Onkyo TX-NR686 vs Sony STR-AZ7000ES

Here we are comparing Onkyo TX-NR686 to Sony STR-AZ7000ES to reveal their common strengths and weaknesses as well as the differences between them which will help you in making a correct decision before the purchase. The Onkyo TX-NR686 has 7 channel and the Sony STR-AZ7000ES has 13 channel amplifiers with Onkyo TX-NR686's being less powerful.

Onkyo TX-NR686	Sony STR-AZ7000ES
Onkyo TX-NR686 was introduced in 2018. It is equipped with 7 channel amplifier with 100 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 7.1 maximum channel processing. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, passes 4K/60Hz video signal.	Sony STR-AZ7000ES was introduced in 2023 and represents a current flagship model of a manufacturer. It is equipped with 13 channel amplifier with 140 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 13.2 maximum channel processing. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X Pro, passes 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz and upscales up to 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 100/120Hz 4:4:4 video signal.

We evaluated Onkyo TX-NR686 and Sony STR-AZ7000ES and gave them scores of 88 and 94 out of 100 recpectively. Our ranking system is based on the amplifier specifications, audio and video features, connectivity, multizone capabilities, radio and many other details.

For more details about the ranking please go to    Evaluations section.

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Onkyo TX-NR686 over Sony STR-AZ7000ES.

	Onkyo TX-NR686	vs	Sony STR-AZ7000ES
THX™ Certification	Select™ (previously known as Select2)	vs
Higher DAC Specs	384 kHz/32 Bit	vs	192 kHz/32 Bit
DTS Express		vs
Network Audio Formats	FLAC, WAV, Apple Lossless, WMA, MP3, DSD, AIFF, MPEG-4 AAC, LPCM	vs	FLAC, AIFF, WAV, DSD, ALAC, MP3, WMA, AAC
Music Playback via USB	FLAC, WAV, Apple Lossless, WMA, MP3, DSD, AIFF, AAC, Dolby TrueHD	vs	FLAC, AIFF, WAV, DSD, ALAC, MP3, WMA, AAC
High Resolution Audio Formats via USB	FLAC, WAV, Apple Lossless, DSD, AIFF, AAC, Dolby TrueHD	vs	FLAC, AIFF, WAV, DSD, ALAC
DTS Play-Fi		vs
AirPlay	AirPlay 2 after firmware update	vs	AirPlay 2
More RCA Line Inputs	7 (1 Front)	vs	4
Phono Input		vs
More Component Video Inputs	2	vs
Headphone Out	6.3 mm (1/4")	vs
More GUI Languages	7	vs	3
Analog Tuner	FM/AM	vs	FM
More Presets	40	vs	30
Bigger Power Supply	580 W	vs	540 W
Lower THD	0.08% (20 Hz - 20 kHz, Half power)	vs	0.09%

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sony STR-AZ7000ES over Onkyo TX-NR686.

	Onkyo TX-NR686	vs	Sony STR-AZ7000ES
More Channels	7.2	vs	13.2
Higher Power Output	100 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)	vs	140 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
Front Wide Channel Support		vs
More Channel Processing	7.1	vs	13.2
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization		vs
DTS:X		vs	Pro up to 7.1.6 of 9.1.4
DTS Virtual:X		vs
IMAX Enhanced		vs
Dialogue Lift		vs	Center Speaker Lift Up
More Tone Control Channels	Front L/R Channels	vs	All Channels
High-resolution Music Enhancer		vs	DSEE Ultimate
Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)		vs
Newer HDCP Version	2.2	vs	2.3
Auto Low Latency Mode Pass-through		vs
VRR		vs
Video Signal Passthrough	up to 4K/60p (RGB/YCbCr4:4:4)	vs	up to 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 100/120Hz 4:4:4
Video Signal Upscaling		vs	up to 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 100/120Hz 4:4:4
More HDMI Outputs	2 (simultaneous)	vs	2 (1 Main, 1 Sub/Zone2)
More 8K Inputs		vs	4
More RCA Pre-Outs	0.2	vs	13.2
More Composite Video Outputs		vs	1
Front A/V Inputs	HDMI, Mini-Jack	vs	HDMI, USB
Detachable Power Cord		vs
More Zones	2	vs	3
More Powered Zones	2	vs	2 and 3
Zone 2 Outs	RCA Line Out	vs	HDMI, Composite video, Pre Out
RS-232C Interface		vs
+12V Trigger Output	0	vs	3
Remote (IR) Input/Output	0 / 0	vs	1 / 2
More Speaker Terminals	9	vs	13
More Large Speaker Terminals	9	vs	13
Gold plated RCA terminals		vs
Higher Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	100 W (0.08% THD)	vs	140 W (0.09% THD)
Wi-Fi Standard	IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n	vs	IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Newer Bluetooth Version	4․1 + LE	vs	5․0
Longer Warranty	2 Years	vs	5 Years

