TX-NR686
7.2-Channel Network A/V Receiver

7.2-Channel Network A/V Receiver
With Dynamic Audio Amplification driving your surround system to THX Certified Select™ theater reference levels, transport your audience to the heart of the movie. DTS:X® and Dolby Atmos® soundtrack reproduction joins support for the latest 4K HDR video via HDMI® pass-through. Now with 3D upmixing from Dolby Surround and DTS Neural:X™, you can enjoy regular multichannel sound with spatial enhancement. Cast music from mobiles to compatible systems over Chromecast built-in, DTS Play-Fi® technology, or FlareConnect™ multi-room platforms. AirPlay and Bluetooth® technology are also on board the TX-NR686 for emotional playback only Onkyo can deliver.
THX® Certified Select™ Theater Reference Sound
Plays the latest 5.2.2-Ch Dolby Atmos® and DTS:X® soundtracks
4K/60 Hz, HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision™, BT.2020, and HDCP 2.2 video pass-through support via HDMI®
Dynamic Audio Amplification with 165 W/Ch and 4-ohm drive capability
384 kHz/32-bit DAC and VLSC™ filtering for source-faithful digital music
Works with Sonos*
5 GHz/2.4 GHz Wi-Fi®, Chromecast built-in, DTS Play-Fi® technology
FlareConnect™ wireless multi-room audio distribution
AirPlay, Amazon Music, Spotify, TIDAL, Deezer(Deezer HiFi*), TuneIn (subject to regional availability)*1
THX Ltd. was founded by legendary filmmaker George Lucas to improve the entertainment experience at commercial theaters and at home. To gain THX Certified Select certification, home theater receivers must pass 2,000 severe THX laboratory bench-tests in 75 categories covering 14,000 data points to assure reference performance in every respect. With uncompromising sound-quality exceeding world-class standards, you can feel theater sound as the filmmaker intended.
The TX-NR686 features original Dynamic Audio Amplification to precisely control your speakers. Custom-fabricated transformer enables stable power supply while fully customized capacitors assure instantaneous response to dynamic changes. This is vital for thrilling movie sound. High-current power is proven by 4–16-ohm speaker-driving capability. Discrete wide-range amplification circuitry has hand-selected audio parts and is exhaustively tested and tuned. This guarantees dynamic sound with phenomenal image accuracy. Non-phase-shift circuitry joins patented VLSC™ noise-removal circuit technology on the front L/R channels to improve clarity and detail. By eliminating digital noise from source to speaker, unique textures are revealed while improving soundfield cohesion for a thoroughly immersive listening experience.
AccuEQ ensures that the TX-NR686 and connected speakers are calibrated so they’re working at their absolute best in your listening space. It calculates speaker distance from the listening position, adjusts speaker sound-pressure level, and sets the crossover position. AccuReflex™ technology, meanwhile, optimizes the performance of your Dolby Atmos-enabled speakers for clear and comfortable sound at the listening position. The phase of direct and indirect sounds is aligned for seamless presentation of object-based soundtracks.
Object-based audio is studio-mixed in a virtual 3D space, allowing discrete sounds to play through any speaker in your 5.2.2-ch system. Sound moves naturally around your audience so they feel Dolby Atmos or DTS:X movie soundtracks like it’s real life. DTS Neural:X™ and Dolby Surround solutions are on board to upmix legacy formats for playback through your object-audio-ready speaker system. Cross-compatibility with common soundtracks including Dolby® Digital, Dolby® TrueHD, and DTS-HD Master Audio™ lets you enjoy spatial sound from your existing movie library or supported video streaming service using either technology.
HDR reveals what’s been missing from high-definition video with improved detail resolution in shadows and sparkling highlights as the eye sees them naturally. HDR also expands the color gamut to about 75 percent of the visible color spectrum. Colors are infinitely richer and more natural on HDR-compliant TVs, with smoother tonal gradation. The TX-NR686 has seven HDMI inputs, Main Out, and Sub Out to support pass-through of 4K HDR video in HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision™ formats. Selected inputs handle the BT.2020 4K Video Standard, 4K/60 Hz video, and unlock HDCP 2.2-protected premium content.
Welcome your new A/V receiver into the Sonos Home Sound System family—just pair it with a Sonos Connect and let Onkyo sound join the party. “Works with Sonos” means a product is designed to fit seamlessly into the Sonos ecosystem, and will wake from standby, switch inputs, and commence playback at your desired volume whenever selected from the Sonos app. Just by adding a Sonos Connect, you upgrade the streaming capabilities of your Onkyo home theater, and thanks to RCA and optical/coaxial digital audio outputs, both setup flexibility and sound quality are outstanding. The Sonos app, meanwhile, gathers all your favorite streaming sources into one beautiful interface so you can orchestrate entertainment all over the home. Even guests can join in by installing the Sonos app on their devices.
