THX® Certified Select™ cinema-reference sound
THX Certified Select guarantees the same reference volume and sound quality of at a commercial cinema in rooms where the viewing position is about 3.5 m from the screen. To deliver THX reference movie sound, receivers must pass 2,000 bench-tests in 75 categories covering 14,000 data points.
Dolby Atmos® and DTS:X® – setting sound free
Dolby Atmos® and DTS:X® formats allow engineers to map sound anywhere in 3D space, effects moving from speaker to speaker all around the room and wrapping your audience in the latest films and games. You can also enjoy your 3D speaker layout with classic titles. Dolby Surround® and DTS® Neural:X find overhead cues in legacy soundtracks and upmix for awesome spatial realism.
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer
When playing any Dolby® format, engaging Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer* enables a more immersive listening experience, creating a virtual surround and height effect from traditional speaker layouts without employing additional surround or height speakers.
* Enabled with a future firmware update.
Flexible 3D sound with DTS Virtual:X™
DTS Virtual:X* is a surround virtualization technology that creates an immersive 3D sound-field from horizontal speaker layouts without requiring height-speaker connection. It uses DSP algorithms to create a sense of 3D spatiality and is effective in rooms of any size and shape. DTS Virtual:X works with DTS:X, DTS® formats, and non-encoded stereo soundtracks.
* Enabled with a future firmware update.
Dynamic Audio Amplification
Refined over 70 years to deliver an emotional listening experience, DAA features a custom High-Current Low-Noise Power Transformer, customized capacitors, and discrete amp output stage. Unique circuit topology prevents phase-shift for accurate sound, while high current improves speaker control for thrilling dynamics. Driving 4-ohm loads through all channels, DAA has power to move you.
Key design enhancements improve sound
While cosmetically familiar, the TX-NR696 has significant upgrades inside that control noise, boost driving power, and improve S/N performance. A new HDMI® board features larger, stronger, better-finished grounds and shortened signal-paths to reduce noise on A/V signals. New SoC processor has its own board remote from audio signal-paths to reduce noise. Power-supply line has been strengthened in pursuit of driving power, while the Front (L/R) and Center amps now feature two transistors each, effectively doubling current-handling capabilities. You can hear the result in the blistering attack speed and force of the bass, and in the clearer separation and localization of instruments across a large and spacious soundstage.
Next-Generation Network Audio
Access streaming content from Amazon Music, Spotify®, TIDAL, Deezer, and TuneIn and share network audio around your home as part of a multi-room system via Works with Sonos, Chromecast built-in*, AirPlay 2, DTS Play-Fi®, and FlareConnect™.
* The unit may automatically download and apply an Over-the-Air software update during setup.
Works with Sonos
The TX-NR696 can join your existing Sonos Home Sound System, or be the start of a new one, just by pairing it with a Sonos Connect*. The AVR ties into the Sonos ecosystem, waking, changing inputs, and playing at the desired volume on command from the Sonos app*.
* Sonos Connect sold separately. Sonos app is available free for iPad, iPhone, and Android™ at the App Store and Google Play. Please check device and OS compatibility before installation.
Chromecast built-in* with the Google Assistant
Stream any music from your smartphone, laptop, or PC to the receiver with ease. Control playback with Chromecast-enabled apps you know and love from your iPhone, iPad, Android™ phone or tablet, Mac or Windows® laptop, or Chromebook™. If you have a smart speaker featuring the Google Assistant, you can cue, play, and control music playback by voice.
* The unit may automatically download and apply an Over-the-Air software update during setup.
Quad-core SoC supports 802.11ac Wi-Fi®
A quad-core SoC (System on a Chip) has power to perform multiple processing tasks at once. It evolves network functions and supports the latest high-speed 802.11ac (2x2 MIMO) specification while compatible with 802.11b/g/n dual-band routers.
Note: Some countries or regions have regulations that affect wireless signal strength and the use of Wi-Fi channels.
Share audio flexibly in Zone 2
The TX-NR696 supports flexible 3D-ready 5.2-ch cinema-surround speaker layouts with two channels to spare for playback in another room. Zone 2 outputs distribute amplified analog, NET, Bluetooth®, SPDIF, and HDMI audio sources in either or both zones at the same time (there’s a Zone 2 DAC). Output from Zone 2 and Zone 2 line-out is enabled.
* HDMI and SPDIF supports PCM audio only. HDMI audio available on inputs 1–3.
Share audio or listen privately
Connect an audio system via analog RCA input and the AVR’s Zone 2/Zone B line-out. With Zone 2, you can play the same or different analog/digital sources (including SPDIF and HDMI) in either or both rooms at the same time. Zone B is ideal for connecting a compatible transmitter so you can listen to any source—including the TV—through wireless headphones, perfect for midnight movies and TV. Hi-fi buffs will love the ability to pass Front L/R signals to an outboard power amp in Front Pre-Out mode, and personalize the sound character through their favorite speakers.
Clearer dialog at the touch of a button
This technology solves inaudible dialog in TV programs and movies. DSP-controlled Vocal Enhancer identifies voice frequencies so you can raise or lower them with keys on the remote or via the controls on the front panel.
Relax with Stereo Assign Mode
At the touch of a button, Stereo Assign Mode switches playback from Front speakers to either Surround, Rear Surround, or Height speaker pairs. Ideal for ambient listening, BGM, or any time you want to create a relaxing atmosphere.
AccuEQ Room Acoustic Calibration with AccuReflex™
AccuEQ creates a harmonious sound-field in your room. It detects speaker presence, size, impedance, and distance from a measurement position, and sets sound-pressure levels. It then selects the subwoofer crossover and EQ’s all speakers, including the sub. AccuReflex optimizes 3D audio reproduction through Dolby Atmos-enabled speakers. It resolves phase-shift that arises from path differences between directional and non-directional sounds. Enjoy a cohesive 3D sound-field with vertical movement and overhead dimensionality.
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