Here we are comparing Onkyo TX-NR616 to Onkyo TX-NR609 to reveal their common strengths and weaknesses as well as the differences between them which will help you in making a correct decision before the purchase. Both receivers have 7 channel and equally powerful amplifiers.

Let us have a look at some highlights of the models.

We have evaluated both receivers. Onkyo TX-NR616 gets higher overall score in our ranking system which is based on the amplifier specifications, audio and video features, connectivity, multizone capabilities, radio and many other details.

Amplifier score is based on power ratings, minimum impedance load, power supply, transformer type, total harmonic distortion, damping factor, signal to noise ratio and other small details. Audio score depends on the number of channels, front wide channel support, maximum channel processing, support of audio formats, DAC specifications, room calibration algorithm... Video score is based on HDR, Dolby Vision and 4K passthrough, upscaling, analog to HDMI upconversion. Connectivity score is defined from all wired and wireless inputs and outputs, internet and bluetooth connections, HEOS, SONOS and others. Multizone score depends on the number of zones with their outputs. Radio score is evaluated form digital radio support and analog tuner with its frequency range, signal to noise ratio, harmonic distortion...

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Onkyo TX-NR616 over Onkyo TX-NR609.

Onkyo TX-NR616 has more zones. It has bi-amp capability.

	Onkyo TX-NR616	Onkyo TX-NR609
Bi-amp capability	✔	✖
Higher Resolution Music Playback via USB	✔ up to 192 kHz	✔ up to 96 kHz
Dialog Normalization	✔	✖
MHL Input	✔ Front HDMI	✖
InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue	✔	✖
More HDMI Inputs	8 (1 front)	6 (1 front)
More HDMI Outputs	2 (simultaneous)	1
USB Input	1 Front (for iPod/iPhone) and 1 Rear	1 Front
More Zones	3	2
Whole House Mode	✔	✖

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Onkyo TX-NR609 over Onkyo TX-NR616.

Only Onkyo TX-NR609 supports Napster.

	Onkyo TX-NR616	Onkyo TX-NR609
THX Processing Mode	✖	✔
More Analog Audio Line Outputs	✖	1
More Composite Video Outputs	1	2
More Component Video Inputs	1	2
PC In	✖	✔
uport	✖	✔
Digital Radio	✖	✔ DAB/DAB+ Radio via optional UP-DT1 Tuner (sold separately)
Napster	✖	✔

Onkyo TX-NR616 and Onkyo TX-NR609 share common strengths such as DLNA 1.5 support, ethernet connection, wi-fi, internet radio, Pandora and Spotify.

STRENGTHS	Onkyo TX-NR616	Onkyo TX-NR609
DSD via HDMI	✔ 2-ch/Multi-ch Input	✔ 2-ch/Multi-ch Input
Audyssey Dynamic EQ	✔	✔
Audyssey Dynamic Volume	✔	✔
4K or 8K Signal Upscaling	✔ up to 4K/30p (Marvell Qdeo)	✔ up to 4K/30p (Marvell Qdeo)
DLNA 1.5	✔	✔
Ethernet	✔	✔
Wi-Fi	✔ via Front USB (optional UWF-1 sold separately)	✔ via Front USB (optional UWF-1 sold separately)
USB Input	1 Front (for iPod/iPhone) and 1 Rear	1 Front
Many Analog Audio Line Inputs	6	6
Composite Video Inputs	5 (1 front)	5 (1 front)
Component Video Inputs	1	2
Zones	3	2
Analog Tuner	✔ FM/AM	✔ FM/AM
Internet Radio	✔ vTuner	✔ vTuner
Pandora	✔	✔
Spotify	✔	✔

Onkyo TX-NR616 and Onkyo TX-NR609 share common weaknesses such as no front wide channel support, no Dolby Atmos support, no DTS:X support, no Auro3D support, no HDR10, no Dolby Vision, no ChromeCast, no DTS Play-Fi, no Amazon Alexa, no SONOS, no bluetooth, no phono input, no analog multi-channel input, no analog pre-outs, no Tidal, no Deezer, no SiriusXM and no toroidal transformer.

