Future-ready home entertainment with THX® Certified Select™
A harmonious mix of tech and tradition, the TX-NR696 adapts to entertainment life and finds the emotion in every sound source, from 3D film-scores to vinyl records. Next-Generation Network Audio gathers Chromecast built-in*1, Works with Sonos, AirPlay 2, and DTS Play-Fi® with streaming services for smooth multi-room audio evolved by support for the new high-speed 802.11ac (2×2 MIMO) Wi-Fi® specification*2. Dolby Atmos® and DTS:X® pull audiences deep into movies and games, THX Certified Select assuring a theater-reference experience. If a 5.2.2-ch setup isn’t possible, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer*3 and DTS Virtual:X™*3 can create a 3D sound-field from horizontal speaker layouts. Zone 2 outputs bring amped multi-source audio to two rooms, while a flexible new zone line-out/front L/R pre-out terminal lets you listen how you want, where you want. With revitalized DAA system, 4K/60p/HDR HDMI® terminals, and many extras, this product excels in every aspect.
THX® Certified Select™ theatre-reference sound
THX Certified Select guarantees the same reference volume and sound quality of
at a commercial theatre in rooms where the viewing position is about 3.5 m from
the screen. To deliver THX reference movie sound, receivers must pass
2,000 bench-tests in 75 categories covering 14,000 data points.
Dolby Atmos® and DTS:X® – setting sound free
Dolby Atmos® and DTS:X® formats allow engineers to map sound anywhere in 3D
space, effects moving from speaker to speaker all around the room and wrapping
your audience in the latest films and games. You can also enjoy your 3D speaker
layout with classic titles. Dolby Surround® and DTS® Neural:X find overhead
cues in legacy soundtracks and upmix for awesome spatial realism.
Dynamic Audio Amplification
Refined over 70 years to deliver an emotional listening experience, DAA
features a custom High-Current Low-Noise Power Transformer, customized
capacitors, and discrete amp output stage. Unique circuit topology prevents
phase-shift for accurate sound, while high current improves speaker control for
thrilling dynamics. Driving 4-ohm loads through all channels, DAA has power to
move you.
Key design enhancements improve sound
While cosmetically familiar, the TX-NR696 has significant upgrades inside that
control noise, boost driving power, and improve S/N performance. A new HDMI®
board features larger, stronger, better-finished grounds and shortened
signal-paths to reduce noise on A/V signals. New SoC processor has its own
board remote from audio signal-paths to reduce noise. Power-supply line has been
strengthened in pursuit of driving power, while the Front (L/R) and Centre amps
now feature two transistors each, effectively doubling current-handling
capabilities. You can hear the result in the blistering attack speed and force
of the bass, and in the clearer separation and localization of instruments
across a large and spacious soundstage.
Quad-core SoC supports 802.11ac Wi-Fi®
A quad-core SoC (System on a Chip) has power to perform multiple processing
tasks at once. It evolves network functions and supports the latest high-speed
802.11ac (2×2 MIMO) specification while compatible with 802.11 b/g/n dual-band
routers. Note: Some countries or regions have regulations that
affect wireless signal strength and the use of Wi-Fi channels.
Share audio flexibly in Zone 2
The TX-NR696 supports flexible 3D-ready 5.2-ch theatre-surround speaker layouts
with two channels to spare for playback in another room. Zone 2 outputs
distribute amplified analogue, NET, Bluetooth®, SPDIF, and HDMI audio sources
in either or both zones at the same time (there’s a Zone 2 DAC). Output from
Zone 2 and Zone 2 line-out is enabled. HDMI and SPDIF supports PCM
audio only. HDMI audio available on inputs 1–3.
Share audio or listen privately
Connect an audio system via analogue RCA input and the AVR’s Zone 2/Zone B
line-out. With Zone 2, you can play the same or different analogue/digital
sources (including SPDIF and HDMI) in either or both rooms at the same time.
Zone B is ideal for connecting a compatible transmitter so you can listen to any
source—including the TV—through wireless headphones, perfect for midnight
movies and TV. Hi-fi buffs will love the ability to pass Front L/R signals to an
outboard power amp in Front Pre-Out mode, and personalize the sound character
through their favourite speakers.
Clearer dialog at the touch of a button
This technology solves inaudible dialog in TV programs and movies.
DSP-controlled Vocal Enhancer identifies voice frequencies so you can raise or
lower them with keys on the remote or via the controls on the front panel.
Relax with Stereo Assign Mode
At the touch of a button, Stereo Assign Mode switches playback from Front
speakers to either Surround, Rear Surround, or Height speaker pairs. Ideal for
ambient listening, BGM, or any time you want to create a relaxing
atmosphere.
AccuEQ Room Acoustic Calibration with AccuReflex™
AccuEQ creates a harmonious sound-field in your room. It detects speaker
presence, size, impedance, and distance from a measurement position, and sets
sound-pressure levels. It then selects the subwoofer crossover and EQ’s all
speakers, including the sub. AccuReflex optimizes 3D audio reproduction through
Dolby Atmos-enabled speakers. It resolves phase-shift that arises from path
differences between directional and non-directional sounds. Enjoy a cohesive 3D
sound-field with vertical movement and overhead dimensionality.
Roon Tested
Roon transforms your music-browsing experience. Artist photos, reviews, lyrics,
and more connect in a surfable magazine about your collection. Links between
your files and music on TIDAL guide new discoveries. Roon is a multi-room
platform supporting bit-perfect playback, DSD and PCM upsampling, multichannel
playback, and Signal Path Display. It plays to Roon Ready, AirPlay, Sonos, and
Meridian enabled devices controlled from Mac, Windows, iPhone, iPad, and
Android. Certified under the Roon Tested program, the TX-NR696 appears in Signal
Path Display and Zone Selector; is identified by logos; and has links to product
documentation.