We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

STRENGTHS	Onkyo TX-NR686	Sony STR-AZ7000ES
Dolby Atmos		up to 7.1.6 of 9.1.4
DTS:X		Pro up to 7.1.6 of 9.1.4
DSD via HDMI	2-ch/Multi-ch Input	2-ch/Multi-ch Input
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.	AccuEQ with AccuReflex™	D.C.A.C. IX
HDR10
Dolby Vision
New HDCP Version	2.2	2.3
Analog To HDMI Upconversion	Component**, Composite	Composite
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth	SBC, AAC	SBC, AAC, LDAC
Chromecast Built-In
Many HDMI Inputs	7 (1 front)	7 (1 front)
USB Input	1 (Rear)	1 Front for USB memory
Composite Video Inputs	2	2
Ethernet
Analog Tuner	FM/AM	FM
Pandora
Spotify
Tidal

WEAKNESSES	Onkyo TX-NR686	Sony STR-AZ7000ES
No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
No HDR10+
Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
No Digital Radio

Onkyo TX-NR686	Sony STR-AZ7000ES
7 channel Linear Class A/B Amplifier: Onkyo TX-NR686 features 7 channel power amplifier with Linear Class A/B design. It is rated at 100 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) and is able to drive 4 ohm speakers.	13 channel Amplifier: Sony STR-AZ7000ES features 13 channel power amplifier. It is rated at 140 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) and is able to drive 4 ohm speakers.

• Dynamic Audio Amplification: Onkyo TX-NR686 features Dynamic Audio Amplification which is Onkyo’s amplification philosophy that focuses on capturing the energy and dynamism contained in the audio signal and reproducing it without loss. Audio signals are not static like a test tone, but rather a countless collection of constantly moving waves. While static measurements such as S/N ratio and Total Harmonic Distortion are important, Onkyo believes that excellent dynamic and transient response is the key to emotionally involving sound. Dynamism - the “life” in music - is achieved when the amp can respond to changes in the signal instantaneously, so notes start and stop naturally and the nuances in attack, decay, sustain, and release are voiced with conviction. Onkyo home theater receivers represent the culmination of almost 70 years’ experience in amplifier design. The unique elements of their amplification system comprise high-current, low-impedance architecture to accurately control large speaker cones while enabling instantaneous response to dynamic changes, and discrete wide-range amplifier circuit topology to eliminate phase shift for clear and accurate audio imaging.

THX™ Select™ (previously known as Select2) certification

Onkyo TX-NR686 is THX™ Select™ (previously known as Select2) certified. This means that it is for medium sized rooms, up to 2,000 cubic feet in size, with a 10-12 foot viewing distance from the screen.

