Marantz NR1604 AV-receiver

It needs AV receivers such as the Marantz NR1604 if conventional home cinema would be to prosper. It is no secret that real world consumers have fallen out of love with all yesteryear's surround sound behemoths - it simply do not cut anymore (unless they are green gamma- scientists that are intoxicated). Functionality and outright pleasure the NR1604 pretty much nails it, in regards to form.

It simply goes without saying that this type of receiver is not so much about dangerous performance (an often ignored phrase in the hedonistic world). The dinosaur, it appears, is evolving.

The NR1604 appears substantially the same as its forebears that are slender, with Marantz fascia moulding that is distinguishing. The screen is legible from a space and connectivity acceptable. You'll find six HDMI input signals (really seven, however among the buttocks is a mirror to the fascia) as well as just one output signal of one, augmented with a number of digital input signals and assignable analogue. You'll find phono AV two component inputs, a trio and optical/coaxial digital input signals.

There is also MXport accessory dock, Ethernet connection and another zone stereo phono output with 6v electricity output signal. This can be a 7.1 layout, but should you not want the added buttocks, or 4K futureproofing, it is likely worth contemplating the NR1504, a more affordable 5.1 choice.

Setup could not be more straightforward. Covering everything from loudspeaker configuration the encounter to input signals, is newbie-friendly; you are also encouraged to instigate Audyssey calibration now.

The logic of its own UI has additionally enhanced, with a number of the obfuscation of preceding versions apparently sorted. There is no deficit of delights available, although it might lack the majority of a Jurassic AVR. In total-flight 7.1 mode the NR1604 is text-novel immersive. Picture direction is coherent as well as the key soundstage suitably broad. You'll, nevertheless, likely find yourself nudging the Audyssey settings. Filter resolution is fundamental, a manifestation of the DSP processing ability that is small onboard.

By default the system additionally participates Dynamic EQ and Dynamic Volume, each of which are an advantage that is debateable. You are able to obviously, manually establish amount and crossovers. Great effects could be gleaned knowing the best way to tickle your personal enclosures.

Formally rated at 50W-per-station (into eight Ohms) it is not a volume creature. Crank it too high along with a bit thumpy the soundstage hardens and becomes. In the living room that is common, though, there is more than enough Gravitation to be kept by welly on tap in orbit. The opening sequence is an excellent litmus test for virtually any system. When gears are shifted by the duelling automobiles, the very best sound systems provide high-speed, concussive acceleration. This is no criticism, although the NR1604 does not handle that. You should appear considerably higher up the cost ladder, possibly in the SR line of the brand, to discover those type of delights that are driving. It does, nonetheless, supply an engaging ride.

And when it comes to multichannel feeling this receiver does not miss a beat. Nanny McPhee might not be an HCC demo routine, but it is rich in generally-painted ambience that this Marantz recreates.

You can make a Sky HD box, for example, tethered as well as other family members may continue to make use of it without being forced to compete with activating the AVR.

The receiver plays with ball. Burst it and also you are able to tune in to internet radio, play with stream music or Spotify from PC or a NAS. File support covers WMA and MP3, FLAC, WAV, AAC. The receiver can also be AirPlay compatible.

To the correct side of considerate the NR1604 is as a two channel amplifier. It is more BRITs but has an articulate, poppy sensitivity.

Up to the job

Although you don't desire a home cinema monster, but desire a good-defined multichannel hub in a position to take advantage of Bluray and set-top boxes - and informed for web and file server streaming - it is worth thought. There is equivalent lashings of pucker and common sense high fidelity DNA here. And in case you question the well's art, shoot out it against any High Street all in one bundle.

Marantz NR1604 AV-receiver photo