Marantz NR1608 and NR1508, stylish home theater receivers

Sound and home theater specialist Marantz introduces two new home theater amplifiers. These are two devices in its “lifestyle” range, with a low-rise design and state-of-the-art technology. In addition to compatibility with 4K UHD video signals and their sound formats, they have full network connectivity. Their prices are 650 euros for the Marantz NR1508 and 800 euros for the NR1608 . The differences lie in a somewhat higher connectivity in the NR1608. And especially in that it has two more channels of amplification to be able to mount a 7.2 system (the NR1508 reaches 5.2). And the novelty, in both, is that they are compatible with the HEOS multi-room system.

Compact receivers

Marantz has in its catalog amps for home theater systems of considerable performance and size. But it has always offered simpler and more elegant models. Marantz has devices capable of Dolby Atmos in its more channel variants (more than 11). The brand even offers separate pre-processor and stage assemblies. But he uses his know-how so that the less dedicated fan, and with more aesthetic commitment (or less space), can enjoy a product of the brand. At a standard width (43 cm), these two receivers are only 10 cm tall .

But in that compact space, they carry a lot of technology. The HDMI inputs (6 on the NR1508, 8 on the NR1608) are compatible with the latest video signals. That is 4K UHD with HDR and Dolby Vision . The NR1608 can receive and decode the latest audio signals as well: Dolby Atmos or DTS-X. Its seven internal channels of amplification can be used to drive a system of up to 7.2 speakers. Or up to 5.1.2 if we use ceiling speakers. The NR1508 is somewhat simpler, it decodes audio in Dolby True HD or DTS-HD. By having five channels of amplification, we can mount a 5.2 system at most.

Powerful electronics

Aside from Dolby Atmos decoding, and the two extra channels, there are few differences between the two Marantz receivers. The amplifier stages themselves are Marantz's own design and use discrete electronics (no ICs). They offer 50W over 8 Omhios per channel with low distortion (0.08%), and can reach 90W of peak power for each channel.

The decoding part uses state-of-the-art DSP chips, including the Audyssey MultEQ system. With this system and the included microphone, after installing and connecting speakers, it will be enough to leave you to configure the system. It will detect which speakers are connected , measure their distances to the listening point, and level their volumes. It will also correct the acoustic problems of the room, and through an App we can retouch that curve.

Very complete connectivity

In addition to traditional cable inputs (HDMI, digital coaxial / optical, and analog RCA) the Marantz has great advanced connectivity. Both have Bluetooth receivers to be able to send music from mobile devices. Also, USB inputs to read music directly from portable memory. And of course Ethernet or WiFi connection with which a tremendous range of musical sources opens .

Apart from access to most online music services (Spotify, Tidal, etc.) they will be able to play shared music on the network. They are compatible with all traditional formats, and also in high resolution, up to 24 bit and 192 kHz, or DSD at 5.6 MHz. And we save the best for last: Marantz belongs to the Denon consortium and these devices have included full compatibility with the HEOS system . We can add speakers wirelessly in multiple rooms and send music to them from the Marantz. Or make them all sound in unison, synchronized, to have a great party for example. From the HEOS App you can choose which music to listen to in which room or speaker.

Marantz NR1608 and NR1508