Onkyo TX-NR686 (North American version)

•   Overview
•   Pros and Cons
•   Predecessor
•   Audio Section
•   Video Section
•   Multi-zone Playback
•   Inputs and Outputs
•   Specifications
•   Successor

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.

We evaluated the a/v receiver and gave 86 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.

In this section we present pros and cons of Onkyo TX-NR686.

Here we are comparing Onkyo TX-NR686 to its predecessor TX-NR676 and displaying the major changes.

UPGRADES	Onkyo TX-NR686	vs	Onkyo TX-NR676
THX™ Certification	Select™ (previously known as Select2)	vs
THX Listening Modes		vs
THX Processing Mode		vs
HLG		vs
Works with SONOS	requires firmware update & Sonos Connect	vs
AirPlay	AirPlay 2 after firmware update	vs	AirPlay

DOWNGRADES	Onkyo TX-NR686	vs	Onkyo TX-NR676
FireConnect		vs
Lower Rated Headphone Power Output	80 mW (32 Ω, 1 kHz, 10% THD)	vs	85 mW (32 Ω, 1 kHz, 10% THD)

For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Onkyo TX-NR686 vs Onkyo TX-NR676.

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.

• 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) certified

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

• 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-NR686'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.
• DTS:X Configurations: The speaker configurations for DTS:X are the same as 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-NR686 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.

Dolby Atmos

Onkyo TX-NR686 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.

DTS:X

Onkyo TX-NR686 supports DTS:X. A technique used in DTS:X is similar to the one used in Dolby Atmos. Instead of a fixed number of channels, DTS:X defines object locations from the listener in polar coordinates. An a/v receiver then dynamically renders sound according to the current speaker configuration. The speaker layout employed by DTS:X is the sum of Dolby Atmos and Auro-3D. It has standard 7.1 channel base layer, a 5 channel height layer above the base layer on the front and side walls, and 3 rows of speakers on the ceiling.

• DTS Neural:X: DTS Neural:X 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: 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.

Sound Processing

• Advanced Music Optimizer: Compressed music enhancement in Onkyo TX-NR686 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-NR686 comes with AccuEQ with AccuReflex™ 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.

HDMI

Onkyo TX-NR686 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 (RGB/YCbCr4:4:4) video signal.
• 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-NR686 will output them 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%.
• 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-NR686 is able to pass 3D video through HDMI.

HDR (High Dynamic Range)

Onkyo TX-NR686 supports HDR (high dynamic range) video formats such as HDR10, Dolby Vision and Hybrid Log-Gamma. 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.

• HDR10: HDR10 uses the wide-gamut Rec. 2020 color space. It sends static metadata via video stream to the TV which calibrates its screen brightness and color according to that. HDR10 supports 10-bit color which corresponds to 1024 shades of the primary RGB colors. It is technically limited to a maximum of 10,000 nits peak brightness, however common HDR10 contents are mastered with peak brightness from 1,000 to 4,000 nits.
• Dolby Vision: Dolby Vision is a set of technologies developed by Dolby Laboratories for high dynamic range (HDR) video. It covers content creation, distribution, and playback. Like HDR10+, it includes dynamic metadata that are used to adjust and optimize each frame of the HDR video to the consumer display's capabilities in a way specified by the content creator. Dolby Vision allows for a maximum resolution of 8K up to 12-bit color depth, maximum peak brightness of 10,000 nits and a color gamut up to Rec. 2020. It uses Dolby's proprietary dynamic metadata defined in SMPTE ST 2094-10.
• Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG): The Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG) is a transfer function developed mainly for HDR live video feed and over-the-air broadcasts. It is an HDR format that uses BT.2020 color primaries and a bitdepth of 10-bit. It is backward compatible with the transfer function of SDR and is designed to be better-suited for television broadcasting, where the metadata required for other HDR formats is not backward compatible with non-HDR displays. HLG defines a non-linear optical-electro transfer function, in which the lower half of the signal values use a gamma curve and the upper half of the signal values use a logarithmic curve.

Onkyo TX-NR686 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.

Audio

• Analog Line Inputs: There are 7 line inputs for analog audio connection.
• Digital Inputs and Outputs: 1 optical input, 2 optical outputs and 1 coaxial input 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: 2   Outputs: 0
• 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-NR686 supports up to 480i/576i resolution on Component video connectors.
Inputs: 2   Outputs: 0

Here we list all the available features and specifications of Onkyo TX-NR686.

