A:AnswerNo, it does not. I own the TX-NR696 (purchased Oct.2022.) It only receives BT audio, it cannot send.
The TX-NR6100 model does support bi-directional Bluetooth connectivity which will send BT audio to headphones or other BT devices, as you had asked.
If I had to do it all over again, I would have bought the TX-NR6100 to future proof. It supports HDMI2.1 and supports 8k@60hz & 4k@120hz - The TX-NR696 only supports up to 4k@60hz (This requires reading the supplemental release notes to enable "enhanced mode" aka 4k@60hz.)
The TX-NR6100 seems to run about $150-$200 more than the TX-NR696 from the research I have done. As far as wired speaker functionality, they are even in power output capability. The TX-NR6100 is the AVR to buy - if you need Bluetooth-to-headphones capability & desire the other specs of the TX-NR696. Good luck!
A:AnswerThe following information comes from the Crutchfield website concerning this receiver:
Zone Preamp Outputs: The receiver offers a stereo Zone preamp output that can be set to Zone 2 or Zone B, so you can listen to the same audio source in two rooms or a different audio source in two rooms. You'll need a separate amplifier and pair of speaker in either Zone 2 or Zone B. The volume of Zone 2 and Zone B is controlled from your external integrated amplifier.
Zone 2: Zone 2 allows you to continue to enjoy up to 7.1ch or 5.1.2ch surround in the Main Zone, while listening to the same audio source or different audio source in a second room in 2ch stereo. Zone 2 supports playback of the receiver's AM/FM tuner, Analog audio inputs, Optical/Coax digital inputs (2ch PCM only), HDMI 1-2-3 inputs (2ch PCM only), USB & Bluetooth Audio, and Network (including DLNA, AirPlay, Chromecast, DTS Play-Fi, FlareConnect, & built-in music apps). Incompatible Zone 2 sources include HDMI video (all inputs), HDMI audio (4-5-6 inputs), and DSD audio files.
As for Network, USB, and Bluetooth sources; you cannot select different inputs for the main room and Zone 2. For example, if a Network source has been selected in the main room and then Bluetooth is selected as a playback source in Zone 2, the input in the main room will also change to the Bluetooth source.
When listening to AM/FM or Internet radio, you cannot select different stations for the main room and Zone 2.
Zone B: The Zone B preamp output lets enjoy the same source (analog, digital, wireless, or built-in) of your Main Zone in another room, or turn the Main Zone off and only listen to an audio source in Zone B. When the Main Zone and Zone B are played at the same time, you are limited to 2ch Stereo or All-Channel Stereo in the Main Zone. Zone B does not allow you to play a different source than the main zone.
I apologize if this doesn’t answer your question, as I have no experience with connecting an external amplifier. I will tell you that the Onkyo TX-NR696 is a tremendous receiver for the price. I did my homework before purchasing this unit, and I couldn’t be happier. It’s able to drive my 21 year old Bose Acoustimass speakers and sounds wonderful. I use this mainly for music, but works very well with video, also. Listening to the Doobie Brothers Quadio discs allows me to hear details I never realized existed in the recordings. Highly recommended receiver. Tried a Denon unit first, and it didn’t work right out of the box. This unit is easy to set up and will be ready to go in a short period of time. Good luck with whatever you decide on.
A:AnswerThe dual sub output is not stereo, according to the manual. The manual says this is a 7.1, not 7.2. I read it was stereo and 7.2 on the Best Buy site as well. I use dual Klipsch r12's (large living room) which have L+R input. I am using both sub outputs from the stereo and rca "y's" to the l+r on the subs. If you have a single subwoofer (and single input) you only need one preamp out. I suspect Onkyo provides a dual output for subs with dual input, just a hunch. Check on the Onkyo site for the .pdf manual, if you haven't done so already. Hope that helps.
A:AnswerYes,
The first three hdmi inputs can be used by zone A and 2. They can also be shared. Zone 2 can only have stereo speakers. I use a fiber hdmi extended to send the video 80 away on a 1080p tv. Audio comes out the tv and comes out the two zone 2 speakers. This has to be configured.in the speaker setup in the UI, or zone 2 has to be enabled using the controller app.
A:AnswerTry turning the receiver off completely vs setting to standby ...Ive never had much luck with wireless tech re-attaching to networks from standby mode without some manual manipulation ..By turning the receiver completely off you force a refresh of the connection on the next boot up..
A:AnswerThis unit does work with Alexa based on this update.https://www.eu.onkyo.com/en/articles/select-onkyo-av-components-get-firmware-update-enabling-voice-control-via-amazon-alexa-158935.html
A:AnswerIf you are asking about blue tooth no. This receiver has blue tooth receiver only. You could listen to music from your phone streamed to it over blue tooth but not the other way. It does have a headphone jack for wired headphones.
A:AnswerYes but the two USB inputs are on the rear of the unit so you will either need to have it setup to access the back or attach a USB extension cable.
A:AnswerThere are 9. It changes depending on signal. When DD+ is available you get DD+, DD+ 7.1 , Thx Cinema, thx cinema surround, cinema surround, direct, theater, full mono. With Atmos, the dd+ changes to Atmos 7.1 This is my 3rd Onkyo I have owned and its the best so far. Sound volume is great, and this one lets you raise the vocal, base, or treble channel desperately.
