Marantz today announced the 5.1-channel NR1504 and 7.1-channel NR1604 slim-line home theater receivers, which feature Apple’s AirPlay, allowing users to stream their iTunes music whether from Mac or PC, as well as music stored on their iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. Both also integrate streaming services, such as Pandora, SiriusXM and Spotify, along with front panel USB port. Users may also connect other devices such as a USB thumb drive or a portable USB hard disk drive to play their favorite music tracks. The optional RX-101 Bluetooth wireless adapter permits music streaming from portable Bluetooth devices to the NR1504 and NR1604. Providing even more versatility, both models can also be controlled via the Marantz Remote App.
For maximum connectivity, Marantz’s new receivers feature multiple rear panel HDMI inputs. Both also include an additional HDMI input on their front panels that lets users easily access their home entertainment system by connecting a variety of HDMI-equipped portable devices like HD camcorders, smartphones or video game consoles. To ensure total “future-readiness,” the NR1604 receiver offer 3D pass-through and supports next-generation displays capable of reproducing 4K Ultra HD video.
Paul Belanger, Technical Product Manager, D+M Group noted: “Home theater lovers have never before had so many great options available to them for listening to music and enjoying movies, TV and games, and all from multiple sources and digital devices. But, with such a flood of content available, it can sometimes seem like you need a degree in engineering just to figure out how to navigate through it all to suit your personal entertainment needs and preferences. With our NR1504 and NR1604 units, Marantz has taken all the hassle out of setting up a premium quality home theater system – and with a price that’s significantly lower than comparable units on the market, fans now have an excellent solution to seriously step up their home entertainment components without breaking the bank.”
NR1504
NR1604
In addition, the NR1604 features multi-zone functionality, which allows music to be enjoyed in the main entertainment room, or sent to a different room such as a kitchen or bedroom using an additional pair of speakers. In keeping with its status as a leading-edge home theater receiver, the NR1604 features multiple configuration possibilities, including a full 7-channel surround sound setup, or the option to power a 5.1 channel home theater system in the main room, while using an additional pair of speakers in another room. The independent source selection function even allows users to enjoy their favorite Hollywood blockbusters where the system is setup, while others can simultaneously listen to music from a separate source in another room.
The Audyssey MultEQ room acoustic measurement and correction system makes it a snap to optimize the home theater setup for outstanding audio fidelity. Via the supplied microphone, MultEQ measures the characteristics of each speaker in the system (including the subwoofer) and quickly generates precision digital filters for the smoothest, most natural tonal balance over the entire audio range.
To ensure the very best quality video images at all times, the NR1604 features a sophisticated video processor that’s fully compatible with next-generation 4K Ultra HD displays, features 4K upconversion from HD sources, and also provides 3D pass-through. The video processor features upconversion from standard definition to high definition, breathing new life into legacy video source components, while providing a single HDMI cable connection to the HDTV to eliminate connection hassles and save on cable costs. The NR1504 features a powerful 5-channel amplifier section, while the NR1604 features a 7-channel amplifier section, with each channel rated at 70 watts. All of these power amplifier channels feature identical circuitry that includes discrete high current power output devices able to drive lower impedance loads.
Both receivers offer consumers a simple and straightforward process to begin enjoying their many features as soon as they are out of the box. New owners are greeted by the handy Marantz Setup Assistant, which combines a newly enhanced intuitive Graphical User Interface along with a logical setup sequence that enables users to configure their system easily. Adding to the ease of setup and use, the rear panels of the NR1504 and NR1604 have been engineered for quick and simple connections with the audio, video and speaker connections separated into distinct blocks, unlike the usual jumble of connection types found on the backs of many AV receivers. Making all the necessary connections is made even easier thanks to the multi-way speaker binding posts which feature see-through connector barrels, and the color-coded terminals and supplied matching color cable tags that ensure correct speaker wire hookup. The NR1504 features 6 HDMI inputs with 3 composite inputs. In addition to its 7 HDMI inputs, the NR1604 is equipped with 5 analog video inputs, including 2 component video inputs and 3 composite video inputs.
Price and Availability
Marantz NR1504 – $499.99
Marantz NR1604 – $649.99
