It’s strongly recommended to compare different receivers if you want to choose the best one: Yamaha RX-V6A vs Onkyo TX-NR656.
AV receivers under review have the same number of channels. In terms of power, there are differences, the RX-V6A has such a ratio W/Ohm - 100/8, while the TX-NR656 has a power of 160/6. The value of total harmonic distortion is also different, and for the RX-V6A it is 0.06%, but for the TX-NR656 it is 0.08%. Each of the compared opponents supports Bi-amping. Both Yamaha RX-V6A and Onkyo TX-NR656 can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. 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 Yamaha RX-V6A works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, SiriusXM, Qobuz, but the Onkyo TX-NR656 works with Deezer, TuneIn Radio. Signaling over HDMI in standby mode can provide the RX-V6A and the TX-NR656. Each of the devices can increase the resolution of the incoming video signal. Operation with the Dolby Vision is only possible with the RX-V6A.
The number of HDMI inputs/outputs varies depending on the receiver, the RX-V6A has 7/1, and the TX-NR656 has 8/2. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is only supported by the RX-V6A. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. The RX-V6A has support for the standard HDCP 2.3, compared to the TX-NR656, which supports the standard HDCP 2.2. Like most receivers, our models have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player.
Ability to create 2 Multi zones inherent in both AV receivers. There is an ECO mode in RX-V6A. The Yamaha RX-V6A and the Onkyo TX-NR656 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.