First Look at the Onkyo TX-NR686

[@guard1545]

Great unit for the price highly recommended as a first home theater. Good Job Onkyo

[@JollyGiant1213]

My wife got me this model over a couple weeks and make sure you press the power/standby and BD/DVD buttons on the receiver itself to enable 4K HDR on the HDMI inputs otherwise you’ll only have 1080p HDR!!! I can’t believe Onkyo didn’t specify this on their website or instructions... One of those hidden menu options.. other than that this is an AWESOME receiver! Best Buy brand new for only $250!!! (Plus tax lol)

[@onetwo6039]

Yup, just picked one up for that price 5 days ago as well from best buy.👍 Would you happen to know how the #6 HDMI (assignable) on the back works? I couldn't get a picture so I connected my console to the HDMI connection on the front.

[@JollyGiant1213]

One Two For HDMI 6 (asignable) I’m not really sure because I’m not using it but I assume you mess with that in the settings menu. I have my PS4 connected in the back on “Game” and 4K player on “BD/DVD”. Also have ARC running on my LG tv obviously :)

[@maxpower4043]

holy sh*t!! thank you so much!! 😅😅

[@JollyGiant1213]

@@maxpower4043 Wow 3 years ago already huh! Time flew! I got the Onkyo TX-RZ50 for my birthday back in September and now use that as my main home theater/game room. I’m using the 686 for the family living room now🤙🏻

[@DJCooper501]

I have a 585 and I just bought it a couple years ago and I perfectly happy with it I don't need a lot of bells and whistles I just needed to do what I wanted to so well so good I had my my other receiver lasted me 12 years so let's see how long Onkyo

[@Baala1983]

I have a onkyo NR 686 7.2 receiver but unable to configure 7.2 in speaker setup even after connecting 2 active subwoofer in separate ports given for sub. Still setup options shows only 7.1 and not 7.2. Could you please help.

[@svenmagnusflubiproducties]

Very happy with my 686, but I am a little bit lost in the controller app, especially with my NCP-302 speaker in the kitchen... Is there any video explaining the app?

[@carlosmante]

1) kzbin.info/www/bejne/g2rHZKuqqMx0rdE 2)kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJzQn2CCrs1_pLc

[@implossion8920]

Todo lo que necesitamos y me gusta porque esto al precio que está valen más las funciones gracias ONKYO / Everything we need and I like it because at the price it is, the functions are worth more thanks to ONKYO

[@paulallenMacca]

Can you please help i can't remember if my Onkyo TX-NR686 came with a paper Manual or if it was just an Online Manual.

[@guitarguy8748]

Hi, I have just bought this system and paired it with Dali Zensor pico speakers as I want to have more accurate representation of my music mixes but also a home cinema feel. Have I made a good choice?

[@OnkyoEU]

Hi David and sorry that we cannot comment on 3rd party products - as we cannot test any possible combination of products. But eventually one of the other viewers/readers can comment here? Thank you.

[@guitarguy8748]

OnkyoEU thank you

[@amateurcyclists3857]

Hello. Am planning to buy this receiver. Does it match well with your dali speakers as i also have dali spektor as front and zensor pico as centre and surround? Thank you

[@Turtleback8024]

Amp-speaker match-ups don't necessarily depend on the brand, but on the specs of each product. Thus you'd need to check the impedence (4ohm; 6hm; 8ohm etc.) sensitivity (90+ db would mean easy to drive speakers; and power handling of your speakers (200watts; 300watts etc). All this needs to be checked against your Amp/Receiver. For example it is recommended that you go for a 8ohm Amp for 8ohm speakers: Best match up!👍 Or you can driver 4; 6 & 8ohm speakers with a 8ohm Amplifier/Receiver. Note : Do not drive 8ohm speakers with a 6ohm Amp/Receiver for example, as this will cause the Amplifier/Receiver to be unstable and might cause clipping (shut down). A head room of about 2ohms is recommended for the Amp/Receiver in relation to speaker impedance. Therefore: A 8ohm Amp/Receiver can drive 8ohm; 6ohm; 4ohm speakers with no problem. But a 4ohm Amp/Receiver cannot drive 8ohm & 6ohm speakers. Hope you came right with your setup seeing that it's been a year already lol.

