Marantz NR1607 vs Marantz NR1508

Marantz NR1607 vs Marantz NR1508: Which Amp Model is Better

Nowadays, when the ultra-slim, elegant Marantz home theaters, backed with a 3-year warranty, are offered at about the same price, customers compare their features and performance. Is Marantz NR1607 vs NR1508 much more powerful, feature-rich and advanced? Does it sound better? It the model worth extra money?

Features

First of all, the latest model in the line is a 7.2 channel amp while its predecessor has only 5 channels. It offers a lot of opportunities for additional features and formats, such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding. As well as the old model, the new one is equipped with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay, dual antennas for reliable, robust connection. However, it still has no ChromeCast or Multiroom capabilities.

Connections

6 HDMI outputs are the significant NR1508 model’s benefit. It’s quite sufficient to connect Blu-ray players, computers, TVs and gaming systems. Nevertheless, the advanced amp’s counterpart has the maximum possible, 8 outputs, offering great connectivity and compatibility. The USB ports that are located on front panels of both devices are quite handy and helpful. They can be used for media playback or for the smartphone charging. The home theaters come with the same, backlit, large-buttons remote that is easy to operate. However, the basic model versus Marantz NR1607 is easier to use, as the latest A/V receiver is a bit flaky and complicated in terms of smartphone control.

Performance

The greatest differences between the amplifier models concern power and sound quality. Marantz NR1508 vs NR1607 is underpowered, providing not sufficient watts’ output for large speakers. However, it’s loud enough, creating great, surround sound. The advanced model is much more powerful, offering big, cinematic soundstage. Additionally, due to HDR (high dynamic range) opportunity, in enables perfect video quality and color accuracy.

Conclusion

The latest, Marantz NR1607, model is more powerful, feature-rich and advanced, than its older counterpart. It provides great, 3-D sound and colorful video, offering superior connectivity. On the other hand, Marantz NR1508 vs NR1607 is more simple, easier to set up, use and control.

Marantz NR1508 review

The 5.2-channel AV receiver is easy to set up and use, compact, coming with sufficient connectivity. However, it’s a bit underpowered, suitable for a small room only, not performant enough for large speakers.

Marantz NR1607 review

The 7.2-channel home theater is ultra-slim and elegant by design, advanced and feature-rich. It is powerful and innovative, offering great connectivity, supporting Dolby Atmos and DTS:X formats. It produces involving, 3-D sound and enables colorful video with accurate color reproduction. However, the amp is a bit annoying, coming with a flaky smartphone control.