Customers are satisfied with the Onkyo TX-NR696's sound quality, ease of use, and the numerous features it offers. Many appreciate the straightforward setup process and consider it a good value for the price. However, some users have expressed concerns about the remote control's functionality and limitations with the zone 2 feature and the app's user-friendliness. A few also noted the lack of a comprehensive manual.
This summary was generated by AI based on customer reviews.
The vast majority of our reviews come from verified purchases. Reviews from customers may include My Best Buy members, employees, and Tech Insider Network members (as tagged). Select reviewers may receive discounted products, promotional considerations or entries into drawings for honest, helpful reviews.
Page 1 Showing 1-20 of 634 reviews
Pros mentioned:
Ease of use, Hdmi, Sound quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Easy setup and the sound is fantastic
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Posted . Owned for less than 1 week when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Using the setup procedure that comes out of the box I am very happy with this unit. I am already wired so this was as simple as removing my old Denon unit and wiring up the Onkyo. I had to make a couple changes no that I have 4k pass through. I no longer have to connect my Xbox One X directly to the TV. Just one HDMI cable to the television.
I also purchased Klipsch Dolby Atmos speakers for my rear channel to take advantage of the added sound processing.
Using the included microphone to setup the sound was incredibly simple and Onkyo uses a more thorough process than my old Denon. It also has a much clearer on screen menu. I'll starting playing and tweaking settings this weekend.
Do the Firmware update as soon as it is available to get Chromecast working if you use Google Home. Voice activating the controls is awesome. I've tested several streaming services and hooked into my in home streaming server without any issues and the music sounds incredible. I have several FLAC files along with WMA and MP3 and all play perfectly.
I highly recommend this unit.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Hdmi, Sound quality
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
Great sound, KNOWN ISSUE WITH VIZIO TV's
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Posted . Owned for less than 1 week when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I purchased this receiver based on the reviews here as well as a few other websites to replace a 15 year old Denon 3808ci. Overall the sound quality once I got it working on the eARC was crystal clear and very good on my 7.1 surround sound speaker system. The biggest complaint I have or the main issue and reason for why I will be returning it though is the issue with video output to my Vizio television.
I was not aware prior to buying it because I didn't realize this until scouring the internet but it apparently has a known issue with Vizio tvs. For whatever reason it will not operate on the latest HDMI version 2.1 and I have to change the settings on the television to 1.4 to be able to get video from the receiver. After it synchs up incan change back to 2.1 and it works until the TV is powered off. Then all I get is the static snow screen pictured. It is very annoying to have to constantly change the HDMI setting just to be able to use this tv. My wife and kids will never be able to figure that out so I'm not keeping this receiver.
I purchased this to have the latest Dolby Atmos codec as well as the latest DTS codec technology available with my new television but totally defeats the purpose of using this with my Xbox and other systems connected directly to this receiver due to the HDMI issue.
Pro -
*Lightweight compared to my previous Denon receiver (may be a con for some, it was SIGNIFICANTLY lighter than my Denon)
*Great sound for Dolby Atmos movies
*Number of HDMI inputs
Con -
*Won't work with Vizio TV's even after firmware updates on the receiver and validating my Vizio was on the latest firmware
*Makes a loud and annoying click everytime it changes inputs, I can hear it from 7 to 8 feet a way and it was a bit annoying.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Hdmi, Sound quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Musicman
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Posted . Owned for 2 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
The Onkyo receiver was on sale with $100 off the price. Paired it with two new Sony speakers and the sound and ease of use are second to none. Love the setup program and the Bluetooth capability to stream music. Great buy and really good value.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Sound quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Sounds beautiful, Easy setup & TONS of features!
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Posted . Owned for less than 1 week when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
After my Denon died, I did a bunch of research on the best receivers for music. I couldn't be happier with the Onkyo, after a brief try with new Denon. I disagree with many of the reviews that Denon provides a better listening experience.
