Having had an opportunity to test Marantz NR1609 vs Denon AVR-X2500H, I’d like to share my impression here to facilitate your choice of a new AV receiver.
AV receivers under review have the same number of channels. In terms of power, there are differences, the NR1609 has such a ratio W/Ohm - 50/8, 70/6, while the AVR-X2500H has a power of 95/8, 125/6. A common feature for devices is the same total harmonic distortion - 0.08%.
The manufacturer installed different DACs, the NR1609 received the model 192 KHz/24-bit, but the AVR-X2500H is equipped with AK4490 384 KHz/32-bit. Each of the compared opponents supports Bi-amping. Both Marantz NR1609 and Denon AVR-X2500H can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Each of the receivers has a Bluetooth connector. Both devices can work with such Apple Music services: AirPlay, AirPlay 2. Access to the Spotify service is on each of the competitors. The number of available streaming services varies for receivers, the Marantz NR1609 works with Deezer, Pandora, TuneIn Radio, but the Denon AVR-X2500H works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, TuneIn Radio, iHeart Radio, Sound Cloud. The quality of 4K/60Hz signal remains unchanged when transmitting from a source to a TV or projector via HDMI for both receivers. Signaling over HDMI in standby mode can provide the NR1609 and the AVR-X2500H. Video scaling is only possible with the NR1609. Each of the participants of the comparison has a Dolby Vision.
The number of HDMI inputs/outputs varies depending on the receiver, the NR1609 has 8/1, and the AVR-X2500H has 8/2. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is not supported by the NR1609 and the AVR-X2500H. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. NR1609 and AVR-X2500H support the standard HDCP 2.2. Like most receivers, our models have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player.
Ability to create 2 Multi zones inherent in both AV receivers. Voice control is performed using Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI in both models. There is an ECO mode in either AV receiver. The Marantz NR1609 and the Denon AVR-X2500H can be properly configured using the setup assistant.
A Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format is available both models. A DTS:X surround technology is supported by devices from our comparison.