The Onkyo TX-NR646 is a modestly priced and highly rated AV receiver, praised by many of its owners for the amazing value that it has brought them. At this price range, the Onkyo TX-NR646 is considered one of the top performers and provides excellent sound quality. If you are a proud owner of this talented AVR and are planning to get new speakers to pair up with it then look no further as we will be sharing with you the list of the best speakers to match with the Onkyo TX-NR646 later.
We will first need to learn more about the Onkyo TX-NR646 AVR such as its merits and sonic characteristics. Once we have acquired such knowledge, it will be much easier to find matching speakers and you can even use it to find compatible speakers on your own. So let’s start, shall we?
Table of Contents
Sonic Characteristics and Important Specifications of Onkyo TX-NR646
The Onkyo TX-NR646 is a 7.2 channel AV receiver that is packed with features and can decode Dolby Atmos but if you also want DTS:X 3D audio format, you will need to update your firmware. It is also a 4K AV receiver that supports 4K/60Hz and 3D video pass-through. The TX-NR646 uses a high-quality Asahi Kasei AK4458 D/A converter, allowing you to play high-resolution audio files with pristine sound quality. These are just some of the notable features and there are plenty more to go such as Bluetooth connectivity, WiFi, etc.
Onkyo’s Hi-Current Amplifier design provides 100 Watts per channel at 8 Ohms with 2 channels driven, it can still go higher up to 160 Watts per channel into 6 Ohms with 1 channel driven which is pretty powerful. As we can still connect up to 2 active subwoofers, the specs and this option alone allow us to be able to drive most bookshelf speakers. We can also opt for matching floor-standers as well. The typical frequency response is 20Hz-20kHz which is standard but when you switch on the Direct Mode, the frequency response becomes 10Hz-100kHz. We will still use 20Hz-20kHz as the frequency response/range when shortlisting potential matching speakers as not everyone will use Direct Mode.
More Details at Amazon – Onkyo TX-NR646 7.2-Channel A/V Receiver
This Onkyo AV receiver is able to project quite a large sound field to fill up the listening room. The sonic accuracy and precision of the surround sound imaging are impeccable, tanks firing from afar and projectiles flew past us with intensity, hitting the target with floor-shaking impacts. The bass performance of the Onkyo TX-NR646 is at its best when it comes to the reproduction of subterranean low frequency. It is clean and powerful, the bass pressure and weight are exhilarating, investing in high-quality subwoofers is well worth it. The midbass does lack a bit of punch and doesn’t pound as hard as some other AVR models in the same price category.
There is also a high level of clarity where the dialogues are still clear sounding even when the scene is busy with actions and explosions. When swords and armors clashed, you can hear plenty of details of metal been sliced, knights’ warcry, arrows swooshing by, and more which make the battle scene even more intense. The Onkyo TX-NR646 is also amazing at delivering an atmospheric presence where you will notice how expansive and large the soundstage is, giving you an immersive experience. For an AV receiver at this price point, the scale of the soundstage is considered really good.
When it comes to the music listening experience, it is still quite enjoyable to listen to the Onkyo TX-NR646. You may find the overall sound reproduction a little thin but the TX-NR646 does try its best to provide an energetic musical performance. The overall sound reproduction of this Onkyo AV receiver is quite balanced and neutral towards bright but doesn’t sound harsh or cringe which is great. The sound delivery is clean and smooth as well. We have all the necessary details and we can now start listing out the best speakers to match with your Onkyo TX-NR646. The price point of these matching speakers will be quite close to this Onkyo AVR and integrating a subwoofer into the mix will also be taken into account.
Onkyo TX-NR646 Specifications
- Power Outputs: 100 Watts per channel at 8 Ohms with 2 channels driven, 160 Watts into 6 Ohms with 1 channel driven
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz, 10Hz–100 kHz (+1dB, -3dB, Direct Mode)
- DAC: Asahi Kasei AK4458
- Wireless: Bluetooth, Apple Airplay, WiFi
- Inputs: 8 HDMI inputs, 1 Phono input, 1 USB input, 8 Analog inputs, 2 Optical inputs, 1 Coaxial input, Ethernet port
- Outputs: Headphone output, 2 Subwoofer outputs, 1 HDMI ARC, 1 HDMI output, 1 Zone 2
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 435mm x 173.5mm x 329mm (17.1″ × 6.8″ × 12.9″)
- Weight: 9.4kg (20.7lbs)
Best Speakers to pair with Onkyo TX-NR646
The Wharfedale Diamond 220 will be one of the best speakers to match with the Onkyo TX-NR646 and will be able to fit most HT enthusiasts’ budgets. Their sonic characteristics are warm and smooth, the overall sound reproduction of the Diamond 220 speakers is also quite full-bodied which complements the TX-NR646 and does help to improve the music listening experience. They may be compact bookshelf speakers but they have impressive low-end reproduction which punches above their size. The Wharfedale Diamond 220 will be terrific as front main channel speakers as well as surround speakers. You can get a matching Wharfedale Diamond series center channel speaker and complete the system with a powerful active subwoofer.
