Marantz NR1606 7.2-Channel Slim Network AV Receiver Review
For the enthusiast for efficiency and connectivity in home entertainment, the Marantz NR1606 is a stylish companion. In moderately sized rooms, when space is limited but sound quality cannot be sacrificed, its slender form is ideal. This receiver is ideal you if you want to improve your sound without going overboard.
Our Verdict
Marantz promises excellent quality in a compact package, and the NR1606 lives up to that expectation. It is a contemporary center for your home entertainment with 4K support and wireless capabilities. Its output of power, meanwhile, might not be enough for people with bigger rooms or pickier speakers. For the space-conscious, it's a sensible choice; power-seekers should search elsewhere.
PROS
- Dolby Atmos support
- DTS:X compatible
- Wi-Fi enabled
- Bluetooth connectivity
- 8 HDMI inputs
- 4K/60Hz passthrough
- HDR10, Dolby Vision
- Auto speaker calibration
CONS
- Low power output
- No front wide channel
- No 8K passthrough
GENERAL
| Receiver Type | |
|---|---|
| Number Of Channel | Channel |
| Number Channel Processing | |
| Audio Feature | |
| Video Feature | |
| Watts Per Channel | |
| Zones | |
| Radio | |
| Amplifier |
CONNECTIVITY
| Ethernet | |
|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | |
| Bluetooth | |
| USB | |
| RCA LIne Input: | |
| RCA LIne Output: | |
| RCA Pre-Outs: | |
| XLR Line Inputs: | |
| XLR Pre-Outs: | |
| Phono Input: | |
| Optical Inputs: | |
| Optical Output: | |
| Coaxial Inputs: | |
| Multi-Channel Input: | |
| Headphone Out: | |
| HDMI Inputs: | |
| HDMI Outputs: | |
| 8K Inputs: | |
| Composite Video Input | |
| Composite Video Output: | |
| Component Video Input: | |
| Component Video Output: | |
| Front A/V Inputs: | |
| Speaker A/B: |
AUDIO FEATURES:
| Maximum Channel Processing | |
|---|---|
| Dolby Atmos | |
| Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization | |
| Dolby Atmos Music | |
| Dolby TrueHD | |
| Dolby Digital Plus | |
| Dolby Surround Upmixer | |
| Dolby Pro Logic | |
| Dolby Digital EX | |
| Surround EX | |
| DTS:X | |
| DTS Neural:X | |
| DTS Virtual:X | |
| DTS Neo | |
| DTS-HD Master Audio | |
| DTS-HD High Resolution Audio | |
| DTS 96/24 | |
| DTS Express | |
| DTS-ES | |
| IMAX Enhanced | |
| PCM | |
| Music Playback via USB | |
| High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network | |
| High Resolution Audio Formats via USB | |
| Gapless Playback | |
| DSD via HDMI | |
| DSD via USB | |
| DSD to PCM Converter | |
| USB DAC | |
| Jitter Reduction | |
| DTS Dialog Control | |
| Dialog Enhancement | |
| Dialog Level Adjustment | |
| Dialog Normalization | |
| Dialogue Lift | |
| Compressed Music Enhancer | |
| High-resolution Music Enhancer | |
| Audyssey Dynamic EQ | |
| Audyssey Dynamic Volume | |
| Audyssey LFC | |
| Audyssey Sub EQ HT | |
| Audyssey DSX | |
| Direct Mode | |
| Pure Direct Mode | |
| Independent Subwoofer Outputs | |
| Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. | |
| Audyssey App Support | |
| Bass Sync | |
| Optimized Bass Redirection |
VIDEO FEATURES:
| HDMI Version | |
|---|---|
| Enhanced ARC | |
| HDCP Version | |
| HDR10+ | |
| Dynamic HDR | |
| Dolby Vision | |
| HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) | |
| QMS (Quick Media Switching) | |
| 3-D Ready | |
| Video Signal Passthrough | |
| Video Signal Upscaling | |
| Analog To HDMI Upconversion | |
| Component Video Upscaling | |
| isf Certified Calibration Control |
AMPLIFIERS
| Channels | |
|---|---|
| Front Wide Channel Support | |
| Current Feedback Topology | |
| Discrete Amplification | |
| HDAM | |
| THX™ Certification | |
| Continuous 6 Ω Rated | |
| Certified 4 Ω Performance | |
| Bi-amp Capability |
GAMING FEATURES
| Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) | |
|---|---|
| Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) | |
| Quick Frame Transport (QFT) |
ZONES
| Zones | |
|---|---|
| Powered Zones | |
| Zone 2 Outs | |
| Zone 3 Outs | |
| RS-232C Interface | |
| +12V Trigger Output |
RADIO
| Analog Tuner | |
|---|---|
| Digital Radio | |
| Internet Radio | |
| Pandora | |
| Spotify | |
| Tidal | |
| Deezer | |
| SiriusXM Internet Radio | |
| Napster |
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
| On-Screen Display | |
|---|---|
| GUI Languages | |
| Web Browser Control | |
| IP Control for CI | |
| Control4 SDDP | |
| PreAmp Mode | |
| Display | |
| Remote Controller | |
| Remote Control In/Out | |
| LCD Display | |
| Detachable Power Cord | |
| Setup Assistant |
POWER
| Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 | |
|---|---|
| Rated Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, IEC) | |
| Dynamic Power per Channel (3 Ω, Front) | |
| Dynamic Power per Channel (4 Ω, Front) | |
| Dynamic Power per Channel (8 Ω, Front) | |
| Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 | |
| Maximum Effective Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA) | |
| Power Supply | |
| Toroidal Transformer | |
| Power Consumption | |
| No Sound Power | |
| Standby Power |
BUILD
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | |
|---|---|
| Weight | |
| Chassis | |
| Front Panel | |
| Speaker Terminals | |
| Large Speaker Terminals | |
