Onkyo TX-NR626 VS Onkyo TX-NR686
Onkyo TX-NR626
  • Brand - Onkyo
  • Manual - tx-nr626.pdf
  • USB - 1
Onkyo TX-NR686
  • Brand - Onkyo
  • Manual - tx-nr686.pdf
  • USB - 1

Onkyo TX-NR686 vs Onkyo TX-NR626 – Good Connectivity for Home Theaters

Onkyo TX-NR686 vs Onkyo TX-NR626

The idea to compare 2 Onkyo’s AVRs triggered the test Onkyo TX-NR686 vs Onkyo TX-NR626. The receivers are 7-channel entry-level models with plenty of inputs and outputs. However, the Onkyo TX-NR686 is more expensive than the Onkyo TX-NR626.

Features & Performance

Onkyo TX-NR626 vs Onkyo TX-NR686

The difference between Onkyo TX-NR626 vs Onkyo TX-NR686 is in their ability to support some advanced formats. The Onkyo TX-NR686’s 2 of 7 channels allow connecting both a pair of rear and ceiling speakers to set up Dolby Atmos or DTS:X. Besides, the receiver lets hook up demanding acoustic equipment due to its high output power per channel – 160W versus the TX-NR626’s 90W.

Both units make it possible to hook up a pair of speakers in Zone 2. They support AAC audio format to have files that take less place but save the same mp3 sound quality and stream music from iTunes. Besides, the TX-NR626 supports AIFF format to use professional audio and video apps.

Connections & Setup

The comparison of Onkyo TX-NR686 vs TX-NR626 with regard to their connectivity hasn’t revealed any substantial differences. Both models permit to make all the connections wirelessly due to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth onboard. They also have an impressive number of AV inputs to make direct connections between a receiver and video devices (DVD players, HDTV tuners, gaming consoles, etc.) to arrange an advanced home theater system.

The TX-NR686 runs AccuEQ calibration to remove standing waves from the listening zone and to avoid distortions of the audio image. It’s possible to choose the right point to roll off lows to the sub via crossover for flawless speaker integration. The TX-NR626’s Audyssey dynamically adjusts the EQ to save the same balance of the frequencies at all volume levels.

Design

Both AVRs look like black boxes with plenty of buttons on the front panel that is typical for the Onkyo. They have large central displays revealing the most important functions. The line of buttons under the screen are used to control such receiver’s functions as Zone 2, dimmer, and setup controls. The next line includes plenty of buttons as well – one button for one input. That provides direct control as an alternative for on-screen UI.

Pros & Cons

Onkyo TX-NR626

VS

Pros

    • I can use Pandora off the internet and play my lists of music whenever I want.
    • Love the Bluetooth where I can play whatever audio I want that's on my iPhone on my receiver.
    • The analog upscalability is a pleasure, so my regular DVD and VHS get played out my HDMI port on my receiver.

Cons

    • I've found it very difficult to listen to one device while watching another.
    • There's an HDMI "warm-up" period when you first turn on the receiver that lasts 10-15 seconds. This can be a bit irritating.

Onkyo TX-NR686

VS

Pros

    • Clear and organized menu.
    • Produces a good and loud volume from quite demanding speakers.
    • The model offers dual-zone capability and bi-amplifying, which enables users to create several zones while using several amplifiers.
    • Easy to install, setup and use. The zone 2 can be controlled easily via a remote controller.
    • The output sound is crisp and pure.
    • The instruments sound clearly distinguished with a very clear position in the area.

Cons

    • The streaming services that require premium subscriptions are not listed.
    • Bluetooth devices glitched short blank spaces during music playback.
    • Firmware update doesn’t notify about new available FW that makes the listeners select the option Update FW manually in order to check for a newer FW.

Specifications

Specification Onkyo TX-NR626 Onkyo TX-NR686
Connectivity Interfaces
Ieee 802.3u
Ieee 802.3
Wi-fi
Bluetooth
Connector Type
Hdmi Inputs 6 7
Coaxial Digital Inputs 2 1
Optical Digital Inputs 1 2
Phones 1 1
Av Inputs 8 7
Usb 1 1
Subwoofer Outputs 2 2
Coaxial Digital Outputs has not has not
Optical Digital Outputs has not has not
Hdmi Outputs 2 2
Media Content Source
Network
Bluetooth
Usb-host
Additional Features
Apple Air-play Support
Advanced Sound Retriever (asr) Technology
Three-zone Capability
Smartphone Remote Control
A-b Speaker Switch
Dual-zone Capability
Pure Direct Mode
Auto Power Off
Bi-amplifying
Audio Return Channel (arc)
Amplifier
Output Power Per Channel 95 W 160 W
Total Output Power 650 W 800 W
Total Harmonic Distortion 0.08 % 0.08 %
Frequency Response 20 Hz-20 kHz 20 Hz-20 kHz
Output Impedance Per Channel 6 Ohm 8 Ohm
Sound Features
Surround Sound Effects Theater-Dimensional Virtual Surround Theater-Dimensional Virtual Surround
Audio D/a Converter 32bit / 192kHz 32bit / 384kHz
Digital Content Protection HDCP 2.2 HDCP 2.2
Surround System Class 7.2 channel 7.2 channel
Audio Formats
Aiff
Aac
Wma
Wav
Mp3
Flac
Apple Lossless
Dimensions
Dimensions 16.6 x 17.1 x 6.8 inches 14.9 x 17.1 x 6.8 inches
Built-in Decoders
Dolby Digital Plus
Dolby Atmos
Dts:x
Dolby True Hd
Dolby Surround
User Manual
Manual tx-nr626.pdf tx-nr686.pdf
Functions
Network Audio Player
Internet Radio
Digital Player
Power Device
Standby Power Consumption 0.2 W 0.15 W
Operational Power Consumption 600 W 570 W
Built-in Display
Colour black black
Type fluorescent fluorescent
Signal Processing
Upscaling Via Hdmi up to 4K up to 4K
3d Pass-through
Video Conversion/scaling HDMI to HDMI scaling, analog to HDMI up conversion HDMI to HDMI scaling, analog to HDMI up conversion
Hdmi Pass-through up to 4K up to 4K
Radio
Preset Station 40 40
Tuner Bands AM/FM AM/FM
Tuner Type digital digital
Clock
Sleep Timer
Built-in Clock
General
Brand Onkyo Onkyo

Popular Comparison

versus
Yamaha R-N303BL

Yamaha R-N

Yamaha R-N303BL

Onkyo TX-8

versus
Denon AVR-S750H Receiver, 7.2 Channel (165W x 7) - 4K Ultra HD Home Theater (2019) | Music Streaming | New - eARC, 3D Dolby Surround Sound (Atmos, DTS/Virtual Height Elevation) | Alexa + HEOS

Denon AVR-

Denon AVR-S750H Receiver, 7.2 Channel (165W x 7) - 4K Ultra HD Home Theater (2019) | Music Streaming | New - eARC, 3D Dolby Surround Sound (Atmos, DTS/Virtual Height Elevation) | Alexa + HEOS

Denon AVR-

versus
Onkyo TX-NR656

Onkyo TX-N

Onkyo TX-NR656

Onkyo TX-N

versus
YAMAHA RX-V385 5.1-Channel 4K Ultra HD AV Receiver with Bluetooth

YAMAHA RX-

YAMAHA RX-V385 5.1-Channel 4K Ultra HD AV Receiver with Bluetooth

Denon AVR-

versus
Pioneer VSX-LX303

Pioneer VS

Pioneer VSX-LX303

Pioneer VS