[@blue03r6]

No mention of any audio settings.

[@flexd23]

Hi OnkyoEU, I have a Samsung UE65MU6400 TV and an Onkyo TXNR686 AVR. Now can you tell me why the ARC/CEC function works so erratically? The power on/off CEC feature works every time but the ARC function doesn't always relay the audio from my TV to the AVR. I have spent hours trying to figure it out as I have had it working beautifully on several occasions with the ARC doing what it claims but if I disconnect the HDMI cable and plug it back in again, it stops working. Now I actually sell your products and I want to master this ARC problem with your receivers as I am really impressed with the sound and build quality of your products in general. Could you possibly create a step-by-step video guide for getting an Onkyo AVR to work with a Samsung Smart TV (both with ARC of course) as this will help to identify the fix? I know ARC functions aren't standardised across the board for various manufacturers but I am confident there must be a troubleshooting procedure between Onkyo and Samsung products. Thanks.

[@OnkyoEU]

Dear Flex Diezel, thank you very much for your feedback. Indeed one of the problems with ARC is (as you mentioned) that ARC functions are not fully standardised. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with our customer care team via phone to discuss your issues - eventually the colleagues have some specific tipps that will help with your configuration. However we forwarded your suggestion for a video about ARC setup to the colleague creating the videos. Thanks again for your feedback!

[@hugokleynhans9595]

i have the same problem with my yamaha amplifier

[@horatiuslavescu]

Will this one have the same issues as other TX-NR6x6 with the TI Dolby chip? My 616 is in service right now for the 4th time to fix that design issue with the overheating of a BGA packed chip that is responsible with most functions of the unit (audio routing, Dolby decoding, network functions etc.).

[@nathanoliver5680]

Horațiu Slăvescu , I WAS in the market for a NR676. Should I not get it now?

[@horatiuslavescu]

Nathan Oliver don't know about this series. It's well known, ONKYO had in past issues caused by bad thermal design, one very important chip was overheating and this was melting the tiny soldering balls under the chip. I just hope these will be better but I won't buy ONKYO anymore.

[@brianseaman4094]

The electrician set up my onkyo but now the remote doesnt work. Instead, some of the functions are powered by my Samsung TV remote. How do i get the Onkyo remote to control the AV receiver?

[@horatiuslavescu]

Brian Seaman check the remote. Batteries are fresh? If its not under warranty anymore you may dismantle the remote, clean the button pads on the rubber side and on the electronic board, put it all together and it should work.

[@OnkyoEU]

Hi, the known issue with loss of audio or network connections is still covered by the Customer Service Program (www.eu.onkyo.com/en/customer-service-program-118747.html) until end of this year (2018). But please be aware that this is not related to overheating - it is a defective chip itself (like "incorrectly programmed"). Models newer than the years mentioned on the Care Service Program page are not affected by the issue...

[@genokrapa4352]

Hey...if I want my subwoofer to receive most of the bass, what do I set crossover at? Thank You, Geno.

[@k-lawn]

GENO KRAPA 80hz is generally ideal.

[@donnastywawa]

No it is the opposite, how higher you put your speakers (max 200hz) more bass will you subwoofer will takeover from your speakers . But almost no bass in your speakers will not sound nice. So have to play until you find what you like. Floor speakers needs less hz and satellite speakers needs more hz... good luck

[@EPROLAN]

Akár 120 Hz-re is lehet állítani a mély hangok (40 - 200 Hz) felső határát. Igy többet kap a SUB.

