Hi!
I have setup my Onkyo TX-NR 686 I am very disappointed:
- the audio is flat, without dynamic - seems like an mp3 audio file 64kbps compressed;
- the bass is in-existent and the treble same; I set the tone (bass and treble) to +10dB to get all specter - using volume between 40-50%
- when changing modes - I hear the sounds of the internal relays
My setup:
- receiver configured with 5.1.2 speaker, but no sub (Sub=Off)
- front speakers: Magnat Supreme 802 (2 floor)
- surround/atmos speakers: Pioneer S-11 (1 center, 2 surround, 2 atmos)
- audio sources: FM tuner built-in, Chromecast built-in, Cromecast HDMI, USB Flac -> no difference in audio quality (stereo mode)
I compared the same set-up (speakers/room) with my previous receiver, Denon AVR-X1500H in 5.1.2 configuration with and without subwoofer:
- the audio has good dynamic and not flat (dynamic EQ and dynamic volume set on)
- no need to adjust manually bass/treble
- the bass was so powerfull (stereo music/surround movies) that I get out my subwoofer (Magnat 302A); the front speakers (Magnat) replaced very well the sub
What I don't liked on Denon: the very poor management of sources (including the two apps for remote and play music), the ugly TV interface, the lack of Chromecast built-in, the lack of Zone 2 pre-out, the noise of internal relays when turn volume after 50%...
The sound of Denon I compared with my previous stereo amplifier Pioneer A-10-K (2x50W, with Loudness = ON and Direct = OFF) and speakers Magnat 802. The audio source is PC audio out with FLAC music.
There are some settings to improve the audio quality (warm sound with good dynamic)?
Thank you!