Onkyo TX-NR686chat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

Users struggle with basic setup tasks including on-screen menu display via projector, Bluetooth pairing, 7.2 speaker configuration, Zone 2 setup, and the app interface for multi-room speakers, often without clear documentation.

@shushanto

How dp I pair the TX-NR686 with my android phone? My bluetooth option in the menu is ON and my phone shows the device but can't connect.\n\nAny help you can give is much appreciated.\n\nThanks, Shushanto.launch

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July 7, 2023

@sean.sullivan

I bought this and currently have two speakers and a sub woofer connected... I went to buy two more speakers and connect, and only want to listen to music. No surround, no THX, no dolby, just want music and want to be able to adjust the volume of the two different sets of speakers... is this even possible with this unit?? I can't figure it out. Can someone at Onkyo please tell me how to set this up? Seems unnecessarily confusing to set something up that should be super simple.launch

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February 2, 2023

@Baala1983

I have a onkyo NR 686 7.2 receiver but unable to configure 7.2 in speaker setup even after connecting 2 active subwoofer in separate ports given for sub. Still setup options shows only 7.1 and not 7.2. Could you please help.launch

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January 9, 2021

@svenmagnusflubiproducties

Very happy with my 686, but I am a little bit lost in the controller app, especially with my NCP-302 speaker in the kitchen... Is there any video explaining the app?launch

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December 25, 2019

Multiple users report ARC and CEC functions working inconsistently with Samsung and LG TVs, sometimes stopping after unplugging HDMI cables. Others report no sound at all when connecting via ARC HDMI.

@NeilPate

Thanks for the video.\n\nI have had my '696 for a while now (got it last year some time) and recently the ARC and CEC stopped working with my TV. I have young kids so I assumed they just screwed around with something. Finally last night I got it working again after doing a factory reset of the receiver!\n\nNow, something weird is happening. Whenever I go into the Initial Screen setup my TV goes black and does not show the menu. I have definitely seen it before but now for love or money I cannot get it to appear. I have tried with two different TVs and HDMI cables and I don't think these are the problem as things display fine until I go into this menu. The menu is operational as I can get it play the white noise by pressing random combinations of up and down and OK.\n\nAnyway, I have set up everything using the display on the receiver and I am fine with my setup for now.\n\nThe problem I have is that I have not actually \"finished\" the Initial Setup (as I cannot see any of the prompts on the TV) so every time the receiver turns on it goes back into this and I have to press Return a few times on the receiver to get out of it. This is very annoying.\n\nPlease can you tell me the sequence of steps I need to do to quit out of this menu and never have it appear again. I have watched a few videos and think it starts with the language and then a screen where if I press down it will not do the setup again, but after this I am stuck.\n\nThankslaunch

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January 24, 2021

@KD8EGV

Tried hooking mine up today and its a nightmare. I have a 4k TV with ARC HDMI and tried hooking it to the main 4k on the receiver and and no sound.launch

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November 23, 2019

@flexd23

Hi OnkyoEU, I have a Samsung UE65MU6400 TV and an Onkyo TXNR686 AVR. Now can you tell me why the ARC/CEC function works so erratically? The power on/off CEC feature works every time but the ARC function doesn't always relay the audio from my TV to the AVR. I have spent hours trying to figure it out as I have had it working beautifully on several occasions with the ARC doing what it claims but if I disconnect the HDMI cable and plug it back in again, it stops working.\n\nNow I actually sell your products and I want to master this ARC problem with your receivers as I am really impressed with the sound and build quality of your products in general.\n\nCould you possibly create a step-by-step video guide for getting an Onkyo AVR to work with a Samsung Smart TV (both with ARC of course) as this will help to identify the fix?\n\nI know ARC functions aren't standardised across the board for various manufacturers but I am confident there must be a troubleshooting procedure between Onkyo and Samsung products.\n\nThanks.launch

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January 29, 2019

@flexd23

Hi there, great video. Have 2 questions.\n\nHow do you select Zone 2 using the remote control (RC-911R)?\n\nAlso why does the ARC feature not always work properly with my Samsung 4K TV?\n\nThankslaunch

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October 30, 2018

Some owners report Bluetooth failing after a few months requiring a power cycle to fix, and a known TI Dolby chip overheating design issue in the NR6x6 line causing repeated repairs.

@Cammac8

Questionable quality. I have one of these units & after 3 months the Bluetooth stops working for no reason at all, and the only way to fix is to switch off power at the source.... which is a massive pain in the ass when all your cables are concealed inside a wall unit.\n\nThis is the 2nd ONKYO unit I've had problems with in the last 6 months.launch

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June 30, 2019

@amithnairvlogs418

I want to pickup this model but am afraid if the HDMI board will die on me as the earlier model 676 had that issue.launch

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January 22, 2019

@horatiuslavescu

Will this one have the same issues as other TX-NR6x6 with the TI Dolby chip? My 616 is in service right now for the 4th time to fix that design issue with the overheating of a BGA packed chip that is responsible with most functions of the unit (audio routing, Dolby decoding, network functions etc.).launch

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March 6, 2018

Multiple commenters argue the advertised 165-210W per channel figures are misleading, citing real-world power closer to 100W with 2 channels driven and lower with all 7 channels active.

