Marantz NR1609 vs Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A680

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Choosing an AV receiver is not an easy task and the Marantz NR1609 versus Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A680 comparison is meant to help you with this. According to the results of our review, Marantz NR1609 received 8.2 points out of 10 possible, and Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A680 was rated 7.5 points. Both AV receivers were introduced in 2018. As a result, it becomes clear that NR1609 is a better option for home theater than AVENTAGE RX-A680.

Main advantages Marantz NR1609 over Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A680

Main advantages Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A680 over Marantz NR1609

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 7 and 8, 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 AVENTAGE RX-A680 this value is 115/8 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 AVENTAGE RX-A680 - 9.

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 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.

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 Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A680 received 6 points.

Marantz NR1609 is equipped with 8/1 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A680 has 4/1 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 on Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A680.

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 NR1609 in the HDCP 2.2 version, and Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A680 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 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 7 for the AVENTAGE RX-A680.

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

Marantz NR1609 got 8 points for the multichannel surround sound and Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A680 got 7.