It makes sense comparing Onkyo TX-NR696 vs Yamaha RX-V485 because they both are able to give some premium features.
A significant difference between the receivers in the number of channels, Onkyo TX-NR696 has 7.2 versus 5.1 for Yamaha RX-V485. Regarding power, then TX-NR696 has such a W/Ohm ratio - 165/6 when RX-V485 has a power of 80/8, 145/6. The THD is 0.08% for the TX-NR696 but 0.09% for the RX-V485.
Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, AK4458 384 KHz/32-bit for TX-NR696 and Burr-Brown 384 KHz/32-bit for the RX-V485. Both the TX-NR696 and the RX-V485 support Bi-amping. Each of the AV receivers can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing.
Both models have the ability to connect to the Internet via WI-FI. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. The Apple Music service is implemented on considered devices: AirPlay, AirPlay 2. Spotify can be used on each receiver. The TX-NR696 can work with the audio stream from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, TuneIn Radio, and the RX-V485 can receive a content from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM.
Both AV receivers support HDR10 technology (High dynamic range). Compared AV receivers retain the quality of 4K/60Hz signal when transmitting from a source to a TV or projector. HDMI signal transmission in standby mode is implemented in each of the devices. Both rivals can scale the resolution of the incoming HDMI signal. The HDR standard - Dolby Vision is supported by these receivers.
The Onkyo TX-NR696 has 7/2 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 4/1 HDMI connectors of the Yamaha RX-V485. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. The HDMI eARC is available only on the RX-V485. The Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) feature is present in most modern AV receivers and the models in our comparison are no exception. The TX-NR696 supports the protection of digital content of the standard HDCP 2.2, versus HDCP 2.3 in the RX-V485. The TX-NR696 has a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player.
Each of the AV receivers from our review supports 2 Multi-room zones. The TX-NR696 supports voice control via Google Assistant, and the RX-V485 - Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri. An ECO mode is only available for the RX-V485. Both TX-NR696 and RX-V485 can be configured using the Setup assistant.
Only the TX-NR696 has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. A surround technology DTS:X is supported only by the TX-NR696.