FlareConnect shares audio from network and external audio input sources between supported components. Connect your audio systems to Wi-Fi to enjoy high-quality reproduction of music stored on mobiles using Onkyo Controller app on single or grouped speakers. Relax with a huge variety of music via streaming services and internet radio channels. You can also play from any component’s external audio inputs. Your favorite tunes, even LPs, can be mirrored on speakers in other rooms. Music selection, speaker grouping, and playback are built into the Onkyo Controller app. For external input availability, click here.
Built-in Wi-Fi supports 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz frequency bands so your components can connect to the channel with the least amount of congestion. Stable connectivity delivers a more satisfying multi-room experience on your choice of network audio platform. The TX-NR686 features DTS Play-Fi® technology to share high-quality music from connected online services, media servers, and your device library to any number of compatible products using the Onkyo Music Control App for iPad, iPhone, and Android™ smartphones/tablets. DTS Play-Fi technology easily synchronizes music playback in every room. With Chromecast built-in, you can stream any music from your smartphone, laptop, or PC to the TX-NR686 and other supported components via Chromecast-enabled apps you know and love from your iPhone, iPad, Android phone or tablet, Mac or Windows laptop, or Chromebook™.
The TX-NR686 features speaker outputs to distribute amplified audio to speakers in another room. As Powered Zone 2 speaker terminals are independent, seven speakers can be connected in the main room with two additional speakers permanently connected in another space. When Zone 2 is powered on, a 5-channel speaker layout in the main room is activated. When Zone 2 is turned off, playback through a 7-channel speaker layout in the main room is automatically enabled. Amplified audio sources including network, S/PDIF, and analog can be enjoyed in Zone 2 audio with playback control via Onkyo Controller. A Zone 2 line-level output is also included.
The Onkyo TX-NR686 is engineered from top to bottom for universal Hi-Res Audio playback that’s easy to access and enjoy. You can play two ways: use the Onkyo Controller remote app to locate your Hi-Res Audio albums—including 5.6 MHz DSD (converted to PCM on playback) and PCM to 192 kHz/24-bit—on network-attached PC or storage device and play them back on the receiver. You can also copy your albums to a USB storage device, connect it to the receiver, and use the system remote to select music. Discover the extra clarity, detail, and analog-like fluency that high-resolution music affords for yourself.
Amazon Music can be easily accessed via Onkyo Music Control App, and TIDAL, TuneIn, Deezer, and Spotify with Onkyo Controller (note a service subscription may be required).* Install the Onkyo apps on iPhone or Android™ devices to perform different operations, such as switching inputs, selecting music, and controlling volume. The remote app also lets you cue and play music in Zone 2. You can play the same source in both rooms or different sources in each. Network Standby powers up the sleeping receiver for playback using the remote app. Visit App Store or Google Play to download free.
Compressed digital audio formats such as MP3 or AAC files lose a substantial amount of high-frequency bit information when played back via Bluetooth® wireless technology or streaming service. Music Optimizer technology, developed by Onkyo, works to overcome this limitation and enhance audio quality. Music Optimizer employs a sophisticated DSP algorithm to restore lost bit information, resulting in fuller, clearer sound. A loudness correction feature is also included to enhance enjoyment of these convenient audio files. Music Optimizer function can be set to ON or OFF per individual input terminal.
Firmware Updates: Released 24 Nov. 2021
HIGHLIGHTS
THX® Certified Select™ theater reference sound
Supports 5.2.2-channel Dolby Atmos® and DTS:X® playback
165 W per channel
HDMI® 7 in (1 front*1) / Main Out, and Sub Out*2 supporting 4K/60 Hz, HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision™, BT.2020, and HDCP 2.2 pass-through
Dynamic Audio Amplification with 4-ohm speaker-driving capability
384 kHz/32-bit DAC and VLSC™ filtering for superior clarity
Works with Sonos*
Supports Chromecast built-in and works with the Google Assistant
Dual-band Wi-Fi®, DTS Play-Fi®, AirPlay, Amazon Music, Spotify, TIDAL, Deezer(Deezer HiFi*), TuneIn*3
FlareConnect™ wireless multi-room audio
* Requires a free firmware update.
