What is Onkyo TX-NR676E – Equipment, Multimedia

The Onkyo TX-NR676E is the first AV receiver in our laboratory that masters the HDR standard Dolby Vision – which is worth an “Innovation” award. Prepared for this at the factory, the latest firmware update enables the function; The “Dolby Vision” tab then appears in the menu. In which the Dolby HDR pass-through must be assigned to one of the two HDMI outputs or can switch off. In addition, the TX-NR676E also supports the HDR format Hybrid Log-Gamma. Which is relevant for TV broadcasts, as we learned in consultation with Onkyo. The added “E” in the device name stands for Europe; by the way, the US version differs in the equipment.

Otherwise, Onkyo primarily did fine-tuning when switching from the TX-NR656 (test in 8-2015) to the TX-NR676E (the ‘devil’s number’ 666). According to Onkyo, the 5 watts more power indicates optimization of the power amplifier circuit concept: Onkyo calls the amplifier layout “Dynamic Audio Amplification,” which, according to the Japanese, should enable an “immediate reaction to changes in dynamics and the exact control of loudspeakers” – and already use in the predecessor. On the video side, the number of HDCP 2.2-capable HDMI sockets has increased from 3 to 7, but an HDMI input has also deletes. Speaking of the red pen: The video scaler and video equalizer also fell victim to this. On the other hand, the price remained the same. And also, with the TX-NR676E joining the lower segment of our test field at 650 euros.

Equipment and technology

Onkyo TX-NR676E –

The appearance of the receiver, which is available in black or silver, has not changed compared to its predecessor TX-NR656, which was unnecessary for our taste. Design similarities to the more extensive TX-RZ series. Such as the smooth-running XXL volume control or the rotary controls for “Tone” and “Listening Mode” positioned at the bottom left, are retained. The bulge on the underside is pure decoration.

On the back, there are 2 HDMI outputs and 6 HDMI inputs, all of which accept HDCP 2.2; The HDMI interface on the front also receives copy protection. In addition to 6 analog stereo RCA inputs, there is also a phono board and 3 S / PDIF inputs, which should be enough for regular home theaters.

Technology

The TX-NR676E design is a 7.2 receiver, so a maximum of 7.2 or 5.2.2 layouts implement with two ceiling boxes for 3D sound. Payable to the deficiency of pre-outs, the multi-channel sound limit to 7 channels plus two subwoofers, 9-channel sound, and more are only available from Onkyo from the higher-level TX-RZ series. If you only use five or fewer media with the TX-NR676E. And also, you can also use free power amplifiers for bi-amping the main speakers or active sound reinforcement of zone speakers. Alternatively, pre-outs provide audio signals for a second listening zone.

Onkyo TX-NR676E –

Onkyo’s automatic calibration AccuEQ is limited to only one measuring point and only provides an equalized EQ target curve. The “Accu-Reflex” phase calibration for add-on boxes is now an integral part (see box). With the equalizer, which also activates for calibration, the sound of almost all speakers fine-tune; 9 of the 15 bands start simultaneously; the filters operate from 25 Hz to 16 kHz. However, the two wirable subwoofers can be controlled separately, neither in the equalizer nor in the speaker configuration. The latter allows the two height boxes to place as height, top or Dolby-enabled speakers – either at the front or at the rear, which is not a matter of course in this price range.

On the other hand, we have to criticize the distance and level steps, which are too coarse at 3 centimeters or 1dB units; 1 centimeter or 0.5 decibels would be optimal. In contrast, separating the crossover frequencies for all boxes in 11 steps from 40 to 200 Hertz turned out to be exemplary; the subwoofers from 80 to 120 Hertz in 4 levels. The “Double Bass” function doubles the bass by adding the bass components of the “large” front speakers to the subwoofer.

The decoders for Dolby Atmos and DTS: X join by their mixers Dolby Surround and DTS Neural: X. However, for licensing reasons, the Onkyo does not allow cross-format mixing. And also, DTS signals cannot be reproduced with the Dolby decoders – the same applies vice versa.

Video and Multimedia

Onkyo TX-NR676E –

The video board of the TX-NR676E supports 4K / 60p signals, including 4: 4: 4 color scanning as well as HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG, and all 9 HDMI sockets accept HDCP 2.2 copy protection. The video scaler and the video equalizer for sharpening extrapolated images fell victim to the red pencil. The manually adjustable Lip-Sync-Delay, which regulates over an extensive range from -100 to +500 milliseconds, is also available.

Multimedia

On the multimedia side, adding to the free web radio TuneIn, the payment services Spotify, Tidal, and Deezer are available. Fire Connect and, in the future, DTS Play-Fi enable convenient listening to music via the app and multi room applications; Chrome cast streaming technology is also on board. The receiver also makes contact with music via Air Play, Bluetooth, and DLNA clients as well as USB. And also, the media player accepts Hi-Res files with 192 kHz / 24 bit and DSD files up to 5.6 MHz. An AK4458 chip with 384 kHz / 32 bit from Asahi Kasei is responsible for the D / A conversion. With the TX-NR656, the Onkyo engineers revised the remote control. Although there is no numeric keypad, the large volume buttons are freely position. And also, easy to find without visual contact.

Surround sound quality

In the measurement laboratory, the TX-NR676E was able to gain a bit more power in 2- and 5-channel operation. And also, got one rating point more than its predecessor. 175 watts per channel with stereo (4 ohms) and 121 watts (4 ohms) at five complete Loaded power amplifiers can also fill large home theaters with sound. With seven exhausted power amplifiers, the Onkyo delivers the same amount of power as the TX-NR656 with 81 (4 ohms) or 74 watts (6 ohms).

The TX-NR676E passed our listening test with the full-bodied and powerful sound typical of Onkyo. And also, enabling prolonged listening even at high levels. The acceptable resolution does not fall by the wayside. The automatic calibration set the crossover frequency of our half-sized center. And also, the prominent front speakers a little too high, leaving all speaker levels (except for the woofer) at “0 dB” surprised us. In terms of sound, the result was convincing. However, the automatically determined sound curve, optionally with or without front speakers, brightened the mids slightly for more detail.