Onkyo has been very active in launching new models every year. 2018 is no exception. They just launched two new mid-priced AV receivers: the Onkyo TX-NR686 (MSRP $649) and the TX-NR585 ($549). Both 7.2-channel models support DTS:X and Dolby Atmos, 4K video with HDR10 and Dolby Vision pass-through, AccuEQ Room Acoustic Calibration, hi-res audio playback, AirPlay, DTS Play-Fi, and more. The THX Select-certified TX-NR686 is rated at a respectable 100 watts per channel enough to power most speakers. The TX-NR585 is rated at 80 watts per channel, so a choice of smaller and more efficient speakers will be a better match for this.
Onkyo TX-NR686 Receiver
Onkyo’s reputation in audio playback are not compromised even at this price range thanks to the high-current, non-phase-shift amplification circuitry with discrete output stages in both receivers. The combination of high current and power will be adequate to provide a satisfying audio performance. As with most modern receivers the NR686 and NR585 supports many digital audio sources like Hi-Res Audio in 5.6-MHz DSD or 192-kHz/24-bit in FLAC, WAV, AIFF, and ALAC over network or USB input. They also benefit from VLSC (Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry) on Front L/R channels. This patented circuit removes high-frequency noise resulting in clear articulation for both movie dialog and music.
No modern receivers can do without streaming services. So Onkyo has included support for Amazon Music, TIDAL, TuneIn, Deezer, Pandora and Spotify. Integration of these services are seamless with easy control from the supplied remote controls or Onkyo Controller or Onkyo Music Control App. All network streaming and control functions, including AirPlay, operate over dual-band 5-GHz/2.4-GHz Wi-Fi for stability in areas with household network congestion. Music streaming capabilities are available through built-in Bluetooth wireless connection.
They are very user friendly. With Graphical User Interface (GUI) over HDMI these receivers are very easy to setup and navigate.