Onkyo TX-NR696 vs Denon AVR-S960H – that is a question.
AV receivers under review have the same number of channels. In terms of power, there are differences, the TX-NR696 has such a ratio W/Ohm - 165/6, while the AVR-S960H has a power of 90/8, 125/6. A common feature for devices is the same total harmonic distortion - 0.08%. The Bi-amping function is implemented only in the Onkyo TX-NR696. Both Onkyo TX-NR696 and Denon AVR-S960H 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 Onkyo TX-NR696 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, TuneIn Radio, but the Denon AVR-S960H works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, SiriusXM, Qobuz, TuneIn Radio.
The HDR10 function is present in each of the rivals. Signaling over HDMI in standby mode can provide the TX-NR696 and the AVR-S960H. 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 TX-NR696 has 7/2, and the AVR-S960H has 6/2. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is only supported by the AVR-S960H. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. The TX-NR696 has support for the standard HDCP 2.2, compared to the AVR-S960H, which supports the standard HDCP 2.3. 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. For voice control in the TX-NR696 is used Google Assistant, but in the AVR-S960H is used Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI. There is an ECO mode in AVR-S960H. The Onkyo TX-NR696 and the Denon AVR-S960H 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.