1-on-1 Comparison

Side-by-Side Comparison

Onkyo TX-NR616 (European and Australian versions)

SCORE:
75

Highlights

  • 7.2 channels
  • 7.1 channel processing
  • 100 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
  • THX Select™2 Plus certified
  • 4K Upscaling, 1080p Passthrough
  • DLNA
  • Ethernet, Wi-Fi
  • USB input

Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

Content

Overview

Onkyo TX-NR616 was introduced in 2012. 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 passes 1080/60p and upscales up to 4K/30p (Marvell Qdeo) video signal.

We evaluated the a/v receiver and gave 75 overall score out of 100. Our ranking system is based on the amplifier specifications, audio and video features, connectivity, multizone capabilities, radio and many other details.

AMPLIFIER
89
VIDEO FEATURES
58
AUDIO FEATURES
71
CONNECTIVITY
76
MULTIZONE
83
MISCELLANEOUS
64
RADIO
88
OVERALL
75

Pros and Cons

In this section we present pros and cons of Onkyo TX-NR616.

PROS
  THX™ Certification
  DSD via HDMI
  Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.
  New HDCP Version
  4K or 8K Signal Upscaling
  Analog To HDMI Upconversion
  Ethernet
  Wi-Fi
  Many HDMI Inputs
  USB Input
  Many RCA Line Inputs
  Composite Video Inputs
  Component Video Inputs
  Zones
  Analog Tuner
  Pandora
  Spotify
CONS
  No Front Wide Channel Support
  No Dolby Atmos
  No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
  No DTS:X
  No IMAX Enhanced
  No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
  No eARC
  No HDR10
  No HDR10+
  No Dolby Vision
  No 4K or 8K Video Passthrough
  No Chromecast Built-In
  Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
  No Bluetooth
  Few 8K Inputs
  Few Optical Inputs
  No RCA Pre-Outs
  No Tidal

Predecessor

Here we are comparing Onkyo TX-NR616 to its predecessor TX-NR609 and displaying the major changes.

UPGRADES Onkyo TX-NR616 vs Onkyo TX-NR609
Certified 4 Ω Performance vs
Bi-amp capability vs
Higher Resolution Music Playback via USB up to 192 kHz vs up to 96 kHz
Dialog Normalization vs
Pure Audio Mode vs
MHL Input Front HDMI vs
InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue vs
More HDMI Inputs 8 (1 front) vs 6 (1 front)
More HDMI Outputs 2 (simultaneous) vs 1
USB Input 1 Front (for iPod/iPhone) and 1 Rear vs 1 Front
More Zones 3 vs 2
Whole House Mode vs
Analog Tuner FM/AM with RDS vs FM/AM
Bigger Power Supply 620 W vs 610 W

DOWNGRADES Onkyo TX-NR616 vs Onkyo TX-NR609
THX Processing Mode vs
Less RCA Line Outputs vs 1
Less Composite Video Outputs 1 vs 2
Less Component Video Inputs 1 vs 2
PC In vs
Detachable Power Cord vs
uport vs
Digital Radio vs DAB/DAB+ Radio via optional UP-DT1 Tuner (sold separately)
Napster vs

For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Onkyo TX-NR616 vs Onkyo TX-NR609.

Audio Section

7 channel Amplifier

Onkyo TX-NR616 features 7 channel power amplifier. It is rated at 100 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) and is able to drive 4 ohm speakers.

  • WRAT (Wide Range Amp Technology): Onkyo TX-NR616 features 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 features 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 Select™2 Plus certified

Onkyo TX-NR616 is THX Select™2 Plus certified. This means that it is ideally suited for a room where the screen-to-seat viewing distance is approximately 3 to 4 meters, and the room size is approximately 56 cubic meters.