AMPLIFIER	Onkyo TX-NR686	Sony STR-AZ7000ES
Channels	7.2	13.2
Power Output	100 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)	140 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
Front Wide Channel Support
THX™ Certification	Select™ (previously known as Select2)
Continuous 6 Ω Rated
Certified 4 Ω Performance
Bi-amp Capability

Onkyo TX-NR686's and Sony STR-AZ7000ES's amplifiers can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

• Dolby Atmos Configurations: The following speaker configurations are supported for Dolby Atmos:
Onkyo TX-NR686: 5.2.2 with internal amplifier.
Sony STR-AZ7000ES: 5.2.2, 5.2.4, 5.2.6, 7.2.2, 7.2.4, 7.2.6, 9.2.2, 9.2.4 with internal amplifier.
• DTS:X Configurations: The following speaker configurations are supported for DTS:X:
Onkyo TX-NR686: The speaker configurations for DTS:X are the same as for Dolby Atmos - 5.2.2 with internal amplifier.
Sony STR-AZ7000ES: The speaker configurations for DTS:X are the same as for Dolby Atmos - 5.2.2, 5.2.4, 5.2.6, 7.2.2, 7.2.4, 7.2.6, 9.2.2, 9.2.4 with internal amplifier.
• Configurations without height channels: There are also other speaker configurations available which do not include height channels:
Onkyo TX-NR686: 5.2, 7.2 with internal amplifier.
Sony STR-AZ7000ES: 5.2, 7.2, 9.2 with internal amplifier.
• Front Wide Channel support: With the presence of two front wide speakers you can enhance the front surround stage. The following speaker configurations are available for front wide channels:
Onkyo TX-NR686: Does not support.
Sony STR-AZ7000ES: 9.2, 9.2.2, 9.2.4.
• 2-ch Bi-Amp: Both models are able to bi-amp up to 2 main channels simultaneously. During bi-amplification two amplifiers are used for one speaker. One amplifier powers the midrange and tweeter section of the speaker and another amplifier powers the low frequency woofers. Each amplifier is less loaded and performs better. In order to use this feature speakers must have 2 pairs of connectors.

Dolby Atmos

Onkyo TX-NR686 and Sony STR-AZ7000ES support Dolby Atmos.

• Dolby Surround Upmixer: Both models support Dolby Surround Upmixer. If the content is not mixed in Dolby Atmos then the Dolby surround upmixer will expand the audio to all channels including ceiling speakers. The upmixer has replaced the Dolby Pro Logic II family with improved upmixing algorithms.
• Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization: Sony STR-AZ7000ES supports Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization which is a digital signal processing solution that leverages Dolby's deep understanding of human audio perception to create the sensation of overhead sound from the listener-level speakers.

DTS:X

Onkyo TX-NR686 and Sony STR-AZ7000ES support DTS:X.

• DTS:X Pro: Sony STR-AZ7000ES supports DTS:X Pro which is an upgraded version of DTS:X and is no longer limited with 11 channel processing.
• DTS Neural:X: Both models feature DTS Neural:X which is an advanced upmixer that can take non DTS:X content and upmix it to the DTS:X speaker layout. It has replaced the DTS Neo family with improved flexibility.
• DTS Virtual:X: Onkyo TX-NR686 supports DTS Virtual:X which bridges the gap between DTS:X codec and the reality of so many consumers' homes, allowing you to enjoy multi-dimensional sound regardless of room size, layout, or speaker configuration. If you have a limited speaker setup you will miss a full immersive potential of your entertainment system. DTS Virtual:X adds height and surround audio effect to your system without adding height speakers. It works with multiple configurations and delivers immersive sound experience out of 5.1 or even 2.1 speaker layouts.
• DTS Dialog Control: Onkyo TX-NR686 supports DTS Dialog Control. This function adjusts the dialog levels during playback of the DTS:X stream. It allows you to separately increase the dialog levels in contrast with the background sound and hear dialog easily even under noisy circumstances.

IMAX Enhanced

Sony STR-AZ7000ES is IMAX Enhanced certified. To qualify for IMAX Enhanced certification, 4K HDR televisions, projectors, sound bars, a/v receivers, loudspeakers, powered subwoofers and other premium home entertainment devices must meet carefully prescribed performance requirements established by IMAX, DTS and Hollywood's leading experts.

