Onkyo TX-NR696 vs Pioneer S-MS3SW Review

Let's be upfront about something unusual: this is a comparison between an AV receiver and a subwoofer — two products that aren't direct competitors but frequently end up in the same home theater setup. The Onkyo TX-NR696 is a multi-channel AV receiver, and the Pioneer S-MS3SW is a compact subwoofer priced at just $13. These aren't fighting for the same shelf space; they're more like colleagues. But understanding what each brings (and where each falls short) is genuinely useful if you're building or upgrading a home theater on a budget.

Onkyo TX-NR696

What It Is

The TX-NR696 is a 7.2-channel AV receiver designed to be the brain of a home theater system. It supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and includes Onkyo's AccuEQ room calibration. It's positioned in the mid-range of Onkyo's lineup and has been a popular choice for people looking to move beyond basic 5.1 into more immersive audio setups.

Real-World Performance

Community discussions paint a clear picture: the TX-NR696 is capable enough to anchor a real home theater build. One Reddit user explicitly listed it as the receiver in their small single-floor house setup — and the system was producing enough bass output to vibrate their neighbor's house even at 20% subwoofer volume. That's not a complaint about weakness. That's a testament to how seriously this receiver takes low-frequency management when paired with even a modest sub.

For comparison shoppers weighing Onkyo against alternatives like Denon, Pioneer's VSX-LX505, or Arcam, the TX-NR696 sits comfortably in the "capable mid-range" bracket. It doesn't have Dirac Live room correction (a point of contention in some Reddit threads), but AccuEQ does the job for most listeners who aren't obsessing over DSP precision.

Weaknesses Worth Knowing

Onkyo has had a complicated reliability history, and that shadow follows the TX-NR696. Several community members have noted that Onkyo receivers can develop issues over time — particularly with HDMI boards — and availability of service has been inconsistent since the brand's ownership changes. If you're buying used or refurbished, factor that risk in. New units are less of a gamble, but it's worth keeping an extended warranty in mind.

The lack of Dirac Live is a genuine gap if you have an acoustically challenging room (sloped ceilings, irregular shapes). AccuEQ is fine for standard rectangular spaces, but power users chasing flat frequency response will find the competition offers more here.

Pioneer S-MS3SW

What It Is

The Pioneer S-MS3SW is a compact subwoofer, currently available for around $13. At that price, expectations need to be calibrated carefully. This is not a powered audiophile sub — it's a passive, budget-tier bass unit designed for entry-level systems or as a secondary/accent sub in a larger setup.

Real-World Context

The same Reddit thread that mentioned the TX-NR696 also listed the S-MS3SW as part of the same system — and as noted above, the combination was producing bass strong enough to disturb neighbors even at low volume settings. That's striking for a $13 subwoofer, though it's worth noting the receiver is doing significant signal processing work here. The sub itself is clearly doing its job in a small single-floor house context.

For anyone starting from TV speakers or building a first 2.1 system on a shoestring, the S-MS3SW represents genuinely usable bass reinforcement at a price that removes all financial risk. One Reddit user described a budget barter build where upgrading from TV sound to even a basic 2.1 system was transformative — the S-MS3SW fits exactly that use case.

Weaknesses Worth Knowing

At $13, the S-MS3SW is almost certainly not a powerhouse. Passive subwoofers at this price point typically lack the enclosure engineering, driver quality, and amplification that make high-end subs so impactful. Extension into deep bass frequencies (below 40Hz) will be limited. In a larger room or for serious movie watching with lots of LFE content, this sub will hit its ceiling quickly.

There's also the passive design consideration — you'll need your receiver to power it directly, meaning your TX-NR696 (or whatever amp you're using) needs to support passive subwoofer output. Many modern AV receivers are designed around powered subs with their own built-in amplifier. Check your receiver's output configuration before buying.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Category	Onkyo TX-NR696	Pioneer S-MS3SW
Product Type	7.2-ch AV Receiver	Passive Subwoofer
Price	Mid-range (varies)	$13
Use Case	Home theater hub, 5.1–7.2	Entry-level bass addition
Dolby Atmos / DTS:X	Yes	N/A
Room Correction	AccuEQ (no Dirac)	N/A
Best For	Mid-range HT builders	First-time buyers, tight budgets
Reliability Concern	Moderate (HDMI board history)	Low risk at the price

Verdict: Different Tools for Different Jobs

Comparing these two directly is a bit like asking whether a hammer or a nail is better — they're designed to work together, not against each other. But if you're trying to decide where to spend your money, here's the honest breakdown:

• Buy the Onkyo TX-NR696 if you're building or upgrading a proper multi-channel home theater, want Atmos/DTS:X support, and need a capable receiver that won't embarrass itself in a 5.1 or 7.1 setup. Just buy it new with warranty coverage, and know that AccuEQ is good but not class-leading for difficult rooms.
• Buy the Pioneer S-MS3SW if you're on an extremely tight budget, starting from TV speakers, or need a secondary sub for a small room. At $13, the financial risk is essentially zero. Don't expect it to anchor a serious home theater — but as a first step up from nothing, it's hard to argue against.
• Use them together if you already have the TX-NR696 and want to add bass without spending much. Real users have confirmed this pairing works in small homes — sometimes almost too well.

The TX-NR696 is the more significant purchase decision here. The S-MS3SW is almost an impulse buy at $13. Treat it accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can the Pioneer S-MS3SW work with the Onkyo TX-NR696?

A: Yes — Reddit users have confirmed running this exact pairing in a small home setup. The combination produced strong bass output even at low volume levels, so calibrate carefully if you have neighbors nearby.

Q: Does the Onkyo TX-NR696 support Dolby Atmos?

A: Yes, the TX-NR696 supports both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, making it suitable for immersive 3D audio setups with ceiling or upward-firing speakers.

Q: Is the Pioneer S-MS3SW a powered or passive subwoofer?

A: The S-MS3SW is a passive subwoofer, meaning it requires power from your receiver or a separate amplifier rather than having a built-in amp. Confirm your receiver supports passive sub output before purchasing.

Q: How does the Onkyo TX-NR696 compare to Denon or Yamaha at the same price?

A: Community discussions suggest the TX-NR696 is competitive but lacks Dirac Live room correction found in some rivals. For acoustically challenging rooms, Denon or Pioneer's own VSX-LX505 may offer better calibration tools at similar price points.

Q: Is $13 really enough to get a usable subwoofer?

A: For a small room or a first-time buyer upgrading from TV audio, yes. Real users report the S-MS3SW delivers noticeable bass improvement at its price point. For a dedicated home theater or larger room, you'll want to budget significantly more.

— Tech Lead Editor 1, CPrice