  • THX™ Certification: THX™ Certification 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 THX Loudness Plus, Boundary Gain Compensation, Timbre Matching and RE-EQ.
  • Power Output: Power output is tested to ensure the receiver accurately plays source material at THX Reference Level in every input and mode and at every sampling rate for all possible playback combinations selected by the listener.
  • Frequency Response: THX has strict requirements for frequency response to ensure that you hear all the details in high-resolution tracks, ensures dialog in movies, and vocals in music are clear while maintaining deep, impactful bass output that doesn’t overpower the listening experience.
  • Signal-to-Noise Ratio: THX tests the signal-to-noise ratio to ensure the unit is designed to have low noise performance with very little to no audible hiss from the speakers.
  • Bass Management: THX requires an 80Hz crossover point in the setup menu to ensure proper bass management in every THX Certified AVR. This setting confirms that the subwoofer handles low frequencies, freeing up the loudspeakers to handle mids and highs.
  • THX Loudness Plus™: THX Loudness Plus™ is a volume control technology featured in THX Certified Dominus, THX Certified Ultra and THX Certified Select AV Receivers, and preamplifiers that automatically adjusts the front-to-back speaker level relationship as you turn the volume down. With THX Loudness Plus, home theater audiences can now experience the rich details of surround sound at any volume level.
  • Boundary Gain Compensation: Sitting near a wall may result in increased acoustic levels at the lower frequencies. BGC corrects the way low frequency sound is perceived when seated near a wall. This results in a more accurate bass response.
  • Timbre Matching: Your ears hear different tonal qualities in sounds coming from different directions. Timbre Matching restores the frequency balance between your front and surround speakers ensuring seamless and smooth panning between the front to back of the room.
  • RE-EQ: Many movie soundtracks are mixed in studios for playback in large cinema auditoriums with an array of speakers. When played on home systems, they may appear abrasive and edgy. Re-EQ establishes a more accurate tonal balance when enjoying movies in your home.

Speaker Configurations

Onkyo TX-NR616's 7 channel amplifier can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

  • Configurations: Available configurations are:
  • 5.2, 7.2 with internal amplifier.
  • 2-ch Bi-Amp: Onkyo TX-NR616 allows you 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.

Audyssey DSX

Audyssey DSX allows you to augment a standard five-channel home theater with either two Front Wide or two Front High speakers. The Wide channels create an expansive soundstage and bring out convincing directional effects. Alternatively, Height channels can add a vertical dimension to movie and game soundtracks.



Sound Processing

  • Audyssey: Onkyo TX-NR616 comes with Audyssey Dynamic EQ and Dynamic Volume.
  • Dynamic EQ: selects the best possible frequency response and surround volume levels moment-by-moment. This ensures that the bass response, tonal balance and surround impression remain constant despite changes in volume. This is the first technology that carefully combines information from incoming source levels with actual output sound levels in the room, a pre-requisite for delivering a dynamic volume solution.
  • Dynamic Volume: Your Listening experience can be greatly diminished when there are significant shifts in volume between television programs, commercials and within the program material itself. When this happens you must constantly adjust the volume to maintain your desired listening level. Audyssey Dynamic Volume monitors the volume of program material moment-by-moment and automatically adjusts it, maintaining the desired listening level for all content while optimizing the dynamic range to preserve impact.
  • Advanced Music Optimizer: Compressed music enhancement in Onkyo TX-NR616 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.

Room Calibration

Onkyo TX-NR616 comes with Audyssey 2EQ room correction system and includes the calibration microphone.

  • Audyssey Room Calibration: Audyssey is an acoustic measurement technology which automatically restores the acoustic distortion caused by the acoustic behaviour of a room with only a push on a button. Audyssey equalization provides an clear, accurate, natural sound with voices and dialog that become focused and intelligible, restoring the musical balance. Musical instruments and sound effects become precisely localized and the surround soundstage is made seamless and enveloping.

Video Section

HDMI

Onkyo TX-NR616 features 8 HDMI inputs. It has 2 outputs which work parallelly and output the same signal.

  • 1080/60p Passthrough: All inputs pass up to 1080p video signal.
  • 4K Upscaling: Onkyo TX-NR616 can upscale up to 4K/30p (Marvell Qdeo) from HDMI and analog sources.
  • Analog To HDMI Upconversion: The a/v receiver supports video upconversion, so you can connect your analog Component and Composite video sources and Onkyo TX-NR616 will output them via HDMI. This means that you will need only one HDMI cable to connect to your TV.
  • HDCP 2.2 Copy Protection: All inputs and outputs are HDCP 2.2 compliant which is a requirement for 4K/HDR copy-protected content transmission.
  • 3D Ready: Onkyo TX-NR616 is able to pass 3D video through HDMI.

Multi-zone Playback

Onkyo TX-NR616 offers multi-zone playback which allows you to play different input sources in 3 different rooms.


Zone 2

  • Powered Zone 2: You can use the unit's 2 amplifier channels by connecting Zone 2 speakers directly to the speaker terminals. The remaining 5 channels will be left for main zone amplification.
  • Audio Line Output: If you have a dedicated integrated amplifier for Zone 2 you can connect it to the a/v receiver via line outs by sending fixed signal and then control volume on the Zone 2 amplifier.

