What is better - Marantz SR5012 vs Onkyo TX-NR696?
AV receivers under review have the same number of channels. In terms of power, there are differences, the SR5012 has such a ratio W/Ohm - 100/8, 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 SR5012 received the model 192 KHz/24-bit, but the TX-NR696 is equipped with AK4458 384 KHz/32-bit. Each of the compared opponents supports Bi-amping. Both Marantz SR5012 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 SR5012 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, TuneIn Radio, iHeart Radio, Sound Cloud, but the Onkyo TX-NR696 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, TuneIn Radio. 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 SR5012 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 SR5012 has 8/2, and the TX-NR696 has 7/2. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is not supported by the SR5012 and the TX-NR696. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. SR5012 and TX-NR696 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.
Ability to create 2 Multi zones inherent in both AV receivers. For voice control in the SR5012 is used Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI, but in the TX-NR696 is used Google Assistant. There is an ECO mode in SR5012. The Marantz SR5012 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.