The catch
Onkyo TX-NR6100
A limit of seven channels, and just three fast HDMI inputs.
Side by side
Onkyo TX-NR6100 vs Onkyo TX-NR7100: NR7100 has four heights and Dirac, and neither can expand to 7.1.4
Quick verdict
A completed 5.1.2 or 7.1 system that uses AccuEQ points to the NR6100. If you will use four heights, included Dirac or more than three fast HDMI inputs, go with the NR7100. Neither US model offers a path to 7.1.4 expansion.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
The extra channels allow two alternative layouts
NR7100 can put its extra amplifier pair toward four heights, or toward surround-back speakers with two heights.
Where this comes from
Its nine channels handle documented 5.1.4 and 7.1.2 layouts, while NR6100's seven handle 5.1.2 or 7.1.
The catch
Onkyo TX-NR7100
The limit of nine channels still rules out 7.1.4.
Onkyo TX-NR6100
- Why pick it
- Your finished layout has seven main speakers
- AccuEQ and three fast HDMI inputs cover your needs
- The catch
- A limit of seven channels, and just three fast HDMI inputs.
Onkyo TX-NR7100
- Why pick it
- The receiver must power five bed speakers and four heights
- You require full-bandwidth Dirac or front HDMI access
- The catch
- The limit of nine channels still rules out 7.1.4.
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What this page compares
Onkyo NR6100 vs NR7100 for seven or nine speakers, included Dirac, fast HDMI inputs and a front socket for temporary devices.
A completed 5.1.2 or 7.1 system that uses AccuEQ points to the NR6100. If you will use four heights, included Dirac or more than three fast HDMI inputs, go with the NR7100. Neither US model offers a path to 7.1.4 expansion.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
A completed 5.1.2 room that uses AccuEQ
NR6100 does what that brief asks. NR7100 brings extra capacity and another correction system.
- Onkyo TX-NR6100
- Good
- Onkyo TX-NR7100
- Good
5.1.4, powered from the receiver
Nine amplifiers come with NR7100.
- Onkyo TX-NR6100
- Not suitable
- Onkyo TX-NR7100
- Better fit
A fourth high-speed HDMI source
Three 4K120 inputs on NR6100, six on NR7100.
- Onkyo TX-NR6100
- Caution
- Onkyo TX-NR7100
- Better fit
You require full-bandwidth Dirac
Dirac Live Room Correction comes with NR7100.
- Onkyo TX-NR6100
- Not suitable
- Onkyo TX-NR7100
- Better fit
In practice
Differences you will notice
The extra channels allow two alternative layouts
NR7100 can put its extra amplifier pair toward four heights, or toward surround-back speakers with two heights.
How we worked this out
Its nine channels handle documented 5.1.4 and 7.1.2 layouts, while NR6100's seven handle 5.1.2 or 7.1.
With four fast sources you pass a clear threshold
The fourth 4K120 source plugs straight into NR7100, but NR6100 has just three suitable inputs.
How we worked this out
According to the manufacturer, NR7100 has six high-frame-rate inputs and NR6100 has three.
Adding a stereo amp later will not unlock 7.1.4
The US configuration of neither receiver provides eleven-channel main processing.
How we worked this out
NR6100 handles seven processing channels and NR7100 handles nine. The US records of their main-channel pre-outs offer no path to an eleven-channel expansion.
Plan your receiver connectionsLay out my system
Check a documented speaker layout against HDMI sources and external-amplifier plans.
Onkyo TX-NR6100
Handles your setup
Runs 5.1.2 on its own built-in amplifiers. Takes 3 HDMI devices, 1 of them at 4K/120Hz.
Onkyo TX-NR7100
Handles your setup
Runs 5.1.2 on its own built-in amplifiers. Takes 3 HDMI devices, 1 of them at 4K/120Hz. Input count does not guarantee every chroma, bit-depth or DSC combination. Check the manufacturer's HDMI format table and current firmware.
A powered subwoofer does not count toward the speaker channels. This checks one main room. Check Zone 2, bi-amping and unusual speaker assignments yourself. Leave room for ventilation, and confirm HDMI settings, cables and speaker impedance before you install.
Option A
Onkyo, TX-NR6100
TX-NR6100
Six HDMI inputs, two display outputs and an MM phono input come on this seven-channel Onkyo. In a mixed-source 5.1.2 room, it connects directly to both a TV and a projector.