The Onkyo setup process is fast and easy. In addition to many music listening settings including THX Music, it has a graphic equalizer that can be used for each input. You can adjust it on screen or on the unit itself. Beautiful.
I use Alexa with my Onkyo for streaming music from Spotify. I found a very nice setting that optimizes music and it sounds so much better! Under the Quick Menu, it's "Music Optimization".
Listening to this versus the Denon, this Onkyo unit wins hands-down in my 7.1 channel setup.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Sound quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Nice Upgrade
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Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I upgraded from a similar, older Sony AV receiver. The sony now shows off in the Man Cave. I upgraded in order to get the WIFI, Bluetooth and all the other technology upgrades. I find the interface and remote much easier to use than other AV receivers I have had including the Sony. The sound is amazing with Polk Monitor 60's in the front, Polk T15's as surround, Polk T30 Center Channel and a Polk PSW10 Sub. This AV receiver and speaker setup, in my opinion is a no brainer. Right around $1000.00 for all.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Sound quality
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Sounds great !
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Posted . Owned for 1 year when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Replace a old Sony receiver with this Onkyo loved it until it started to randomly shutting off . Email onkyo never heard anything back but found out onkyo had some over heating issue with fans not working all the time . Bought a pair of 120mm fan that work with usb since then it hasn’t shut off since . Beside that it has no problem working my 7 Acoustic Audio Speakers and my 2 Klipsch R12SW witch have no problem rattling the walls and sofa’s
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Ease of use
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Perfect for PC Gaming & Steam Deck
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Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
This is 100% worth the price. All the extra features including Spotify and other online music streaming apps, the ability to work with every device I own from my PC to my Steam Deck, this thing can tie them all together and make it an easy to use experience.
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Works as Advertised!!! Full recommend
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Posted . Owned for 9 months when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I bought this back in November 2020 so I've worked it out quite a bit since then. I wanted to upgrade my system to Atmos so I decided to buy the Onkyo from the all the positive reviews and they were spot on. I'm running all Klipsch speakers and subs on this receiver which include 2 RP-280FA, 2 RP-600M, RP-450C, 1-SPL-150 15" 800W Subwoofer and 1-R-112SW 12" 600W Subwoofer. The Onkyo handles all these speakers with ease and I get a full, powerful, crisp sound that wows family and friends when they come visit. If I had to have a complaint, I wish it was a 9.2 system instead of a 7.2 to add rear atmos speakers. Great Buy and would recommend it to anyone wanting a 7.2 or 5.1.2 atmos system!
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Power
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Onkyo receiver a complete hub for any A/V system!
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Posted . Owned for 1 year when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
This receiver has everything an audiophile needs - plentiful connections for audio/video components, support for current audio and video standards, and plenty of power to run a complex A/V setup. Highly recommended!
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Replaced my onkyo TX-NR 807
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Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Replaced my onkyo TX-NR 807 With this model and so far I’m loving the extra connectivity and a decent power output. My speakers take a good strong amp to drive them, Tannoy front left and right (from when tannoy were good) and NHT for center and rear. I did end up upgrading all my HDMI cable’s, but it was about time. Very happy with this receiver.
I would recommend this to a friend
Cons mentioned:
Zone 2
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Onkyo best receiver
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Posted . Owned for less than 1 week when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
This is much better than my previous sony str-dn1080. I am happy that I upgraded since my previous receiver zone 2 went out.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Sound quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Recommend this receiver
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Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Awesome receiver, easy setup and great sound with my Polk speakers. Picture quality is exceptional as well.
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 1 out of 5 stars
Save your money, False claims!!! Not 4k 60 hz HDR!
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Posted . Owned for 11 months when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
This unit says 4K 60hz HDR, HOWEVER it will NOT do 4k 60hz HDR, My Switch 2 says “Please connect a 4k compatible TV that runs at 60hz or higher. It will NOT even pass it through! I can plug directly to the TV and it works fine, so it’s not the TV or the cable. That’s the whole reason I got this unit (to connect all my 4k devices to my TV. BIG waste of money!!!
