and the TX-NR686 - 9.

STR-DN1080
7
TX-NR686
9

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.

STR-DN1080 TX-NR686
Digital to analog converter (DAC)96 KHz/24-bitVLSC 384 KHz/32-bit
Bi-amping
Pure direct (straight)
Auto speaker calibrationDCAC EXAccuEQ
Speaker A/B switching
Other audio featuresHi-Res audio, DSEE HXAdvanced Music Optimizer, Theater-Dimensional, Hi-Res audio

Connectivity

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

STR-DN1080
8
TX-NR686
8

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

DLNA is the perfect way to use your local cloud storage to stream movies and music directly to a TV. You can use the DLNA protocol only with Sony STR-DN1080.

STR-DN1080 TX-NR686
Wi-Fi2.4/5GHz
USB1 (USB 2.0)1 (USB 2.0)
Bluetooth
Ethernet (RJ45)11
DLNA
MHL

Streaming services

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

STR-DN1080 TX-NR686
Apple Music (AirPlay)AirPlayAirPlay
Amazon Music
Spotify
Other streaming servicesTIDAL, PandoraDeezer, TIDAL, TuneIn Radio

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, Sony STR-DN1080 got 7 points, but Onkyo TX-NR686 received 8 points.

STR-DN1080
7
TX-NR686
8

Sony STR-DN1080 is equipped with 6/2 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Onkyo TX-NR686 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 Sony STR-DN1080.

Connecting a vinyl player or phonograph is possible using a Phono input which is represented by mini-jack or RCA connectors. Only the TX-NR686 has a Phono interface.

STR-DN1080 TX-NR686
HDMI input/output6/27/2
HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel)
HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel)
HDMI CEC
Digital content protection (HDCP)HDCP 2.2HDCP 2.2
Subwoofer output (LFE)22
Headphone output1 x 6.31 x 6.3
Optical digital input12
Coaxial digital input11
Composite input22
Component input/output0/02/0
Phono (MM) input
Front panel connectorsUSB, phones, setup micHDMI, phones, setup mic
Multi channel preamp output

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 7 out of 10.

STR-DN1080
7
TX-NR686
7

STR-DN1080 TX-NR686
HDR (High Dynamic Range)HDR10
4K signal pass-through4K/60Hz4K/60Hz
8K signal pass-through
HDMI signal pass-through
3D signal pass-through
HDMI pass-through in standby mode
Video conversionanalog to HDMI
Analog to HDMI scaling
HDMI to HDMI scaling
Dolby Vision
Other video featureshas notDeepColor, x.v.Color

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the STR-DN1080 got 9 points, but the TX-NR686 has 7.

STR-DN1080
9
TX-NR686
7

STR-DN1080 TX-NR686
Voice controlGoogle assistantGoogle Assistant
App controliPhone, iPad, iPod, AndroidiPhone, iPod, Android
Displayfluorescentfluorescent
TunerAM, FMAM, FM
Sleep timer
Auto power off
ECO mode
Graphical user interface (GUI)
Setup assistant
Firmware updatenetwork, USBnetwork, USB
Other additional featuresNFCIP Control

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.

STR-DN1080 TX-NR686
Multi-room zones22
Zone audio outputspeakerspeaker, preout
Zone HDMI output
Multi-room controlMusic CenterOnkyo Controller app, FlareConnect
RS-23200
Remote control input/output (IR)1/10/0
DC trigger output (12V)00

Multichannel surround

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

STR-DN1080
7
TX-NR686
7

STR-DN1080 TX-NR686
Dolby Atmos
Dolby TrueHD
Dolby Surround
Dolby (other)Dolby Digital PlusDolby Digital Plus
DTS:X
DTS HD Master
DTS Virtual:X
DTS Neural:X
DTS (other)DTS-ES, DTS 96/24DTS-ES, DTS 96/24, DTS-HD, DTS-EXPRESS
Auro-3D
IMAX Enhanced
Multichannel stereo
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