What is better - Marantz NR1710 vs Onkyo TX-NR696?
AV receivers under review have the same number of channels. In terms of power, there are differences, the NR1710 has such a ratio W/Ohm - 50/8, 70/6, 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 NR1710 received the model 192 KHz/32-bit, but the TX-NR696 is equipped with AK4458 384 KHz/32-bit. Each of the compared opponents supports Bi-amping. Both Marantz NR1710 and Onkyo TX-NR696 can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. 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 Marantz NR1710 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, TuneIn Radio, 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 NR1710 and the TX-NR696. Each of the devices can increase the resolution of the incoming video signal. Each of the participants of the comparison has a Dolby Vision.
The number of HDMI inputs/outputs varies depending on the receiver, the NR1710 has 8/1, and the TX-NR696 has 7/2. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is only supported by the NR1710. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. The NR1710 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.
Ability to create 2 Multi zones inherent in both AV receivers. For voice control in the NR1710 is used Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI, but in the TX-NR696 is used Google Assistant. There is an ECO mode in NR1710. The Marantz NR1710 and the Onkyo TX-NR696 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.