It’s strongly recommended to compare different receivers if you want to choose the best one: Onkyo TX-NR696 vs Yamaha RX-V481BL.
The number of channels for receivers is different - 7.2 versus 5.1, respectively, for devices. In terms of power, there are differences, the TX-NR696 has such a ratio W/Ohm - 165/6, while the RX-V481BL has a power of 80/6. The value of total harmonic distortion is also different, and for the TX-NR696 it is 0.08%, but for the RX-V481BL it is 0.09%.
The manufacturer installed different DACs, the TX-NR696 received the model AK4458 384 KHz/32-bit, but the RX-V481BL is equipped with Burr-Brown 192 KHz/24-bit. Each of the compared opponents supports Bi-amping. Both Onkyo TX-NR696 and Yamaha RX-V481BL 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. The contenders have differences in the supported services from Apple - AirPlay, AirPlay 2 versus AirPlay respectively. 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 Yamaha RX-V481BL works with Pandora, Qobuz, JUKE. 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 RX-V481BL. Video scaling is only possible with the TX-NR696. Operation with the Dolby Vision is only possible with the TX-NR696.
The number of HDMI inputs/outputs varies depending on the receiver, the TX-NR696 has 7/2, and the RX-V481BL has 4/1. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is not supported by the TX-NR696 and the RX-V481BL. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. TX-NR696 and RX-V481BL 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. There is an ECO mode in RX-V481BL. The Onkyo TX-NR696 and the Yamaha RX-V481BL 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.