• What makes an IMAX Enhanced A/V receiver different from an A/V receiver with DTS:X technology? DTS:X technology is commonly found in most multi-channel A/V receivers on the market today. All IMAX Enhanced A/V receivers include DTS:X technology and deliver additional features, such as auto-sensing of IMAX Enhanced content, via IMAX Mode. IMAX Mode indicates that your A/V receiver supports fully immersive IMAX signature sound.

AUDIO DECODING	Onkyo TX-NR686	Sony STR-AZ7000ES
Dolby Atmos		up to 7.1.6 of 9.1.4
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
Dolby Atmos Music
Dolby TrueHD
Dolby Digital Plus
Dolby Surround Upmixer
Dolby Pro Logic
Dolby Digital EX
DTS:X		Pro up to 7.1.6 of 9.1.4
DTS Neural:X
DTS Virtual:X
DTS Neo
DTS-HD Master Audio
DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
DTS 96/24
DTS Express
DTS-ES		Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1
IMAX Enhanced
Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer

Onkyo TX-NR686 comes with 7 HDMI inputs. It has 2 outputs which work parallelly and output the same signal.

Sony STR-AZ7000ES comes with 4 HDMI 2.1 inputs with 8K support and 3 inputs with 4K support. It has 2 outputs - 1 Main and 1 Sub/Zone2.

• 4K/60Hz Passthrough on Onkyo TX-NR686: All inputs pass up to 4K/60p (RGB/YCbCr4:4:4) video signal.
  8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz Passthrough on Sony STR-AZ7000ES: 4 out of 7 inputs pass up to 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 100/120Hz 4:4:4 and the rest of the inputs pass up to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4 video signal.
• 8K Upscaling on Sony STR-AZ7000ES: It can upscale up to 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 100/120Hz 4:4:4 from HDMI and analog sources.
• Analog To HDMI Upconversion: Both receivers support analog to HDMI Upconversion, so you can input your analog video sources and output them digitally via HDMI. This means that you will need only one HDMI cable to connect to your TV.
• BT.2020 Color Space: BT.2020 or Rec. 2020 is a color standard which delivers a wider color gamut compared to Rec. 709. It covers approximately 75% of the total visual spectrum while the Rec. 709 covers only 35% (available on both models).
• HDCP Copy Protection: Onkyo TX-NR686 is HDCP 2.2 and Sony STR-AZ7000ES is HDCP 2.3 compliant which is a requirement for 4K/HDR copy-protected content transmission.
• 3D Ready: Both receivers are able to pass 3D video through HDMI.

HDR (High Dynamic Range)

Both receivers support HDR10, Dolby Vision and Hybrid Log-Gamma. High dynamic range video has greater dynamic range than standard dynamic range (SDR) video with brighter whites and deeper blacks. The result is greater contrast and more details in dark and bright areas, better color and depth.

Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)

Sony STR-AZ7000ES supports Audio Return Channel (ARC) which allows the compatible TV to send audio signal to the a/v receiver through the same HDMI cable which is used to send audio and video signals to the TV. So one HDMI cable is used to transfer audio signal in both directions. New Enhanced ARC will support uncompressed audio formats such as Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio whereas the previous ARC could support only Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS, DTS HD, and PCM.

Gaming Features

Sony STR-AZ7000ES supports Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) for lag-free and smooth gaming.

VIDEO FEATURES	Onkyo TX-NR686	Sony STR-AZ7000ES
HDR10
HDR10+
Dynamic HDR
BT.2020 color space
Dolby Vision
HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
HDBaseT Compatible
Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
HDCP Version	2.2	2.3
ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
3-D Ready
Video Signal Passthrough	up to 4K/60p (RGB/YCbCr4:4:4)	up to 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 100/120Hz 4:4:4
Video Signal Upscaling		up to 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 100/120Hz 4:4:4

