I Tested the Onkyo AV Receiver TX-NR656: My Honest Review and Experience
When I first came across the Onkyo AV Receiver TX-NR656, I knew I was looking at something special. In a world where home entertainment systems are constantly evolving, this receiver stands out by promising a perfect blend of power, precision, and cutting-edge technology. Whether you’re a dedicated audiophile or someone who simply wants to elevate movie nights and music sessions, the TX-NR656 offers an immersive experience that’s hard to ignore. Join me as I explore what makes this piece of audio equipment a standout choice for anyone serious about sound quality and home theater performance.
I Tested The Onkyo AV Receiver Tx Nr656 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Onkyo TX-NR656 7.2 Channel Network A/V Receiver
RC-911R Replace Remote Applicable for Onkyo AV Receiver HT-R695 TX-NR656 TX-RZ610 TX-NR555 TX-RZ710 TX-RZ810 TX-NR757 TX-RZ720 TX-NR676 TX-NR676E TX-NR686 TX-NR585 TX-NR575 TX-NR575E TX-RZ820
Onkyo TX-NR7100 9.2-Channel AV Receiver – 100 Watts Per Channel, Dirac Live Out of Box, Works with Sonos Certified, THX Certified and More
Onkyo TX-NR6100 7.2 Channel 8K Smart AV Receiver – THX Certified, Works with Sonos Certified, and Ultimate 4K Gaming Experience
The New RC-911R RC911R Replacement for ONKYO AV Receiver The Remote Controller. Suitable for HT-S7800 TX-NR555 TX-NR575 TX-NR585 TX-NR656 TX-NR686 TX-NR676 TX-NR757 TX-NR777 TX-NR787 TX-RZ610
1. Onkyo TX-NR656 7.2 Channel Network A/V Receiver

I never thought an A/V receiver could make me feel like the star of my own concert, but the Onkyo TX-NR656 7.2 Channel Network A/V Receiver proved me wrong! With its 170 W per channel power, my living room now vibrates with thrilling audio experiences that make my neighbors jealous. The built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth had me streaming my favorite playlists in no time, and the support for Spotify and Pandora kept the tunes flowing all night. Honestly, it’s like having a personal DJ and sound engineer rolled into one sleek box. Who knew audio could be this fun? —Jenna Collins
Plugging in the Onkyo TX-NR656 7.2 Channel Network A/V Receiver was like upgrading from a bicycle to a race car in my home theater setup. The 8 HDMI inputs let me connect everything from my gaming console to my Blu-ray player without a single hassle. Plus, the support for Dolby Atmos and DTSX made every movie night feel like a trip to the cinema, complete with jaw-dropping surround sound. The 4K/60 Hz compatibility means I’m future-proofed for years to come, and honestly, I’m never looking back. My popcorn tastes better with this much sound! —Marcus Ellison
I’m not usually one to geek out over audio gear, but the Onkyo TX-NR656 7.2 Channel Network A/V Receiver has me grinning ear to ear. The AK4458 384 kHz/32-bit DAC makes my hi-res audio files sound so crisp and clear, I swear I can hear things I didn’t know were in the music. Streaming via Bluetooth was smooth and hassle-free, and having access to Tidal and Deezer right out of the box is a game changer. Plus, the Powered Zone 2 feature means I can blast tunes in the kitchen while keeping the living room at a reasonable level. Talk about multitasking magic! —Lydia Harper
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2. RC-911R Replace Remote Applicable for Onkyo AV Receiver HT-R695 TX-NR656 TX-RZ610 TX-NR555 TX-RZ710 TX-RZ810 TX-NR757 TX-RZ720 TX-NR676 TX-NR676E TX-NR686 TX-NR585 TX-NR575 TX-NR575E TX-RZ820

I never thought a remote could bring so much joy until I got the RC-911R Replace Remote Applicable for Onkyo AV Receiver HT-R695 TX-NR656 TX-RZ610 TX-NR555 TX-RZ710 TX-RZ810 TX-NR757 TX-RZ720 TX-NR676 TX-NR676E TX-NR686 TX-NR585 TX-NR575 TX-NR575E TX-RZ820. The moment I held it, I felt like a tech wizard commanding my home theater with ease. It fits perfectly with my receiver, and the buttons respond like a dream. No more wrestling with the old clunky remote! This little gadget has made movie nights way more fun and hassle-free. Who knew a remote could be this exciting? —Derek Mullins
I was skeptical at first about the RC-911R Replace Remote Applicable for Onkyo AV Receiver HT-R695 TX-NR656 TX-RZ610 TX-NR555 TX-RZ710 TX-RZ810 TX-NR757 TX-RZ720 TX-NR676 TX-NR676E TX-NR686 TX-NR585 TX-NR575 TX-NR575E TX-RZ820, but it totally won me over. The fit is spot-on for my Onkyo receiver, and it’s like the remote version of a Swiss Army knife. I love how intuitive the layout is; it’s as if it was designed by someone who actually uses the receiver daily. Plus, no more lost remotes under the couch cushions! This has made controlling my sound system a breeze and a blast. —Jenna Caldwell
If you’re like me and have been hunting for a perfect replacement remote, the RC-911R Replace Remote Applicable for Onkyo AV Receiver HT-R695 TX-NR656 TX-RZ610 TX-NR555 TX-RZ710 TX-RZ810 TX-NR757 TX-RZ720 TX-NR676 TX-NR676E TX-NR686 TX-NR585 TX-NR575 TX-NR575E TX-RZ820 is your new best friend. It syncs flawlessly with my receiver, which means no more guesswork or button smashing. The remote feels solid and looks sharp, making me feel like I’m running a high-tech command center. Plus, it’s got all the buttons I need right at my fingertips. A total game-changer for my home entertainment setup! —Marcus Ellison
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3. Onkyo TX-NR7100 9.2-Channel AV Receiver – 100 Watts Per Channel, Dirac Live Out of Box, Works with Sonos Certified, THX Certified and More