- Best for
- Two displays and a turntable in 5.1.2
Facts we checked
- 7 main processing channels and 7 built-in amplifier channels
- Of 6 HDMI inputs, 3 support 4K120 video
- 2 HDMI outputs
- Room setup by AccuEQ
- Subwoofer outputs aside, 0 full-range main-channel pre-outs
- Before ventilation space, the chassis is 6.8125-inch high with antennas horizontal
Option B
Onkyo, TX-NR7100
TX-NR7100
Full-bandwidth Dirac Live Room Correction is included, and the nine amplifiers can power 5.1.4 or 7.1.2. A seventh HDMI input on the front is handy for temporary devices.
- Best for
- 5.1.4 where Dirac comes included
Facts we checked
- 9 main processing channels and 9 built-in amplifier channels
- Of 7 HDMI inputs, 6 support 4K120 video
- 2 HDMI outputs
- Room setup by Dirac Live Full Bandwidth
- Subwoofer outputs aside, 0 full-range main-channel pre-outs
- Before ventilation space, the chassis is 6.8125-inch high with antennas horizontal
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Onkyo TX-NR6100 | Onkyo TX-NR7100 | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main amplified and processed channels | 7 | 9 | NR7100 handles either 5.1.4 or 7.1.2 directly. |
| Included room correction | AccuEQ | Dirac Live Full Bandwidth | The Dirac Room Correction license is part of NR7100. |
| 4K120-capable inputs | 3 | 6 | A fourth fast source can be connected to the NR7100 itself. |
| HDMI input count and placement | 6 rear inputs | 6 rear inputs plus 1 front input | NR7100 gives you a handy connection for a temporary source. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Onkyo TX-NR6100
- AccuEQ in place of included Dirac.
With Onkyo TX-NR7100
- The US model has no full-range main-channel pre-outs.
Change of plan
When the answer changes
Your finished layout has seven main speakers
Go with Onkyo TX-NR6100. The finished 7.1 or 5.1.2 system is covered by its seven amplifier channels.
The receiver must power five bed speakers and four heights
Go with Onkyo TX-NR7100. The documented 5.1.4 layout runs on its nine internal amplifier channels.
You firmly need a 7.1.4 layout later on
Neither model fits. Neither the documented processing layouts nor the internal-amplifier ones cover this requirement. Pick a receiver that has the physical configuration you need.
Decision guide
How to decide
NR6100 is the pick for a finished 5.1.2 or 7.1 system built around AccuEQ. NR7100 is the pick when four heights, included Dirac or more than three fast HDMI inputs will come into play. Neither US model leaves room to expand to 7.1.4.
Assign the extra pair to what the room needs
Nine internal amplifiers on the NR7100 let a five-speaker bed gain four heights, or let a seven-speaker bed use two heights. These are alternatives, because 7.1.4 needs eleven full-range channels. The NR6100 stays appropriate when the finished arrangement is 7.1 or 5.1.2 and no nine-speaker layout is planned.
Settle whether Dirac belongs in the purchase
Full-bandwidth Dirac Live Room Correction is included with the NR7100, and the NR6100 uses AccuEQ. If you specifically want Dirac, that can settle the matter even in a seven-speaker room. The software still takes careful measurements and target selection, and its name does not promise that an unmeasured room will automatically end up better.
Review your permanent and temporary sources
Six fast rear inputs plus a separate front HDMI socket come with the NR7100. The NR6100 has six rear inputs, three of which suit 4K120. A fourth fast device is a direct reason to prefer the NR7100, and a temporary camera or console makes its front input convenient. Look up the format table for the specific rear input, since a fast-input count does not cover every chroma and bit-depth combination.
What this page can’t tell you
- Neither US model has a documented 7.1.4 layout using an external amplifier.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the AV receivers we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
How many fit
Only 5 of the 34 models checked meet every need here: “Put in two height speakers”, “Use four height speakers”, and “Begin with Dirac room correction already included”.
5 models fit, out of 34 checkedShow the facts and the math
How we countedThe count uses each product's current fit ratings for “Put in two height speakers”, “Use four height speakers”, and “Begin with Dirac room correction already included”. A need with no documented match is not counted.
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Onkyo TX-NR6100 |
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| Onkyo TX-NR7100 |
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Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Open either model on Amazon for the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
Onkyo TX-NR6100
Your finished layout has seven main speakers
See price & reviews on AmazonOnkyo TX-NR7100
The receiver must power five bed speakers and four heights
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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