1-on-1 Comparison
Side-by-Side Comparison
Marantz Slimline NR1608 (USA version)
Highlights
- 7.2 channels
- 7.1 channel processing
- 50 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
- Dolby Atmos, DTS:X capable
- HDR10, Dolby Vision, 4K Upscaling, 4K Passthrough
- AirPlay 2, DLNA, HEOS
- Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- USB input
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Content
Overview
Marantz Slimline NR1608 was introduced in 2017. It is equipped with 7 channel amplifier with 50 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 7.1 maximum channel processing. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, passes 4K/60Hz and upscales up to 4K 30/25/24p 4:4:4 video signal.
We evaluated the a/v receiver and gave 83 overall score out of 100. Our ranking system is based on the amplifier specifications, audio and video features, connectivity, multizone capabilities, radio and many other details.
Pros and Cons
In this section we present pros and cons of Marantz Slimline NR1608.
PROS |
---|
Dolby Atmos |
DTS:X |
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. |
New HDCP Version |
HDR10 |
Dolby Vision |
4K or 8K Video Passthrough |
4K or 8K Signal Upscaling |
Analog To HDMI Upconversion |
HEOS |
Works with Amazon Alexa |
Ethernet |
Wi-Fi |
Bluetooth |
Many HDMI Inputs |
USB Input |
Composite Video Inputs |
Component Video Inputs |
RCA Pre-Outs |
Zones |
Analog Tuner |
Pandora |
Spotify |
Tidal |
CONS |
---|
No Front Wide Channel Support |
No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization |
No IMAX Enhanced |
No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer |
No DSD via HDMI |
No eARC |
No HDR10+ |
No Chromecast Built-In |
Few HDMI Outputs |
Few 8K Inputs |
Few RCA Line Inputs |
Few Optical Inputs |
Old Bluetooth Version |
Predecessor
Here we are comparing Marantz Slimline NR1608 to its predecessor NR1607 and displaying the major changes.
UPGRADES | Marantz Slimline NR1608 | vs | Marantz Slimline NR1607 |
---|---|---|---|
DTS Virtual:X | vs | ||
HEOS | vs | ||
Works with Amazon Alexa | vs | ||
AirPlay | AirPlay 2 | vs | AirPlay |
Tidal | vs | ||
Deezer | vs | ||
Napster | vs | ||
Newer Bluetooth Version | 3․0 + EDR | vs | 2․1 + EDR |
DOWNGRADES | Marantz Slimline NR1608 | vs | Marantz Slimline NR1607 |
---|---|---|---|
Music Playback via USB | MP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, DSD | vs | MP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD |
High Resolution Audio Formats via USB | Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, DSD | vs | Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD |
For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Marantz Slimline NR1608 vs Marantz Slimline NR1607.
Audio Section
7 channel Amplifier
Marantz Slimline NR1608 features 7 channel power amplifier. It is rated at 50 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) and is able to drive 4 ohm speakers.
Speaker Configurations
Marantz Slimline NR1608's 7 channel amplifier can be assigned for different speaker configurations.
- Dolby Atmos Configurations: The following speaker configurations are supported for Dolby Atmos:
- 5.2.2 with internal amplifier.
- DTS:X Configurations: The speaker configurations for DTS:X are the same as for Dolby Atmos:
- 5.2.2 with internal amplifier.
- Configurations without height channels: There are also other speaker configurations available which do not include height channels:
- 5.2, 7.2 with internal amplifier.
- 2-ch Bi-Amp: Marantz Slimline NR1608 allows you to bi-amp up to 2 main channels simultaneously. During bi-amplification two amplifiers are used for one speaker. One amplifier powers the midrange and tweeter section of the speaker and another amplifier powers the low frequency woofers. Each amplifier is less loaded and performs better. In order to use this feature speakers must have 2 pairs of connectors.