[@iyona14granturismogt6gtspo7]

Are two sub channels or are they parallel

[@OnkyoEU]

Hi IYONA14, the sub out are parallel.

[@rlwings]

So the only difference to last year's model (676) is slightly higher wattage output (10W) allowing for the THX certification to be applied. (Which isn't really necessary) And a $200+ higher price-tag (Apparently to help Onkyo pay for the THX licensing fees). The 2017 676 model remains a far better deal for essentially the same thing! ... All other specs are identical.

[@OnkyoEU]

Hi, please do not compare introductory SRP pricing with special % sales prices of models being "end of life" (EOL). E.g. in Germany, the introductory SRP pricing was actually the same for TX-NR656, TX-NR676E and TX-NR686 (as an example...). Thanks :)

[@Mrtscrp30]

ok so the thx cert and 10 more watts are worth the extra 200+ ?? comparing 2017 to 2018 model?? directing this to OnkyoEU

[@rlwings]

OnkyoEU absolutely true. You are right of course. End-of-year sales are highly discounted. Not comparing, just suggesting that maybe purchasing end-of-year is a smarter move. Seeing as how they're almost identical inspect. Why would you pay more if you didn't have to? No new technology, specs are the same, looks are the same, one of the commenters here is absolutely correct. Put the $200 to work better speakers. But thank you for your input Onkyo. By the way, are you ever going to get CEC, and ARC working properly across the board? Shame on you! It never works and you know it!

[@Mrtscrp30]

just ordered the 676 i love onkyo great value and features without inflated cost

[@OnkyoEU]

Hi, if you do not require THX in your configuration and do not necessarily need the latest model, there are currently obviously interesting offers for TX-NR676E available - so it is up to you to decide :)

[@hamitcampos4989]

Epic dude!

[@campbellcolt45]

Can I rename the output names? Such as can I rename BD/DVD to XBOX One?

[@OnkyoEU]

Hi, yes, you can rename the source input names as you suggested (except the following two input sources: "NET" and "BLUETOOTH"). Thanks for asking!

[@tonyaudiotest]

No cooling fan?

[@woosa42]

If this thing puts out 165 watts per channel, will i be ok to to run surrounds and a center rated at 100w? Will the set up mic automatically adjust system for it, or i can i adjust the power levels myself? I've had my eye on this for awhile now, and i just bought these speakers and i really don't want to upgrade, because i am really happy with what i have.

[@OnkyoEU]

Hello, we would like to ask you to get in touch with our customer care (www.uk.onkyo.com/en/feature_article_en_42204.html). They will be able to help you. Have a great day. Your Onkyo Europe Team

[@plasma3211]

I cannot set up this unit properly. The set up manual that comes with the unit or the one you down load is no help. I am unable to view any on screen set up instructions using the Quick Menu on the remote. There is a Set up Microphone that comes with it but no mention of how to use it. Also I cannot set up the Bluetooth properly. I have a Bose Sound Link Color II Wireless Speaker which I have paired using my MacBook Pro. I do not have a Smart Phone. I was trying to run KZbin Music Videos from the Onkyo to the SoundLink on my deck. I can only set up the Bose from my MacBook but not the Onkyo. It comes up in the list on the MacBook but it won' pair from the Onkyo to the Bose, only from the MacBook to the SoundLink. If anyone has any suggestions I would appreciate it greatly-Thanks!

[@OnkyoEU]

Hello, we would like to ask you to get in touch with our customer care (www.uk.onkyo.com/en/feature_article_en_42204.html). They will be able to help you. Have a great day. Your Onkyo Europe Team

[@tomaszgoluzd444]

Please can someone help me cuz I have always a home cinema, I boughed 5 speakers and looking for good AMP. So question is will be working fine on 5

[@sean.sullivan]

I bought this and currently have two speakers and a sub woofer connected... I went to buy two more speakers and connect, and only want to listen to music. No surround, no THX, no dolby, just want music and want to be able to adjust the volume of the two different sets of speakers... is this even possible with this unit?? I can't figure it out. Can someone at Onkyo please tell me how to set this up? Seems unnecessarily confusing to set something up that should be super simple.

