Having had an opportunity to test Onkyo TX-RZ710 vs Onkyo TX-NR616, I’d like to share my impression here to facilitate your choice of a new AV receiver.
AV receivers under review have the same number of channels. In terms of power, there are differences, the TX-RZ710 has such a ratio W/Ohm - 175/6, while the TX-NR616 has a power of 160/6. A common feature for devices is the same total harmonic distortion - 0.08%.
The manufacturer installed different DACs, the TX-RZ710 received the model AK4458 384 KHz/32-bit, but the TX-NR616 is equipped with Burr-Brown 192 KHz/24-bit. Each of the compared opponents supports Bi-amping. Both Onkyo TX-RZ710 and Onkyo TX-NR616 can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Each of the receivers has a Bluetooth connector. Access to the Spotify service is on each of the competitors. The number of available streaming services varies for receivers, the Onkyo TX-RZ710 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Tunein Radio, but the Onkyo TX-NR616 works with Last.fm, AUPEO, Simfy, vTuner.
Support for the HDR function can only boast of the TX-RZ710. 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-RZ710 and the TX-NR616. Each of the devices can increase the resolution of the incoming video signal. Review participants do not have the Dolby Vision feature.
The number of HDMI inputs/outputs is the same - 8/2. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is not supported by the TX-RZ710 and the TX-NR616. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. TX-RZ710 and TX-NR616 support the standard HDCP 2.2. In the presence of a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player only at Onkyo TX-RZ710.
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-RZ710. None of these units can be properly configured using the setup assistant.
A Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format is available only in the TX-RZ710. Only in the TX-RZ710 realized a DTS:X surround technology.