Onkyo TX-NR636

    81
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    Highlights

    • 7.2 Channels
    • 7.1 Channel Processing
    • 95 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
    • Dolby Atmos
    • 4K/60Hz Passthrough, 4K/30Hz Upscaling
    • Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet
    • Phono Input
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    Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

    Overview

    Onkyo TX-NR636 was introduced in 2014. It is equipped with 7 channel amplifier with 95 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz and 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 7.1 maximum channel processing. It supports Dolby Atmos, passes 4K/60Hz and upscales up to 4K/30p (Marvell Qdeo) video signal.

    We evaluated the a/v receiver and gave 81 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.

    Table of Contents
    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. 2014 Lineup
    4. Predecessor
    5. Successor
    6. Audio Section
    7. Video Section
    8. Multi-zone Playback
    9. Inputs and Outputs
    10. Evaluation
    11. Specifications  

    Here is a history of the series, where you can view and compare the main specifications of the receivers.

    Evolution of the series
    Model Year Chann. Power Dolby Atmos DTS:X HDR10 HDR10+ Dolby Vision Pass. Price
    TX-NR696 Image cannot be found
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    		2019 7.2 100 W 4K
    TX-NR686 Image cannot be found
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    		2018 7.2 100 W 4K
    TX-NR676E Image cannot be found
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    		2017 7.2 100 W 4K
    TX-NR656 Image cannot be found
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    		2016 7.2 100 W 4K
    TX-NR646 Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		2015 7.2 100 W 4K
    TX-NR636 Image cannot be found 2014 7.2 95 W 4K
    TX-NR626 Image cannot be found
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    		2013 7.2 95 W 4K
    TX-NR616 Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		2012 7.2 100 W 1080p
    TX-NR609 Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		2011 7.2 100 W 1080p

    You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Onkyo TX-NR696 vs TX-NR686 vs TX-NR676E vs TX-NR656 vs TX-NR646 vs TX-NR636.

    Pros and Cons

    In this section we present pros and cons of Onkyo TX-NR636.

    PROs

    •   Dolby Atmos
    •   DSD via HDMI
    •   Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.
    •   New HDCP Version
    •   Analog To HDMI Upconversion
    •   Wi-Fi
    •   Bluetooth
    •   7 HDMI Inputs
    •   USB Input
    •   Many RCA Line Inputs
    •   Phono Input
    •   Composite Video Inputs
    •   Component Video Inputs
    •   Ethernet
    •   Analog Tuner
    •   Pandora
    •   Spotify
    •   Independent Power Supply

    CONs

    •   No Front Wide Channel Support
    •   No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
    •   No DTS:X
    •   No IMAX Enhanced
    •   No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
    •   No HDR10
    •   No HDR10+
    •   No Dolby Vision
    •   No eARC
    •   No 8K Passthrough
    •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
    •   0 8K Input
    •   No RCA Pre-Outs
    •   No Digital Radio
    •   No Tidal
    •   Bluetooth 2․1 + EDR

    And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

    AVERAGE

    •   7.2 Channels
    •   Power Output - 95 W
    •   7.1 Channel Processing
    •   2 HDMI Outputs
    •   2 Zones

    Onkyo 2014 Lineup

    In 2014 Onkyo released 7 new receivers. Here is the lineup:

    Onkyo 2014 Lineup
    ModelChannelsPowerMax. Ch. Proc.Pre OutsRoom Corr.Immersive AudioZones Price
    TX-NR3030 Image cannot be found
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    		11.2135 W11.111.4 AccuEQDolby Atmos3
    TX-NR1030 Image cannot be found
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    		9.2135 W11.111.4 AccuEQDolby Atmos3
    TX-NR838 Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		7.2130 W7.17.2 AccuEQDolby Atmos3
    TX-NR737 Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		7.2110 W7.1 AccuEQDolby Atmos3
    TX-NR636 Image cannot be found 7.295 W7.1 AccuEQDolby Atmos2
    TX-NR535 Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		5.265 W5.1 AccuEQ2
    TX-SR333 Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		5.165 W5.12

    You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Onkyo TX-NR3030 vs TX-NR1030 vs TX-NR838 vs TX-NR737 vs TX-NR636 vs TX-NR535.

    Predecessor

    Here we are comparing Onkyo TX-NR636 to its predecessor TX-NR626 and displaying the major changes.