[@ad-ld9ho]

Hi folks What about hdmi 2.1 ??

[@MikaelKaivooja]

What's new since tx-nr676 then? A new design for the model number text obviously, but anything else? They look very similar to me.

[@OnkyoEU]

Hi Mikael, the TX-NR676E and TX-NR686 are quite similar, indeed. Main difference is "THX Certified Select" (TX-NR686). Additional features are planned to be added with firmware updates - more details when available, please stay tuned (e.g. via our Facebook or Twitter channels).

[@MARBOOMUSIC]

Does it support hdmi 2.1

[@yunghart]

does this support a 7.1 setup PLUS two ceiling speakers?

[@OnkyoEU]

Hi, this model supports 5.1 plus two ceiling speakers (5.1.2). For 7.1.2, you may want to have a look at the higher TX-RZxxx models. Thank you!

[@anthonyloveanthonylove2159]

OnkyoEU I would rather have traditional 7.1 than compromising my surround back to the ceiling or front height, because I am more immersed with surround back and and surround left and right, if I can afford to buy 9.2 2 for the height might consider those. But I can never go back to 5.1 just for the sake of atmose I am gonna feel cold. Why would I want ceiling speaker when there is no even enough contents recorded on dolby atmose, it’s just gonna sit there all way through out the movie doing nothing most of the time.

[@5FiveseveN7]

Can I bluetooth connect my phone to this reciever? I want to play music on my phone via spotify or any other source on my phone???

[@OnkyoEU]

yes, that should be no problem. BR, Marco

[@MartinTeerly]

is this a good choice for 600 quid in uk ?? are they better receivers on the market ??

[@harkisingh]

Martin Teerly I'm think of getting a denon 6300H

[@Ed1Ward]

676 is on my shortlist. Does this imply I should hold off buying the 676?

[@OnkyoEU]

Hi, if you prefer the latest TX-NR6xx model and THX is of importance to you, the new TX-NR686 will be your choice. If you do not necessarily need the latest model, no THX and if you are looking for a good deal, then watch out for any TX-NR676 sale offers. :)

[@AQAVAR]

Deoes Onkyo sound (movies-music) better than Yamaha ?

[@liberty0758]

Depends on a few factors, but mainly on your speakers. It's best if you could test for yourself.

[@bradrea9760]

Can it play hi- res playfi.? Will it connect to Bose sound touch? Can it be upgrade to height virtualiser DTS and Atmos? Also will it play Aptx ?

[@DanaMueller649]

Cricket's.........

[@hansmeisel2655]

No support DAB+ in 2018 ?

[@OnkyoEU]

Hello Hans, many of our AVR customers do not even use FM radio on their AV receivers but different streaming services instead. However, if you are looking for radio receiption, the UDB-1 dongle will add DAB to your TX-NR686 (more details about this product can be found here: www.eu.onkyo.com/en/products/udb-1-141417.html Thanks for asking!

[@hansmeisel2655]

hm, only one usb-port on rear

[@Monstroterratum]

@@hansmeisel2655 was erwartest Du denn für ca 400€? Hol dir nen Yamaha 880 für ca 1200€ mit DAB+ Onboard und hör auf zu meckern.

[@bboyalanleung123]

can I connect it to a PC and output 7.1 speakers ?

[@OnkyoEU]

it depends on your PC hardware (sound card / settings). BR, Marco

[@adc2000974]

im a little saddened that theres no usb connection for pc. headphone amps got it, why not av receivers having had my onkyo 805 since forever, im gagging for a upgrade

[@OnkyoEU]

Hi Adam, many thanks for your feedback which we will be glad to forward to our engineers in Japan - and for sure, the TX-SR805 was definitely a great AV receiver :-)

[@adc2000974]

9 years old going strong :) thank you

[@amithnairvlogs418]

I want to pickup this model but am afraid if the HDMI board will die on me as the earlier model 676 had that issue.

