AV Receivers Comparison: Onkyo TX-NR656 vs Onkyo TX-NR616

Compare detailed specifications, side-by-side differences, verified user reviews, and buying recommendations to help you make the right choice.

Onkyo TX-NR656

Onkyo TX-NR656

  • Brand Onkyo
  • USB 1
  • Type fluorescent
  • WI-FI true
  • Bluetooth true
Onkyo TX-NR616

Onkyo TX-NR616

  • Brand Onkyo
  • USB 2
  • Type fluorescent
  • WI-FI true
  • Bluetooth false

Quick Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

Deciding between the Onkyo TX-NR656 and the Onkyo TX-NR616 depends on your available space, storage capacity goals, and everyday usage style:

Best For Maximum Capacity

Onkyo TX-NR656

Designed for large households, bulk grocery shoppers, and long-term storage where total cubic feet is the highest priority.

  • Superior Volume: Easily stores bulk meats, frozen garden harvests, and family packs.
  • Cold Retention: Keeps food frozen significantly longer in power outages.
  • Energy Efficiency: Top-opening design keeps dense cold air trapped inside.
Best For Compact Spaces

Onkyo TX-NR616

Ideal for apartments, offices, dorms, or secondary kitchen use where space efficiency and neat organization are paramount.

  • Space-Saving Footprint: Fits neatly under counters or in compact corners without intruding.
  • Upright Organization: Shelves allow you to organize and grab items without digging.
  • Everyday Convenience: Front-swing door provides quick, easy access anytime.

Specifications

Specification Onkyo TX-NR656 Onkyo TX-NR616
Additional Features
Audio Return Channel (ARC) Yes Yes
Apple Air-play Support Yes No
Advanced Sound Retriever (ASR) Technology Yes No
Smartphone Remote Control Yes Yes
Three-zone Capability No Yes
Dual-zone Capability Yes Yes
A-B Speaker Switch No No
Pure Direct Mode Yes Yes
Auto Power Off Yes Yes
Bi-amplifying Yes Yes
Amplifier
Output Impedance Per Channel 6 Ohm, 8 Ohm 6 Ohm
Output Power Per Channel 100 W, 170 W 100 W
Total Output Power 690 W 690 W
Total Harmonic Distortion 0.08 % 0.08 %
Frequency Response 20 Hz-20 kHz 20 Hz-20 kHz
Sound Features
Surround System Class 7.2 channel 7.2 channel
Surround Sound Effects Neural Surround. Theater-Dimensional Virtual Surround Theater-Dimensional Virtual Surround
Audio D/A Converter 32bit / 384kHz 24bit / 192kHz
Digital Content Protection HDCP 2.2 HDCP 2.2
Audio Formats
Apple Lossless Yes Yes
AIFF No No
AAC Yes Yes
WMA Yes Yes
WAV Yes Yes
MP3 Yes Yes
FLAC Yes Yes
Built-in Decoders
Dolby Surround Yes No
Dolby Digital Plus Yes Yes
Dolby Atmos Yes No
DTS:X Yes No
Dolby True HD Yes Yes
Signal Processing
HDMI Pass-through up to 4K up to 4K
Upscaling Via HDMI up to 4K up to 4K
3D Pass-through Yes Yes
Video Conversion/scaling — HDMI to HDMI scaling, analog to HDMI up conversion
Connector Type
HDMI Outputs 2 2
HDMI Inputs 8 8
Coaxial Digital Inputs 1 2
Optical Digital Inputs 2 2
Phones 1 1
AV Inputs 2 8
USB 1 2
Subwoofer Outputs 2 2
Coaxial Digital Outputs has not has not
Optical Digital Outputs has not has not
Media Content Source
USB-host Yes Yes
Network Yes Yes
Bluetooth Yes No
Connectivity Interfaces
IEEE 802.3u Yes Yes
IEEE 802.3 Yes Yes
WI-FI Yes Yes
Bluetooth Yes No
Dimensions
Dimensions 22.5 x 18 x 11 inches 17.1 x 12.9 x 6.8 inches
Functions
Network Audio Player Yes No
Internet Radio Yes No
Digital Player Yes Yes
Power Device
Standby Power Consumption 0.1 W 0.15 W
Operational Power Consumption 580 W 680 W
Clock
Sleep Timer Yes Yes
Built-in Clock Yes Yes
Built-in Display
Colour black black
Type fluorescent fluorescent
Radio
Preset Station 40 40
Tuner Bands AM/FM AM/FM
Tuner Type digital digital
General
Brand Onkyo Onkyo

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Frequently Asked Questions

The main differences center around storage capacity, form factor, and convenience. The Onkyo TX-NR656 provides extensive bulk storage capacity best suited for homes, garages, or basements needing deep freeze space. In contrast, the Onkyo TX-NR616 offers a compact upright design that fits into smaller spaces with convenient shelf organization.

Chest-style freezers generally excel in thermal efficiency because cold air naturally settles at the bottom and does not escape when the lid is lifted. Compact upright models have lower total kilowatt-hour usage simply due to their smaller cubic volume, making both designs efficient for their respective intended purposes.

Both products are listed on Amazon with full manufacturer warranties, customer reviews, and fast delivery options. Click the "Check Price on Amazon" buttons in the comparison cards above to view today's latest promotions, verified customer ratings, and current availability.

Measure your available floor clearance first. If you have open space in a garage, basement, or utility room and want to freeze items in bulk, choose the Onkyo TX-NR656. If you have limited room in a kitchen, apartment, dorm, or office and prefer easy eye-level access to items, choose the Onkyo TX-NR616.