Onkyo TX-SR383 vs Marantz NR1608

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The Onkyo TX-SR383 vs Marantz NR1608 comparison makes sense because it shows what devices in their segments can offer. According to the results of our review, Onkyo TX-SR383 received 4.8 points out of 10 possible, and Marantz NR1608 was rated 8.3 points. The release date of TX-SR383 is 2018, and NR1608 is 2017. NR1608 is more suitable as the heart of home theater system than its opponent - TX-SR383.

Main advantages Onkyo TX-SR383 over Marantz NR1608

Main advantages Marantz NR1608 over Onkyo TX-SR383

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. Both receivers can handle the 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 TX-SR383 this value is 100/8 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 TX-SR383 6 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.

Pure Direct mode feeds sound directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Only Marantz NR1608 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 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, Onkyo TX-SR383 scored 6, 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, Onkyo TX-SR383 got 6 points, but Marantz NR1608 received 8 points.

Onkyo TX-SR383 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 TX-SR383 were rated 6 out of 10 against the 10 for the 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 TX-SR383 got 4 points, but the NR1608 has 10.

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 NR1608 can be controlled by voice via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI. 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

Onkyo TX-SR383 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.