Onkyo TX-NR656 Review

Onkyo TX-NR656
Votes 14 14
Rating 5 5
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Onkyo TX-NR656 review

A modern AV receiver is perhaps one of the most sought after categories of home electronics. We've got one of these receivers for review - Onkyo TX-NR656. Based on the characteristics and features considered, the model received a score of 7.2 on a 10-point scale. In 2016, this receiver was released. An amplifier with 7.2 channels is one of the main model’s feature.

Onkyo TX-NR656 Pros

  • The receiver has a function of wireless connection to the Internet via Wi-Fi.
  • Bluetooth is now one of the key wireless communication protocols. In AV receivers, it is used for audio signal transmission or remote control. And it is in the model under review that Bluetooth support is implemented.
  • The presence of a USB port allows the receiver to play content from external media.
  • Like any modern receiver, TX-NR656 has a Phono (MM) input for connecting a phonograph or turntable.
  • Dolby Atmos technology has been included in this model specifically to create a 3D effect when watching movies, which reveals all its features with a minimum 5.1 configuration.
  • Onkyo TX-NR656 with an adaptive and flexible DTS:X surround format can support any speaker configuration, unlike Dolby Atmos.
  • With HDR pass-through support, it is possible to transfer data over TX-NR656 with a much wider range of colors.
  • With 4K/60Hz pass-through support, it is possible to pass data through this model without degrading image quality.
  • ARC feature eliminates the need for an additional composite or optical cable when connecting this unit to a TV.
  • The manufacturer claims support for CEC in Onkyo TX-NR656 and therefore you can control any HDMI-connected device using one remote control.
  • This receiver supports the data encryption protocol HDCP 2.2 which allows licensed devices to play high definition audio and video.
  • Can stream audio using the AirPlay protocol.
  • Stream music from one of the most popular services Spotify directly on the Onkyo TX-NR656.
  • Onkyo TX-NR656 uses bi-amping to amplify each dynamic in a speaker separately, resulting in clearer, better sound.
  • The reviewed receiver has a Pure Direct mode, when used it feeds sound directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing.
  • This AV receiver is able to use 2 zones to send a source signal to speakers or a separate audio system in different locations.
  • With the included microphone, the Onkyo TX-NR656 can use the auto speaker calibration mechanism to create the most suitable soundstage.

Onkyo TX-NR656 Cons

  • HDMI eARC function not implemented.
  • Onkyo TX-NR656 is unable to use Amazon Music.
  • There is no voice control function.
  • Energy-saving ECO mode is not implemented.
  • Has no speaker A/B switching function.
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Onkyo TX-NR656 back and front view

Onkyo TX-NR656 Onkyo TX-NR656

Onkyo TX-NR656 specs and features

Amplifier

Channels 7.2
Stereo power (RMS), W/Ohm 160/6
Output impedance, Ohm 6
Frequency response 10Hz-100KHz
THD in stereo, % 0.08

Audio features

Digital to analog converter (DAC) Hi-Grade 384 KHz/32-bit
Bi-amping
Pure direct (straight)
Auto speaker calibration AccuEQ
Speaker A/B switching
Other audio features Theater-Dimensional, Double Bass Function, CinemaFILTER

Connectivity

Wi-Fi
USB 1 (USB 2.0)
Bluetooth
Ethernet (RJ45) 1
DLNA
MHL

Streaming services

Apple Music (AirPlay) AirPlay
Amazon Music
Spotify
Other streaming services Deezer, TuneIn Radio

Extensive connection

HDMI input/output 8/2
HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel)
HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel)
HDMI CEC
Digital content protection (HDCP) HDCP 2.2
Subwoofer output (LFE) 2
Headphone output 1 x 6.3
Optical digital input 2
Coaxial digital input 1
Composite input 2
Component input/output 2/0
Phono (MM) input
Front panel connectors HDMI, phones, setup mic, AUX
Multi channel preamp output

Video features

HDR (High Dynamic Range)
4K signal pass-through 4K/60Hz
8K signal pass-through
HDMI signal pass-through
3D signal pass-through
HDMI pass-through in standby mode
Video conversion analog to HDMI
Analog to HDMI scaling
HDMI to HDMI scaling
Dolby Vision
Other video features DeepColor, x.v.Color

Additional features

Voice control
App control iPhone, iPad, iPod, Android
Display fluorescent
Tuner AM, FM
Sleep timer
Auto power off
ECO mode
Graphical user interface (GUI)
Setup assistant
Firmware update network, USB
Other additional features has not

Multi-room

Multi-room zones 2
Zone audio output speaker, preout
Zone HDMI output
Multi-room control Onkyo Remote App, FlareConnect
RS-232 0
Remote control input/output (IR) 0/0
DC trigger output (12V) 0

Multichannel surround

Dolby Atmos
Dolby TrueHD
Dolby Surround
Dolby (other) has not
DTS:X
DTS HD Master
DTS Virtual:X
DTS Neural:X
DTS (other) has not
Auro-3D
IMAX Enhanced
Multichannel stereo

Audio file formats

MP3
WMA
AAC
WAV
FLAC
ALAC
Other audio file formats AIFF

Power

Operational power consumption, W 570
Standby consumption, W 0.15
Removable power cord

Dimensions

Size W x H x D, cm/inches 57 x 28.8 x 46.8/22.4 x 11 x 18.1
Weight, kg/lbs 13/28.6

Other

Release year 2016