Onkyo TX-NR686 vs Pioneer VSX-934

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Votes 1 1
Rating 5 5

TX-NR686 vs VSX-934 comparison chart

Onkyo TX-NR686 vs Pioneer VSX-934 review

Onkyo TX-NR686
vs
Pioneer VSX-934

Let's compare Onkyo TX-NR686 versus Pioneer VSX-934 for an overview of all their pros and cons. According to the results of our review, Onkyo TX-NR686 received 7.2 points out of 10 possible, and Pioneer VSX-934 was rated 7.4 points. The release date of TX-NR686 is 2018, and VSX-934 is 2019. And as a result of the comparison, VSX-934 seems to be a better option for the role of a home theater center than TX-NR686.

Main advantages Onkyo TX-NR686 over Pioneer VSX-934

  • We do not know advantages

Main advantages Pioneer VSX-934 over Onkyo TX-NR686

  • We do not know advantages

Amplifiers

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

TX-NR686
7
VSX-934
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. In terms of RMS power, the models have the same characteristics - 165/6/6 W/Ohm.

TX-NR686 VSX-934
Channels7.27.2
Stereo power (RMS), W/Ohm165/680/8, 165/6
Output impedance, Ohm68, 6
Frequency response10Hz-100KHz10Hz-100KHz
THD in stereo, %0.080.08

Audio features

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

TX-NR686
9
VSX-934
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.

TX-NR686 VSX-934
Digital to analog converter (DAC)VLSC 384 KHz/32-bitAK4458 384 KHz/32-bit
Bi-amping
Pure direct (straight)
Auto speaker calibrationAccuEQMCACC
Speaker A/B switching
Other audio featuresAdvanced Music Optimizer, Theater-Dimensional, Hi-Res audioAdvanced Sound Retriever

Connectivity

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

TX-NR686
8
VSX-934
8

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

TX-NR686 VSX-934
Wi-Fi2.4/5GHz2.4/5GHz
USB1 (USB 2.0)2 (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.

TX-NR686 VSX-934
Apple Music (AirPlay)AirPlayAirPlay, AirPlay 2
Amazon Music
Spotify
Other streaming servicesDeezer, TIDAL, TuneIn RadioDeezer, TIDAL, Pandora

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-NR686 got 8 points, but Pioneer VSX-934 received 7 points.

TX-NR686
8
VSX-934
7

Onkyo TX-NR686 is equipped with 7/2 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Pioneer VSX-934 has 6/2 HDMI inputs and outputs.

TX-NR686 VSX-934
HDMI input/output7/26/2
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 input21
Coaxial digital input11
Composite input20
Component input/output2/00/0
Phono (MM) input
Front panel connectorsHDMI, phones, setup micUSB, phones, setup mic, AUX
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 the TX-NR686 were rated 7 out of 10 against the 10 for the VSX-934.

TX-NR686
7
VSX-934
10

Most of the AV receivers have a video scaling function, it is the process of reformatting the video signal to a higher resolution without losing the quality of the image. Upscaling the video signal resolution is possible with Pioneer VSX-934.

TX-NR686 VSX-934
HDR (High Dynamic Range)HDR10HDR10
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 featuresDeepColor, x.v.ColorHLG, BT.2020

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the TX-NR686 got 7 points, but the VSX-934 has 6.

TX-NR686
7
VSX-934
6

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-NR686 can be controlled by voice via Google Assistant.

TX-NR686 VSX-934
Voice controlGoogle Assistant
App controliPhone, iPod, AndroidiPhone, iPad, iPod, Android
Displayfluorescentcolour OSD
TunerAM, FMAM, FM
Sleep timer
Auto power off
ECO mode
Graphical user interface (GUI)
Setup assistant
Firmware updatenetwork, USBnetwork, USB
Other additional featuresIP Controlhas not

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.

TX-NR686 VSX-934
Multi-room zones22
Zone audio outputspeaker, preoutspeaker, preout
Zone HDMI output
Multi-room controlOnkyo Controller app, FlareConnectFlareConnect
RS-23200
Remote control input/output (IR)0/00/0
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.

TX-NR686
7
VSX-934
7

TX-NR686 VSX-934
Dolby Atmos
Dolby TrueHD
Dolby Surround
Dolby (other)Dolby Digital PlusDolby Digital Plus, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
DTS:X
DTS HD Master
DTS Virtual:X
DTS Neural:X
DTS (other)DTS-ES, DTS 96/24, DTS-HD, DTS-EXPRESSDTS-ES, DTS 96/24, DTS-HD, DTS-EXPRESS
Auro-3D
IMAX Enhanced
Multichannel stereo
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