Marantz NR1609 vs Onkyo TX-NR5100 review

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Marantz NR1609 vs Onkyo TX-NR5100 – that is a question.

Amplifier

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 TX-NR5100 has a power of 80/8, 165/6. A common feature for devices is the same total harmonic distortion - 0.08%.

Audio features

The manufacturer installed different DACs, the NR1609 received the model 192 KHz/24-bit, but the TX-NR5100 is equipped with 384 KHz/32-bit. Each of the compared opponents supports Bi-amping. Both Marantz NR1609 and Onkyo TX-NR5100 can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing.

Connectivity

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 Onkyo TX-NR5100 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, SiriusXM, Napster, SoundCloud. Signaling over HDMI in standby mode can provide the NR1609 and the TX-NR5100. Each of the devices can increase the resolution of the incoming video signal. Each of the participants of the comparison has a Dolby Vision.

Extensive connections

The number of HDMI inputs/outputs varies depending on the receiver, the NR1609 has 8/1, and the TX-NR5100 has 4/2. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is only supported by the TX-NR5100. 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 TX-NR5100, which supports the standard HDCP 2.3. Like most receivers, our models have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player. 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 Onkyo TX-NR5100 can be properly configured using the setup assistant.

Multichannel surround

A Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format is available both models. A DTS:X surround technology is supported by devices from our comparison.