Dolby Atmos
Marantz Slimline NR1608 supports Dolby Atmos. It is a cinematic audio format in which sounds exist as individual entities, called audio objects. In Dolby Atmos, any sound can exist as an independent audio object, free of channel restrictions. They can be precisely placed and moved anywhere in your room, including overhead, to flow above and around you in three-dimensional space. Through the use of audio objects, overhead sound, and all the richness, clarity, and power of Dolby sound, Dolby Atmos turns your room into an amazing place for entertainment. The format supports up to 128 simultaneous independent audio objects in a mix for rich, realistic, and breathtaking sound. It recreates the director's original concept through descriptive metadata to provide customized playback for home theater and delivers sounds above you through overhead speakers, special upward-firing Dolby Atmos speakers, or a Dolby Atmos enabled sound bar.
- Dolby Surround Upmixer: If the content is not mixed in Dolby Atmos then the Dolby surround upmixer will expand the audio to all channels including ceiling speakers. The upmixer has replaced the Dolby Pro Logic II family with improved upmixing algorithms.
DTS:X
Marantz Slimline NR1608 supports DTS:X. A technique used in DTS:X is similar to the one used in Dolby Atmos. Instead of a fixed number of channels, DTS:X defines object locations from the listener in polar coordinates. An a/v receiver then dynamically renders sound according to the current speaker configuration. The speaker layout employed by DTS:X is the sum of Dolby Atmos and Auro-3D. It has standard 7.1 channel base layer, a 5 channel height layer above the base layer on the front and side walls, and 3 rows of speakers on the ceiling.
- DTS Neural:X: DTS Neural:X is an advanced upmixer that can take non DTS:X content and upmix it to the DTS:X speaker layout. It has replaced the DTS Neo family with improved flexibility.
- DTS Virtual:X: DTS Virtual:X bridges the gap between DTS:X codec and the reality of so many consumers' homes, allowing you to enjoy multi-dimensional sound regardless of room size, layout, or speaker configuration. If you have a limited speaker setup you will miss a full immersive potential of your entertainment system. DTS Virtual:X adds height and surround audio effect to your system without adding height speakers. It works with multiple configurations and delivers immersive sound experience out of 5.1 or even 2.1 speaker layouts.
- DTS Dialog Control: This function adjusts the dialog levels during playback of the DTS:X stream. It allows you to separately increase the dialog levels in contrast with the background sound and hear dialog easily even under noisy circumstances.
Sound Processing
- Audyssey: Marantz Slimline NR1608 comes with Audyssey Dynamic EQ and Dynamic Volume.
- Dynamic EQ: selects the best possible frequency response and surround volume levels moment-by-moment. This ensures that the bass response, tonal balance and surround impression remain constant despite changes in volume. This is the first technology that carefully combines information from incoming source levels with actual output sound levels in the room, a pre-requisite for delivering a dynamic volume solution.
- Dynamic Volume: Your Listening experience can be greatly diminished when there are significant shifts in volume between television programs, commercials and within the program material itself. When this happens you must constantly adjust the volume to maintain your desired listening level. Audyssey Dynamic Volume monitors the volume of program material moment-by-moment and automatically adjusts it, maintaining the desired listening level for all content while optimizing the dynamic range to preserve impact.
- MDAX2: Compressed music enhancement in Marantz Slimline NR1608 is done by Marantz’ MDAX2 technology. The use of compressed audio files like MP3, Windows Media™ Audio or AAC is getting more and more popular. The audio quality of these compressed files however is less than the original lossless files that are on a CD, especially lacking the higher frequencies and affecting the lower frequencies which make the audio image less wide and deep. The Marantz Digital Audio Expander 2, also called M-DAX2, recalculates the outputted frequency range. This enables you to get a more detailed and clearer sound.
Room Calibration
Marantz Slimline NR1608 comes with Audyssey MultEQ room correction system and includes the calibration microphone. It also supports Audyssey App.
