Onkyo TX-NR686 vs Sony STR-DH770

Here we are comparing Onkyo TX-NR686 to Sony STR-DH770 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 amplifiers.

Onkyo TX-NR686	Sony STR-DH770
Onkyo TX-NR686 was introduced in 2018. It is equipped with 7 channel amplifier with 100 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 7.1 maximum channel processing. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, passes 4K/60Hz video signal.	Sony STR-DH770 was introduced in 2016. It is equipped with 7 channel amplifier with 90 W (6 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz and 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 7.1 maximum channel processing. It , passes 4K/60Hz video signal.

We evaluated Onkyo TX-NR686 and Sony STR-DH770 and gave them scores of 87 and 68 out of 100 recpectively. Our ranking system is based on the amplifier specifications, audio and video features, connectivity, multizone capabilities, radio and many other details.

For more details about the ranking please go to    Evaluations section.

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Onkyo TX-NR686 over Sony STR-DH770.

	Onkyo TX-NR686	vs	Sony STR-DH770
Higher Power Output	100 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)	vs	90 W (6 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
THX™ Certification	Select™ (previously known as Select2)	vs
Certified 4 Ω Performance		vs
Dolby Atmos		vs
Dolby Surround Upmixer		vs
DTS:X		vs
DTS Neural:X		vs
Music Playback via USB	FLAC, WAV, Apple Lossless, WMA, MP3, DSD, AIFF, AAC, Dolby TrueHD	vs	MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV
Higher Resolution Music Playback via USB	up to 192 kHz	vs
DSD via USB	2-ch Input	vs
DTS Dialog Control		vs
Dolby Vision		vs
HLG		vs
Analog To HDMI Upconversion	Component**, Composite	vs
Wi-Fi		vs
Chromecast Built-In		vs
Works with SONOS	requires firmware update & Sonos Connect	vs
DTS Play-Fi		vs
AirPlay	AirPlay 2 after firmware update	vs
More HDMI Inputs	7 (1 front)	vs	4
More HDMI Outputs	2 (simultaneous)	vs	1
More Optical Inputs	2	vs	1
More RCA Line Inputs	7 (1 Front)	vs	4
Phono Input		vs
More Component Video Inputs	2	vs
Ethernet		vs
Front A/V Inputs	HDMI, Mini-Jack	vs	USB
More Zones	2	vs	1
More GUI Languages	9	vs	4
Analog Tuner	FM/AM with RDS	vs	FM with RDS
More Presets	40	vs	30 (30/-)
Spotify		vs
Tidal		vs
Deezer		vs
More Speaker Terminals	9	vs	7
More Large Speaker Terminals	9	vs	7
Bigger Power Supply	570 W	vs	240 W
Higher S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)	106 dB	vs	105 dB (500 mV)

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sony STR-DH770 over Onkyo TX-NR686.

	Onkyo TX-NR686	vs	Sony STR-DH770
Dolby Pro Logic		vs	PLIIx
Dolby Digital EX		vs
DTS Neo		vs	Neo:6
More Tone Control Channels	Front L/R Channels	vs	All Channels
More Composite Video Outputs		vs	1
Speaker A/B		vs
Newer Bluetooth Version	4․1 + LE	vs	4․2

We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

STRENGTHS	Onkyo TX-NR686	Sony STR-DH770
DSD via HDMI	2-ch/Multi-ch Input	2-ch/Multi-ch Input
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.	AccuEQ with AccuReflex™	D.C.A.C.
HDR10
New HDCP Version	2.2	2.2
Bluetooth	SBC, AAC	SBC, AAC
USB Input	1 (Rear)	1 (Front)
Composite Video Inputs	2	2
Analog Tuner	FM/AM with RDS	FM with RDS

WEAKNESSES	Onkyo TX-NR686	Sony STR-DH770
No Front Wide Channel Support
No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
No IMAX Enhanced
No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
No HDR10+
No eARC
No 8K Passthrough	up to 4K/60p (RGB/YCbCr4:4:4)	up to 4K/60p (YCbCr4:4:4)
Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
Few 8K Inputs
No RCA Pre-Outs	0.2	0.2
No Digital Radio
No Pandora

Onkyo TX-NR686	Sony STR-DH770
7 channel Linear Class A/B Amplifier: Onkyo TX-NR686 features 7 channel power amplifier with Linear Class A/B design. It is rated at 100 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) and is able to drive 4 ohm speakers.	7 channel Amplifier: Sony STR-DH770 features 7 channel power amplifier. It is rated at 90 W (6 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven).

