Onkyo Announces TX-NR797 and TX-NR696 Receivers

Two new 2019 receiver models have been revealed.

Onkyo has detailed its latest receiver models, the new TX-NR797 and TX-NR696. The TX-NR797 will be the company's first receiver with IMAX Enhanced support.

"Our partnership with IMAX ensures that our customers will continue to enjoy cutting-edge entertainment experiences from their home theater system," said Don Milks, Director of Marketing & Product Localization for Onkyo & Pioneer USA.  "With IMAX Enhanced content soon to be released, the launch of these two great AVRs is ideally timed."

The TX-NR797 is a 9.2-channel receiver rated for 220W (6 ohms, 1 kHz, 10% THD, 1-ch driven), while the TX-NR696 is a 7.2-channel receiver rated for 210W (6 ohms, 1 kHz, 10% THD, 1-ch driven). Both models support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X immersive audio formats, along with Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization tech. Likewise, both units feature 384 kHz/32-bit multichannel D/A conversion optimized by VLSC, as well as 4K HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG video pass-through. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Works with Sonos, Chromecast built-in, FlareConnect, AirPlay 2, and DTS Play-Fi connectivity are included as well.

In addition, the TX-NR696 also offers support for DTS Virtual:X technology. Meanwhile, the TX-NR797 boasts IMAX Enhanced compatibility. This feature enables the receiver to play specially optimized IMAX Enhanced DTS:X tracks on IMAX Enhanced discs and streaming titles.

The TX-NR797 is set to retail for an MSRP of $699 and the TX-NR696 is set to retail for an MSRP of $599. Here's a rundown of key specs for each model per Onkyo:

TX-NR797

• 100 W/Ch (8 Ohms), 220 W/Ch (6 Ohms) THX® Certified Select™ DAA system
• SMART AV Receiver™ Works with Sonos, Chromecast built-in, AirPlay 2, DTS Play-Fi®, FlareConnect, Spotify®, Amazon Music, Pandora®, TIDAL, Deezer, TuneIn
• 9.2-ch amps support 5.2.4-ch Dolby Atmos® and DTS:X® playback
• Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer
• IMAX® Enhanced certified for IMAX® digital remasters

TX-NR696

• 100 W/Ch (8 Ohms), 210 W/Ch (6 Ohms) THX® Certified Select™ DAA system
• SMART AV Receiver™ Works with Sonos, Chromecast built-in, AirPlay 2, DTS Play-Fi®, FlareConnect, Spotify®, Amazon Music, Pandora®, TIDAL, Deezer, TuneIn
• Supports 5.2.2-ch Dolby Atmos® and DTS:X® playback
• Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer and DTS Virtual:X™

Source: Onkyo