Skip to main content

Onkyo’s latest A/V receivers look to breathe new life into your old movies

Image used with permission by copyright holder

If you have a large movie collection, especially one that has more than a few classics in it, Onkyo’s latest receivers might be for you. Not only do they support all the modern features you would expect, but they also feature up-mixing technologies that can make your older movies sound a little more immersive than they used to.

Following in the footsteps of last year’s TX-NR676 and TX-NR575, the new TX-NR686 and TX-NR585 are both 7.1-channel receivers. The TX-NR686 offers 210 watts per channel at six ohms, while the TX-NR585 pumps out 170 watts per channel at six ohms. The more powerful TX-NR686 is THX Certified Select, meaning it has passed several bench tests promising that it delivers everything it claims to.

Both units support playing back Dolby Atmos and DTS:X soundtracks, though you may have noticed that either has channels for ceiling-mounted or upward-firing speakers. Both models also feature DTS Neural:X and Dolby Surround up-mixing, which as we mentioned above can help your older movies sound newer. High-resolution audio is supported as well, with 192 kHz / 24-bit playback for FLAV, WAV, AIFF, and ALAC files, as well as support for DSD at 5.6 MHz.

These receivers feature DTS Play-Fi, which allows for multiroom playback with other Play-Fi speakers and systems throughout your home. This is complemented by built-in streaming services including Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Deezer, and Tidal. Underlying all of this is the integrated dual-band Wi-Fi.

Both models feature HDCP 2.2-compatible HDMI inputs, along with 4K/60p video, complete with support for BT.2020, 4:4:4 color sub-sampling, and high-dynamic range in HDR10, Hybrid Log Gamma, and Dolby Vision formats. The days of using arcane button combinations to set up and control your receiver are over, as these receivers use a graphical user interface for settings. Even better, Onkyo’s AccuEQ Room Acoustic Calibration and AccuReflex technologies will automatically tailor the sound to your room and speaker layout.

The TX-NR686 retails for $650, while the TX-NR585 is priced at $550. Both models are available now. For more info, see the Onkyo website. If you’re not sure what A/V receiver would be best for you, check out our list of the best receivers you can buy, as well as our A/V receiver buying guide.

Editors' Recommendations

Kris Wouk
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Kris Wouk is a tech writer, gadget reviewer, blogger, and whatever it's called when someone makes videos for the web. In his…
Best refurbished AirPods deals: Save on Pro and Max
AirPods Pro resting on an iPhone with open charging case nearby.

If you're an Apple fanatic on a budget, refurbished AirPods are a great way to save money. Yes, they're technically used, but we're not talking about thrift store headphone deals here. These AirPods have all been professionally refurbished and tested to make sure they work just like they would straight out of the box. All of the AirPods deals below are from a site called Back Market, which has 30-day free returns on all of their AirPods offers. Plus, if your refurbished AirPods end up having any mechanical faults that affect their ability to function, you have a one-year warranty you can invoke. Every model of AirPod still being developed currently has a refurbished model on sale. Check them out below.
Apple AirPods 2 -- $89, were $130

The good old AirPods 2 won't let you down. They are the cheapest AirPods still being manufactured, and buying them refurbished brings the price well below $100. They don't have noise cancelling or some of the other models, but they still pair well with your iPhone, iPad or MacBook and have good sound. A pair in fair condition with a charging cable is pretty cheap. If the superficial scratches turn out to be too much for you, you can return them within 30 days. If the damage turns out to be technical rather than cosmetic, they have a one-year warranty so you can send them back or get a replacement for free.

Read more
Best soundbar deals: Save on Bose, LG, Samsung, Sony, and Vizio
Bose Smart Soundbar 900.

If you're just purchased a new TV but you're not impressed by its sound, the quick solution is to buy from soundbar deals. The slim design of new TVs leave little space for powerful speakers, so you'll need to augment the audio with a soundbar. The boost that they provide can create an immersive cinematic experience, so if you're interested, you should check out the offers that we've rounded up here. You have to make a decision soon though, as we're not sure when these discounts will get taken down. For additional help, check out our guide on how to buy a soundbar.
Insignia 2.0-channel Mini Soundbar -- $45, was $80

For a cheap soundbar that still gets the job done, go for the Insignia 2.0-channel Mini Soundbar. You'll have your choice between three different sound modes -- theater, news, and standard -- and you can also stream music to it from a mobile device through a Bluetooth connection. The soundbar's compact design also means that you can make it fit into tight spaces.

Read more
Best Buy expands its affordable Xumo TV lineup with Pioneer-branded models
A Pioneer Xumo TV from Best Buy.

Best Buy already has an exclusive on ultra-affordable smart TVs powered by the Xumo TV streaming platform and manufactured by Hisense, and now it plans to add additional Xumo TV models from Pioneer. The Pioneer Xumo TVs will be available in-store and online in November, in sizes ranging from 43- to 65-inches in size and from $270 to $500 in price.

Like the Hisense Xumo TVs, the Pioneer models will be loaded with the Xumo TV software that acts as both a smart TV platform, with support for a variety of apps, as well as the TV's default streaming service, Xumo Play. The latter is a free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) service with hundreds of ad-supported linear channels and on demand options.

Read more