Onkyo TX-NR686 vs Yamaha RX-A780

      Onkyo TX-NR686

      Yamaha RX-A780
      88
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      88
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      North America
      Taiwan Europe Australia and Asia
      USA and Canada
      UK, Europe and Russia Australia China Asia Central and South America
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      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Onkyo TX-NR686
      4. Advantage of Yamaha RX-A780
      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      6. Inputs and Outputs
      7. Audio Section
      8. Video Section
      9. Evaluations
      10. Specifications

      Overview

      Here we are comparing Onkyo TX-NR686 to Yamaha RX-A780 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. Both receivers have 7 channel amplifiers with Onkyo TX-NR686's being more powerful.


      Onkyo TX-NR686 Yamaha RX-A780

      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.

      Yamaha RX-A780 was introduced in 2018. It is equipped with 7 channel amplifier with 95 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 and upscales up to 4K 60p 4:4:4 video signal.

      Highlights

      • 7.2 Channels
      • 7.1 Channel Processing
      • 100 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
      • THX™Select™ Certified
      • Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
      • HDR10, Dolby Vision
      • 4K/60Hz Passthrough
      • Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet
      • Phono Input

      Highlights

      • 7.2 Channels
      • 7.1 Channel Processing
      • 95 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
      • Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
      • HDR10, Dolby Vision
      • 4K/60Hz Passthrough, 4K/60Hz Upscaling
      • Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet
      • Phono Input

      We evaluated Onkyo TX-NR686 and Yamaha RX-A780 and gave both of them the score of 88 out of 100. Our ranking system is based on the amplifier specifications, audio and video features, connectivity, multizone capabilities, radio and many other details.

      Onkyo TX-NR686

      Yamaha RX-A780

      Amplifier
      89
      Amplifier
      89
      Audio Features
      86
      Audio Features
      85
      Video Features
      94
      Video Features
      95
      Connectivity
      85
      Connectivity
      86
      Zones
      77
      Zones
      79
      Radio
      92
      Radio
      97
      OVERALL
      88
      OVERALL
      88

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

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Onkyo TX-NR686 and Yamaha RX-A780.

      PROS

      Onkyo TX-NR686

      Yamaha RX-A780

      •   THX™ Certification
      •   Dolby Atmos
      •   DTS:X
      •   DSD via HDMI
      •   Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.
      •   HDR10
      •   Dolby Vision
      •   New HDCP Version
      •   Analog To HDMI Upconversion
      •   Wi-Fi
      •   Bluetooth
      •   Chromecast Built-In
      •   7 HDMI Inputs
      •   USB Input
      •   Many RCA Line Inputs
      •   Phono Input
      •   Composite Video Inputs
      •   Component Video Inputs
      •   Ethernet
      •   Analog Tuner
      •   Pandora
      •   Spotify
      •   Tidal
      •   Dolby Atmos
      •   DTS:X
      •   DSD via HDMI
      •   Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.
      •   HDR10
      •   Dolby Vision
      •   eARC
      •   New HDCP Version
      •   Analog To HDMI Upconversion
      •   Wi-Fi
      •   Bluetooth
      •   Works with Amazon Alexa
      •   Google Assistant
      •   USB Input
      •   Phono Input
      •   RCA Pre-Outs
      •   Composite Video Inputs
      •   Component Video Inputs
      •   Ethernet
      •   Analog Tuner
      •   Pandora
      •   Spotify
      •   Tidal

      CONS

      Onkyo TX-NR686

      Yamaha RX-A780

      •   No Front Wide Channel Support
      •   No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
      •   No IMAX Enhanced
      •   No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
      •   No HDR10+
      •   No eARC
      •   No 8K Passthrough
      •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
      •   0 8K Input
      •   No RCA Pre-Outs
      •   No Digital Radio
      •   No Front Wide Channel Support
      •   No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
      •   No IMAX Enhanced
      •   No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
      •   No HDR10+
      •   No 8K Passthrough
      •   0 8K Input
      •   No Digital Radio


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Onkyo TX-NR686

      Yamaha RX-A780

      •   7.2 Channels
      •   Power Output - 100 W
      •   7.1 Channel Processing
      •   2 HDMI Outputs
      •   2 Zones
      •   Bluetooth 4․1 + LE
      •   7.2 Channels
      •   Power Output - 95 W
      •   7.1 Channel Processing
      •   5 HDMI Inputs
      •   2 HDMI Outputs
      •   RCA Line Inputs
      •   2 Zones
      •   Bluetooth 4․2

      Advantage of Onkyo TX-NR686

      Onkyo TX-NR686
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Onkyo TX-NR686 over Yamaha RX-A780.

