Onkyo and Sony are big names in the home theater system industry. Both have been producing various products that are needed to build a home theater system. You just don’t underestimate their quality. You just don’t. However, with all their greatness, choosing one product from all the options provided by both Onkyo and Sony can be confusing.
Most probably, if you are reading this article, you are confused in choosing between Onkyo TX NR656 and Sony STR DN1070 right now. The two are AV receivers available in a similar price range. The two also come with HDCP 2.2 for premium 4K content, and both come with two-year warranty. So, what are the differences between Onkyo TX NR656 and Sony STR DN1070? Which is the best AV receiver that brings the best value for the money? Which is the most suitable model for you? Find your answer below.
Design
Let us start from the dimensions first. Onkyo TX NR656 is a thud larger than Sony STR DN1070. While the two models incidentally have the same height (6 13/16”), Onkyo TX NR656 is both longer and wider than Sony STR DN1070. Onkyo TX NR656 is 17 3/16” wide and 15 9/16” deep, whereas Sony STR DN1070 is just 17” wide and 13 5/8” deep. Onkyo TX NR656 would require more surface area than Sony STR DN1070. So, if you plan to put the AV receiver on a shelf, make sure that you have enough room. (Read also : Onkyo TX NR656 Vs TX NR646)
Both models are essentially black metal boxes; both have neat layouts. Onkyo TX NR656 comes with a display screen that is slightly wider. The text is displayed in a green font. The function and control buttons are lined under the display screen, whereas the control knobs are put on the left and right sides of it. On the front panel, you can find four ports that are very easy to access: the setup mic input, an HDMI input, an audio AUX input, and a phones output. As usual, the complete connectors can be found on the rear panel.
On the other hand, Sony STR DN1070 has a white font to show information on the display screen, and that perhaps looks more elegant and modern. The buttons are put neatly on a straight line under the display screen. There are two control knobs on the right part of the front panel, and also four ports: the calibration mic input, an HDMI input, a USB input, and a phones output.
Do you prefer to have AUX or USB on the front? This is no big deal, but if you often use a particular port, having it put on the front can ease your life a little.
Connectors
These two receivers come with different connectors. Overall, Onkyo TX NR656 has more connectors than Sony STR DN1070, most notably the phono input. So, let’s see the different connectors to make sure that you get what you need.
Both come with 1 audio-only input and 1 coaxial digital input. But Sony STR DN1070 only has 6 audio-video inputs, 1 component video input, and 1 optical digital input. There is no phono input for connecting a turntable directly. On the other hand, Onkyo TX NR656 comes with 8 audio-video inputs, 2 component video inputs, 2 optical digital inputs, and a phone input for connecting a turntable directly.
Both come with 2 HDMI monitor outputs, 2 subwoofer outputs, and 1 main speaker output pair. Sony STR DN1070 only has 6 HDMI inputs, whereas Onkyo TX NR656 has 8 HDMI inputs.
Both have built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Both come with Ethernet and USB, too.
Features
In terms of features, the two receivers offer different advantages. You may want to choose Sony STR DN1070 if you want to set up multi-room audio and video. The model comes with multi-room audio and video outputs, allowing you to set up audio and video for different zones. On the other hand, Onkyo TX NR656 does not have multi-room video, though it has multi-room audio.
However, Sony STR DN1070 does not support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. These two technologies are very trending right now. Dolby Atmos can create more immersive and realistic surround performance by introducing additional audio channels; these audio channels would create a height sound layer above the listeners. Meanwhile, DTS:X is a new surround sound format that utilizes powerful object-based processing to produce more lifelike sound.
Onkyo TX NR656 supports both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, though you may need to update the firmware first in order to use the DTS:X technology. In addition, the receiver also comes with the ability to convert videos from composite/component to HDMI.
Both models, though, have the HDMI to HDMI upconversion feature. Both also come with HDCP 2.2, which is necessary in order to play premium 4K content. Both allow HDMI standby pass-through. Both are HDR-compatible.
Of course, Onkyo TX NR656 and Sony STR DN1070 come with different speaker calibration technologies. As always, Onkyo TX NR656 is armed with AccuEQ, whereas Sony STR DN1070 boasts the Advanced DCAC automatic speaker calibration. Even though Onkyo’sAccuEQ is pretty good, it is just not as good as Sony’s Advanced DCAC. The AccuEQ tends to make flat sound. The sound is accurate, but not enjoyable because it takes the life out of music. On the other hand, the Advanced DCAC tends to create bright sound. The bass is good, but not exactly thumping. Great if you don’t like heavy bass.
Both come with similar output power. They have a similar output rating, which is 100 Watts per channel (stereo RMS).
| Name | Onkyo TX NR656 | Sony STR DN1070 |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Onkyo TX NR656 | Sony STR DN1070 |
| Features | - 170 W/Ch (6 Ohms, 1 kHz, 0.9% THD, 1 Channel Driven, FTC); 100 W/Ch (8 Ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 0.08% THD, 2 Channels Driven, FTC) from Dynamic Audio Amplification for a Thrilling Audio Experience - AK4458 384 kHz/32-bit DAC to Play Compressed, Lossless, and Hi-Res Audio via Local Network (MP3,WMA,WMA Lossless, FLAC, WAV, AAC, Apple Lossless, DSD 5.6 MHz, and Dolby TrueHD) | - Experience amazing sound with Hi-Res Audio in a powerful, easy-to-use receiver, 7.2 Ch. 1155W A/V Receiver (165 W x 7 at 6 ohms, 1 kHz, THD 0.9%), 4K HDR compatibility - Exceptional circuitry and structure yield incredible audio performance, Compatible with wireless surround, front surround, Expand your listening with powerful multi-room |
| Ratings | 4.3 out of 5.0 stars | 3.9 out of 5.0 stars |
| Price | ||
| Best deal | Save Money Please click here | Save Money Please click here |
NOTE : Product prices, availability, ratings and save money information are accurate as of the date/time indicated on post time (as seen right bellow the tittle) and are subject to change. Any price, availability and save money information displayed on Amazon Site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Conclusion
If you don’t need the multi-room video, Onkyo TX NR656 is generally the best way to go. This is because it supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. You may also benefit from the phono input and component/composite to HDMI video conversion. However, it may require you to do manual calibration if you are really an audiophile. But, if you really need multi-room audio and video, you may want to stick with Sony STR DN1070. The Advanced DCAC is a great automatic speaker calibration tool.