| Color-Coded Speaker Terminals | |
| Transparent High-Grade Speaker Terminals | |
| High Grade Audio Components | |
| ECO Mode / Hybrid Standby Function | |
| Auto Power off | |
| Warranty |
SPECIFICATIONS
| THD digital | |
|---|---|
| Analog Distortion | |
| Phono Distortion | |
| Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line) | |
| Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Phono MM) | |
| Rated Lineout Level and Impedance | |
| Rated Output digital | |
| S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A) | |
| S/N Ratio (Phono MM, IHF-A) | |
| S/N Ratio (digital) | |
| Phono RIAA Deviation | |
| Frequency Response (Analog In) | |
| DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI | |
| DSD Sampling Rates via USB | |
| Video Input Sensitivity/Output Level and Impedance | |
| Video Frequency Response | |
| Ethernet Standard | |
| Wi-Fi Standard | |
| Wi-Fi Terminal Frequency | |
| Bluetooth Version | |
| Bluetooth Frequency | |
| USB Terminal | |
| FM Frequency | |
| FM 50 dB Quiet Sensitivity (IHF, 1 kHz, 100% MOD.) | |
| FM S/N Ratio | |
| FM Harmonic Distortion (IHF, 1 kHz) | |
| AM Effective Sensitivity | |
| AM Frequency |
Design
The Marantz NR1606 boasts a sleek and slimline design, making it an attractive addition to any home entertainment setup. Its compact size is a significant advantage, allowing it to fit into smaller spaces where traditional receivers might not. However, some users might find the smaller knobs and buttons a bit fiddly, especially in a darkened room.
Connectivity
On the connectivity front, the NR1606 shines with many options. It offers eight HDMI inputs, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth streaming, and support for most digital files up to 24-bit/192kHz1.
Users often praise the NR1606 for its ability to seamlessly integrate into their existing setups. With its ample HDMI inputs, it’s like having a mini-hub where all your devices can shake hands and play nice. But it’s not just about the physical connections. The NR1606 flirts with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, making it a breeze to stream music from your phone or tablet. Users love this flexibility, as it allows them to effortlessly switch from watching a movie to setting the mood with some background music during a dinner party.
However, some users have encountered a few hiccups when connecting older devices that may not speak the same high-tech language as the NR1606. And while it’s great at making friends with a multitude of devices, occasionally it might need a gentle nudge (or a quick glance at the manual) to remember all its acquaintances.
Performance-wise, the NR1606 delivers impressive sound quality with its 7x50W amplification, providing a rich and enveloping audio experience. It handles surround sound formats well and is quite flexible in speaker configurations.
The NR1606 handles the high frequencies with clarity and precision. Users report that the treble is crisp without being piercing, which is particularly noticeable in genres like classical and jazz, where the subtleties of instruments like violins and flutes are essential. However, some users have noted that at very high volumes, the treble can become a bit harsh, which could be a drawback for those sensitive to higher frequencies.
The midrange is where the NR1606 really shines. Vocals come through naturally and with great detail, making it a fantastic choice for podcasts and vocal-centric music like pop and rock. The warmth in the midrange adds a nice depth to movies, enhancing dialogues and making them more intelligible. On the flip side, the mids can sometimes overshadow the other frequencies, especially in complex tracks with a lot going on.
When it comes to bass, the NR1606 packs a punch. The bass is robust and well-defined, suitable for action-packed movie scenes and bass-heavy music genres like hip-hop and electronic dance music. That said, for those who are after a room-shaking experience, an additional subwoofer might be necessary, as the NR1606’s built-in power may not satisfy the most demanding bass heads.
While it performs admirably for its class, audiophiles might seek more power for larger rooms or more demanding speaker setups.
Where and When to Use
The NR1606 is ideal for small to medium-sized rooms, offering a great balance of features and performance without overwhelming the space. It’s well-suited for movie nights, casual music listening, and gaming sessions.
Compatible Devices
It works seamlessly with a wide range of devices, including Blu-ray players, gaming consoles, and streaming devices, thanks to its extensive connectivity options.
Ease of Use
Marantz has ensured that the NR1606 is user-friendly, with a straightforward setup process and an intuitive interface. The inclusion of wireless connectivity options like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth adds to the convenience, although the remote control’s layout could be more intuitive.
Cost
Priced at around $699 when released, the NR1606 offers good value for its feature set and performance. It’s a mid-range receiver that strikes a balance between cost and capabilities, making it accessible to a broad audience.
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