TERMINALS	Onkyo TX-NR686	Sony STR-AZ7000ES
HDMI Inputs	7 (1 front)	7 (1 front)
HDMI Outputs	2 (simultaneous)	2 (1 Main, 1 Sub/Zone2)
8K Inputs		4
USB Input	1 (Rear)	1 Front for USB memory
USB DC Out Port
Optical Inputs	2	2
Optical Outputs
Coaxial Inputs	1	1
RCA Line Inputs	7 (1 Front)	4
RCA Line Outputs
XLR Line Inputs
Phono Input
Multi-Channel Input
RCA Pre-Outs	0.2	13.2
XLR Pre-outs
Composite Video Inputs	2	2
Composite Video Outputs		1
S-Video Inputs
S-Video Outputs
Component Video Inputs	2
Component Video Outputs

GENERAL	Onkyo TX-NR686	Sony STR-AZ7000ES
Brand	Onkyo	Sony
Series		ES
Model	TX-NR686	STR-AZ7000ES
Type	A/V Receiver	A/V Receiver
Country	North America	USA
Release Year	2018	2023
Predecessor	Onkyo TX-NR676
Successor	Onkyo TX-NR696

AMPLIFIER	Onkyo TX-NR686	Sony STR-AZ7000ES
Channels	7.2	13.2
Power Output	100 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)	140 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
Front Wide Channel Support
Amplifier Design	Linear Class A/B
Dynamic Audio Amplification
Non-Phase Shift Amplifier
VLSC (Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry)	Front L/R channels
Optimum Gain Volume Circuitry
THX™ Certification	Select™ (previously known as Select2)
Continuous 6 Ω Rated
Certified 4 Ω Performance
Discrete Output Stage Circuitry
Independent Block Construction (Amp/Preprocessor)
Bi-amp Capability
BTL (Bridged Transless or Bridging)

AUDIO FEATURES	Onkyo TX-NR686	Sony STR-AZ7000ES
Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Engine	32-bit Digital Signal Processing Engines
DAC	AKM AK4458
DAC Specs	384 kHz/32 Bit	192 kHz/32 Bit
Maximum Channel Processing	7.1	13.2
Air Studios Monitor Certification
Dolby Atmos		up to 7.1.6 of 9.1.4
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
Dolby Atmos Music
Dolby TrueHD
Dolby Digital Plus
Dolby Surround Upmixer
Dolby Pro Logic
Dolby Digital EX
THX Listening Modes
DTS:X		Pro up to 7.1.6 of 9.1.4
DTS Neural:X
DTS Virtual:X
DTS Neo
DTS-HD Master Audio
DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
DTS 96/24
DTS Express
DTS-ES		Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1
IMAX Enhanced
Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
360 Reality Audio
PCM	2-ch/Multi-ch Input	2-ch/Multi-ch Input
Network Audio Formats	FLAC, WAV, Apple Lossless, WMA, MP3, DSD, AIFF, MPEG-4 AAC, LPCM	FLAC, AIFF, WAV, DSD, ALAC, MP3, WMA, AAC
Music Playback via USB	FLAC, WAV, Apple Lossless, WMA, MP3, DSD, AIFF, AAC, Dolby TrueHD	FLAC, AIFF, WAV, DSD, ALAC, MP3, WMA, AAC
High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network	up to 192 kHz	192 kHz/24 bit
High Resolution Audio Formats via USB	FLAC, WAV, Apple Lossless, DSD, AIFF, AAC, Dolby TrueHD	FLAC, AIFF, WAV, DSD, ALAC
Gapless Playback
DSD via HDMI	2-ch/Multi-ch Input	2-ch/Multi-ch Input
DSD via USB	2-ch Input	2-ch Input
DSD to PCM Converter
USB DAC
Jitter Reduction	PLL (Phase Locked Loop) Jitter-Cleaning Circuit Technology for S/PDIF Audio
DTS Dialogue Control
Dialog Enhancement
Dialog normalization
Dialogue Lift		Center Speaker Lift Up
In-Ceiling Speaker Mode
Tone Control	Front L/R Channels	All Channels
Compressed Music Enhancer	Advanced Music Optimizer (bluetooth included)
High-resolution Music Enhancer		DSEE Ultimate
THX Processing Mode
Audyssey Dynamic EQ
Audyssey Dynamic Volume
Audyssey LFC
Audyssey Sub EQ HT
Audyssey DSX
Phase-Matching Bass Boost
Direct Mode
Pure Audio Mode
Pure Direct Analog Path Mode
Pure Direct Mode
Virtual Speakers	T-D (Theater-Dimensional)

