What is better - Onkyo TX-NR696 vs Denon AVRS730H?
AV receivers under review have the same number of channels. In terms of power, there are differences, the TX-NR696 has such a ratio W/Ohm - 165/6, while the AVRS730H has a power of 75/8, 110/6. A common feature for devices is the same total harmonic distortion - 0.08%.
The manufacturer installed different DACs, the TX-NR696 received the model AK4458 384 KHz/32-bit, but the AVRS730H is equipped with 384 KHz/32-bit. The Bi-amping function is implemented only in the Onkyo TX-NR696. The model 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 Onkyo TX-NR696 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, TuneIn Radio, but the Denon AVRS730H works with Deezer, TIDAL, iHeart Radio, Sirius XM, Sound Cloud, Napster. 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 TX-NR696 and the AVRS730H. 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 TX-NR696 has 7/2, and the AVRS730H has 6/1. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is not supported by the TX-NR696 and the AVRS730H. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. TX-NR696 and AVRS730H support the standard HDCP 2.2. In the presence of a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player only at Onkyo TX-NR696.
Ability to create 2 Multi zones inherent in both AV receivers. For voice control in the TX-NR696 is used Google Assistant, but in the AVRS730H is used Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI. There is an ECO mode in AVRS730H. The Onkyo TX-NR696 and the Denon AVRS730H can be properly configured using the setup assistant.
A Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format is available both models. A DTS:X surround technology is supported by devices from our comparison.