- Audyssey Room Calibration: Audyssey is an acoustic measurement technology which automatically restores the acoustic distortion caused by the acoustic behaviour of a room with only a push on a button. Audyssey equalization provides an clear, accurate, natural sound with voices and dialog that become focused and intelligible, restoring the musical balance. Musical instruments and sound effects become precisely localized and the surround soundstage is made seamless and enveloping.
Video Section
HDMI
Marantz Slimline NR1608 features 8 HDMI inputs. It has 1 output.
- 4K/60Hz Passthrough: All inputs pass up to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4 video signal.
- 4K Upscaling: Marantz Slimline NR1608 can upscale up to 4K 30/25/24p 4:4:4 from HDMI and analog sources.
- Analog To HDMI Upconversion: The a/v receiver supports video upconversion, so you can connect your analog Component and Composite video sources and Marantz Slimline NR1608 will output them via HDMI. This means that you will need only one HDMI cable to connect to your TV.
- BT.2020 Color Space: BT.2020 or Rec. 2020 is a color standard which delivers a wider color gamut compared to Rec. 709. It covers approximately 75% of the total visual spectrum while the Rec. 709 covers only 35%.
- HDCP 2.2 Copy Protection: All inputs and outputs are HDCP 2.2 compliant which is a requirement for 4K/HDR copy-protected content transmission.
- 3D Ready: Marantz Slimline NR1608 is able to pass 3D video through HDMI.
HDR (High Dynamic Range)
Marantz Slimline NR1608 supports HDR (high dynamic range) video formats such as HDR10, Dolby Vision and Hybrid Log-Gamma. High dynamic range video has greater dynamic range than standard dynamic range (SDR) video with brighter whites and deeper blacks. The result is greater contrast and more details in dark and bright areas, better color and depth.
- HDR10: HDR10 uses the wide-gamut Rec. 2020 color space. It sends static metadata via video stream to the TV which calibrates its screen brightness and color according to that. HDR10 supports 10-bit color which corresponds to 1024 shades of the primary RGB colors. It is technically limited to a maximum of 10,000 nits peak brightness, however common HDR10 contents are mastered with peak brightness from 1,000 to 4,000 nits.
- Dolby Vision: Dolby Vision is a set of technologies developed by Dolby Laboratories for high dynamic range (HDR) video. It covers content creation, distribution, and playback. Like HDR10+, it includes dynamic metadata that are used to adjust and optimize each frame of the HDR video to the consumer display's capabilities in a way specified by the content creator. Dolby Vision allows for a maximum resolution of 8K up to 12-bit color depth, maximum peak brightness of 10,000 nits and a color gamut up to Rec. 2020. It uses Dolby's proprietary dynamic metadata defined in SMPTE ST 2094-10.
- Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG): The Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG) is a transfer function developed mainly for HDR live video feed and over-the-air broadcasts. It is an HDR format that uses BT.2020 color primaries and a bitdepth of 10-bit. It is backward compatible with the transfer function of SDR and is designed to be better-suited for television broadcasting, where the metadata required for other HDR formats is not backward compatible with non-HDR displays. HLG defines a non-linear optical-electro transfer function, in which the lower half of the signal values use a gamma curve and the upper half of the signal values use a logarithmic curve.
Multi-zone Playback
Marantz Slimline NR1608 offers multi-zone playback which allows you to play different input sources in 2 different rooms.
Zone 2
- Powered Zone 2: You can use the unit's 2 amplifier channels by connecting Zone 2 speakers directly to the speaker terminals. The remaining 5 channels will be left for main zone amplification.
- Audio Pre Output: If you have a dedicated power amplifier for Zone 2 you can connect it to the a/v receiver via pre outs and control volume from the a/v receiver.
Inputs and Outputs
Audio
- Analog Pre-Outs: Marantz Slimline NR1608 has 2.2 preamplifier outputs which allow you to connect the a/v receiver to the external power amplifier. You may want to use a high quality external amplifier for certain channels, usually for front L/R and center, and use the a/v receiver to power the rest.