[@OnkyoEU]

Hi, the issue was a defective network chip - the Customer Service Program has already taken care of the affected models. Newer models are not affected as the defective chip has been replaced. Thank you!

[@mandrellrob7141]

Is this able to read hdr content

[@OnkyoEU]

Hi, it supports HDR10 and HLG

[@ulflarsson9693]

Are it coming some new onkyo in the rz series then?

[@OnkyoEU]

Hi Ulf, definitely there will be coming some new RZ series models, please stay tuned :-)

[@guyonwunyi6651]

Can onkyo TX-NR686 perform zone 2 pls help, i have problems setting it up Kind Regards

[@albiss1164]

Please be more specific as to what is exactly the problem you're having. Just a note: Zone 2 can 'repeat' any digital source playing in Zone 1(main) but if the source is different than Zone 1 then it must be analogic. To be able to play a different digital source in zone 2 you would need a receiver with Powered Zone.

[@hamitcampos4989]

do you have any idea what Onkyo's planning to do about HDMI 2.1? Cause this is the sekond reciever now they have come out with before HDMI 2.1.

[@OnkyoEU]

Hi, we're afraid we currently do not have any information regarding the availability of HDMI 2.1 devices, sorry!

[@hamitcampos4989]

I understand. I like I said before only asked cause they've just come out with 2 recievers before HDMI 2.1 and well if money's tite you may not be able to upgrade once HDMI 2.1 is out and also there seems to be no upgrade path for these new products. Just saying.

[@OnkyoEU]

Perfectly understandable... :)

[@TE5LA-GAMING]

I have a DRX-4, expensive receiver. It looks new cosmetically and was working great. Then, I decided to update it. I ran the firmware update and it took around 30 minutes, then finished and read "Completed!" on the display. I waited, thinking it would restart, but after several minutes, it did not. I turned if off. When I tried turning it on, it would do nothing. Their crap firmware bricked the receiver. Onkyo claimed it was just "coincidence" that the receiver failed internally exactly at the same time it updated. Never again.

[@rouvenkunz9375]

There will be a AirPlay 2 Update for the TX-NR686 ?

[@OnkyoEU]

Hi and sorry, we cannot provide any outlook about future firmware updates and their possibly included features. Thank you for your understanding!

[@g0bi]

Will this support eARC?

[@OnkyoEU]

Hi, as of today, eARC is avaialble for TX-RZ830 only. We're afraid we currently do not have confirmed information which other models will receive eARC support.

[@g0bi]

@@OnkyoEU Ill hope for the best then. Thank you!

[@ionutmuntianu6049]

does this support hdr 10+?

[@OnkyoEU]

Hello, currently HDR10+ is not supported. Thanks for asking!

[@ionutmuntianu6049]

OnkyoEU But it will?

[@OnkyoEU]

Hi, we're afraid we currently do not have any more detailed information about this, the only reliable information we have is: as of today, there is no support for HDR10+.

[@tillbreithaupt4258]

@@OnkyoEU Hi, are HDR10+ and Dolby Vision not the same thing? According to the product information HDR10+ should be supported? Or am I wrong? Update: no, ok, it's not the same... sry.

[@flexd23]

@@tillbreithaupt4258 Hi Till, I actually sell AV products. To answer your question Dolby Vision and HDR10+ are rival technologies aiming to do the same thing, which is rendering a dynamic metadata on a frame by frame basis to supported HDR content. HDR10 is static meaning it is already built into the disc or game disc. But DV and HDR10+ are built into the UHD BluRay player or supported TV or even VOD streamer. These then work on the content separately on-the-go enhancing the texturing, depth, detail and colours of the content you are watching and makes the images pop with brighter whites and deeper blacks. Netflix features a lot of DV content whilst Amazon Prime Video will be supporting more of HDR10+ content. Dolby Vision is engineered and created by Dolby Laboratories whilst HDR10+ was engineered and created by Samsung, Panasonic and 20th Century Fox. Hope that helps.