WEAKNESSES	Onkyo TX-NR616	Onkyo TX-NR609
No Front Wide Channel Support	✖	✖
No Dolby Atmos	✖	✖
No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization	✖	✖
No DTS:X	✖	✖
No DTS Neural:X	✖	✖
No DTS Virtual:X	✖	✖
No IMAX Enhanced	✖	✖
No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer	✖	✖
No DSD via USB	✖	✖
No DTS Dialog Control	✖	✖
No Audyssey LFC	✖	✖
No Audyssey Sub EQ HT	✖	✖
No HDR10	✖	✖
No HDR10+	✖	✖
No Dynamic HDR	✖	✖
No Dolby Vision	✖	✖
No Auto Low Latency Mode Pass-through	✖	✖
No VRR	✖	✖
No QFT	✖	✖
No 4K or 8K Video Passthrough	up to 1080p	up to 1080p
No FireConnect	✖	✖
No FlareConnect	✖	✖
No Chromecast Built-In	✖	✖
No DTS Play-Fi	✖	✖
Does not Work with Amazon Alexa	✖	✖
Does Not Work with SONOS	✖	✖
No Bluetooth	✖	✖
No eARC	✖	✖
No Phono Input	✖	✖
No Multi-Channel Input	✖	✖
No Analog Pre-Outs	0.2	0.2
No Tidal	✖	✖
No Deezer	✖	✖
No SiriusXM Internet Radio	✖	✖
No Toroidal Transformer	✖	✖

Amplifier

Onkyo TX-NR616 and Onkyo TX-NR609 have 7 channel amplifiers. They both deliver 100 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)

Video Features

Both receivers support 1080p passthrough. They both do 4K upscaling up to 30p.

WRAT

Onkyo TX-NR616 and Onkyo TX-NR609 feature Onkyo’s Wide Range Amp Technology (WRAT) circuit layout that prevents phase shifting by pushing the roll-off point higher than the listening-level frequency. Amplifying sound without phase shift creates an uncommonly well-focused and realistic audio image. If phase shift occurs and signal timing is not accurate, then neither is the resulting audio image.

3-Stage Inverted Darlington Circuitry

Onkyo TX-NR616 and Onkyo TX-NR609 feature 3-Stage Inverted Darlington Circuitry. Standard amplifiers employ a negative feedback (NFB) design that counters distortion by feeding back the opposite phase of the output signal into the input stage. Unfortunately, NFB is easily affected by inverse electromotive forces from the speakers, leading to an increase in circuit noise. Three-Stage Inverted Darlington Circuitry is a core Onkyo technology incorporating a low-NFB design that makes the sound more natural. Sensitive to oscillations, this circuitry requires very advanced control technology in order to be incorporated into the amplifier.

THX™ Certification

Onkyo TX-NR616 and Onkyo TX-NR609 are THX™ certified which offers optimal performance, superior quality and seamless integration. THX works with partners from the ground up, so that certified products deliver professional quality audio-visual experiences right out of the box. They only certify the very best products with uncompromised quality, performance and consistency. They ensure that THX certified devices play well with lower performing devices and components. THX listening modes make the receiver to have one speaker set up for movies, music and games. They are tested for power output, bass management, signal-to-noise ratio and feature RE-EQ, timbre matching, boundary gain compensation and THX Loudness Plus.

Advanced Music Optimizer

Compressed music enhancement in Onkyo TX-NR616 and Onkyo TX-NR609 is done by Onkyo’s Advanced Music Optimizer. While MP3 or AAC files may sound fine through the headphones of your portable digital player, the limitations of these files can be exposed when played back through a quality home entertainment system. This is because a significant amount of high-frequency bit information is lost during the file-compression process. To counter this, Onkyo has designed the Advanced Music Optimizer to compensate for lost bit information and improve the quality of compressed audio signals. This results in a clearer and more expansive sound. Also included in this technology is a loudness correction feature that further improves the audio character of compressed files.

Connectivity

Onkyo TX-NR616

Onkyo TX-NR616 can be connected to internet using ethernet cable or wirelessly via Front USB (optional UWF-1 sold separately). It has 8 HDMI inputs with HDCP 2.2 copy protection.

Front panel has HDMI/MHL, USB and Composite Video inputs.

Onkyo TX-NR609

Onkyo TX-NR609 can be connected to internet using ethernet cable or wirelessly via Front USB (optional UWF-1 sold separately). It has 6 HDMI inputs.

Front panel has HDMI, USB and Composite Video inputs.

And in the end let us list the detailed specifications of the receivers side-by-side.

