It makes sense comparing Onkyo TX-NR696 vs Yamaha RX-V683BL because they both are able to give some premium features.
Considered AV receivers have the same number of channels 7.2. Regarding power, then TX-NR696 has such a W/Ohm ratio - 165/6 when RX-V683BL has a power of 90/8, 150/4. The THD is 0.08% for the TX-NR696 but 0.06% for the RX-V683BL.
Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, AK4458 384 KHz/32-bit for TX-NR696 and Burr-Brown 192 KHz/24-bit for the RX-V683BL. Both the TX-NR696 and the RX-V683BL 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 Onkyo TX-NR696 has support for AirPlay, AirPlay 2, and its competitor in our comparison - AirPlay. 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-V683BL can receive a content from Pandora, Sirius XM, Napster, JUKE, Qobuz.
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 6/1 HDMI connectors of the Yamaha RX-V683BL. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. Unfortunately, HDMI eARC is not available on monitored devices. The Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) feature is present in most modern AV receivers and the models in our comparison are no exception. Both models support the standard HDCP 2.2. These compared receivers have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player.
Each of the AV receivers from our review supports 2 Multi-room zones. An ECO mode is only available for the RX-V683BL. Both TX-NR696 and RX-V683BL can be configured using the Setup assistant.
Both devices have support for Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format. The surround sound technology DTS:X is supported by devices under review.