Having had an opportunity to test Marantz NR1609 vs Yamaha RX-S602, I’d like to share my impression here to facilitate your choice of a new AV receiver.
The number of channels for receivers is different - 7.2 versus 5.1, respectively, for devices. In terms of power, there are differences, the NR1609 has such a ratio W/Ohm - 50/8, 70/6, while the RX-S602 has a power of 80/8, 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 RX-S602 is equipped with Burr-Brown 384 KHz/32-bit. Each of the compared opponents supports Bi-amping. Both Marantz NR1609 and Yamaha RX-S602 can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing.
These units have the same Wi-Fi modules. 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 Yamaha RX-S602 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, Qobuz. 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 RX-S602. Video scaling is only possible with the NR1609. Operation with the Dolby Vision is only possible with the NR1609.
The number of HDMI inputs/outputs varies depending on the receiver, the NR1609 has 8/1, and the RX-S602 has 4/1. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is not supported by the NR1609 and the RX-S602. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. The NR1609 has support for the standard HDCP 2.2, compared to the RX-S602, which supports the standard HDCP 2.3. In the presence of a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player only at Marantz NR1609.
Ability to create 2 Multi zones inherent in both AV receivers. For voice control in the NR1609 is used Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI, but in the RX-S602 is used Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant. There is an ECO mode in either AV receiver. The Marantz NR1609 and the Yamaha RX-S602 can be properly configured using the setup assistant.
A Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format is available only in the NR1609. Only in the NR1609 realized a DTS:X surround technology.