Onkyo has combined Dynamic Audio Amplification with wireless multi-room audio technologies, 4K video support, and 3D audio in a 165 W/Ch (6 ohms, 1 kHz, THD 1%, 1-channel driven) THX-certified Select A/V receiver, the TX-NR686.

Multi-channel performance is proven with a THX-certified Select guarantee of cinema-reference volume within strict THX sound-quality parameters. Certification is awarded after thousands of independent bench-tests covering every aspect of amplifier design.

As well as playing DTS:X and Dolby Atmos soundtracks, which place sounds in space where they occur naturally, the receiver carries DTS Neural:X and Dolby Surround upmixing solutions. Each is cross-compatible with legacy sound formats encoded on Blu-ray Disc and DVD, such as Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. AccuEQ Room Acoustic Calibration, which sets essential speaker conditions for optimal performance tailored to the listening space, is enhanced by AccuReflex technology. AccuReflex assures cohesive sound at the listening position by phase-matching directional and non-directional sound for soundtracks played though Dolby Atmos-enabled speaker systems.

Digital audio sources, particularly Hi-Res Audio in 5.6 MHz DSD*1 or 192 kHz/24-bit in FLAC*2, WAV (RIFF)*2, AIFF*2, and ALAC*2 over network or USB input, benefit from VLSC (Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry) on the Front L/R channels.

Amazon Music, TIDAL, TuneIn, Deezer, and Spotify are built into the receiver*3 to make selection easy from remote control or Onkyo Controller*4 app for iPad, iPhone, and Android devices. All network streaming and control functions, including AirPlay, operate over 5 GHz/2.4 GHz Wi-Fi for stability in areas with household network congestion. Music streaming capabilities are further bolstered with built-in Bluetooth wireless technology. A discrete low-noise phono pre-amp is also included and you can connect a turntable featuring an MM.

TX-NR686 features DTS Play-Fi technology. The platform enables streaming services to be synchronised across single or grouped rooms using Onkyo Music Control App*4. Multi-room audio support over Wi-Fi extends to Chromecast built-in, enabling users to stream music from smartphones, tablets, laptops, and PCs from popular apps with a tap or click. Voice control with the Google Assistant*5 is available through Android phones, iPhone, Google Home, or other compatible devices. FlareConnect, meanwhile, is a network platform enabling the A/V receiver and compatible audio systems and speakers to freely share analogue and digital sources*6 between each other, with playback managed via Onkyo Controller.

Users can re-purpose a set of stereo speakers in the kitchen, garage, or other interior space by powering them via ZONE 2 speaker outputs, with no extra amps or players required, while retaining a 5.2-ch home cinema set-up in the main room. As well as analogue sources including phono and tuner, powered ZONE 2 employs a DAC to distribute digital input sources (network, USB, and S/PDIF) for simultaneous playback of the same or different sources in either or both rooms. Zone 2 line-output is ideal for sharing content to a hi-fi system featuring a line-level input, with multi-room playback management courtesy of the Onkyo Controller app. Six rear HDCP 2.2-compatible HDMI inputs, Main Out, and Sub Out*7 pass 4K/60p video as well as BT.2020 colour standard, 4:4:4 colour sub-sampling, and High Dynamic Range in HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision formats to a compatible TV display or projector. A front HDMI input*8 is ideal for temporary device connections, such as a video recorder or game console.

Price (available beginning of April)

Onkyo TX-NR686  – £649.99