Denon HEOS AVR vs Marantz NR1608

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The Denon HEOS AVR vs Marantz NR1608 comparison makes sense because it shows what devices in their segments can offer. According to the results of our review, Denon HEOS AVR received 4.8 points out of 10 possible, and Marantz NR1608 was rated 8.3 points. Both AV receivers were introduced in 2017. NR1608 is more suitable as the heart of home theater system than its opponent - HEOS AVR.

Main advantages Denon HEOS AVR over Marantz NR1608

Main advantages Marantz NR1608 over Denon HEOS AVR

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the models have rated 6 points out of 10.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. The Denon HEOS AVR supports 5.1-channels sound, but Marantz NR1608 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. In terms of RMS power, the models have the same characteristics - 50/8, 65/6/8 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the HEOS AVR 5 out of 10, and the NR1608 - 10.

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 on the NR1608.

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 NR1608 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, Denon HEOS AVR scored 7, and Marantz NR1608 scored 8 out of 10.

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

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 HEOS AVR got 5 points, but Marantz NR1608 received 8 points.

Denon HEOS AVR is equipped with 4/1 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Marantz NR1608 has 8/1 HDMI inputs and outputs.

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 HEOS AVR were rated 5 out of 10 against the 10 for the NR1608.

HDR pass-through gives you the possibility to broadcast HDR content directly from source to TV without the processing of the receiver. HDR support is available on the Marantz NR1608.

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 with Marantz NR1608.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the HEOS AVR got 4 points, but the NR1608 has 10.

Marantz NR1608 has the ECO mode.

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 HEOS AVR got 5 points for the multichannel surround sound and Marantz NR1608 got 7.

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 NR1608 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 on the NR1608.