Onkyo TX-NR646 vs Onkyo TX-NR656 review

Votes 1 1
Rating 5 5

AV receivers comparison chart

Onkyo TX-NR646 vs Onkyo TX-NR656 review

Onkyo TX-NR646
vs
Onkyo TX-NR656

It’s strongly recommended to compare different receivers if you want to choose the best one: Onkyo TX-NR646 vs Onkyo TX-NR656.

Amplifier

AV receivers under review have the same number of channels. In terms of power, the receivers have the same performance - 160/6. A common feature for devices is the same total harmonic distortion - 0.08%.

Audio features

Competitive models use the same DAC. Each of the compared opponents supports Bi-amping. Both Onkyo TX-NR646 and Onkyo TX-NR656 can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing.

Connectivity

Wireless Internet access via WIFI is possible on both units. Each of the receivers has a Bluetooth connector. Both devices can work with such Apple Music services: AirPlay. Access to the Spotify service is on each of the competitors. Most popular streaming services are available for our models under consideration - Deezer, TuneIn Radio.

Video features

Support for the HDR function can only boast of each of the AV receivers. 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-NR646 and the TX-NR656. Video scaling is only possible with the TX-NR656. Review participants do not have the Dolby Vision feature.

Extensive connections

The number of HDMI inputs/outputs is the same - 8/2.Onkyo TX-NR646 connectionsOnkyo TX-NR656 connections HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is not supported by the TX-NR646 and the TX-NR656. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. TX-NR646 and TX-NR656 support the standard HDCP 2.2. Like most receivers, our models have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player.

Additional features

Ability to create 2 Multi zones inherent in both AV receivers. Voice control of the basic functions of the receiver is not realized in both models. There is an ECO mode in TX-NR646. The Onkyo TX-NR646 and the Onkyo TX-NR656 can be properly configured using the setup assistant.

Multichannel surround

A Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format is available both models. A DTS:X surround technology is supported by devices from our comparison.

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General

Item

Onkyo TX-NR646
Onkyo TX-NR656

Model

TX-NR646
TX-NR656

Brand

Onkyo
Onkyo

Reviews

414
272

Amplifier

Channels

7.2
7.2

Stereo power (RMS), W/Ohm

160/6
160/6

Output impedance, Ohm

6
6

Frequency response

10Hz-100KHz
10Hz-100KHz

THD in stereo, %

0.08
0.08

Audio features

Digital to analog converter (DAC)

Hi-Grade 384 KHz/32-bit
Hi-Grade 384 KHz/32-bit

Bi-amping

Pure direct (straight)

Auto speaker calibration

AccuEQ
AccuEQ

Speaker A/B switching

Other audio features

Theater-Dimensional, Double Bass Function, CinemaFILTER
Theater-Dimensional, Double Bass Function, CinemaFILTER

Connectivity

Wi-Fi

USB

1 (USB 2.0)
1 (USB 2.0)

Bluetooth

Ethernet (RJ45)

1
1

DLNA

MHL

Streaming services

Apple Music (AirPlay)

AirPlay
AirPlay

Amazon Music

Spotify

Other streaming services

Deezer, TuneIn Radio
Deezer, TuneIn Radio

Extensive connection

HDMI input/output

8/2
8/2

HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel)

HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel)

HDMI CEC

Digital content protection (HDCP)

HDCP 2.2
HDCP 2.2

Subwoofer output (LFE)

2
2

Headphone output

1 x 6.3
1 x 6.3

Optical digital input

2
2

Coaxial digital input

1
1

Composite input

3
2

Component input/output

2/0
2/0

Phono (MM) input

Front panel connectors

USB, HDMI, phones, setup mic, AUX
HDMI, phones, setup mic, AUX

Multi channel preamp output

Video features

HDR (High Dynamic Range)

4K signal pass-through

4K/60Hz
4K/60Hz

8K signal pass-through

HDMI signal pass-through

3D signal pass-through

HDMI pass-through in standby mode

Video conversion

analog to HDMI
analog to HDMI

Analog to HDMI scaling

HDMI to HDMI scaling

Dolby Vision

Other video features

DeepColor, x.v.Color
DeepColor, x.v.Color

Additional features

Voice control

App control

iPhone, iPad, iPod, Android
iPhone, iPad, iPod, Android

Display

fluorescent
fluorescent

Tuner

AM, FM
AM, FM

Sleep timer

Auto power off

ECO mode

Graphical user interface (GUI)

Setup assistant

Firmware update

network, USB
network, USB

Other additional features

has not
has not

Multi-room

Multi-room zones

2
2

Zone audio output

speaker, preout
speaker, preout

Zone HDMI output

Multi-room control

Onkyo Remote App
Onkyo Remote App, FlareConnect

RS-232

0
0

Remote control input/output (IR)

1/0
0/0

DC trigger output (12V)

0
0

Multichannel surround

Dolby Atmos

Dolby TrueHD

Dolby Surround

Dolby (other)

Dolby Digital Plus
has not

DTS:X

DTS HD Master

DTS Virtual:X

DTS Neural:X

DTS (other)

has not
has not

Auro-3D

IMAX Enhanced

Multichannel stereo

Audio file formats

MP3

WMA

AAC

WAV

FLAC

ALAC

Other audio file formats

has not
AIFF

Power

Operational power consumption, W

630
570

Standby consumption, W

0.15
0.15

Removable power cord

User manual

Manual

Dimensions

Size W x H x D, cm/inches

43.5 x 17.3 x 33/17 x 6.8 x 13
57 x 28.8 x 46.8/22.4 x 11 x 18.1

Weight, kg/lbs

9.4/19.8
13/28.6

Other

Release year

2015
2016
Onkyo TX-NR646
Onkyo TX-NR656
Onkyo TX-NR646
Onkyo TX-NR656

AV receivers SoundInspiration comparison rating

  • better
  • worse
  • 7.4
  • 7.2
  • 7.4Onkyo TX-NR646
  • 7.2Onkyo TX-NR656