ADVANCED FEATURES
HDMI terminals supporting HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision™, BT.2020, 4K/60 Hz pass-through, and HDCP 2.2
5.2.2-channel Dolby Atmos playback and Dolby Surround upmixing for audio formats including DTS® codecs
DTS:X playback and DTS Neural:X® 3D upmixing supporting Dolby® formats
AccuEQ Room Acoustic Calibration with AccuReflex phase alignment for Dolby Atmos-enabled speakers
Supports Onkyo Controller app*4 for intuitive multi-room operation
Stable 5 GHz/2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connectivity
Works with Sonos enabling integration into the Sonos Home Sound System with automatic power up, input switching, and volume preset via the Sonos app
Chromecast built-in wireless audio streaming technology that works with the Google Assistant
DTS Play-Fi multi-room audio with Onkyo Music Control App*4
AirPlay audio streaming from iTunes and iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch
Hi-Res Audio playback including DSD 5.6 MHz/2.8 MHz*5, 192 kHz/24-bit FLAC*6, WAV (RIFF)*6, AIFF, ALAC*6, and Dolby® TrueHD*7
Supports Amazon Music, Spotify, TIDAL, and Deezer(Deezer HiFi*8) music streaming services and TuneIn internet radio
FlareConnect multi-room audio distribution to compatible components
Powered Zone 2 speaker outputs and Zone 2 line-output with DAC supporting digital*9 and analog audio playback
Bluetooth® wireless technology for mobiles, laptops, and PCs (Version 4.1 + LE, Profile: A2DP v1.2, AVRCP v1.3)
Advanced Music Optimizer improves compressed digital audio quality, including Bluetooth audio
Support for front L/R bi-amping in a 5.2-channel speaker layout
480i de-interlacing (480i to 480p) via HDMI for legacy video formats
AMPLIFIER FEATURES
Dynamic Audio Amplification delivers thrilling multichannel and stereo performance
High-current power drives large speakers with 4-ohm resistance
H.C.P.S. (High Current Power Supply) customized transformer
VLSC (Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry) high-frequency noise removal (for front L/R channels)
Non-phase-shift amplification circuitry for clarity and detail
Discrete output stage circuitry for low distortion
PROCESSING FEATURES
Dolby Atmos and DTS:X reproduction (supports 5.2.2 channels)
HDMI support for 4K/60 Hz, HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision, 3D, Audio Return Channel, DeepColor™, x.v.Color™, LipSync, Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, DTS:X, DTS-HD Master Audio™, DSD, DVD-Audio, Super Audio CD (SACD), multichannel PCM, and CEC
High-grade AKM (AK4458) 384 kHz/32-bit multichannel DAC
PLL (Phase Locked Loop) jitter-cleaning technology for S/PDIF audio
32-bit Digital Signal Processing (DSP)
Listening modes for gaming (Rock, Sports, Action, and RPG)
Theater-Dimensional virtual surround function
Direct Mode for audio reproduction close to original source quality
Tone controls (bass/treble) for front L/R channels
CONNECTION FEATURES
7 HDMI inputs (1 front) and 2 outputs (1 Main Out, 1 Sub Out)
Powered USB terminal (5 V, 1 A) for audio playback
2 composite video inputs and 2 component video inputs
3 digital audio inputs (2 optical and 1 coaxial)
6 analog audio inputs, 1 stereo 3.5 mm analog input (front)
Phono input (MM) and equalizer for turntable connection
2 subwoofer pre-outs
6.35 mm headphone jack (front)
Speaker setup mic input (front)
Speaker posts with screw knobs
OTHER FEATURES
Crossover adjustment for each channel (40 ⁄ 50 ⁄ 60 ⁄ 70 ⁄ 80 ⁄ 90 ⁄ 100 ⁄ 120 ⁄ 150 ⁄ 180 ⁄ 200 Hz)
A/V Sync Control (up to 500 ms in 5 ms steps at 48 kHz)
Graphical User Interface with overlaid On-Screen Display via HDMI
Quick Setup Guide via GUI and easy connection diagram on rear panel
Large input selector buttons
Economical HDMI pass-through and Network Standby functions
IP control support for home automation systems
3-mode display dimmer (normal/dim/dimmer)
40 FM/AM random presets
Simple remote control
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
Power Output: 165 W/Ch (6 ohms, 1 kHz, 1% THD, 1 Channel Driven, IEC)
Frequency Response: 10 Hz–100 kHz/+1 dB, -3 dB (Direct Mode)
Dimensions (W x H x D): 435 x 173.5 x 379.5 mm
Weight: 10.0 kg
*1 Front HDMI input does not support 4K/60p/4:4:4/24-bit video, HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision, or BT.2020.
*2 HDMI Sub Out does not support ARC or CEC.
*3 Availability of services may vary with region. Subscription may also be required.
*4 Visit App Store or Google Play to check device and OS requirements and download free.
*5 Converted to PCM. Playback not guaranteed via wireless LAN.
*6 Supported sampling rate via wireless LAN depends on network environment. ALAC supported up to 96 kHz.
*7 Not guaranteed via wireless LAN.
*8 Requires a free firmware update
*9 Audio via HDMI inputs excluded.
Due to a policy of continuous product improvement, Onkyo reserves the right to change specifications and appearance without notice.