    UPGRADES Onkyo TX-NR636 vs Onkyo TX-NR626
    Dolby Atmos vs
    Dolby Surround Upmixer vs
    Surround EX also known as Dolby Digital Surround EX vs
    Gapless Playback vs
    Video Signal Passthrough up to 4K/60p (YCbCr 4:2:0) vs up to 4K/30p
    MHL Input Front HDMI vs
    More HDMI Inputs 7 (1 front) vs 6
    Front A/V Inputs HDMI/MHL, USB vs USB, Composite Video, RCA Audio
    Bigger Power Supply 630 W vs 600 W
    Higher DSD Sampling Rate via HDMI 2.8 MHz, 5.6 MHz vs 2.8 MHz
    DOWNGRADES Onkyo TX-NR636 vs Onkyo TX-NR626
    Dolby Pro Logic vs PLIIz
    High Resolution Music Playback via USB up to 96 kHz vs up to 192 kHz
    High Resolution Audio Formats via USB FLAC, WAV, WMA Lossless, Apple Lossless, DSD, AAC vs FLAC, WAV, WMA Lossless, Apple Lossless, DSD, AAC, LPCM
    Audyssey Dynamic EQ vs
    Audyssey Dynamic Volume vs
    Less Composite Video Inputs 3 vs 5 (1 front)

    For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Onkyo TX-NR636 vs TX-NR626.

    Successor

    In 2015 Onkyo TX-NR636 was replaced by Onkyo TX-NR646. Let us now have a look at some important differences between Onkyo TX-NR636 and its successor.

    UPGRADES Onkyo TX-NR646 vs Onkyo TX-NR636
    Higher Power Output 100 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) vs 95 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
    Higher DAC Specs 384 kHz/32 Bit vs 192 kHz/24 Bit
    DTS:X up to 5.1.2 after firmware update vs
    DTS Dialog Control vs
    Dialog Level Adjustment DTS:X only vs
    More Advanced Auto Speaker Calibration System AccuEQ Advance vs AccuEQ
    HDR10 vs
    AirPlay AirPlay vs AirPlay via optional Onkyo RI Dock DS-A5 (sold separately)
    More HDMI Inputs 8 (1 front) vs 7 (1 front)
    More Optical Inputs 2 vs 1
    More RCA Line Inputs 7 vs 6
    More RCA Line Outputs 1 vs
    More Component Video Inputs 2 vs 1
    Deezer vs
    Higher Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC) 100 W (0.08% THD) vs 95 W (0.08% THD)
    DOWNGRADES Onkyo TX-NR646 vs Onkyo TX-NR636
    3-Stage Inverted Darlington Circuitry vs Front & Center Channels
    Surround EX vs also known as Dolby Digital Surround EX
    Video Signal Upscaling vs up to 4K/30p (Marvell Qdeo)
    Component Video Maximum Resolution 480i/576i vs 1080p
    MHL Input vs Front HDMI
    Less Coaxial Inputs/Outputs 1 vs 2
    Less Composite Video Outputs vs 1
    Less Component Video Outputs vs 1
    Front A/V Inputs HDMI vs HDMI/MHL, USB
    Detachable Power Cord vs
    Color-Coded Speaker Terminals vs
    Lower S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A) 100 dB vs 106 dB

    For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Onkyo TX-NR636 vs TX-NR646.

    Audio Section

    7 channel Amplifier

    Onkyo TX-NR636 features 7 channel power amplifier. It is rated at 95 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-NR636 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.
    AMPLIFIER
    Channels7.2
    Power Output95 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
    Front Wide Channel Support
    WRAT (Wide Range Amplifier Technology)
    VLSC (Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry)
    Optimum Gain Volume Circuitry
    THX™ Certification
    Continuous 6 Ω Rated
    Certified 4 Ω Performance
    Discrete Output Stage Circuitry
    3-Stage Inverted Darlington Circuitry Front & Center Channels
    PUSH-PULL Design
    Independent Block Construction (Amp/Preprocessor)
    Bi-amp Capability
    BTL (Bridged Transless or Bridging)

    Speaker Configurations

    Onkyo TX-NR636's 7 channel amplifier can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

    • Dolby Atmos Configurations: The following speaker configurations are supported for Dolby Atmos:
    • 5.2.2 with internal amplifier.
    • Configurations without height channels: There are also other speaker configurations available which do not include height channels:
    • 5.2, 7.2 with internal amplifier.
    • 2-ch Bi-Amp: Onkyo TX-NR636 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.
    Onkyo TX-NR636
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    Dolby Atmos

    Onkyo TX-NR636 supports Dolby Atmos. It is a cinematic audio format in which sounds exist as individual entities, called audio objects. In Dolby Atmos, any sound can exist as an independent audio object, free of channel restrictions. They can be precisely placed and moved anywhere in your room, including overhead, to flow above and around you in three-dimensional space. Through the use of audio objects, overhead sound, and all the richness, clarity, and power of Dolby sound, Dolby Atmos turns your room into an amazing place for entertainment. The format supports up to 128 simultaneous independent audio objects in a mix for rich, realistic, and breathtaking sound. It recreates the director's original concept through descriptive metadata to provide customized playback for home theater and delivers sounds above you through overhead speakers, special upward-firing Dolby Atmos speakers, or a Dolby Atmos enabled sound bar.

    • 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.
    DECODING
    Dolby Atmos
    Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
    Dolby Atmos Music
    Dolby TrueHD
    Dolby Digital Plus
    Dolby Surround Upmixer
    Dolby Pro Logic
    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

    Sound Processing

    • Advanced Music Optimizer: Compressed music enhancement in Onkyo TX-NR636 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-NR636 comes with AccuEQ room correction system and includes the calibration microphone.

