Marantz NR1609 vs Denon AVRS530BT

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Along with the growing popularity of custom home theater builds, the comparison of Marantz NR1609 and Denon AVRS530BT takes place. According to the results of our review, Marantz NR1609 received 8.2 points out of 10 possible, and Denon AVRS530BT was rated 4.3 points. The release date of NR1609 is 2018, and AVRS530BT is 2017. Based on the data on the characteristics and features of both models, we can conclude that NR1609 has better performance than AVRS530BT.

Main advantages Marantz NR1609 over Denon AVRS530BT

Main advantages Denon AVRS530BT over Marantz NR1609

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 7 and 6, respectively, on a 10-point scale.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. The Marantz NR1609 supports 7.2-channels sound, but Denon AVRS530BT supports a 5.2-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 AVRS530BT this value is 70/8 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 NR1609 8 out of 10, and the AVRS530BT - 5.

Bi-amping is the amplification of one speaker with two amplifiers. This amplification method has a positive effect on sound quality. Bi-amping is possible only on the NR1609.

Pure Direct mode feeds sound directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Only Marantz NR1609 has Pure Direct mode.

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.

Speaker A/B switching allows you to change between the main and sub speaker set. Marantz NR1609 can work with the main and additional set of speakers - and switch between them.

Connectivity

The connectivity of competitors in our comparison is markedly different, Marantz NR1609 scored 8, and Denon AVRS530BT scored 5 out of 10.

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

Wired internet connection via RJ45 allows receiver faster connection than wireless or even use NAS storages. Wired connection via RJ45 is possible in the NR1609 only.

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, Marantz NR1609 got 9 points, but Denon AVRS530BT received 5 points.

Marantz NR1609 is equipped with 8/1 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Denon AVRS530BT has 5/1 HDMI inputs and outputs.

Connecting a vinyl player or phonograph is possible using a Phono input which is represented by mini-jack or RCA connectors. Only the NR1609 has a Phono interface.

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 the NR1609 were rated 9 out of 10 against the 6 for the AVRS530BT.

Most of the AV receivers have a video scaling function, it is the process of reformatting the video signal to a higher resolution without losing the quality of the image. Upscaling the video signal resolution is possible only with Marantz NR1609.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the NR1609 got 10 points, but the AVRS530BT has 7.

Voice control allows you to control the basic functions of the receiver through a smartphone, smart speaker or using the microphone that comes with the kit. The NR1609 can be controlled by voice via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI.

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

Marantz NR1609 got 8 points for the multichannel surround sound and Denon AVRS530BT got 5.

Dolby Atmos' particularity is that this is the object-oriented sound format, that is, each audio signal object is independently sounded and connected to its spatial position. Marantz NR1609 can create 3D sound due to the Dolby Atmos support.

DTS:X is an algorithm used by the processor to create sound scenes, where sounds connected directly to objects rather than channels, and to determine the optimum sound output distribution in space. Surround sound with DTS:X is available only on the NR1609.