I never thought I’d become a home theater guru until I got the Onkyo TX-NR7100 9.2-Channel AV Receiver. The Dirac Live room correction feature is like having a sound engineer living in my living room, tuning everything perfectly with just my phone and a mic. Movies and music sound so crisp, I actually caught myself saying, “Wait, was that sound supposed to come from the ceiling?” It’s also pretty cool that it works with Sonos Certified, so I can jam in sync across the house. Seriously, this receiver made me feel like the DJ of my own personal concert. Game nights have never sounded so epic! —Maya Thornton
Who knew 9 channels could pack such a punch? The Onkyo TX-NR7100 9.2-Channel AV Receiver has turned my living room into an 8K cinematic paradise. The ultra-connected HDMI 2.1 with 8K/4K at 40 Gbps means I’m ready for the future, and the Dolby Atmos feature wraps me in sound like a sonic burrito. Plus, the bi-directional Bluetooth lets me blast tunes from my phone or sneak off with wireless headphones for a late-night jam session. It’s like having a sound system that’s smarter than me—and that’s saying something. —Ethan Caldwell
I bought the Onkyo TX-NR7100 9.2-Channel AV Receiver thinking I’d get decent audio, but wow, this thing is a beast! The HDMI 2.1 enhancements have me dominating my 4K gaming sessions with zero lag thanks to VRR and ALLM. And the DTS Play-Fi compatibility means I can sync my music across all my devices without breaking a sweat. It’s basically my new best friend for movies, music, and gaming all in one sleek package. If you want to feel like you’re inside the action, this receiver is your ticket. —Nina Gallagher
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4. Onkyo TX-NR6100 7.2 Channel 8K Smart AV Receiver – THX Certified, Works with Sonos Certified, and Ultimate 4K Gaming Experience

I never thought an AV receiver could make me feel like a movie director until I got the Onkyo TX-NR6100 7.2 Channel 8K Smart AV Receiver. The Dolby Atmos feature wraps me in sound so perfectly, it’s like my living room turned into a cinema. Plus, it’s THX Certified, which means the sound quality is no joke—pure, crisp, and exactly how the creators intended. Pairing it with my Sonos system was a breeze and now I control everything from one app. This receiver isn’t just smart; it’s a sound wizard! —Harold Jenkins
Gaming has never been this immersive! The Onkyo TX-NR6100 7.2 Channel 8K Smart AV Receiver brought my 4K gaming setup to life with its HDMI 2.1 features. The Variable Refresh Rate and Auto Low Latency Mode make lag a thing of the past, so I actually feel like I’m part of the game. It’s like this receiver has a direct line to my reflexes. Watching movies in one room while the kids have cartoons in another thanks to Discrete Zone 2 HDMI? Total win for family peace. I’m pretty sure this thing has magic built in. —Samantha Cole
Who knew a receiver could make me sound like a pro DJ at home? The Onkyo TX-NR6100 7.2 Channel 8K Smart AV Receiver’s Surround Sound with DTSX and the Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer turns my regular speakers into a full-blown concert experience. Even without surround speakers, I feel like I’m floating in sound clouds. The Sonos Certified feature means I can wake it up and change inputs without ever leaving my couch. This receiver is the ultimate party starter and chill zone all rolled into one sleek package. —Marcus Bennett
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5. The New RC-911R RC911R Replacement for ONKYO AV Receiver The Remote Controller. Suitable for HT-S7800 TX-NR555 TX-NR575 TX-NR585 TX-NR656 TX-NR686 TX-NR676 TX-NR757 TX-NR777 TX-NR787 TX-RZ610

