Marantz AV7703 vs Yamaha R-N602BL review

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Having had an opportunity to test Marantz AV7703 vs Yamaha R-N602BL, I’d like to share my impression here to facilitate your choice of a new AV receiver.

Amplifier

The number of channels for receivers is different - 11.2 versus 2.0, respectively, for devices. The value of total harmonic distortion is also different, and for the AV7703 it is 0.08%, but for the R-N602BL it is 0.01%.

Audio features

The manufacturer installed different DACs, the AV7703 received the model 192 KHz/32-bit, but the R-N602BL is equipped with Burr-Brown 192 KHz/24-bit. The Bi-amping function is implemented only in the Marantz AV7703. Both Marantz AV7703 and Yamaha R-N602BL can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Each of the receivers has a Bluetooth connector. The contenders have differences in the supported services from Apple - AirPlay, AirPlay 2 versus AirPlay respectively. Access to the Spotify service is on each of the competitors. The number of available streaming services varies for receivers, the Marantz AV7703 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, iHeart Radio, SiriusXM, Sound Cloud, but the Yamaha R-N602BL works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, Qobuz.

Video features

Support for the HDR function can only boast of the AV7703. HDMI signal transmission in standby mode can provide only the AV7703. Video scaling is only possible with the AV7703. Operation with the Dolby Vision is only possible with the AV7703. HDMI Audio Return Channel is only available on Marantz AV7703. HDMI eARC is not supported by the AV7703 and the R-N602BL. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that only the Marantz AV7703 has HDMI CEC. Like most receivers, our models have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player. There is an ECO mode in either AV receiver. The Marantz AV7703 can be properly configured using the setup assistant.

Multichannel surround

A Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format is available only in the AV7703. Only in the AV7703 realized a DTS:X surround technology.