• Dynamic Audio Amplification: Onkyo TX-NR686 features Dynamic Audio Amplification which is Onkyo’s amplification philosophy that focuses on capturing the energy and dynamism contained in the audio signal and reproducing it without loss. Audio signals are not static like a test tone, but rather a countless collection of constantly moving waves. While static measurements such as S/N ratio and Total Harmonic Distortion are important, Onkyo believes that excellent dynamic and transient response is the key to emotionally involving sound. Dynamism - the “life” in music - is achieved when the amp can respond to changes in the signal instantaneously, so notes start and stop naturally and the nuances in attack, decay, sustain, and release are voiced with conviction. Onkyo home theater receivers represent the culmination of almost 70 years’ experience in amplifier design. The unique elements of their amplification system comprise high-current, low-impedance architecture to accurately control large speaker cones while enabling instantaneous response to dynamic changes, and discrete wide-range amplifier circuit topology to eliminate phase shift for clear and accurate audio imaging.

THX™ Select™ (previously known as Select2) certification

Onkyo TX-NR686 is THX™ Select™ (previously known as Select2) certified. This means that it is for medium sized rooms, up to 2,000 cubic feet in size, with a 10-12 foot viewing distance from the screen.

AMPLIFIER	Onkyo TX-NR686	Sony STR-DH770
Channels	7.2	7.2
Power Output	100 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)	90 W (6 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
Front Wide Channel Support
THX™ Certification	Select™ (previously known as Select2)
Continuous 6 Ω Rated
Certified 4 Ω Performance
Bi-amp Capability

Onkyo TX-NR686's and Sony STR-DH770's amplifiers can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

• Dolby Atmos Configurations: The following speaker configurations are supported for Dolby Atmos:
Onkyo TX-NR686: 5.2.2 with internal amplifier.
Sony STR-DH770: Not supported.
• DTS:X Configurations: The following speaker configurations are supported for DTS:X:
Onkyo TX-NR686: The speaker configurations for DTS:X are the same as for Dolby Atmos - 5.2.2 with internal amplifier.
Sony STR-DH770: Not supported.
• Configurations without height channels: There are also other speaker configurations available which do not include height channels:
Onkyo TX-NR686: 5.2, 7.2 with internal amplifier.
Sony STR-DH770: 5.2, 7.2 with internal amplifier.
• 2-ch Bi-Amp: Both models are able to bi-amp up to 2 main channels simultaneously. During bi-amplification two amplifiers are used for one speaker. One amplifier powers the midrange and tweeter section of the speaker and another amplifier powers the low frequency woofers. Each amplifier is less loaded and performs better. In order to use this feature speakers must have 2 pairs of connectors.

Dolby Atmos

Onkyo TX-NR686 supports Dolby Atmos.

• Dolby Surround Upmixer: Onkyo TX-NR686 supports Dolby Surround Upmixer. If the content is not mixed in Dolby Atmos then the Dolby surround upmixer will expand the audio to all channels including ceiling speakers. The upmixer has replaced the Dolby Pro Logic II family with improved upmixing algorithms.

DTS:X

Onkyo TX-NR686 supports DTS:X.

• DTS Neural:X: Onkyo TX-NR686 supports DTS Neural:X which is an advanced upmixer that can take non DTS:X content and upmix it to the DTS:X speaker layout. It has replaced the DTS Neo family with improved flexibility.
• DTS Dialog Control: Onkyo TX-NR686 supports DTS Dialog Control. This function adjusts the dialog levels during playback of the DTS:X stream. It allows you to separately increase the dialog levels in contrast with the background sound and hear dialog easily even under noisy circumstances.

AUDIO DECODING	Onkyo TX-NR686	Sony STR-DH770
Dolby Atmos
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
Dolby Atmos Music
Dolby TrueHD
Dolby Digital Plus
Dolby Surround Upmixer
Dolby Pro Logic		PLIIx
Dolby Digital EX
DTS:X
DTS Neural:X
DTS Virtual:X
DTS Neo		Neo:6
DTS-HD Master Audio
DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
DTS 96/24
DTS Express
DTS-ES		Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1
IMAX Enhanced
Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer

Onkyo TX-NR686 comes with 7 HDMI inputs. It has 2 outputs which work parallelly and output the same signal.