Note: The following table shows only those details which are applicable for both models and excludes the ones that are applicable for only one model. If you want to see a full list of specs for each model please visit their individual pages here - Onkyo TX-NR616 and here - Onkyo TX-NR609.

BASICS	Onkyo TX-NR616	Onkyo TX-NR609
Brand	Onkyo	Onkyo
Model	TX-NR616	TX-NR609
Type	A/V Receiver	A/V Receiver
Country	Taiwan	Taiwan
Release Year	2012	2011

AMPLIFIER	Onkyo TX-NR616	Onkyo TX-NR609
Channels	7.2	7.2
Front Wide Channel Support	✖	✖
WRAT (Wide Range Amplifier Technology)	✔	✔
VLSC (Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry)	✖	✖
Optimum Gain Volume Circuitry	✔	✔
THX™ Certification	✔ Select™2 Plus	✔ Select™2 Plus
Continuous 6 Ω Rated	✔	✔
Certified 4 Ω Performance	✖	✖
Discrete Output Stage Circuitry	✔	✔
3-Stage Inverted Darlington Circuitry	✔	✔
PUSH-PULL Design	✖	✖
Independent Block Construction (Amp/Preprocessor)	✖	✖
Bi-amp Capability	✔	✖
BTL (Bridged Transless or Bridging)	✖	✖

AUDIO	Onkyo TX-NR616	Onkyo TX-NR609
Digital Processing Crossover Network	✖	✖
Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Engine	Advanced 32-Bit Processing DSP Chip	Advanced 32-Bit Processing DSP Chip
DAC	Burr-Brown	Burr-Brown
Maximum Channel Processing	7.1	7.1
Air Studios Monitor Certification	✖	✖
Dolby Atmos	✖	✖
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization	✖	✖
Dolby TrueHD	✔	✔
Dolby Digital Plus	✔	✔
Dolby Surround Upmixer	✖	✖
Dolby Pro Logic	✔ PLIIz	✔ PLIIz
Dolby Digital EX	✔	✔
Surround EX	✔ also known as Dolby Digital Surround EX	✔ also known as Dolby Digital Surround EX
DTS:X	✖	✖
DTS Neural:X	✖	✖
DTS Virtual:X	✖	✖
DTS Neo	✔ Neo:6	✔ Neo:6
DTS-HD Master Audio	✔	✔
DTS-HD High Resolution Audio	✔	✔
DTS 96/24	✔	✔
DTS Express	✔	✔
DTS-ES	✔ Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1	✔ Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1
IMAX Enhanced	✖	✖
Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer	✖	✖
PCM	✔ 2-ch/Multi-ch Input	✔ 2-ch/Multi-ch Input
Music Playback via USB	FLAC, WAV, WMA, WMA Lossless, Ogg, MP3, LPCM, AAC	FLAC, WAV, WMA, WMA Lossless, Ogg, MP3, LPCM, AAC
High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network	✔ up to 192 kHz	✔ up to 96 kHz
High Resolution Audio Formats via USB	FLAC, WAV, WMA Lossless, LPCM, AAC	FLAC, WAV, WMA Lossless, LPCM, AAC
Multi-Channel Music File Playback via USB	✖	✖
Gapless Playback	✖	✖
DSD via HDMI	✔ 2-ch/Multi-ch Input	✔ 2-ch/Multi-ch Input
DSD via USB	✖	✖
DSD to PCM Converter	✖	✖
USB DAC	✖	✖
Jitter Reduction	✔ PLL (Phase Locked Loop) Jitter-Cleaning Circuit Technology for S/PDIF Audio	✔ PLL (Phase Locked Loop) Jitter-Cleaning Circuit Technology for S/PDIF Audio
DTS Dialogue Control	✖	✖
Dialog Enhancement	✖	✖
Dialog Level Adjustment	✖	✖
Dialog Normalization	✔	✖
Dialogue Lift	✖	✖
Tone Control	✔ Front L/R Channels	✔ Front L/R Channels
Compressed Music Enhancer	✔ Advanced Music Optimizer	✔ Advanced Music Optimizer
High-resolution Music Enhancer	✖	✖
THX Processing Mode	✖	✔
Audyssey Dynamic EQ	✔	✔
Audyssey Dynamic Volume	✔	✔
Audyssey LFC	✖	✖
Audyssey Sub EQ HT	✖	✖
Audyssey DSX	✔ Height Only	✔ Front Height
Phase-Matching Bass Boost	✖	✖
Direct Mode	✔	✔
Pure Audio Mode	✖	✖
Pure Direct Analog Path Mode	✖	✖
Virtual Speakers	✔ T-D (Theater-Dimensional)	✔ T-D (Theater-Dimensional)
Independent Dual Subwoofer Output	✖	✖

