What is better - Denon AVR-S650H vs Onkyo TX-NR696?
The number of channels for receivers is different - 5.2 versus 7.2, respectively, for devices. In terms of power, there are differences, the AVR-S650H has such a ratio W/Ohm - 75/8, 100/6, while the TX-NR696 has a power of 165/6. A common feature for devices is the same total harmonic distortion - 0.08%.
The manufacturer installed different DACs, the AVR-S650H received the model AKM 192 KHz/32-bit, but the TX-NR696 is equipped with AK4458 384 KHz/32-bit. The Bi-amping function is implemented only in the Onkyo TX-NR696. Both Denon AVR-S650H and Onkyo TX-NR696 can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing.
Wireless Internet access via WIFI is possible on both units. Each of the receivers has a Bluetooth connector. Both devices can work with such Apple Music services: AirPlay, AirPlay 2. Access to the Spotify service is on each of the competitors. The number of available streaming services varies for receivers, the Denon AVR-S650H works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, TuneIn Radio, iHeart Radio, Sound Cloud, Mood Mix, but the Onkyo TX-NR696 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, TuneIn Radio.
The HDR10 function is present in each of the rivals. The quality of 4K/60Hz signal remains unchanged when transmitting from a source to a TV or projector via HDMI for both receivers. Signaling over HDMI in standby mode can provide the AVR-S650H and the TX-NR696. Video scaling is only possible with the TX-NR696. Each of the participants of the comparison has a Dolby Vision.
The number of HDMI inputs/outputs varies depending on the receiver, the AVR-S650H has 5/1, and the TX-NR696 has 7/2. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is only supported by the AVR-S650H. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. The AVR-S650H has support for the standard HDCP 2.3, compared to the TX-NR696, which supports the standard HDCP 2.2. Like most receivers, our models have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player. For voice control in the AVR-S650H is used Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI, but in the TX-NR696 is used Google Assistant. There is an ECO mode in AVR-S650H. The Denon AVR-S650H and the Onkyo TX-NR696 can be properly configured using the setup assistant.
A Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format is available only in the TX-NR696. Only in the TX-NR696 realized a DTS:X surround technology.