Onkyo TX-NR656 vs Yamaha RX-A880

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The Onkyo TX-NR656 vs Yamaha RX-A880 comparison makes sense because it shows what devices in their segments can offer. According to the results of our review, Onkyo TX-NR656 received 7.2 points out of 10 possible, and Yamaha RX-A880 was rated 8.3 points. The release date of TX-NR656 is 2016, and RX-A880 is 2018. RX-A880 is more suitable as the heart of home theater system than its opponent - TX-NR656.

Main advantages Onkyo TX-NR656 over Yamaha RX-A880

Main advantages Yamaha RX-A880 over Onkyo TX-NR656

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 7 and 8, 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 markedly different, Onkyo TX-NR656 scored 7, and Yamaha RX-A880 scored 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, Onkyo TX-NR656 got 7 points, but Yamaha RX-A880 received 9 points.

Onkyo TX-NR656 is equipped with 8/2 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Yamaha RX-A880 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 on Yamaha RX-A880.

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 the TX-NR656 were rated 9 out of 10 against the 8 for the RX-A880.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the TX-NR656 got 7 points, but the RX-A880 has 10.

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 RX-A880 can be controlled by voice via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant. Yamaha RX-A880 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.