Marantz NR1606 7.2-Channel Slim Network AV Receiver Review

0 Mixed Usages
Release year: 2015 Rating: 3.1

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

 

Where to buy

Specification

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
Where to buy

Details Review

 

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

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.

 

Where to buy

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