Marantz NR1508 vs Denon AVR-X1600H review

vs

The Marantz NR1508 vs Denon AVR-X1600H comparison proves that these receivers have many common features.

Amplifier

A significant difference between the receivers in the number of channels, Marantz NR1508 has 5.2 versus 7.2 for Denon AVR-X1600H. Regarding power, then NR1508 has such a W/Ohm ratio - 50/8 when AVR-X1600H has a power of 80/8, 120/6. The THD is the same and is 0.08%.

Audio features

Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, 192 KHz/24-bit for NR1508 and 384 KHz/32-bit for the AVR-X1600H. Only the AVR-X1600H supports Bi-amping feature. Each of the AV receivers can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. The Apple Music service is implemented on considered devices: AirPlay, AirPlay 2. Spotify can be used on each receiver. The NR1508 can work with the audio stream from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, and the AVR-X1600H can receive a content from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, TuneIn Radio, iHeart Radio, Mood Mix. Compared AV receivers retain the quality of 4K/60Hz signal when transmitting from a source to a TV or projector. HDMI signal transmission in standby mode is implemented in each of the devices. Both competitors are not able to scale the HDMI signal. Dolby Vision technology found support only on the NR1508.

Extensive connections

Each receiver has 6/1 HDMI inputs/outputs. Only the AVR-X1600H supports HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC). The HDMI eARC is available only on the AVR-X1600H. The Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) feature is present in most modern AV receivers and the models in our comparison are no exception. The NR1508 supports the protection of digital content of the standard HDCP 2.2, versus HDCP 2.3 in the AVR-X1600H. The AVR-X1600H has a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player. Supported voice control technologies are identical - Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI. It is also worth noting that the ECO mode is presented in each of the receivers. Both NR1508 and AVR-X1600H can be configured using the Setup assistant.

Multichannel surround

Only the AVR-X1600H has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. A surround technology DTS:X is supported only by the AVR-X1600H.