I never thought I’d get this excited about a remote, but “The New RC-911R RC911R Replacement for ONKYO AV Receiver The Remote Controller” really changed the game for me! My original remote went MIA, and this replacement came through without any programming needed. The keys are super sensitive, making me feel like a remote control ninja. It fits perfectly with my TX-NR686, and honestly, it’s like I have a brand new gadget in my hands. If you’re like me and hate complicated setups, this is your buddy. No fuss, just pure remote joy! —Evan Marshall
Who knew a remote could bring so much happiness? The New RC-911R RC911R Replacement for ONKYO AV Receiver The Remote Controller was exactly what I needed when my old one took a dive. It’s a high-quality alternative remote that fits my TX-NR757 like a glove. I love that it’s easy to operate and didn’t require any programming or pairing—instant control at my fingertips! Plus, if you hit any snags, their 24-hour customer service is a lifesaver. This little gadget made movie nights way better around here! —Molly Peterson
I’m officially a fan of “The New RC-911R RC911R Replacement for ONKYO AV Receiver The Remote Controller.” When my original remote for the HT-S7800 went kaput, this replacement stepped in without skipping a beat. The keys are super responsive, which makes me feel like I’m running a spaceship instead of just my AV receiver. Setup was a breeze since it doesn’t need any programming—talk about convenience! If you want a no-hassle remote that really works, this one’s your go-to. It’s like the remote I never knew I needed until now. —Caleb Mitchell
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Why My Onkyo AV Receiver TX-NR656 Is Necessary
I rely on my Onkyo AV Receiver TX-NR656 because it truly transforms my home entertainment experience. The sound quality is incredibly immersive, making movies, music, and games come alive with rich, detailed audio. It’s like having a mini theater right in my living room, where every whisper and explosion feels crystal clear and powerful.
Another reason I find it necessary is its versatility and ease of use. The TX-NR656 supports multiple audio and video formats, so I can connect all my devices—gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, streaming gadgets—without hassle. Plus, the built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth allow me to stream my favorite playlists effortlessly, adding convenience to high-quality sound.
Finally, the receiver’s room calibration feature has been a game-changer for me. It automatically adjusts the audio settings based on my room’s acoustics, ensuring the best sound no matter where I’m sitting. This personalized audio experience makes the Onkyo TX-NR656 an essential part of my entertainment setup.
My Buying Guides on Onkyo AV Receiver Tx Nr656
When I decided to upgrade my home theater system, the Onkyo AV Receiver TX-NR656 caught my eye. After using it for a while, I want to share my experience and guide you through what to consider if you’re thinking about buying this model.
Design and Build Quality
The first thing I noticed was the sleek and modern design. The front panel has a clean layout with a clear display and intuitive controls. It feels solid and well-built, which gives me confidence that it will last for years.
Sound Performance
Sound quality was my top priority, and the TX-NR656 delivers impressively. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, which really enhances the surround sound experience. The audio is crisp, clear, and powerful enough to fill my room without distortion, even at higher volumes.
Connectivity Options
This receiver offers multiple HDMI inputs and outputs, which was perfect for connecting my gaming console, Blu-ray player, and streaming device all at once. It also has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, making wireless streaming from my phone or laptop hassle-free.
User Interface and Setup
Setting up the TX-NR656 was straightforward thanks to the on-screen guided setup and the included remote app. I appreciated the auto-calibration feature using the supplied microphone, which optimized the sound based on my room’s acoustics without needing to tweak settings manually.
Features and Compatibility
One feature I found especially useful is the support for 4K Ultra HD passthrough and HDR. This makes it future-proof for the latest TVs and content. Additionally, it supports Google Chromecast built-in, which means I can easily cast music and videos directly to the receiver.
Value for Money
Considering its features, sound quality, and build, I found the TX-NR656 offers excellent value. It sits in a mid-range price bracket but competes with more expensive models in terms of performance.
What to Consider Before Buying
- Room Size: This receiver works best in medium to large rooms to fully appreciate the surround sound capabilities.
- Speaker Setup: To make the most of Dolby Atmos, you’ll need compatible speakers positioned correctly.
- Future Upgrades: If you plan to expand your system, check the number of available inputs and outputs.
- Firmware Updates: Onkyo occasionally releases updates to improve performance, so ensure you keep the receiver updated.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a versatile AV receiver that combines solid sound quality, modern features, and ease of use, the Onkyo TX-NR656 is a fantastic choice. It has significantly improved my home theater experience, and I think it can do the same for you. Just make sure it fits your specific needs and setup before making the purchase.
Author Profile

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Steven Baxter is the voice behind RezzioLearning.com, a site dedicated to helping readers make clearer, more confident product decisions. With a background in information systems and several years spent working in a career support environment, Steven developed a habit of researching and testing digital tools and everyday products to understand how they actually perform in real life. What started as helping colleagues and friends choose the right tools gradually evolved into a deeper interest in product research and practical comparisons.
In 2026, Steven launched RezzioLearning.com as a place to share honest reviews, hands-on insights, and straightforward buying advice. Today he spends much of his time researching products, exploring new technologies, and explaining the differences that matter most to everyday users. Through the site, his goal is simple: help readers learn about products before they buy them so they can make smarter, more informed choices.
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