Flexible 3D sound with DTS Virtual:X™
DTS Virtual:X* is a surround virtualization technology that creates an immersive
3D sound-field from horizontal speaker layouts without requiring height-speaker
connection. It uses DSP algorithms to create a sense of 3D spatiality and is
effective in rooms of any size and shape. DTS Virtual:X works with DTS:X, DTS®
formats, and non-encoded stereo soundtracks. (Enabled with a future firmware
update.)
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer
When playing any Dolby® format, engaging Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer*
enables a more immersive listening experience, creating a virtual surround and
height effect from traditional speaker layouts without employing additional
surround or height speakers. (Enabled with a future firmware update.)
PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS
- 175 W/Ch THX® Certified Select™ DAA system
- Works with Sonos, Chromecast built-in*1, AirPlay 2, DTS Play-Fi®, FlareConnect™*2, Spotify®, Amazon Music, TIDAL, Deezer, TuneIn*3
- Supports 5.2.2-ch Dolby Atmos® and DTS:X® playback
- Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer*4 and DTS Virtual:X™*4
- HDMI Sub/Zone 2 output shares media to a second display or projector
- Quad-core SoC supports 802.11ac (2×2 MIMO) Wi-Fi® specification*5
- Zone 2/Zone B line-out/Front L/R pre-out with DAC shares D/A audio (including HDMI/SPDIF*6) or connects power amp
- Zone 2 outputs distribute D/A audio sources (including HDMI/SPDIF*6)
- Stereo Assign Mode to switch Front playback to Height channels
- DSP-based Vocal Enhancer improves dialog audibility
- GUI with OSD via HDMI features media input/output data display function
- HDMI supports 4K/60p, 4K HDR, 4:4:4/24-bit, BT.2020, HDCP 2.2
- AccuEQ with subwoofer EQ and AccuReflex™
- One-touch volume memory-presets for A/V inputsputs
AMPLIFIER FEATURES:
- THX Certified Select certified Dynamic Audio Amplification
- Custom High-Current Low-Noise Power Transformer
- Large custom-made audio power capacitors
- Non-phase-shift amp topology with discrete output stage
- New dual-transistor amp output stages (L/R/C) doubles instantaneous current output for stunning dynamics and bass impact
- Strengthened power-supply line for high-current dynamics
- Refined HDMI grounds, short signal paths reduce noise
- SoC board remote from audio paths to reduce noise
- High-current drive handles 4-ohm speaker loads
- High-grade AKM (AK4458) 384 kHz/32-bit multichannel D/A conversion
- VLSC™ (Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry) filtering (Front L/R)
- PLL (Phase Locked Loop) anti-jitter technology for S/PDIF audio
- Tone controls (bass/treble) for front L/R channels
- Pure Audio Mode and Direct Mode for high-fidelity sound
VIDEO & AUDIO SUPPORT:
- Supports HDCP 2.2, 4K/60p, HDR (Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG), BT.2020, 4:4:4 color-space, 3D Video, ARC (Audio Return Channel), DeepColor™, x.v.Color™, and LipSync via HDMI
- Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby® TrueHD, and DTS-HD Master Audio® decoding
- Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer and DTS Virtual:X 3D processing
- Dolby Surround® and DTS® Neural:X upmixing technology
- THX listening modes for movies, music, and games
- Sound optimization for games (Rock, Sports, Action, and RPG)
- SACD (Super Audio CD) playback via HDMI (2.8 MHz 2-ch/multichannel)
- Theater-Dimensional virtual surround-sound function
NETWORK FEATURES:
- Next-Generation Network Audio with multi-room audio, streaming service integration, and remote app control
- Works with Sonos certified for the Sonos Home Sound System*7
- Chromecast built-in and voice control with the Google Assistant*8
- AirPlay 2 multi-room audio and voice control with Siri*9
- DTS Play-Fi® multi-room audio via Onkyo Music Control App*10
- FlareConnect™ multi-zone audio with compatible components
- Quad-core SoC processing evolves network functions and supports high-speed 802.11ac (2×2 MIMO) Wi-Fi specification
- Supports Onkyo Controller remote and music streaming app*10
- Hi-Res Audio playback via network (DSD 11.2 MHz/5.6 MHz/ 2.8 MHz*11; FLAC, WAV [RIFF], AIFF, and ALAC to 192 kHz/24-bit*12)
*1 The unit may automatically download and apply an Over-the-Air software
update during setup.
*2 FlareConnect is a proprietary network protocol that shares select audio
sources between supported components. Please visit the Onkyo website for product
compatibility information.
*3 Service availability varies with region and subscriptions may be
required.
*4 Enabled with a future firmware update.
*5 Some countries or regions have regulations that affect wireless signal
strength and the use of Wi-Fi channels.
*6 When set to Zone 2, HDMI audio is available on inputs 1–3, SPDIF and HDMI
support PCM signals only, and simultaneous playback of multiple audio sources is
enabled. When set to Zone B, encoded and PCM audio playback for all inputs is
enabled in Main and Zone B.
*7 Requires a Sonos Connect (sold separately).
*8 Voice control requires a smart speaker featuring the Google Assistant.
*9 Voice control with Siri requires an Apple HomePod.
*10 Available free at the App Store and Google Play for iPhone, iPad, and
Android™ devices. Please check device and OS requirements before
installation.