Marantz NR1608 vs Yamaha RX-A2070

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Let's compare Marantz NR1608 versus Yamaha RX-A2070 for an overview of all their pros and cons. According to the results of our review, Marantz NR1608 received 8.3 points out of 10 possible, and Yamaha RX-A2070 was rated 8.5 points. Both AV receivers were introduced in 2017. And as a result of the comparison, RX-A2070 seems to be a better option for the role of a home theater center than NR1608.

Main advantages Marantz NR1608 over Yamaha RX-A2070

Main advantages Yamaha RX-A2070 over Marantz NR1608

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 6 and 9, respectively, on a 10-point scale.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. The Marantz NR1608 supports 7.2-channels sound, but Yamaha RX-A2070 supports a 9.2-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 RX-A2070 this value is 140/8 W/Ohm, and for the NR1608 it is 50/8 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the NR1608 10 out of 10, and the RX-A2070 - 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.

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, Marantz NR1608 scored 8, and Yamaha RX-A2070 scored 9 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 Yamaha RX-A2070.

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, both receivers got 8 points on our 10-point scale.

Marantz NR1608 is equipped with 8/1 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Yamaha RX-A2070 has 8/2 HDMI inputs and outputs.

The HDCP encryption protocol is now mandatory for most media devices. This security technology encrypts digital signals from one product to another. HDCP content-encryption protocol is present on Marantz NR1608 in the HDCP 2.2 version, and Yamaha RX-A2070 has the HDCP 2.3 version.

Connecting a vinyl player or phonograph is possible using a Phono input which is represented by mini-jack or RCA connectors. Only the RX-A2070 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 NR1608 were rated 10 out of 10 against the 9 for the RX-A2070.

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

For the ability to create multichannel surround sound, each of the receivers received 7 points out of 10.