Pioneer VSX-1131 vs Marantz NR1608 review

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AV receivers comparison chart

Pioneer VSX-1131 vs Marantz NR1608 review

Pioneer VSX-1131
vs
Marantz NR1608

Having had an opportunity to test Pioneer VSX-1131 vs Marantz NR1608, I’d like to share my impression here to facilitate your choice of a new AV receiver.

Amplifier

AV receivers under review have the same number of channels. In terms of power, there are differences, the VSX-1131 has such a ratio W/Ohm - 100/8, 170/6, while the NR1608 has a power of 50/8, 70/6. The value of total harmonic distortion is also different, and for the VSX-1131 it is 0.08%, but for the NR1608 it is 0.05%.

Audio features

Competitive models use the same DAC. Each of the compared opponents supports Bi-amping. Both Pioneer VSX-1131 and Marantz NR1608 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. The contenders have differences in the supported services from Apple - AirPlay versus AirPlay, AirPlay 2 respectively. Access to the Spotify service is on each of the competitors. The number of available streaming services varies for receivers, the Pioneer VSX-1131 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, TuneIn Radio, but the Marantz NR1608 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, TuneIn Radio, iHeart Radio, Sound Cloud.

Video features

Support for the HDR function can only boast of each of the AV receivers. 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 VSX-1131 and the NR1608. 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 VSX-1131 has 7/2, and the NR1608 has 8/1.Pioneer VSX-1131 connectionsMarantz NR1608 connections HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is not supported by the VSX-1131 and the NR1608. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. VSX-1131 and NR1608 support the standard HDCP 2.2. In the presence of a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player only at Pioneer VSX-1131.

Additional features

Ability to create 2 Multi zones inherent in both AV receivers. There is an ECO mode in NR1608. The Pioneer VSX-1131 and the Marantz NR1608 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.

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General

Item

Pioneer VSX-1131
Marantz NR1608

Model

VSX-1131
NR1608

Brand

Pioneer
Marantz

Reviews

235
73

Amplifier

Channels

7.2
7.2

Stereo power (RMS), W/Ohm

100/8, 170/6
50/8, 70/6

Output impedance, Ohm

8, 6
8, 6

Frequency response

10Hz-100KHz
10Hz-100KHz

THD in stereo, %

0.08
0.05

Audio features

Digital to analog converter (DAC)

AK4458 384 KHz/32-bit
AK4458 384 KHz/32-bit

Bi-amping

Pure direct (straight)

Auto speaker calibration

MCACC
Audyssey MultEQ

Speaker A/B switching

Other audio features

Advanced Sound Retriever
Hi-Res audio, Audyssey Dynamic Volume, Audyssey Dynamic EQ

Connectivity

Wi-Fi

2.4/5GHz
2.4/5GHz

USB

1 (USB 2.0)
1 (USB 2.0)

Bluetooth

Ethernet (RJ45)

1
1

DLNA

MHL

Streaming services

Apple Music (AirPlay)

AirPlay
AirPlay, AirPlay 2

Amazon Music

Spotify

Other streaming services

Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, TuneIn Radio
Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, TuneIn Radio, iHeart Radio, Sound Cloud

Extensive connection

HDMI input/output

7/2
8/1

HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel)

HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel)

HDMI CEC

Digital content protection (HDCP)

HDCP 2.2
HDCP 2.2

Subwoofer output (LFE)

2
2

Headphone output

1 x 6.3
1 x 6.3

Optical digital input

2
1

Coaxial digital input

1
1

Composite input

2
3

Component input/output

1/0
2/1

Phono (MM) input

Front panel connectors

USB, HDMI, phones, setup mic, AUX
USB, HDMI, phones, setup mic

Multi channel preamp output

Video features

HDR (High Dynamic Range)

4K signal pass-through

4K/60Hz
4K/60Hz

8K signal pass-through

HDMI signal pass-through

3D signal pass-through

HDMI pass-through in standby mode

Video conversion

analog to HDMI
analog to HDMI

Analog to HDMI scaling

HDMI to HDMI scaling

Dolby Vision

Other video features

DeepColor, x.v.Color
HLG, BT.2020

Additional features

Voice control

Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI

App control

iPhone, iPad, iPod, Android
iPhone, iPad, iPod, Android

Display

colour OSD
colour OSD

Tuner

AM, FM
AM, FM

Sleep timer

Auto power off

ECO mode

Graphical user interface (GUI)

Setup assistant

Firmware update

network, USB
network, USB

Other additional features

has not
IP Control

Multi-room

Multi-room zones

2
2

Zone audio output

speaker, preout
speaker, preout

Zone HDMI output

Multi-room control

FlareConnect
Marantz 2016 AVR Remote App, HEOS App

RS-232

0
0

Remote control input/output (IR)

0/0
1/0

DC trigger output (12V)

0
1

Multichannel surround

Dolby Atmos

Dolby TrueHD

Dolby Surround

Dolby (other)

Dolby Digital Plus
Dolby Digital Plus

DTS:X

DTS HD Master

DTS Virtual:X

DTS Neural:X

DTS (other)

DTS Neo:X
has not

Auro-3D

IMAX Enhanced

Multichannel stereo

Audio file formats

MP3

WMA

AAC

WAV

FLAC

ALAC

Other audio file formats

AIFF
AIFF

Power

Operational power consumption, W

580
250

Standby consumption, W

0.1
0.2

Removable power cord

User manual

Manual

Dimensions

Size W x H x D, cm/inches

43.5 x 17.3 x 37.5/17 x 6.8 x 14.6
43.1 x 35.5 x 10.1/17.3 x 14.8 x 4.1

Weight, kg/lbs

10/22
8.1/18.3

Other

Release year

2016
2017
Pioneer VSX-1131
Marantz NR1608
Pioneer VSX-1131
Marantz NR1608

AV receivers SoundInspiration comparison rating

  • better
  • worse
  • 7.5
  • 8.3
  • 7.5Pioneer VSX-1131
  • 8.3Marantz NR1608