The Marantz NR1609 vs Onkyo TX-SR343 comparison will be extremely helpful for people who want to get a great, powerful receiver with many functions.
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 TX-SR343 has a power of 100/6. 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 TX-SR343 is equipped with TI Burr-Brown 192 KHz/24-bit. The Bi-amping function is implemented only in the Marantz NR1609. The model NR1609 can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Each of the receivers has a Bluetooth connector. The NR1609 has access to the Spotify service.
Support for the HDR function can only boast of the NR1609. 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 TX-SR343. 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 TX-SR343 has 4/1. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is not supported by the NR1609 and the TX-SR343. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. NR1609 and TX-SR343 support the standard HDCP 2.2. In the presence of a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player only at Marantz NR1609. There is an ECO mode in NR1609. The Marantz NR1609 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.