CALIBRATION	Onkyo TX-NR686	Sony STR-AZ7000ES
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.	AccuEQ with AccuReflex™	D.C.A.C. IX
Calibration Microphone		Stereo
Speaker Relocation
Automatic Phase Matching

VIDEO FEATURES	Onkyo TX-NR686	Sony STR-AZ7000ES
HDR10
HDR10+
Dynamic HDR
BT.2020 color space
Dolby Vision
HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
HDMI Version		2.1
HDBaseT Compatible
Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
HDCP Version	2.2	2.3
QMS (Quick Media Switching)
ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
QFT (Quick Frame transport)
3-D Ready
Video Signal Passthrough	up to 4K/60p (RGB/YCbCr4:4:4)	up to 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 100/120Hz 4:4:4
Video Signal Upscaling		up to 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 100/120Hz 4:4:4
Analog To HDMI Upconversion	Component**, Composite	Composite
Component Video Upscaling
Analog to Analog Video conversion
Component Video Maximum Resolution	480i/576i
isf Certified Calibration Control

CONNECTIVITY	Onkyo TX-NR686	Sony STR-AZ7000ES
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth	SBC, AAC	SBC, AAC, LDAC
Bluetooth Headphone Transmission
Works with Amazon Alexa
Google Assistant
Chromecast Built-In
Works with SonoS	requires firmware update & Sonos Connect
DTS Play-Fi
MHL Input
DLNA 1.5
Music Connect
Remote Monitoring with ihiji
OvrC Compatible
AirPlay	AirPlay 2 after firmware update	AirPlay 2
Apple Product Connection	iPod, iPhone and iPad
Remote App	Onkyo Remote App for iPod touch/iPhone and Android-Powered Devices
InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue

TERMINALS	Onkyo TX-NR686	Sony STR-AZ7000ES
HDMI Inputs	7 (1 front)	7 (1 front)
HDMI Outputs	2 (simultaneous)	2 (1 Main, 1 Sub/Zone2)
8K Inputs		4
USB Input	1 (Rear)	1 Front for USB memory
USB DC Out Port
Optical Inputs	2	2
Optical Outputs
Coaxial Inputs	1	1
RCA Line Inputs	7 (1 Front)	4
RCA Line Outputs
XLR Line Inputs
Phono Input
Multi-Channel Input
RCA Pre-Outs	0.2	13.2
XLR Pre-outs
Composite Video Inputs	2	2
Composite Video Outputs		1
S-Video Inputs
S-Video Outputs
Component Video Inputs	2
Component Video Outputs
Ethernet
Ethernet Switch
PC In
Front A/V Inputs	HDMI, Mini-Jack	HDMI, USB
Speaker A/B
Headphone Out	6.3 mm (1/4")
Detachable Power Cord
uport

ZONES	Onkyo TX-NR686	Sony STR-AZ7000ES
Number of Zones	2	3
Powered Zones	2	2 and 3
Zone 2 Outs	RCA Line Out	HDMI, Composite video, Pre Out
Zone 3 Outs		Pre/Line Out
Whole House Mode
RS-232C Interface
+12V Trigger Output	0	3
Remote (IR) Input/Output	0 / 0	1 / 2

MISCELLANEOUS	Onkyo TX-NR686	Sony STR-AZ7000ES
On-Screen Display	Graphical Overlaid On-Screen Display (OSD) via HDMI with Quick Set-Up	Graphical User Interface
GUI Languages	7	3
IP Control
Control4 SDDP
Remote Controller		RMT-AA511U
ONKYO-RI System Control
RIHD (Remote Interactive Over HDMI)
Smart Grid-Ready