More Details at Amazon – Wharfedale Diamond 220 Bookshelf Speakers
For listeners who prefer bright-sounding and energetic HT sound systems, you should check out Klipsch speakers. The Klipsch R-625FA will be one of the best floor-standing speakers to match with your Onkyo TX-NR646 as there is a built-in elevation channel that conforms to Dolby Atmos specifications, without the need to get separated Dolby Atmos speakers (Front). The efficiency of these Klipsch floor-standers also enables your TX-NR646 to drive them easily and to high volumes. They have an astonishing level of clarity and energetic treble, producing detailed sound reproduction with crystal clear sound quality. The Klipsch R-625FA can be overly bright and we suggest hearing them out before making a decision.
More Information at Amazon – Klipsch R-625FA
If you prefer speakers that are lively and energetic but not overly bright-sounding, then the Dali Spektor 2 will be an ideal choice for you. The agility and articulation of these bookshelf speakers are considered really incredible at this price point. The Dali Spektor 2 handling of the dynamics is equally impressive and it simply engages you whether it is music or movie listens. The vocals and voice reproduction are also one of the speakers’ main strengths. The Dali Spektor 2 can be set as the front mains and surround speakers. It is highly recommended to connect an active subwoofer to your Onkyo TX-NR646 as you will need your AVR to focus on driving the Spektor 2 as they have low speaker sensitivity.
More Information at Amazon – DALI SPEKTOR 2 Bookshelf Speakers
Q Acoustics 3000i 5.1 (3010i) is one of the best speaker packages that you can go for and partner with your Onkyo TX-NR646 AV receiver. This is an award-winning home cinema pack that can produce an engaging sonic presentation for both music and movie playbacks. The overall sound reproduction has clarity and accuracy, but the subwoofer in this pack does lack some weight and kick to it. The Q Acoustics 3010i is definitely performing well as the front main channels (L/R) and surround sound speakers, the Q Acoustics 3090ci as the center channel speaker is no slouch either. The sonic characteristics of the Q Acoustics 3000i 5.1 are a suitable match to the Onkyo TX-NR646 too.
More Info at Amazon – Q Acoustics 3000i 5.1 (3010i) Home Theater Speaker System
If you are planning to set up a 5.2.2 speakers placement, there are a few options to go for. As mentioned earlier, you can use speakers such as Klipsch R-625FA which has a built-in elevation, or go for separated Dolby Atmos speakers such as Klipsch RP-140SA, ELAC Debut 2.0 A4.2 Dolby Atmos Modules, etc. Overhead speakers are a better option as they can provide more accuracy since the sound doesn’t need to bounce off the ceiling towards the listener. To set up the overhead speakers may be a bit troublesome and could cost more as you need to install the speakers into the ceiling.
More Information at Amazon – Klipsch RP-140SA Dolby Atmos Speaker
More Information at Amazon – ELAC Debut 2.0 A4.2 Dolby Atmos Modules
Integrating a high-quality and powerful active subwoofer will help with the overall home theater performance, delivering a more impactful home cinematic experience. You can check out SVS PB-2000 Pro which is a high-powered ported subwoofer with 1,500 Watts Peak power. SVS is a specialist when it comes to making high-performance active subwoofers. If music is your main entertainment, you might want to take a look at Rythmik Audio F12SE sealed audiophile subwoofer. The F12SE is capable of reproducing rich and natural bass, it also has the agility and control to handle all sorts of music genres. It can dig deep into the bass extension, all the way down to 14Hz.
More Information at Amazon – SVS PB-2000 Pro Subwoofer (Black Ash)
To Conclude
The Onkyo TX-NR646 is a fantastic AV receiver and these listed speakers are a great match. We will still recommend that you have an audition with them first before seriously considering. Hear them out and see if you like the sound quality. You should play your favorite movie scenes during the auditions and do include the potential subwoofers that you are going to get. You might also want to listen to your favorite tunes, just to confirm that the sound quality you are hearing is really what you want.