- Analog Line Inputs: There are 3 line inputs for analog audio connection.
- Digital Inputs and Outputs: 0 optical input, 1 optical output and 1 coaxial input are available for digital audio connection.
- Headphone Output: There is a 6.3 mm (1/4") headphone output jack on the front panel.
Video
- HDMI:
- Inputs: 8 (1 front) Outputs: 1
8K Inputs: 0 - Composite Video: Connect you VCR, Laserdisc player and other old video equipment with composite video cables.
- Inputs: 3 Outputs: 1
- Component Video: Component video connection gives you the higher quality video compared to the composite video connection. So in case your old DVD player and other equipment do not have an HDMI output but have Component video output use this connection over the composite one.
- Inputs: 2 Outputs: 1


Specifications
Here we list all the available features and specifications of Marantz Slimline NR1608.
BASICS | |
---|---|
Brand | Marantz |
Series | Slimline |
Model | NR1608 |
Type | A/V Receiver |
Country | USA |
Release Year | 2017 |
AMPLIFIER | |
---|---|
Channels | 7.2 |
Front Wide Channel Support | |
Current Feedback Topology | |
Discrete Amplification | |
HDAM | |
THX™ Certification | |
Continuous 6 Ω Rated | |
Certified 4 Ω Performance | |
Bi-amp Capability | assignable |
AUDIO | |
---|---|
Maximum Channel Processing | 7.1 |
Air Studios Monitor Certification | |
Dolby Atmos | up to 5.1.2 |
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization | |
Dolby Atmos Music | |
Dolby TrueHD | |
Dolby Digital Plus | |
Dolby Surround Upmixer | |
Dolby Pro Logic | |
Dolby Digital EX | |
Surround EX | |
DTS:X | up to 5.1.2 |
DTS Neural:X | |
DTS Virtual:X | |
DTS Neo | |
DTS-HD Master Audio | |
DTS-HD High Resolution Audio | |
DTS 96/24 | |
DTS Express | |
DTS-ES | Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1 |
IMAX Enhanced | |
Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer | |
PCM | 2-ch/Multi-ch Input |
Music Playback via USB | MP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, DSD |
High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network | up to 192 kHz |
High Resolution Audio Formats via USB | Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, DSD |
Gapless Playback | |
DSD via HDMI | |
DSD via USB | 2-ch Input |
DSD to PCM Converter | |
USB DAC | |
Jitter Reduction | |
DTS Dialog Control | |
Dialog Enhancement | |
Dialog Level Adjustment | |
Dialog Normalization | |
Dialogue Lift | |
Compressed Music Enhancer | MDAX2 |
High-resolution Music Enhancer | |
Audyssey Dynamic EQ | |
Audyssey Dynamic Volume | |
Audyssey LFC | |
Audyssey Sub EQ HT | |
Audyssey DSX | |
Direct Mode | |
Pure Direct Mode | |
Independent Subwoofer Outputs |
CALIBRATION | |
---|---|
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. | Audyssey MultEQ |
Audyssey App Support | |
Optimized Bass Redirection | |
Bass Sync |
VIDEO | |
---|---|
Enhanced ARC | |
HDCP Version | 2.2 |
HDR10 | |
HDR10+ | |
Dynamic HDR | |
Dolby Vision | |
HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) | |
BT.2020 color space | |
QMS (Quick Media Switching) | |
ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) | |
VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) | |
QFT (Quick Frame transport) | |
3-D Ready | |
Video Signal Passthrough | up to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4 |
Video Signal Upscaling | up to 4K 30/25/24p 4:4:4 |