Zone 3

  • Audio Line Output: If you have a dedicated integrated amplifier for Zone 3 you can connect it to the a/v receiver via line outs by sending fixed signal and then control volume on the Zone 2 amplifier.

Inputs and Outputs

Audio

  • Analog Line Inputs: There are 6 line inputs for analog audio connection.
  • Digital Inputs and Outputs: 0 optical input, 2 optical outputs and 2 coaxial inputs are available for digital audio connection.
  • Headphone Output: There is a 6.3 mm (1/4") headphone output jack on the front panel.

Video

  • HDMI:
  • Inputs: 8 (1 front)   Outputs: 2 (simultaneous)
    8K Inputs: 0
  • Composite Video: Connect you VCR, Laserdisc player and other old video equipment with composite video cables.
  • Inputs: 5   Outputs: 1
  • Component Video: Component video connection gives you the higher quality video compared to the composite video connection. So in case your old DVD player and other equipment do not have an HDMI output but have Component video output use this connection over the composite one. Onkyo TX-NR616 supports up to 1080p resolution on Component video connectors.
  • Inputs: 1   Outputs: 1
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Specifications

Here we list all the available features and specifications of Onkyo TX-NR616.

BASICS
BrandOnkyo
ModelTX-NR616
TypeA/V Receiver
CountryEurope and Australia
Release Year2012
AMPLIFIER
Channels7.2
Front Wide Channel Support
WRAT (Wide Range Amplifier Technology)
VLSC (Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry)
Optimum Gain Volume Circuitry
THX™ Certification 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
Digital Processing Crossover Network
Digital Signal Processing (DSP) EngineAdvanced 32-Bit Processing DSP Chip
DACBurr-Brown
DAC Specs192 kHz/24 Bit
Maximum Channel Processing7.1
Air Studios Monitor Certification
Dolby Atmos
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
Dolby Atmos Music
Dolby TrueHD
Dolby Digital Plus
Dolby Surround Upmixer
Dolby Pro Logic PLIIz
Dolby Digital EX
Surround EX also known as Dolby Digital 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
PCM 2-ch/Multi-ch Input
Music Playback via USBFLAC, WAV, WMA, WMA Lossless, Ogg, MP3, LPCM, AAC
High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network up to 192 kHz
High Resolution Audio Formats via USBFLAC, WAV, WMA Lossless, LPCM, AAC
Gapless Playback
DSD via HDMI 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
DTS Dialog Control
Dialog Enhancement
Dialog Level Adjustment
Dialog Normalization
Dialogue Lift
Tone Control Front L/R Channels
Compressed Music Enhancer 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
Phase-Matching Bass Boost
Direct Mode
Pure Audio Mode
Pure Direct Analog Path Mode
Virtual Speakers T-D (Theater-Dimensional)
Independent Subwoofer Outputs
CALIBRATION
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. Audyssey 2EQ
Audyssey App Support
VIDEO
Enhanced ARC
HDCP Version2.2
HDR10
HDR10+
Dynamic HDR
Dolby Vision
HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
BT.2020 color space
QMS (Quick Media Switching)
ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
QFT (Quick Frame transport)
3-D Ready
Video Signal Passthroughup to 1080p
Video Signal Upscaling up to 4K/30p (Marvell Qdeo)
Analog To HDMI Upconversion Component**, Composite
Component Video Upscaling
Analog to Analog Video conversion
Component Video Maximum Resolution1080p
isf Certified Calibration Control
CONNECTIVITY
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
Remote App iPod touch/iPhone and Android-Powered Devices
InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue
Ethernet
Ethernet Switch
Wi-Fi via Front USB (optional UWF-1 sold separately)
Bluetooth
HDBaseT Compatible
HDMI Inputs8 (1 front)
HDMI Outputs2 (simultaneous)
8K Inputs
USB Input1 Front (for iPod/iPhone) and 1 Rear
USB DC Out Port
RCA Line Input6
RCA Line Output
XLR Line Inputs
Phono Input
Optical Inputs2
Optical Outputs
Coaxial Inputs2
Composite Video Input5 (1 front)
Composite Video Output1
S-Video Input
S-Video Output
Component Video Input1
Component Video Output1
PC In
Multi-Channel Input
RCA Pre-Outs0.2
XLR Pre-outs
Front A/V InputsHDMI/MHL, USB, Composite Video
Speaker A/B
Headphone Out6.3 mm (1/4")
ZONES
Zones3
Powered Zones 2
Zone 2 OutsRCA Line Out
Zone 3 OutsRCA Line Out
Whole House Mode
RS-232C Interface
+12V Trigger Output
Remote (IR) Input/Output
MISC
On-Screen Display Advanced "Home" GUI
Detachable Power Cord
uport
ONKYO-RI System Control
RIHD (Remote Interactive Over HDMI)
Pre-Pro/Learning Remote /
On Screen Remote Programming
Bi-directional Remote Setup via GUI
Activity Based Remote
Smart Grid-Ready
RADIO
Analog Tuner FM/AM with RDS
Presets40
Digital Radio
Internet Radio vTuner
Pandora
Spotify
Tidal
Deezer
Napster
SiriusXM Internet Radio
CONSTRUCTION
Solid Aluminum Front
Speaker Terminals9
Large Speaker Terminals7
Color-Coded Speaker Terminals
Transparent High-Grade Speaker Terminals
18mm Pitch High Grade Pre-outs
19mm-Pitch Audio Inputs
Gold plated RCA terminals
POWER
Power SupplyAC 230 V, 50 Hz
Independent Power Supply
H.C.P.S. (High Current Power Supply) Massive High Power Transformer
Toroidal Transformer
Power Consumption620 W
No Sound Power80 W
Standby Power0.2 W
GENERAL
ECO Mode / Hybrid Standby Function
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"
Weight11.0 kg (24.3 lbs)
Warranty2 Years
SPECS
Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2100 W (0.08% THD)
Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2125 W (0.1% THD)
Maximum Effective Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA)175 W
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
THD0.08% (20 Hz - 20 kHz, Half power)
Damping Factor60 (Front, 1 kHz, 8 Ω)
Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line)200 mV/47 kΩ (Line)
Rated Lineout Level and Impedance200 mV/2.2 kΩ
Maximum Lineout Level and Impedance2 V/2.2 kΩ
S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)106 dB
Frequency Response (Analog In)5 Hz - 100 kHz/+1 dB, -3 dB (DSP bypass)
DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI2.8 MHz
Video Input Sensitivity/Output Level and Impedance1 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 Response5 Hz - 100 MHz/+0 dB, -3 dB (Component)
Ethernet Standard100BASE-TX
FM Frequency87.5 MHz - 108.0 MHz
AM Frequency522/530 kHz - 1611/1710 kHz