Sony STR-DH770 comes with 4 HDMI inputs. It has 1 output.

• 4K/60Hz Passthrough: On both receivers all inputs pass up to 4K/60p (RGB/YCbCr4:4:4) video signal.
• Analog To HDMI Upconversion: Onkyo TX-NR686 supports analog to HDMI Upconversion, so you can input your analog video sources and output them digitally via HDMI. This means that you will need only one HDMI cable to connect to your TV.
• BT.2020 Color Space: BT.2020 or Rec. 2020 is a color standard which delivers a wider color gamut compared to Rec. 709. It covers approximately 75% of the total visual spectrum while the Rec. 709 covers only 35% (available on both models).
• HDCP 2.2 Copy Protection: Both receivers are HDCP 2.2 compliant which is a requirement for 4K/HDR copy-protected content transmission.
• 3D Ready: Both receivers are able to pass 3D video through HDMI.

HDR (High Dynamic Range)

Onkyo TX-NR686 supports HDR10, Dolby Vision and Hybrid Log-Gamma.

Sony STR-DH770 supports HDR10 High dynamic range video has greater dynamic range than standard dynamic range (SDR) video with brighter whites and deeper blacks. The result is greater contrast and more details in dark and bright areas, better color and depth.

VIDEO FEATURES	Onkyo TX-NR686	Sony STR-DH770
HDR10
HDR10+
Dynamic HDR
BT.2020 color space
Dolby Vision
HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
HDBaseT Compatible
Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
HDCP Version	2.2	2.2
QMS (Quick Media Switching)
ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
QFT (Quick Frame transport)
3-D Ready
Video Signal Passthrough	up to 4K/60p (RGB/YCbCr4:4:4)	up to 4K/60p (YCbCr4:4:4)
Video Signal Upscaling

TERMINALS	Onkyo TX-NR686	Sony STR-DH770
HDMI Inputs	7 (1 front)	4
HDMI Outputs	2 (simultaneous)	1
8K Inputs
USB Input	1 (Rear)	1 (Front)
USB DC Out Port
Optical Inputs	2	1
Optical Outputs
Coaxial Inputs	1	1
RCA Line Inputs	7 (1 Front)	4
RCA Line Outputs
XLR Line Inputs
Phono Input
Multi-Channel Input
RCA Pre-Outs	0.2	0.2
XLR Pre-outs
Composite Video Inputs	2	2
Composite Video Outputs		1
S-Video Inputs
S-Video Outputs
Component Video Inputs	2
Component Video Outputs

GENERAL	Onkyo TX-NR686	Sony STR-DH770
Brand	Onkyo	Sony
Model	TX-NR686	STR-DH770
Type	A/V Receiver	A/V Receiver
Country	Europe	USA, Canada and Taiwan
Release Year	2018	2016
Predecessor	Onkyo TX-NR676E
Successor	Onkyo TX-NR696	Sony STR-DH790

AMPLIFIER	Onkyo TX-NR686	Sony STR-DH770
Channels	7.2	7.2
Power Output	100 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)	90 W (6 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
Front Wide Channel Support
Amplifier Design	Linear Class A/B
Dynamic Audio Amplification
Non-Phase Shift Amplifier
VLSC (Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry)	Front L/R channels
Optimum Gain Volume Circuitry
THX™ Certification	Select™ (previously known as Select2)
Continuous 6 Ω Rated
Certified 4 Ω Performance
Discrete Output Stage Circuitry
Independent Block Construction (Amp/Preprocessor)
Bi-amp Capability
BTL (Bridged Transless or Bridging)

