Compare detailed specifications, side-by-side differences, verified user reviews, and buying recommendations to help you make the right choice.
Deciding between the Onkyo TX-NR656 and the Onkyo TX-NR686 depends on your available space, storage capacity goals, and everyday usage style:
Designed for large households, bulk grocery shoppers, and long-term storage where total cubic feet is the highest priority.
Ideal for apartments, offices, dorms, or secondary kitchen use where space efficiency and neat organization are paramount.
| Specification | Onkyo TX-NR656 | Onkyo TX-NR686 |
|---|---|---|
| Connector Type | ||
| Coaxial Digital Outputs | has not | has not |
| Optical Digital Outputs | has not | has not |
| HDMI Outputs | 2 | 2 |
| HDMI Inputs | 8 | 7 |
| Coaxial Digital Inputs | 1 | 1 |
| Optical Digital Inputs | 2 | 2 |
| Phones | 1 | 1 |
| USB | 1 | 1 |
| AV Inputs | 2 | 7 |
| Subwoofer Outputs | 2 | 2 |
| Radio | ||
| Tuner Bands | AM/FM | AM/FM |
| Tuner Type | digital | digital |
| Preset Station | 40 | 40 |
| Additional Features | ||
| Auto Power Off | Yes | Yes |
| Bi-amplifying | Yes | Yes |
| Audio Return Channel (ARC) | Yes | Yes |
| Apple Air-play Support | Yes | Yes |
| Advanced Sound Retriever (ASR) Technology | Yes | No |
| Three-zone Capability | No | No |
| Smartphone Remote Control | Yes | Yes |
| A-B Speaker Switch | No | No |
| Dual-zone Capability | Yes | Yes |
| Pure Direct Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Amplifier | ||
| 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 | 8 Ohm |
| Output Power Per Channel | 100 W, 170 W | 160 W |
| Total Output Power | 690 W | 800 W |
| Clock | ||
| Built-in Clock | Yes | Yes |
| Sleep Timer | Yes | Yes |
| Audio Formats | ||
| MP3 | Yes | Yes |
| FLAC | Yes | Yes |
| Apple Lossless | Yes | Yes |
| AIFF | No | No |
| AAC | Yes | Yes |
| WMA | Yes | Yes |
| WAV | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Display | ||
| Type | fluorescent | fluorescent |
| Colour | black | black |
| Signal Processing | ||
| 3D Pass-through | Yes | Yes |
| Video Conversion/scaling | — | HDMI to HDMI scaling, analog to HDMI up conversion |
| HDMI Pass-through | up to 4K | up to 4K |
| Upscaling Via HDMI | up to 4K | up to 4K |
| Sound Features | ||
| Digital Content Protection | HDCP 2.2 | HDCP 2.2 |
| 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 | 32bit / 384kHz |
| Built-in Decoders | ||
| Dolby True HD | Yes | Yes |
| Dolby Surround | Yes | No |
| Dolby Digital Plus | Yes | Yes |
| Dolby Atmos | Yes | Yes |
| DTS:X | Yes | Yes |
| Media Content Source | ||
| USB-host | Yes | Yes |
| Network | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Connectivity Interfaces | ||
| IEEE 802.3u | Yes | Yes |
| IEEE 802.3 | Yes | Yes |
| WI-FI | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions | ||
| Dimensions | 22.5 x 18 x 11 inches | 14.9 x 17.1 x 6.8 inches |
| Functions | ||
| Network Audio Player | Yes | Yes |
| Internet Radio | Yes | Yes |
| Digital Player | Yes | Yes |
| Power Device | ||
| Standby Power Consumption | 0.1 W | 0.15 W |
| Operational Power Consumption | 580 W | 570 W |
| General | ||
| Brand | Onkyo | Onkyo |
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-NR686 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-NR686.
