Onkyo TX-SR383 vs Marantz NR1609

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Let's compare Onkyo TX-SR383 versus Marantz NR1609 for an overview of all their pros and cons. According to the results of our review, Onkyo TX-SR383 received 4.8 points out of 10 possible, and Marantz NR1609 was rated 8.2 points. Both AV receivers were introduced in 2018. And as a result of the comparison, NR1609 seems to be a better option for the role of a home theater center than TX-SR383.

Main advantages Onkyo TX-SR383 over Marantz NR1609

Main advantages Marantz NR1609 over Onkyo TX-SR383

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-SR383 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 TX-SR383 6 out of 10, and the NR1609 - 8.

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 NR1609.

Pure Direct mode feeds sound directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Only Marantz NR1609 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 NR1609 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 NR1609 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 NR1609 received 9 points.

Onkyo TX-SR383 is equipped with 4/1 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Marantz NR1609 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 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 TX-SR383 were rated 6 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 TX-SR383 got 4 points, but the NR1609 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 NR1609 can be controlled by voice via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI. 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

Onkyo TX-SR383 got 5 points for the multichannel surround sound and Marantz NR1609 got 8.

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 NR1609 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 NR1609.