      Onkyo TX-NR686 vs Yamaha RX-A780
      Higher Power Output 100 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) vs 95 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
      THX™ Certification Select™ (previously known as Select2) vs
      Network Audio Formats FLAC, WAV, Apple Lossless, WMA, MP3, DSD, AIFF, MPEG-4 AAC, LPCM vs MP3, WMA, MPEG-4 AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD
      Music Playback via USB FLAC, WAV, Apple Lossless, WMA, MP3, DSD, AIFF, AAC, Dolby TrueHD vs MP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD
      High Resolution Audio Formats via USB FLAC, WAV, Apple Lossless, DSD, AIFF, AAC, Dolby TrueHD vs Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD
      Chromecast Built-In vs
      Works with SONOS requires firmware update & Sonos Connect vs
      DTS Play-Fi vs
      More HDMI Inputs 7 (1 front) vs 5
      More RCA Line Inputs 7 (1 Front) vs 4 (1 front)
      More Composite Video Inputs 2 vs 1
      More Component Video Inputs 2 vs 1
      Front A/V Inputs HDMI, Mini-Jack vs USB, mini-jack Audio
      Bigger Power Supply 580 W vs 400 W
      Higher Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC) 100 W (0.08% THD) vs 95 W (0.06% THD)
      Higher Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA) 210 W (10% THD) vs 160 W (10% THD)
      Higher Dynamic Power per Channel, 4 Ω, Front) 210 W vs 195 W

      Check out other receivers which are frequently compared to Onkyo TX-NR686.

      Onkyo TX-NR676
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      7.2 channel

      100 W

      Pioneer VSX-935
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      7.2 channel

      80 W

      Sony STR-DH790
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      7.2 channel

      90 W

      Onkyo TX-NR696
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      7.2 channel

      100 W

      Denon AVR-X1600H
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      7.2 channel

      80 W

      Denon AVR-X2500H
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      7.2 channel

      95 W

      Yamaha RX-A810
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      7.2 channel

      100 W

      Denon AVR-X1200W
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      7.2 channel

      80 W

      Yamaha RX-V485
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      5.1 channel

      80 W

      Denon AVR-X2600H
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      7.2 channel

      95 W

      Denon AVR-S750H
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      7.2 channel

      75 W

      Yamaha RX-V583
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      7.2 channel

      80 W

      Advantage of Yamaha RX-A780

      Yamaha RX-A780
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Yamaha RX-A780 over Onkyo TX-NR686.

      Onkyo TX-NR686 vs Yamaha RX-A780
      DTS Neo vs Neo:6
      Higher Resolution Music Playback via USB up to 192 kHz vs up to 192 kHz/32 Bit
      Dialogue Lift vs no presence speakers required
      Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) vs via future firmware update
      Newer HDCP Version 2.2 vs 2.3
      Video Signal Upscaling vs up to 4K 60p 4:4:4
      Works with Amazon Alexa vs on MusicCast (Voice control using your Alexa device like Echo or Echo Dot)
      More Coaxial Inputs/Outputs 1 vs 2
      More RCA Pre-Outs 0.2 vs 2.2
      Detachable Power Cord vs
      Zone 2 Outs RCA Line Out vs RCA Preout
      +12V Trigger Output 0 vs 1
      Remote (IR) Input/Output 0 / 0 vs 1 / 1
      Napster vs
      SiriusXM vs
      Higher Dynamic Power per Channel, 8 Ω, Front) 120 W vs 130 W
      Lower THD 0.08% (20 Hz - 20 kHz, Half power) vs 0.06% (AV 2 etc. to Front, Pure Direct, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 50 W, 8 Ω)
      Higher S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A) 106 dB vs 110 dB
      Higher S/N Ratio (Phono MM, IHF-A) 80 dB vs 96 dB
      Higher DSD Sampling Rate via USB 2.8 MHz, 5.6 MHz vs 11.2 MHz, 5.6 MHz, 2.8 MHz
      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 4․2
      Longer Warranty 2 Years vs 3 Years

      Check out other receivers which are frequently compared to Yamaha RX-A780.