RADIO	Onkyo TX-NR686	Sony STR-AZ7000ES
Analog Tuner	FM/AM	FM
Presets	40	30
Digital Radio
Internet Radio	TuneIn	TuneIn & iHeart Radio
Pandora
Spotify
Tidal
Deezer
Napster
SiriusXM

CONSTRUCTION	Onkyo TX-NR686	Sony STR-AZ7000ES
Solid Aluminum Front
Speaker Terminals	9	13
Large Speaker Terminals	9	13
Color-Coded Speaker Terminals
Transparent High-Grade Speaker Terminals
Gold plated RCA terminals

POWER	Onkyo TX-NR686	Sony STR-AZ7000ES
Power Supply	AC 120 V, 60 Hz	AC 120 V, 60 Hz
Independent Power Supply
H.C.P.S. (High Current Power Supply)	Customized Transformer
Toroidal Transformer
Power Consumption	580 W	540 W
No Sound Power	60 W
Standby Power	0.15 W	0.5 W
ECO Mode / Hybrid Standby Function

PHYSICAL	Onkyo TX-NR686	Sony STR-AZ7000ES
Dimensions (W x H x D)	435 mm x 173.5 mm x 379.5 mm 17-1/8" x 6-13/16" x 14-15/16"	430 mm x 194 mm x 440 mm 17" x 7-3/4" x 17-3/8"
Weight	10.0 kg (22.0 lbs)	21.8 kg (48 lb)

SPECIFICATIONS	Onkyo TX-NR686	Sony STR-AZ7000ES
Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	100 W (0.08% THD)	140 W (0.09% THD)
Power Output (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel Driven, FTC)		150 W (0.9% THD)
Maximum Effective Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA or IEC)	210 W (10% THD)
Dynamic Power per Channel (3 Ω, Front)	240 W
Dynamic Power per Channel (4 Ω, Front)	210 W
Dynamic Power per Channel (8 Ω, Front)	120 W
THD	0.08% (20 Hz - 20 kHz, Half power)	0.09%
Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line)	200 mV/47 kΩ (1 kHz, 100 W/8 Ω)
Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Phono MM)	3.5 mV/47 kΩ
Rated Headphone Power Output	80 mW (32 Ω, 1 kHz, 10% THD)
Phono Overload	70 mV (MM, 1 kHz 0.5%)
S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)	106 dB
S/N Ratio (Phono MM, IHF-A)	80 dB
Frequency Response (Analog In)	10 Hz - 100 kHz/+1 dB, -3 dB (Direct)	10 Hz - 100 kHz, ±3 dB (with sound field, equalizer and 360SSM bypassed)
DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI	2.8 MHz	2.8 MHz
DSD Sampling Rates via USB	2.8 MHz, 5.6 MHz	2.8 MHz, 5.6 MHz
Video Input Sensitivity/Output Level and Impedance	1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Component Y) 0.7 Vp-p/75 Ω (Component PB/CB, PR/CR) 1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Composite)	1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Composite)
Ethernet Standard	10BASE-T/100BASE-TX	1000BASE-T
Wi-Fi Standard	IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n	IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Wi-Fi Terminal Frequency	5 GHz, 2.4 GHz	5 GHz, 2.4 GHz
Bluetooth Version	4․1 + LE	5․0
Bluetooth Frequency	2.4 GHz	2.4 GHz
USB Terminal	Ver. 2.0, 5 V, 1 A	Type A, Ver. 2.0, 5 V, 1 A
FM Frequency	87.5 MHz - 107.9 MHz	87.5 MHz - 108.0 MHz
FM 50 dB Quiet Sensitivity (IHF, 1 kHz, 100% MOD.)	Mono: 1.56 µV (15.0 dBf)
AM Frequency	530 kHz - 1710 kHz
Warranty	2 Years	5 Years

* - 480i/576i and 480p/576p only
** - 480i/576i only
*** - no 1080p/24 upconversion
**** - 1080p signal is not converted