Onkyo TX-NR656 vs Marantz NR1606

vs

Choosing an AV receiver is not an easy task and the Onkyo TX-NR656 versus Marantz NR1606 comparison is meant to help you with this. According to the results of our review, Onkyo TX-NR656 received 7.2 points out of 10 possible, and Marantz NR1606 was rated 7.4 points. Both AV receivers were introduced in 2016. As a result, it becomes clear that NR1606 is a better option for home theater than TX-NR656.

Main advantages Onkyo TX-NR656 over Marantz NR1606

Main advantages Marantz NR1606 over Onkyo TX-NR656

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-NR656 this value is 160/6 W/Ohm, and for the NR1606 it is 70/6 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the TX-NR656 9 out of 10, and the NR1606 - 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 NR1606 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-NR656 scored 7, and Marantz NR1606 scored 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 Marantz NR1606.

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 7 points on our 10-point scale.

Onkyo TX-NR656 is equipped with 8/2 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Marantz NR1606 has 8/1 HDMI inputs and outputs.

Connecting a vinyl player or phonograph is possible using a Phono input which is represented by mini-jack or RCA connectors. Only the TX-NR656 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 TX-NR656 were rated 9 out of 10 against the 8 for the NR1606.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the TX-NR656 got 7 points, but the NR1606 has 8.

Marantz NR1606 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

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