Onkyo TX-NR646 Manual: A Comprehensive Guide
Welcome to your comprehensive guide for the Onkyo TX-NR646 AV receiver! This resource provides you with essential information, operating instructions, and troubleshooting tips to maximize your home entertainment experience with this powerful device. Download manuals in PDF.
The Onkyo TX-NR646 is a 7.2-channel network AV receiver designed to deliver a high-quality home theater experience. With a power output of 160 watts per channel, it provides robust and immersive sound. This receiver supports various audio formats, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, offering a 360-degree sound placement and movement for a fully immersive listening experience.
This guide will provide necessary instructions for proper use. The TX-NR646 features multiple HDMI inputs and outputs, allowing seamless connectivity to TVs and other devices. It also includes network capabilities for internet radio, DLNA, and AirPlay, enhancing your audio experience.
Whether you’re setting up the receiver for the first time or troubleshooting common issues, this guide will offer clear instructions and helpful tips. Understanding the features and functions of your TX-NR646 will ensure you get the most out of your home entertainment system.
Understanding the Basics
Before diving into advanced features, it’s essential to understand the fundamental aspects of your Onkyo TX-NR646. This section will cover the front panel, rear connections, and remote control operations to help you get started easily.
Front Panel Features and Functions
The front panel of your Onkyo TX-NR646 offers quick access to essential controls and information. The power button, labeled “ON/STANDBY,” allows you to turn the unit on or off, placing it in standby mode. A “TUNING MODE” button switches between tuning modes for radio. The “DISPLAY” button controls the information shown on the front panel display.
European, Australian, and Asian models feature specific controls detailed in the manual. Additionally, the front panel includes input selector buttons for easy source selection, a volume control knob, and a headphone jack for private listening. Some models also feature a USB port for connecting external devices.
Understanding the layout and functions of these front panel elements is crucial for basic operation and quick adjustments. Refer to the provided diagrams in your manual for precise button locations and their respective functions to ensure effective control over your receiver. These features make navigation simple.
Rear Panel Connections and Setup
The rear panel of the Onkyo TX-NR646 is the central hub for connecting all your audio and video components. It features a comprehensive array of inputs and outputs, including HDMI ports, component video inputs, and digital audio connections. Understanding the function of each connection is essential for proper setup.
HDMI inputs allow you to connect devices such as Blu-ray players, gaming consoles, and streaming devices, while the HDMI output connects to your TV or projector. Speaker terminals provide connections for your surround sound system, including front, center, rear, and subwoofer speakers. There’s also a RI (Remote Interactive) jack and Ethernet port.
Properly connecting your devices to the appropriate ports on the rear panel ensures optimal audio and video performance. Refer to the connection diagrams in the TX-NR646 manual for detailed instructions. The manual helps you to connect speakers, TV, and players. Network connections are also a breeze.
Remote Control Operation
The Onkyo TX-NR646 remote control is your primary interface for navigating the receiver’s features and settings. Familiarizing yourself with its layout and functions is crucial for seamless operation. The remote features dedicated buttons for power, input selection, volume control, and accessing the receiver’s menu system.
Use the remote to switch between different input sources, adjust the volume, and select listening modes. The remote also provides access to advanced settings such as speaker configuration, audio calibration, and network setup. Understanding the purpose of each button and function on the remote will greatly enhance your control over the TX-NR646.
The remote also includes buttons for controlling other connected devices, such as TVs and Blu-ray players. Basic operations are easy to learn and master. The remote mode and input selector buttons are particularly useful. This remote streamlines your home theater experience, putting control at your fingertips.
Setting Up Your TX-NR646
Setting up your Onkyo TX-NR646 involves initial configurations, speaker connections, and HDMI linking to your TV and other devices. Follow this section for a smooth setup and optimal audio-visual performance in your home theater.
Initial Setup and AccuEQ Room Calibration
The initial setup of your Onkyo TX-NR646 begins automatically when you first power on the unit.
The TV screen will guide you through a series of questions to tailor the receiver to your specific setup. Use the remote controller’s cursor keys to select options and press ENTER to confirm each selection.
AccuEQ Room Calibration is a crucial step in optimizing your audio experience. This feature analyzes your speaker setup and room acoustics to automatically adjust the receiver’s settings for the best possible sound quality. To perform AccuEQ, connect the included calibration microphone to the front panel. Place the microphone at your primary listening position. Ensure the room is quiet during the calibration process.
Follow the on-screen prompts to initiate AccuEQ. The receiver will emit test tones from each speaker. AccuEQ will then calculate and apply the necessary corrections. Review the results and make any desired manual adjustments.
Connecting Speakers and Understanding Speaker Layout
Connecting your speakers correctly is essential for optimal sound performance. The Onkyo TX-NR646 supports various speaker layouts, including 7.2 channel configurations. Identify the speaker terminals on the rear panel, which are clearly labeled for front, center, surround, and height speakers.
Use speaker wire to connect each speaker to its corresponding terminal, ensuring proper polarity (+ and -). For banana plug connections, tighten the terminals fully before inserting the plugs. If using bare wire, twist the strands tightly and insert them into the terminals after removing the plastic coating.