    • AccuEQ: First, AccuEQ detects the presence of speakers and evaluates the impedance of each. Next, it pinpoints their distance relative to the main listening position using the mic and sets suitable sound-pressure levels. Then it selects the optimal crossover frequency so that deeper bass rolls smoothly off to the subwoofer. Finally, AccuEQ performs frequency response equalization based on room-acoustic and speaker data collected via microphone. The sound-field is now tailored around the listening position, resulting in a more immersive and realistic in-film experience.

    Video Section

    HDMI

    Onkyo TX-NR636 features 7 HDMI inputs. It has 2 outputs which work parallelly and output the same signal.

    • 4K/60Hz Passthrough: All inputs pass up to 4K/60p (YCbCr 4:2:0) video signal.
    • 4K Upscaling: Onkyo TX-NR636 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-NR636 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-NR636 is able to pass 3D video through HDMI.
    Onkyo TX-NR636
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    VIDEO FEATURES
    HDR10
    HDR10+
    Dynamic HDR
    BT.2020 color space
    Dolby Vision
    HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
    HDBaseT Compatible
    Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
    HDCP Version2.2
    QMS (Quick Media Switching)
    ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
    VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
    QFT (Quick Frame transport)
    3-D Ready
    Video Signal Passthroughup to 4K/60p (YCbCr 4:2:0)
    Video Signal Upscaling up to 4K/30p (Marvell Qdeo)

    Multi-zone Playback

    Onkyo TX-NR636 offers multi-zone playback which allows you to play different input sources in 2 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.
    ZONES
    Number of Zones2
    Powered Zones 2
    Zone 2 OutsRCA Line Out
    Whole House Mode
    RS-232C Interface
    +12V Trigger Output0
    Remote (IR) Input/Output0 / 0

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    7.2 Channels

    >

    Inputs and Outputs

    Audio

    • Phono Input: There is an MM phono input with built-in phono stage for connecting the moving magnet cartridge output of the turntable directly to the a/v receiver.
    • Analog Line Inputs: There are 6 line inputs for analog audio connection.
    • Digital Inputs: 1 optical input 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: 7 (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: 3   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-NR636 supports up to 1080p resolution on Component video connectors.
    • Inputs: 1   Outputs: 1

    Front A/V Inputs

    • HDMI/MHL, USB
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    TERMINALS
    HDMI Inputs7 (1 front)
    HDMI Outputs2 (simultaneous)
    8K Inputs
    USB Input1 (Front)
    USB DC Out Port
    Optical Inputs1
    Optical Outputs
    Coaxial Inputs2
    RCA Line Inputs6
    RCA Line Outputs
    XLR Line Inputs
    Phono Input
    Multi-Channel Input
    RCA Pre-Outs0.2
    XLR Pre-outs
    Composite Video Inputs3
    Composite Video Outputs1
    S-Video Inputs
    S-Video Outputs
    Component Video Inputs1
    Component Video Outputs1

    Onkyo TX-NR636 Evaluation

    We evaluate Onkyo TX-NR636 and give score of 81 out of 100. We also give separate scores for 6 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new receiver is added to the database.


    OVERALL
    81

    Amplifier

    EXCELLENT
    87

    We give Onkyo TX-NR636 a score of 87 for Amplifier features.

    •   7.2 Channels
    •   Power Output - 95 W
    •   Independent Power Supply

    Audio Features

    GOOD
    81

    We give Onkyo TX-NR636 a score of 81 for Audio Features features.

    •   7.2 Channels
    •   No Front Wide Channel Support
    •   7.1 Channel Processing
    •   Dolby Atmos
    •   No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
    •   No DTS:X
    •   No IMAX Enhanced
    •   No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
    •   DSD via HDMI

    Video Features

    GOOD
    71

    We give Onkyo TX-NR636 a score of 71 for Video Features features.

    •   No HDR10
    •   No HDR10+
    •   No Dolby Vision
    •   No 8K Passthrough
    •   Analog To HDMI Upconversion

    Connectivity

    GOOD
    83

    We give Onkyo TX-NR636 a score of 83 for Connectivity features.

    •   No eARC
    •   New HDCP Version
    •   Wi-Fi
    •   Bluetooth
    •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
    •   7 HDMI Inputs
    •   2 HDMI Outputs
    •   0 8K Input
    •   USB Input
    •   Many RCA Line Inputs
    •   Phono Input
    •   No RCA Pre-Outs
    •   Composite Video Inputs
    •   Component Video Inputs
    •   Ethernet
    •   Bluetooth 2․1 + EDR

    Zones

    GOOD
    77

    We give Onkyo TX-NR636 a score of 77 for Zones features.

    •   2 Zones

    Radio

    EXCELLENT
    88

    We give Onkyo TX-NR636 a score of 88 for Radio features.

    •   Analog Tuner
    •   Pandora
    •   Spotify
    •   No Tidal


    For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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