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

Successor

In 2013 Onkyo TX-NR616 was replaced by TX-NR626. Let us now have a look at some important changes that the successor brought.


UPGRADES Onkyo TX-NR626 vs Onkyo TX-NR616
Music Playback via USB FLAC, WAV, Apple Lossless, WMA, WMA Lossless, Ogg, MP3, DSD, AAC, LPCM, Dolby TruHD vs FLAC, WAV, WMA, WMA Lossless, Ogg, MP3, LPCM, AAC
High Resolution Audio Formats via USB FLAC, WAV, WMA Lossless, Apple Lossless, DSD, AAC, LPCM vs FLAC, WAV, WMA Lossless, LPCM, AAC
DSD via USB 2-ch Input vs
Phase-Matching Bass Boost vs
More Advanced Auto Speaker Calibration System Audyssey MultEQ vs Audyssey 2EQ
Video Signal Passthrough up to 4K/30p vs up to 1080p
AirPlay AirPlay via optional Onkyo RI Dock DS-A5 (sold separately) vs
Wi-Fi vs via Front USB (optional UWF-1 sold separately)
Bluetooth vs
More Optical Inputs 1 vs 2
Smart Grid-Ready vs
More Large Speaker Terminals 9 vs 7
Independent Power Supply 2 vs

DOWNGRADES Onkyo TX-NR626 vs Onkyo TX-NR616
THX™ Certification vs Select™2 Plus
Surround EX vs also known as Dolby Digital Surround EX
Dialog Normalization vs
Audyssey DSX vs Height Only
MHL Input vs Front HDMI
Less HDMI Inputs 6 vs 8 (1 front)
USB Input 1 (Front) vs 1 Front (for iPod/iPhone) and 1 Rear
Less Optical Outputs vs
Front A/V Inputs USB, Composite Video, RCA Audio vs HDMI/MHL, USB, Composite Video
Less Zones 2 vs 3
Whole House Mode vs
Smaller Power Supply 600 W vs 620 W
Lower Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC) 95 W (0.08% THD) vs 100 W (0.08% THD)
Lower Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC) 115 W (0.7% THD) vs 125 W (0.1% THD)

For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Onkyo TX-NR616 vs Onkyo TX-NR626.

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