AUDIO FEATURES	Onkyo TX-NR686	Sony STR-DH770
Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Engine	32-bit Digital Signal Processing Engines
DAC	AKM AK4458
DAC Specs	384 kHz/32 Bit
Maximum Channel Processing	7.1	7.1
Air Studios Monitor Certification
Dolby Atmos
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
Dolby Atmos Music
Dolby TrueHD
Dolby Digital Plus
Dolby Surround Upmixer
Dolby Pro Logic		PLIIx
Dolby Digital EX
THX Listening Modes
Surround EX
DTS:X
DTS Neural:X
DTS Virtual:X
DTS Neo		Neo:6
DTS-HD Master Audio
DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
DTS 96/24
DTS Express
DTS-ES		Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1
IMAX Enhanced
Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
360 Reality Audio
PCM	2-ch/Multi-ch Input	2-ch/Multi-ch Input
Network Audio Formats	FLAC, WAV, Apple Lossless, WMA, MP3, DSD, AIFF, MPEG-4 AAC, LPCM
Music Playback via USB	FLAC, WAV, Apple Lossless, WMA, MP3, DSD, AIFF, AAC, Dolby TrueHD	MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV
High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network	up to 192 kHz
High Resolution Audio Formats via USB	FLAC, WAV, Apple Lossless, DSD, AIFF, AAC, Dolby TrueHD
Gapless Playback
DSD via HDMI	2-ch/Multi-ch Input	2-ch/Multi-ch Input
DSD via USB	2-ch Input
DSD to PCM Converter
USB DAC
Jitter Reduction	PLL (Phase Locked Loop) Jitter-Cleaning Circuit Technology for S/PDIF Audio
DTS Dialogue Control
Dialog Enhancement
Dialog normalization
Dialogue Lift
Digital Legato Linear
In-Ceiling Speaker Mode
OP Processing
Sound Optimizer
Tone Control	Front L/R Channels	All Channels
Compressed Music Enhancer	Advanced Music Optimizer (bluetooth included)
High-resolution Music Enhancer
THX Processing Mode
Audyssey Dynamic EQ
Audyssey Dynamic Volume
Audyssey LFC
Audyssey Sub EQ HT
Audyssey DSX
Phase-Matching Bass Boost
Direct Mode
Pure Audio Mode
Pure Direct Analog Path Mode
Pure Direct Mode
Virtual Speakers	T-D (Theater-Dimensional)

CALIBRATION	Onkyo TX-NR686	Sony STR-DH770
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.	AccuEQ with AccuReflex™	D.C.A.C.
Calibration Microphone		Mono
Speaker Relocation
Automatic Phase Matching

VIDEO FEATURES	Onkyo TX-NR686	Sony STR-DH770
HDR10
HDR10+
Dynamic HDR
BT.2020 color space
Dolby Vision
HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
HDBaseT Compatible
Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
HDCP Version	2.2	2.2
QMS (Quick Media Switching)
ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
QFT (Quick Frame transport)
3-D Ready
Video Signal Passthrough	up to 4K/60p (RGB/YCbCr4:4:4)	up to 4K/60p (YCbCr4:4:4)
Video Signal Upscaling
Analog To HDMI Upconversion	Component**, Composite
Component Video Upscaling
Analog to Analog Video conversion
Component Video Maximum Resolution	480i/576i
isf Certified Calibration Control

CONNECTIVITY	Onkyo TX-NR686	Sony STR-DH770
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth	SBC, AAC	SBC, AAC
Works with Amazon Alexa
Chromecast Built-In
Works with SonoS	requires firmware update & Sonos Connect
DTS Play-Fi
MHL Input
DLNA 1.5
Music Connect
Remote Monitoring with ihiji
AirPlay	AirPlay 2 after firmware update
Apple Product Connection	iPod, iPhone and iPad	iPod, iPhone
Remote App	Onkyo Remote App for iPod touch/iPhone and Android-Powered Devices
InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue

TERMINALS	Onkyo TX-NR686	Sony STR-DH770
HDMI Inputs	7 (1 front)	4
HDMI Outputs	2 (simultaneous)	1
8K Inputs
USB Input	1 (Rear)	1 (Front)
USB DC Out Port
Optical Inputs	2	1
Optical Outputs
Coaxial Inputs	1	1
RCA Line Inputs	7 (1 Front)	4
RCA Line Outputs
XLR Line Inputs
Phono Input
Multi-Channel Input
RCA Pre-Outs	0.2	0.2
XLR Pre-outs
Composite Video Inputs	2	2
Composite Video Outputs		1
S-Video Inputs
S-Video Outputs
Component Video Inputs	2
Component Video Outputs
Ethernet
Ethernet Switch
PC In
Front A/V Inputs	HDMI, Mini-Jack	USB
Speaker A/B
Headphone Out	6.3 mm (1/4")	6.3 mm (1/4")
Detachable Power Cord
uport