      Yamaha RX-V6A
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      7.2 channel

      100 W

      Yamaha RX-A4A
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      7.2 channel

      110 W

      Yamaha RX-A880
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      7.2 channel

      100 W

      Yamaha RX-V585
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      7.2 channel

      80 W

      Pioneer SC-LX502
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      7.2 channel

      120 W

      Yamaha RX-V4A
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      5.2 channel

      80 W

      Onkyo TX-RZ810
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      7.2 channel

      130 W

      Yamaha RX-A2A
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      7.2 channel

      100 W

      Onkyo TX-NR609
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      7.2 channel

      100 W

      Yamaha RX-A1080
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      7.2 channel

      110 W

      Yamaha RX-A670
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      7.2 channel

      80 W

      Yamaha RX-V685
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      7.2 channel

      90 W

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      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 Yamaha RX-A780
        Dolby Atmos
        DTS:X
        DSD via HDMI 2-ch/Multi-ch Input 2-ch/Multi-ch Input
        Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. AccuEQ with AccuReflex™ YPAO sound optimization (R.S.C.)
        HDR10
        Dolby Vision
        New HDCP Version2.22.3
        Analog To HDMI Upconversion Component**, Composite Component**, Composite
        Wi-Fi
        Bluetooth SBC, AAC SBC, AAC
        USB Input1 (Rear)USB memory, Portable Audio Player
        Phono Input
        Composite Video Inputs21
        Component Video Inputs21
        Ethernet
        Analog Tuner FM/AM FM/AM
        Pandora
        Spotify
        Tidal
      WEAKNESSES Onkyo TX-NR686 Yamaha RX-A780
        No Front Wide Channel Support
        No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
        No IMAX Enhanced
        No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
        No HDR10+
        No 8K Passthroughup to 4K/60p (RGB/YCbCr4:4:4)up to 4K/60p 4:4:4
        Few 8K Inputs
        No Digital Radio

      Inputs and Outputs

      Audio

      • Phono Input: There is an MM phono input on Onkyo TX-NR686 and Yamaha RX-A780 with built-in phono stage for connecting the moving magnet cartridge output of the turntable directly to the receiver.
      • Analog Pre-Outs: Yamaha RX-A780 has 2.2 preamplifier outputs which allows you to connect the receiver to the external power amplifier. You may want to use a high quality external amplifier for certain channels, usually for front L/R and center, and use the receiver to power the rest. Also, both receivers have 7 channel processing but have only 7 channel amplifiers, so they need external amplifiers connected to the analog pre-outs in order to reach their maximum speaker configurations.
      • Analog Line Inputs: There are 7 pair of line inputs on Onkyo TX-NR686 and 4 pair of line inputs on Yamaha RX-A780 for connecting sources with analog outputs.
      • Digital Inputs: 2 optical inputs and 1 coaxial input are available on Onkyo TX-NR686 and 2 optical inputs and 2 coaxial inputs are available on Yamaha RX-A780 for digital audio connections.
      • Headphone Output: There is a 6.3 mm (1/4") headphone output jack on the front panel of each receiver.

      Video

      • HDMI:
      • Onkyo TX-NR686
        Inputs:         7 (1 front)   Outputs: 2 (simultaneous)
        8K Inputs: 0.
      • Yamaha RX-A780
        Inputs:         5   Outputs: 2
        8K Inputs: 0.
      • Composite Video: Connect you VCR, Laserdisc player and other old video equipment with composite video cables.
      • Onkyo TX-NR686
        Inputs:         2   Outputs: 0.
      • Yamaha RX-A780
        Inputs:         1   Outputs: 0.
      • Component Video: Component video connection gives you the higher quality video compared to the composite video connection. So in case your old DVD player and other equipment do not have an HDMI output but have Component video output use this connection over the composite one. Both receivers support up to 480i/576i resolution on Component video connectors.
      • Onkyo TX-NR686
        Inputs:         2   Outputs: 0.
      • Yamaha RX-A780
        Inputs:         1   Outputs: 0.

      Front A/V Inputs

      • Onkyo TX-NR686: HDMI, Mini-Jack
      • Yamaha RX-A780: USB, mini-jack Audio

      Onkyo TX-NR686

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      Yamaha RX-A780

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