Understanding speaker layout is crucial. A typical 7.2 setup includes front left and right, a center channel, surround left and right, and two height or rear surround speakers. The “.2” refers to two subwoofers for enhanced bass. Experiment with speaker placement to find the best soundstage for your listening environment. Consider Dolby Atmos configurations.
Connecting to TV and Other Devices via HDMI
HDMI connections are crucial for transmitting high-quality audio and video between your Onkyo TX-NR646 and other devices like TVs, Blu-ray players, and gaming consoles. The receiver features multiple HDMI inputs and outputs, allowing for seamless connectivity. To connect your TV, use the HDMI output labeled “ARC” (Audio Return Channel) to enable audio transmission from the TV back to the receiver.
For other devices, connect them to the available HDMI inputs, such as “BD/DVD,” “CBL/SAT,” or “Game.” Ensure that your HDMI cables are securely plugged in for optimal performance. The TX-NR646 supports HDMI 2.0a and HDCP 2.2, allowing for 4K Ultra HD video with HDR (High Dynamic Range) content.
When connecting multiple devices, label your HDMI cables to easily identify which device is connected to each input. In the receiver’s settings, you can assign specific inputs to each device for simplified source selection. Properly connecting your devices via HDMI will ensure the best possible audio and video quality.
Advanced Features and Troubleshooting
Explore advanced features like network connectivity, Bluetooth streaming, and delve into troubleshooting common issues. Find specifications and technical details to resolve problems and optimize your Onkyo TX-NR646 receiver for peak performance and seamless home entertainment.
Network Connection and Internet Radio
Connecting your Onkyo TX-NR646 to your home network opens a world of entertainment possibilities, primarily through internet radio. This allows you to access thousands of stations from across the globe, expanding your listening options beyond traditional AM/FM broadcasts. To establish a network connection, you can use either a wired Ethernet connection or a wireless Wi-Fi setup.
For a wired connection, simply connect an Ethernet cable from your router to the LAN port on the rear panel of the receiver. For Wi-Fi, navigate to the network settings in the receiver’s menu and select your wireless network, entering the password if prompted. Once connected, you can browse and select from a wide variety of internet radio stations via the receiver’s on-screen interface or through the Onkyo Remote app on your smartphone or tablet. Ensure both the receiver and your device are connected to the same router.
Troubleshooting network connection issues may involve checking your router’s settings, ensuring the receiver has a valid IP address, and verifying your internet connection.
Bluetooth Connectivity and Streaming
The Onkyo TX-NR646 offers convenient Bluetooth connectivity, enabling seamless wireless audio streaming from your compatible devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops. To pair your device, first, ensure that Bluetooth is enabled on both your device and the receiver. On the TX-NR646, navigate to the input selection menu and choose the Bluetooth input. The receiver will then enter pairing mode, becoming discoverable to nearby Bluetooth devices.
On your device, search for available Bluetooth devices and select the Onkyo TX-NR646 from the list. Once paired, you can stream audio directly from your device to the receiver, enjoying your favorite music, podcasts, and other audio content wirelessly. The receiver supports standard Bluetooth codecs, providing a reliable and high-quality audio streaming experience. If you encounter pairing issues, ensure that the devices are within close proximity of each other and that there are no obstructions interfering with the Bluetooth signal. Adjust volume on your device.
Bluetooth function start up takes a bit.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Encountering issues with your Onkyo TX-NR646 is not uncommon, but many problems can be resolved with simple troubleshooting steps. If you experience a lack of sound, first ensure that the receiver is not muted and that the volume is appropriately adjusted. Check the speaker connections to confirm they are secure and properly connected. Verify that the correct input source is selected on the receiver.
If you are facing network connectivity problems, ensure that the Ethernet cable is securely connected or that the Wi-Fi settings are correctly configured. Restarting the receiver and your network router can often resolve connection issues. For HDMI-related problems, check that the HDMI cables are firmly plugged into the correct ports and that the connected devices are compatible with the receiver’s HDMI specifications. If the problem persists, try using different HDMI cables or ports.
If NG appears, it may be set to hide SSID. If issues persist, unplug the power cord immediately and contact your Onkyo dealer.
Specifications and Technical Details
The Onkyo TX-NR646 is a 7.2-channel network AV receiver designed to deliver a high-quality audio and video experience. It boasts a power output of 160 watts per channel, ensuring robust and immersive sound. The receiver supports various audio formats, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, providing a three-dimensional audio experience.
Connectivity options include 8 HDMI inputs and 2 outputs with HDCP 2.2 support, facilitating 4K Ultra HD video passthrough. It also features built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for wireless streaming. The receiver supports internet radio, DLNA, and AirPlay for seamless integration with various online and local media sources. Network Section includes Ethernet LAN IN1 (BD/DVD, HDCP2.2), IN2 (CBL/SAT, HDCP2.2), IN3 (STRM BOX, 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX.
Additional specifications include a frequency response of 10Hz to 100kHz, a tuning range for FM and MW, and a total harmonic distortion of 0.08%. These technical details highlight the receiver’s capability to deliver clear and powerful audio performance across a wide range of media.