@farnum3297

Lol, 165 W per channel .. why are you guys still perpetuating such in your face lies? You'll need a $3000 dedicated high end amp for this level of power. That 165W is for one channel in use that negates the entire 7 channles idea.. and at a 1% horrible distortion rate on top of that. This Onkyo is a good THX Select receiver, at around 100 W in 2 channels and less for multiple channels, somewhere around 50 to 60W or less with all 7 channels driven simultaneously good enough for a medium sized room. But 165W .. rolf. Keep dreaming. Stop confusing less informed consumers, it should be against the law. And where is the actual review, music and movies listening? I can read the specs online myself, thank you very much. Recommended speakers? Impedance ? Bass management details? Update on Dolby Atmos virtualisation ? I can do a better job in a 5 min video.. lol.launch

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January 13, 2021

@patiorio1538

Why do Onkyo advertise false wattage information 210 watts I've noticed that .Denon Yahama marantz don't do that.launch

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April 23, 2020

@woofman4796

we have the onkyo,, it has on screen menu as well, just like the pioneer, and your watts per channel statement is at 1khz, both are 100 per channel at 8 ohms/2 channels driven, not 1 as in the 165 watts at 1 khzlaunch

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November 19, 2019

Two commenters report that a hidden button combination (power/standby and BD/DVD) is required to enable full 4K HDR on HDMI inputs, otherwise users are stuck with 1080p HDR, and Onkyo doesn't disclose this anywhere.

@JollyGiant1213

My wife got me this model over a couple weeks and make sure you press the power/standby and BD/DVD buttons on the receiver itself to enable 4K HDR on the HDMI inputs otherwise you’ll only have 1080p HDR!!! I can’t believe Onkyo didn’t specify this on their website or instructions... One of those hidden menu options.. other than that this is an AWESOME receiver! Best Buy brand new for only $250!!! (Plus tax lol)launch

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December 4, 2019

@JollyGiant1213

I have the same Onkyo and make sure you press the power/standby and BD/DVD buttons on the receiver itself to enable 4K HDR on the HDMI inputs otherwise you’ll only have 1080p HDR!!! I can’t believe Onkyo didn’t specify this on their website or instructions... One of those hidden menu options..launch

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November 25, 2019

Users connecting Apple TV 4K through the receiver report losing full chroma 4:2:2 and Dolby Vision specs compared to a direct TV connection, suggesting the receiver may downgrade video signal quality.

@panchopistolas1

Hi, i own this receiver hooked to a sony 900h tv if inconnect my apple tv 4k to the receiver i can’t get chroma 4:2:2 or Dolby vision. But if i hook the apple tv 4k direct to tv i get full video specs. And i am using the same brand fiber optic hdmi cable so the cable is not the issue. Do you know if i am doing something wrong with the receiver?launch

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June 25, 2021

@panchopistolas1

I need help. I have a sony 900h hooked up to this receiver using the eARC input. I am using a 50’ long fiber optic HDMI. When i connect the HDMI direct from tv to My Apple tv 4k i get full specs. Like chroma 4:2:2and 4k dolby vision. But when i use the receiver tv/receivee/apple tv than i only receive Chroma 4:2:0 and 4k hdr. I have used 2 types of hdmi cables from apple tv to receiver. A 2’ long 2.1 8k hdmi cable and right now is hooked to a 1.5’ hdmi ultra high speed 8k cable. Please some help. What am i doing wrong? Is it the Receiver not capable of delivering full specs?launch

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June 25, 2021

One long-term user notes newer units lack the dynamic EQ, dynamic volume, and setup microphone quality of older Onkyo models, resulting in less impactful music playback, while another notes no native Amazon Music app support despite branding.

@thewibb

VERY disappointed that this unit has AMAZON Music support plastered all over it with stickers everywhere. However, there is no native app support for the service. You've got to stream it with no interface or use the Onkyo Music Control App. \n\nVERY SHADY ADVERTISING ONKYO. BACK TO DENON I GO...launch

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August 3, 2018

@andrewfox1446

These new generations of receivers are good but they are lacking the set-up microphone has changed and it has got no dynamic EQ and no dynamic volume this is really noticeable music does not have the muscle of the old TX nr609 and 579 which I still have when I compare the new with the old TX nr609 the 609 completely and utterly demolishes the 555 musically it is brilliant and films are excellent I will say this though the benefits of the new amps they have sorted little issues with internet Wi-fi and Bluetooth that having said it is very easy to go round that for about additional 10 15 quid you can make these Wi-fi and Bluetooth enabled come on Onkyo regarding sound quality you've just gone back 10 years making stupid mistakes like that now is going to cost you a custom that kind of error you expect a 20 years ago not by company like Onkyo that has just brought out Pioneer and Denon so come on chapps when you upgrade go back to the original room calibration mic put dynamic EQ on put dynamic volume back on and pay attention to music\nIt seems like you have gone for convenience and features and forgotten about what is most important sound quality I totally understand they are not classed as good as proper Hi-Fi on music however with the older Generations the 609 sa57 9515 they all play music very very well I do not think anybody with human hearing could tell the difference what is hi-fi advocation and what is Onkyo AV so come on fellas pull your socks up and sort your s*** out one thing I will say about Onkyo is there after service absolutely first class as I said I have the Onkyo 609 and 579 they both developed the fatal HDMI board failure bear in mind These amps or nearly 8 possibly 9 years old I've got in touch with Onkyo and they collected both amplifiers repaired them and sending them back to me all free of charge that tells you how much faith they have in their product absolutely awesome for that I will still go with Onkyo but let's see what happens in the next 2 years but this new generation also called new generation of surround sound receivers really do not cut the mustard so maybe less on it and focus more on sound quality pleaselaunch

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July 27, 2018

One commenter reported a very negative experience with Onkyo customer service hanging up on customers and expensive repair costs at authorized centers.

@MrFelix617

Never buying Onkyo again. Customer service hangs up on its customers. Parts will not sell you parts. Authorized repair centers charge as much as a new unit for a repair.launch

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May 28, 2020