Denon AVR-X8500H vs Marantz NR1609

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Let's compare Denon AVR-X8500H versus Marantz NR1609 for an overview of all their pros and cons. According to the results of our review, Denon AVR-X8500H received 9.5 points out of 10 possible, and Marantz NR1609 was rated 8.2 points. Both AV receivers were introduced in 2018. And as a result of the comparison, AVR-X8500H seems to be a better option for the role of a home theater center than NR1609.

Main advantages Denon AVR-X8500H over Marantz NR1609

Main advantages Marantz NR1609 over Denon AVR-X8500H

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 10 and 7, respectively, on a 10-point scale.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. The Denon AVR-X8500H supports 13.2-channels sound, but Marantz NR1609 supports a 7.2-channels configuration.

RMS stands for the actual power of the receiver. The higher this value, the louder the sound can be produced. The differences between the models in terms of RMS power are significant - for the AVR-X8500H this value is 150/8 W/Ohm, and for the NR1609 it is 50/8 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the AVR-X8500H 10 out of 10, and the NR1609 - 8.

Most receivers now come with a microphone included. It is with the help of this microphone that the auto-calibration system functions, which adjusts the sound of the receiver to the room.

Connectivity

The connectivity of competitors in our comparison is equal and was rated 8 out of 10.

Bluetooth connection is now one of the main communication protocols for the receiver's control or even music broadcasting.

DLNA is the perfect way to use your local cloud storage to stream movies and music directly to a TV. You can use the DLNA protocol only with Denon AVR-X8500H.

Streaming services

Now music streaming services are gaining more and more popularity. They allow users to listen to millions of songs by subscription.

Extensive connections

The presence of many connectors makes the receiver more versatile. But there are also narrowly targeted models, the number of connectors which are limited to a certain area of use. And when choosing their own receiver, users need to consider exactly your goals for using the receiver. For extensive connection, Denon AVR-X8500H got 10 points, but Marantz NR1609 received 9 points.

Denon AVR-X8500H is equipped with 8/3 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Marantz NR1609 has 8/1 HDMI inputs and outputs.

HDMI eARC is the next step in the development of audio return channel technology, which works in conjunction with HDMI 2.1. Using eARC provides the highest sound quality for home audio systems. HDMI eARC is available only on Denon AVR-X8500H.

Video features

The AV receiver is the heart of the home theater. And in this case, support for all current video formats ensures the best user experience, so it is very important to consider this when choosing a device. Video features of rivals in our comparison were rated 9 out of 10.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, both receivers received a score of 10 out of 10.

Multi-room

As the center of a home media system, each multichannel receiver has an additional set of terminals for connecting the second set of speakers to create additional audio space in Zone 2 or even Zone 3 where audio can have the separate source.

Multichannel surround

Denon AVR-X8500H got 10 points for the multichannel surround sound and Marantz NR1609 got 8.

Auro 3D gives a bit more versatility than Dolby Atmos or DTS:X and provides a hemispherical sound and enables a receiver to produce 3D sound stages. Only the Denon AVR-X8500H has Auro-3D on its feature list.

IMAX Enhanced is a licensing and certification program under which home theater devices deliver crisp 4K HDR pictures and powerful sound as it was designed by the IMAX engineers. Only the AVR-X8500H licensed by IMAX.