No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Sound quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Excellent
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Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Excellent equipment, I agree with my purchase. The sounds is incredible.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Sound quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Onkyo AV Receiver
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Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Extremely happy with my purchase. Crystal clean sound.
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Onkyo Reciever
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Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Great price point on this highly functional Reciever, nice to control each channel separately.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Setup, Sound quality
Cons mentioned:
Manual, Remote
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Very impressive receiver, with a few detractions
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Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I bought this receiver to replace a much higher rated and more expensive receiver from Marantz which one day just stopped recognizing any HDMI signal going to the television. In all honesty the Marantz while twice as expensive as this Onkyo, was buggy from the very beginning. So my first impressions of the Onkyo was how simple it was to set up and how easy it was to connect everything and get it running. One big complaint is that a manual was not included. I seem to think that that's unfortunately standard for any of these electronics now and that's wrong. The quick setup guide gives absolutely no detailed information about this receiver which has a lot of complex and important settings which anyone who buys it should have the right to be able to read without having to download and print a hundred plus page manual using my own paper my own ink and that's assuming that I have a printer, which I do, but I'm sure many people do not. That negative observation aside, the sound from the Onkyo was very impressive. It did seem to enable a wider and more powerful sound scape from my 5.1 speaker configuration. I don't have Atmos so I am not able to comment on that aspect but it is nice to know that this receiver will allow me to upgrade my other equipment without having to upgrade the receiver again. At least in the near future. The remote is unfortunately another negative. It's oversimplified and most disappointing is its lack of any kind of backlight which in a home theater environment is necessary to be able to control your equipment in a dark environment. It should be a mandatory feature not some luxury feature only reserved for the highest end equipment. One thing I was not able to get running was the receiver being able to play music through my network. It does connect to the network (and I was able to update the firmware), however I cannot get it to play my networked music files. It sees the server and the music folder but will not play any of the mp3s that are in those folders. I'm sure there may be something which the full manual would be able to help me with, but I have still not downloaded and printed out that massive book. So from a very preliminary exposure to this receiver I am impressed with the sound quality and the ease of a basic setup, but cannot comment on the more advanced features that the receiver is supposed to be able to provide until I invest the time and expense of getting the manual and studying it.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Hdmi, Setup, Sound quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Great receiver!!
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Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I bought this to replace my old tried and true receiver I use in the garage. Mainly I was looking for a receiver that supported blue tooth. I tried a yamaha receiver first but the tone was very flat so I traded it in for this. The Onkyo is a beast, it has many features and very nice sound. It was fairly easy to set up and only gripe is you really need a tv or pc monitor connected to it to be able to view all the settings. I love the various music modes, it makes the Bose 251 speakers come alive. I do have a small con, the mic to calibrate the speaker settings isn't working properly. The first time I did a sound calibration, it reported the exact speaker distances. The second time I tried it, it showed the right speaker at the proper distance, but the left it only shows it's 1.2 feet from the mic which is incorrect. Not sure if I have a faulty mic or what, guess I'll have to contact Onkyo and see what they say. One major gripe is it only has one main speaker output. There only a few companies that offer A&B speaker outputs and they are very expensive. Overall, this is a great receiver for the money and luckily, I did get it on sale.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Ease of use, Power, Sound quality
Cons mentioned:
Zone 2
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Works Well - Zone 2 Warning
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Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I have a 5.1 speaker setup for the parlor and two speakers in my dining room to use the zone 2 capability.
The receiver has plenty of power, supports all current audio formats and was easy to set up. It sounds great. All features are easy to use.
My one complaint would be the implementation of zone 2. I never got to the fine print when I purchased this and assumed I'd be able to play the audio part of anything through zone 2. This is not true. You can only route analog audio to speakers plugged into zone 2. Pretty much means any equipment connect via hdmi will not play in the other room.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Ease of use, Sound quality
Cons mentioned:
App
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Solid, outdated app though
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Posted . Owned for 2 months when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Its an onkyo, sounds great and easy for the family to use, but the app needs work and the network parts are behind