ZONES	Onkyo TX-NR686	Sony STR-DH770
Number of Zones	2	1
Powered Zones	2
Zone 2 Outs	RCA Line Out
Whole House Mode
RS-232C Interface
+12V Trigger Output	0	0
Remote (IR) Input/Output	0 / 0	0 / 0

MISCELLANEOUS	Onkyo TX-NR686	Sony STR-DH770
On-Screen Display	Graphical Overlaid On-Screen Display (OSD) via HDMI with Quick Set-Up	Graphical User Interface (Only through HDMI)
GUI Languages	9	4
ONKYO-RI System Control
RIHD (Remote Interactive Over HDMI)
Smart Grid-Ready

RADIO	Onkyo TX-NR686	Sony STR-DH770
Analog Tuner	FM/AM with RDS	FM with RDS
Presets	40	30 (30/-)
Digital Radio
Internet Radio	TuneIn
Pandora
Spotify
Tidal
Deezer
Napster
SiriusXM

CONSTRUCTION	Onkyo TX-NR686	Sony STR-DH770
Solid Aluminum Front
Speaker Terminals	9	7
Large Speaker Terminals	9	7
Color-Coded Speaker Terminals
Transparent High-Grade Speaker Terminals
Gold plated RCA terminals

POWER	Onkyo TX-NR686	Sony STR-DH770
Power Supply	AC 220-240 V, 50/60 Hz	AC 120 V, 60 Hz
Independent Power Supply
H.C.P.S. (High Current Power Supply)	Customized Transformer
Toroidal Transformer
Power Consumption	570 W	240 W
No Sound Power	60 W
Standby Power	0.15 W	0.3 W
ECO Mode / Hybrid Standby Function

PHYSICAL	Onkyo TX-NR686	Sony STR-DH770
Dimensions (W x H x D)	435 mm x 173.5 mm x 379.5 mm 17-1/8" x 6-13/16" x 14-15/16"	430 mm x 156 mm x 329.4 mm 17" x 6-1/4" x 13"
Weight	10.0 kg (22.0 lbs)	7.8 kg (17 lbs. 4 oz.)

SPECIFICATIONS	Onkyo TX-NR686	Sony STR-DH770
Power Output (6 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)		90 W (0.09% THD)
Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)		105 W (1% THD)
Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, FTC)		145 W (0.9% THD)
Rated Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, IEC)	160 W (1% THD)
Dynamic Power per Channel (3 Ω, Front)	240 W
Dynamic Power per Channel (4 Ω, Front)	210 W
Dynamic Power per Channel (8 Ω, Front)	120 W
THD	0.08% (20 Hz - 20 kHz, Half power)
Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line)	200 mV/47 kΩ (1 kHz, 100 W/8 Ω)	500 mV/50 kΩ
Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Phono MM)	3.5 mV/47 kΩ
Rated Preout Level and Impedance		2 V/1 kΩ (Subwoofer)
Rated Headphone Power Output	80 mW (32 Ω, 1 kHz, 10% THD)
Phono Overload	70 mV (MM, 1 kHz 0.5%)
S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)	106 dB	105 dB (500 mV)
S/N Ratio (Phono MM, IHF-A)	80 dB
S/N Ratio (digital)		100 dB (20 kHz LPF)
Frequency Response (Analog In)	10 Hz - 100 kHz/+1 dB, -3 dB (Direct)	10 Hz - 100 kHz/+0.5 dB, -2 dB
DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI	2.8 MHz	2.8 MHz
DSD Sampling Rates via USB	2.8 MHz, 5.6 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 (Composite)
Ethernet Standard	10BASE-T/100BASE-TX
Wi-Fi Standard	IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n
Wi-Fi Terminal Frequency	5 GHz, 2.4 GHz
Bluetooth Version	4․1 + LE	4․2
Bluetooth Frequency	2.4 GHz	2.4 GHz
USB Terminal	Ver. 2.0, 5 V, 1 A	Type A, Ver. 2.0, 5 V, 1 A
FM Frequency	87.5 MHz - 108.0 MHz	87.5 MHz - 108.0 MHz
FM 50 dB Quiet Sensitivity (IHF, 1 kHz, 100% MOD.)	Mono: 1.56 µV (15.0 dBf)
AM Frequency	522/530 kHz - 1611/1710 kHz
Warranty	2 Years	2 Years

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