BASICS
Brand	Onkyo
Model	TX-NR686
Type	A/V Receiver
Country	North America
Release Year	2018

AMPLIFIER
Channels	7.2
Front Wide Channel Support
Amplifier	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
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
Air Studios Monitor Certification
Dolby Atmos
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
Dolby Atmos Music
Dolby TrueHD
Dolby Digital Plus
Dolby Surround Upmixer
Dolby Pro Logic
Dolby Digital EX
THX Listening Modes
DTS:X
DTS Neural:X
DTS Virtual:X
DTS Neo
DTS-HD Master Audio
DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
DTS 96/24
DTS Express
DTS-ES
IMAX Enhanced
Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
PCM	2-ch/Multi-ch Input
Music Playback via USB	FLAC, WAV, Apple Lossless, WMA, MP3, DSD, AIFF, AAC, Dolby TrueHD
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
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 Dialog Control
Dialog Enhancement
Dialog Normalization
Dialogue Lift
Tone Control	Front L/R 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
Virtual Speakers	T-D (Theater-Dimensional)

CALIBRATION
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.	AccuEQ with AccuReflex™

VIDEO
Enhanced ARC
HDCP Version	2.2
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 Passthrough	up to 4K/60p (RGB/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
MHL Input
FireConnect
FlareConnect
Chromecast Built-In
DTS Play-Fi
Works with Amazon Alexa
Works with SONOS	requires firmware update & Sonos Connect
AirPlay	AirPlay 2 after firmware update
Apple Product Connection	iPod, iPhone and iPad
Remote App	Onkyo Remote App for iPod touch/iPhone and Android-Powered Devices
InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue
Ethernet
Ethernet Switch
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth	SBC, AAC
HDBaseT Compatible
HDMI Inputs	7 (1 front)
HDMI Outputs	2 (simultaneous)
8K Inputs
USB Input	1 (Rear)
USB DC Out Port
RCA Line Input	7 (1 Front)
RCA Line Output
XLR Line Inputs
Phono Input
Optical Inputs	2
Optical Outputs
Coaxial Inputs	1
Composite Video Input	2
Composite Video Output
S-Video Input
S-Video Output
Component Video Input	2
Component Video Output
PC In
Multi-Channel Input
RCA Pre-Outs	0.2
XLR Pre-outs
Front A/V Inputs	HDMI, Mini-Jack
Speaker A/B
Headphone Out	6.3 mm (1/4")

ZONES
Zones	2
Powered Zones	2
Zone 2 Outs	RCA Line Out
Whole House Mode
RS-232C Interface
+12V Trigger Output	0
Remote (IR) Input/Output	0 / 0

MISC
On-Screen Display	Graphical Overlaid On-Screen Display (OSD) via HDMI with Quick Set-Up
GUI Languages	7
Detachable Power Cord
uport
ONKYO-RI System Control
RIHD (Remote Interactive Over HDMI)
Smart Grid-Ready

RADIO
Analog Tuner	FM/AM
Presets	40
Digital Radio
Internet Radio	TuneIn
Pandora
Spotify
Tidal
Deezer
Napster
SiriusXM Internet Radio

CONSTRUCTION
Solid Aluminum Front
Speaker Terminals	9
Large Speaker Terminals	9
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 Supply	AC 120 V, 60 Hz
Independent Power Supply
H.C.P.S. (High Current Power Supply)	Customized Transformer
Toroidal Transformer
Power Consumption	580 W
No Sound Power	60 W
Standby Power	0.15 W

GENERAL
ECO Mode / Hybrid Standby Function
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"
Weight	10.0 kg (22.0 lbs)
Warranty	2 Years

SPECS
Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2	100 W (0.08% THD)
Maximum Effective Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA)	210 W (10% 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)
Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Phono MM)	3.5 mV/47 kΩ
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
S/N Ratio (Phono MM, IHF-A)	80 dB
Frequency Response (Analog In)	10 Hz - 100 kHz/+1 dB, -3 dB (Direct)
DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI	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)
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
Bluetooth Frequency	2.4 GHz
USB Terminal	Ver. 2.0, 5 V, 1 A
FM Frequency	87.5 MHz - 107.9 MHz
FM 50 dB Quiet Sensitivity (IHF, 1 kHz, 100% MOD.)	Mono: 1.56 µV (15.0 dBf)
AM Frequency	530 kHz - 1710 kHz

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

In 2019 Onkyo TX-NR686 was replaced by TX-NR696. Let us now have a look at some important changes that the successor brought.

UPGRADES	Onkyo TX-NR696	vs	Onkyo TX-NR686
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization		vs
DTS Virtual:X	via future firmware update	vs
Newer HDCP Version	2.3	vs	2.2
Video Signal Upscaling	1080p to 4K	vs
More HDMI Outputs	2 (1 Main, 1 Sub/Zone2)	vs	2 (simultaneous)
Zone 2 Outs	HDMI, RCA Line Out (shared with Zone B)	vs	RCA Line Out
Bigger Power Supply	635 W	vs	580 W
Higher DSD Sampling Rate via USB	2.8 MHz, 5.6 MHz, 11.2 MHz	vs	2.8 MHz, 5.6 MHz
Newer Bluetooth Version	4․2	vs	4․1 + LE

DOWNGRADES	Onkyo TX-NR696	vs	Onkyo TX-NR686
Analog To HDMI Upconversion		vs	Component**, Composite
Less RCA Line Inputs	5 (1 Front)	vs	7 (1 Front)
Less Optical Outputs		vs
Less Composite Video Inputs		vs	2
Less Component Video Inputs		vs	2

For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Onkyo TX-NR686 vs Onkyo TX-NR696.