Marantz NR1609 vs Yamaha R-N803BL review

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Marantz NR1609 vs Yamaha R-N803BL comparison definitely makes sense.

Amplifier

A significant difference between the receivers in the number of channels, Marantz NR1609 has 7.2 versus 2.0 for Yamaha R-N803BL. Regarding power, then NR1609 has such a W/Ohm ratio - 50/8, 70/6 when R-N803BL has a power of 100/8, 160/4. The THD is 0.08% for the NR1609 but 0.01% for the R-N803BL.

Audio features

Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, 192 KHz/24-bit for NR1609 and ESS SABRE (9006AS) 192 KHz/24-bit for the R-N803BL. Only the NR1609 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 Marantz NR1609 has support for AirPlay, AirPlay 2, and its competitor in our comparison - AirPlay. Spotify can be used on each receiver. The NR1609 can work with the audio stream from Deezer, Pandora, TuneIn Radio, and the R-N803BL can receive a content from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Sirius XM.

Video features

Only the Marantz NR1609 has support for High dynamic range (HDR). Only the NR1609 provides HDMI signal transmission in standby mode. The NR1609 can scale the input HDMI signal, unlike the R-N803BL. Dolby Vision technology found support only on the NR1609. Only the NR1609 supports HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC). Unfortunately, HDMI eARC is not available on monitored devices. Of the two receivers in our comparison, HDMI CEC is present in only the NR1609. These compared receivers have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player. The NR1609 supports voice control via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI, and the R-N803BL - Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant. It is also worth noting that the ECO mode is presented in each of the receivers. The setup assistant will help you configure Marantz NR1609.

Multichannel surround

Only the NR1609 has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. A surround technology DTS:X is supported only by the NR1609.