What is better - Yamaha RX-A780 vs Onkyo TX-NR696?
AV receivers under review have the same number of channels. In terms of power, there are differences, the RX-A780 has such a ratio W/Ohm - 95/8, 160/4, while the TX-NR696 has a power of 165/6. The value of total harmonic distortion is also different, and for the RX-A780 it is 0.06%, but for the TX-NR696 it is 0.08%.
The manufacturer installed different DACs, the RX-A780 received the model Burr-Brown 384 KHz/32-bit, but the TX-NR696 is equipped with AK4458 384 KHz/32-bit. Each of the compared opponents supports Bi-amping. Both Yamaha RX-A780 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 Yamaha RX-A780 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, Qobuz, 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 RX-A780 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 is the same - 7/2. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is only supported by the RX-A780. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. The RX-A780 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 RX-A780 is used Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, but in the TX-NR696 is used Google Assistant. There is an ECO mode in RX-A780. The Yamaha RX-A780 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.