Sony STR-DN1080 vs Marantz NR1609

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Let's compare Sony STR-DN1080 versus Marantz NR1609 for an overview of all their pros and cons. According to the results of our review, Sony STR-DN1080 received 7.3 points out of 10 possible, and Marantz NR1609 was rated 8.2 points. The release date of STR-DN1080 is 2017, and NR1609 is 2018. And as a result of the comparison, NR1609 seems to be a better option for the role of a home theater center than STR-DN1080.

Main advantages Sony STR-DN1080 over Marantz NR1609

Main advantages Marantz NR1609 over Sony STR-DN1080

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 STR-DN1080 this value is 120/6 W/Ohm, and for the NR1609 it is 70/6 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the STR-DN1080 7 out of 10, and the NR1609 - 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 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.

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 Sony STR-DN1080.

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, Sony STR-DN1080 got 7 points, but Marantz NR1609 received 9 points.

Sony STR-DN1080 is equipped with 6/2 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Marantz NR1609 has 8/1 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 only on Sony STR-DN1080.

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 STR-DN1080 were rated 7 out of 10 against the 9 for the NR1609.

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 NR1609.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the STR-DN1080 got 9 points, but the NR1609 has 10.

Marantz NR1609 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

Sony STR-DN1080 got 7 points for the multichannel surround sound and Marantz NR1609 got 8.