Marantz NR1609 vs Onkyo TX-NR6100

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Choosing an AV receiver is not an easy task and the Marantz NR1609 versus Onkyo TX-NR6100 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 Onkyo TX-NR6100 was rated 8 points. The release date of NR1609 is 2018, and TX-NR6100 is 2021. As a result, it becomes clear that NR1609 is a better option for home theater than TX-NR6100.

Main advantages Marantz NR1609 over Onkyo TX-NR6100

Main advantages Onkyo TX-NR6100 over Marantz NR1609

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the models have rated 7 points out of 10.

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-NR6100 this value is 100/8 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 TX-NR6100 - 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.

Connectivity

The connectivity of competitors in our comparison is markedly different, Marantz NR1609 scored 8, and Onkyo TX-NR6100 scored 9 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 Onkyo TX-NR6100 received 7 points.

Marantz NR1609 is equipped with 8/1 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Onkyo TX-NR6100 has 6/2 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 Onkyo TX-NR6100.

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 Onkyo TX-NR6100 has the HDCP 2.3 version.

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 8 for the TX-NR6100.

With the 4K pass-through feature, the AV receiver sends "native" 4K signals to a 4K TV from a video source without any processing. The NR1609 works with the 4K/60Hz video, and the TX-NR6100 has the 4K/120Hz.

The AV receiver passes "native" 8K signals from a video source to 8K TV without any encoding, with the 8k pass-through features. The 8K path-through is available on Onkyo TX-NR6100.

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 Onkyo TX-NR6100 got 7.