CALIBRATION	Onkyo TX-NR616	Onkyo TX-NR609
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.	✔ Audyssey 2EQ	✔ Audyssey 2EQ
Audyssey App Support	✖	✖

VIDEO	Onkyo TX-NR616	Onkyo TX-NR609
HDR10	✖	✖
HDR10+	✖	✖
Dynamic HDR	✖	✖
BT.2020 color space	✖	✖
Dolby Vision	✖	✖
Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG)	✖	✖
Quick Media Switching (QMS)	✖	✖
Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM)	✖	✖
Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)	✖	✖
Quick Frame Transport (QFT)	✖	✖
3-D Ready	✔	✔
Video Signal Passthrough	up to 1080p	up to 1080p
Video Signal Upscaling	✔ up to 4K/30p (Marvell Qdeo)	✔ up to 4K/30p (Marvell Qdeo)
Analog To HDMI Upconversion	✔ Component**, Composite	✔ Component, Composite, PC
Component Video Upscaling	✖	✖
Analog to Analog Video conversion	✖	✖
Component Video Maximum Resolution	1080p	1080p
isf Certified Calibration Control	✖	✖

CONNECTIVITY	Onkyo TX-NR616	Onkyo TX-NR609
MHL Input	✔ Front HDMI	✖
DLNA 1.5	✔	✔
FireConnect	✖	✖
FlareConnect	✖	✖
Chromecast Built-In	✖	✖
DTS Play-Fi	✖	✖
Works with Amazon Alexa	✖	✖
Works with SONOS	✖	✖
AirPlay	✖	✖
Apple Product Connection	✔ iPod and iPhone via front USB	✔ iPod and iPhone via USB or optional UP-A1 Dock (sold separately)
Remote App	✔ iPod touch/iPhone and Android-Powered Devices	✔ iPod touch/iPhone
InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue	✔	✖
Ethernet	✔	✔
Ethernet Switch	✖	✖
Wi-Fi	✔ via Front USB (optional UWF-1 sold separately)	✔ via Front USB (optional UWF-1 sold separately)
Bluetooth	✖	✖
HDBaseT Compatible	✖	✖
Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)	✖	✖
HDMI Inputs	8 (1 front)	6 (1 front)
HDMI Outputs	2 (simultaneous)	1
USB Input	1 Front (for iPod/iPhone) and 1 Rear	1 Front
USB DC Out Port	✖	✖
Analog Audio Line Inputs	6	6
Analog Audio Line Outputs	✖	1
Phono Input	✖	✖
Optical Inputs	2	2
Optical Outputs	✖	✖
Coaxial Inputs/Outputs	2 / No	2 / No
Composite Video Inputs	5 (1 front)	5 (1 front)
Composite Video Outputs	1	2
S-Video Inputs	✖	✖
S-Video Outputs	✖	✖
Component Video Inputs	1	2
Component Video Outputs	1	1
PC In	✖	✔
Multi-Channel Input	✖	✖
Analog Pre-Outs	0.2	0.2
XLR Inputs	✖	✖
XLR Pre-outs	✖	✖
Front A/V Inputs	HDMI/MHL, USB, Composite Video	HDMI, USB, Composite Video
Speaker A/B	✖	✖
Headphone Out	✔ 6.3 mm	✔ 6.3 mm

ZONES	Onkyo TX-NR616	Onkyo TX-NR609
Zones	3	2
Powered Zones	✔ 2	✔ 2
Zone 2 Outs	RCA Line Out	RCA Line Out
Whole House Mode	✔	✖
RS-232 Interface	✖	✖
+12V Trigger Output	✖	✖
Remote (IR) Input/Output	✖	✖

MISC	Onkyo TX-NR616	Onkyo TX-NR609
On-Screen Display	✔ Advanced "Home" GUI	✔ Advanced "Home" GUI
Detachable Power Cord	✔	✔
uport	✖	✔
ONKYO-RI System Control	✔	✔
RIHD (Remote Interactive Over HDMI)	✔	✔
Pre-Pro/Learning Remote	No / ✔	No / ✔
On Screen Remote Programming	✔	✔
Bi-directional Remote Setup via GUI	✖	✖
Activity Based Remote	✖	✖
Smart Grid-Ready	✖	✖