[@rhoppyrhop]

So this is why the 676 is so cheap now

[@thewibb]

VERY disappointed that this unit has AMAZON Music support plastered all over it with stickers everywhere. However, there is no native app support for the service. You've got to stream it with no interface or use the Onkyo Music Control App. VERY SHADY ADVERTISING ONKYO. BACK TO DENON I GO...

[@chehau997]

what a pity

[@wjwhitewjwhite093]

Hot hot hot sound problem

[@andrewfox1446]

These new generations of receivers are good but they are lacking the set-up microphone has changed and it has got no dynamic EQ and no dynamic volume this is really noticeable music does not have the muscle of the old TX nr609 and 579 which I still have when I compare the new with the old TX nr609 the 609 completely and utterly demolishes the 555 musically it is brilliant and films are excellent I will say this though the benefits of the new amps they have sorted little issues with internet Wi-fi and Bluetooth that having said it is very easy to go round that for about additional 10 15 quid you can make these Wi-fi and Bluetooth enabled come on Onkyo regarding sound quality you've just gone back 10 years making stupid mistakes like that now is going to cost you a custom that kind of error you expect a 20 years ago not by company like Onkyo that has just brought out Pioneer and Denon so come on chapps when you upgrade go back to the original room calibration mic put dynamic EQ on put dynamic volume back on and pay attention to music It seems like you have gone for convenience and features and forgotten about what is most important sound quality I totally understand they are not classed as good as proper Hi-Fi on music however with the older Generations the 609 sa57 9515 they all play music very very well I do not think anybody with human hearing could tell the difference what is hi-fi advocation and what is Onkyo AV so come on fellas pull your socks up and sort your s*** out one thing I will say about Onkyo is there after service absolutely first class as I said I have the Onkyo 609 and 579 they both developed the fatal HDMI board failure bear in mind These amps or nearly 8 possibly 9 years old I've got in touch with Onkyo and they collected both amplifiers repaired them and sending them back to me all free of charge that tells you how much faith they have in their product absolutely awesome for that I will still go with Onkyo but let's see what happens in the next 2 years but this new generation also called new generation of surround sound receivers really do not cut the mustard so maybe less on it and focus more on sound quality please

[@OnkyoEU]

Dear Andrew, thank you for your feedback which we will forward to the engineering/product development department in Japan. If you think that the customer care team can help you with specific issues, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the colleagues (e.g. via www.eu.onkyo.com). Other than that, we can only forward your feedback to the engineering department as-is for consideration. Again, thank you for your feedback and your kind understanding.

[@Cammac8]

Questionable quality. I have one of these units & after 3 months the Bluetooth stops working for no reason at all, and the only way to fix is to switch off power at the source.... which is a massive pain in the ass when all your cables are concealed inside a wall unit. This is the 2nd ONKYO unit I've had problems with in the last 6 months.

[@OnkyoEU]

Hello and sorry to hear about your experience - have you tried to find a reason/solution with our Customer Care team? Sometimes things like this can happen when devices are paired with other devices, too - and the connection switching from one device to another... The colleagues from Customer Care may have some hints for identifying the reason for this behaviour and possible solutions/workarounds. Thank you!

[@JollyGiant1213]

Cammac8 Man must have bad luck. Sorry to hear about that

[@shawnalvelo4207]

Does streaming music from Amazon Music & Alexa work with tx-nr686?

[@NerdyMeathead]

get the 696 the updated model does an hdcp update to 2.3

[@drstrangehome]

Can zone 2 be used for outdoor speakers?

[@OnkyoEU]

Hi and yes, Zone 2 could be used for outdoor speakers!