RADIO	Onkyo TX-NR616	Onkyo TX-NR609
Analog Tuner	✔ FM/AM	✔ FM/AM
Presets	40	40
Digital Radio	✖	✔ DAB/DAB+ Radio via optional UP-DT1 Tuner (sold separately)
Internet Radio	✔ vTuner	✔ vTuner
Pandora	✔	✔
Spotify	✔	✔
Tidal	✖	✖
Deezer	✖	✖
Napster	✖	✔
SiriusXM Internet Radio	✖	✖

CONSTRUCTION	Onkyo TX-NR616	Onkyo TX-NR609
Solid Aluminum Front	✖	✖
Speaker Terminals	9	9
Large Speaker Terminals	7	7
Color-Coded Speaker Terminals	✔	✔
Transparent High-Grade Speaker Terminals	✖	✖
18mm Pitch High Grade Pre-outs	✖	✖
19mm-Pitch Audio Inputs	✖	✖
Gold plated RCA terminals	✖	✖

POWER	Onkyo TX-NR616	Onkyo TX-NR609
Power Supply	AC 120 V, 60 Hz	AC 120 V, 60 Hz
Independent Power Supply	✖	✖
H.C.P.S. (High Current Power Supply)	✔ Massive High Power Transformer	✔ Massive High Power Transformer
Toroidal Transformer	✖	✖
Power Consumption	6.3 A	610 W
Standby Power	0.15 W	0.2 W

GENERAL	Onkyo TX-NR616	Onkyo TX-NR609
Dimensions (W x H x D)	435 mm x 173.5 mm x 328 mm 17-1/8" x 6-13/16" x 12-15/16"	435 mm x 173.5 mm x 328 mm 17-1/8" x 6-13/16" x 12-15/16"
Weight	11.0 kg (24.3 lbs)	11.2 kg (24.7 lbs)
Warranty	2 Years	2 Years

SPECS	Onkyo TX-NR616	Onkyo TX-NR609
Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	100 W (0.08% THD)	100 W (0.08% THD)
Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	125 W (0.1% THD)	125 W (0.1% THD)
Maximum Effective Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA or IEC)	175 W	175 W
Rated Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, IEC)	160 W (1% THD)	160 W (1% THD)
Dynamic Power per Channel (3 Ω, Front)	240 W	240 W
Dynamic Power per Channel (4 Ω, Front)	210 W	210 W
Dynamic Power per Channel (8 Ω, Front)	120 W	120 W
THD	0.08% (20 Hz - 20 kHz, Half power)	0.08% (20 Hz - 20 kHz, Half power)
Damping Factor	60 (Front, 1 kHz, 8 Ω)	60 (Front, 1 kHz, 8 Ω)
Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line)	200 mV/47 kΩ (Line)	200 mV/47 kΩ (Line)
Rated Lineout Level and Impedance	200 mV/2.2 kΩ	200 mV/2.2 kΩ (REC OUT)
Maximum Lineout Level and Impedance	2 V/2.2 kΩ	2 V/2.2 kΩ (REC OUT)
S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)	106 dB	106 dB
Frequency Response (Analog In)	5 Hz - 100 kHz/+1 dB, -3 dB (DSP bypass)	20 Hz - 50 kHz/+1 dB, -3 dB (DSP bypass)
DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI	2.8 MHz	2.8 MHz
Video Input Sensitivity/Output Level and Impedance	1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Component Y) 0.7 Vp-p/75 Ω (Component PB/CB, PR/CR) 1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Composite)	1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Component Y) 0.7 Vp-p/75 Ω (Component PB/CB, PR/CR) 1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Composite)
Video Frequency Response	5 Hz - 100 MHz/+0 dB, -3 dB (Component)	5 Hz - 100 MHz/+0 dB, -3 dB (Component)
Ethernet Standard	100BASE-TX	100BASE-TX
FM Frequency	87.5 MHz - 108.0 MHz	87.5 MHz - 108.0 MHz
AM Frequency	522/530 kHz - 1611/1710 kHz	522/530 kHz - 1611/1710 kHz

* - 480i/576i and 480p/576p only
** - 480i/576i only
*** - no 1080p/24 upconversion
**** - 1080p signal is not converted