Analog To HDMI Upconversion | Component**, Composite |
Component Video Upscaling | |
Analog to Analog Video conversion | |
isf Certified Calibration Control |
CONNECTIVITY | |
---|---|
MHL Input | |
DLNA 1.5 | |
FireConnect | |
FlareConnect | |
Domotz Pro Compatible | |
Remote Monitoring with ihiji | |
OvrC Compatible | |
HEOS | |
Chromecast Built-In | |
DTS Play-Fi | |
Works with Amazon Alexa | |
Works with SONOS | |
AirPlay | AirPlay 2 |
Apple Product Connection | iPod, iPhone and iPad |
Remote App | Marantz 2016 AVR Remote App for iOS and Android devices |
InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue | |
Ethernet | |
Ethernet Switch | |
Wi-Fi | |
Bluetooth | SBC |
HDBaseT Compatible | |
HDMI Inputs | 8 (1 front) |
HDMI Outputs | 1 |
8K Inputs | |
USB Input | 1 (Front) for USB memory |
USB DC Out Port | |
RCA Line Input | 3 |
RCA Line Output | |
XLR Line Inputs | |
Phono Input | |
Optical Inputs | 1 |
Optical Outputs | |
Coaxial Inputs | 1 |
Composite Video Input | 3 |
Composite Video Output | 1 |
S-Video Input | |
S-Video Output | |
Component Video Input | 2 |
Component Video Output | 1 |
PC In | |
Multi-Channel Input | |
RCA Pre-Outs | 2.2 |
XLR Pre-outs | |
Front A/V Inputs | HDMI, USB |
Speaker A/B | assignable |
Headphone Out | 6.3 mm (1/4") |
ZONES | |
---|---|
Zones | 2 |
Powered Zones | 2 |
Zone 2 Outs | Pre Out |
RS-232C Interface | |
+12V Trigger Output | 1 |
MISC | |
---|---|
On-Screen Display | Advanced Graphic User Interface |
GUI Languages | 3 |
Web Browser Control | |
IP Control for CI | |
Display | 1 line |
Remote Controller | RC034SR |
Pre-programmed / Learnable / LCD Display | / / |
Detachable Power Cord | |
Flasher In | |
Remote Control In/Out | 1 / 1 |
Setup Assistant |
RADIO | |
---|---|
Analog Tuner | FM/AM |
Digital Radio | |
Internet Radio | TuneIn |
Pandora | |
Spotify | |
Tidal | |
Deezer | |
Napster | |
SiriusXM Internet Radio |
CONSTRUCTION | |
---|---|
Solid Aluminum Front | |
Speaker Terminals | 7 |
Large Speaker Terminals | 7 |
Color-Coded Speaker Terminals | |
Transparent High-Grade Speaker Terminals | |
High Grade Audio Components | |
Gold plated RCA terminals |
POWER | |
---|---|
Power Supply | AC 120 V, 60 Hz |
Toroidal Transformer | (EI) |
Power Consumption | 250 W |
No Sound Power | ECO On/Off: 30 W/40 W |
Standby Power | 0.2 W |
GENERAL | |
---|---|
ECO Mode / Hybrid Standby Function | |
Auto Power off | |
Dimensions (W x H x D) | 440 mm x 105 mm x 376 mm (with antenna: 440 mm x 173 mm x 376 mm) 17-3/8" x 4-1/4" x 14-7/8" (with antenna up: 17-3/8" x 6-7/8" x 14-7/8") |
Weight | 8.3 kg (18 lbs 5 oz) |
Warranty | 3 Years |
SPECS | |
---|---|
Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 | 50 W (0.08% THD) |
Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 | 70 W (0.7% THD) |
Maximum Effective Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA) | 100 W (10% THD) |
Rated Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, IEC) | 90 W (1% THD) |
Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line) | 130 mV/47 kΩ |
S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A) | 98 dB |
Frequency Response (Analog In) | +1/-3 dB (10 Hz to 100 kHz, Direct mode) |
DSD Sampling Rates via USB | 5.6 MHz, 2.8 MHz |
Video Input Sensitivity/Output Level and Impedance | 1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Component Y) 0.7 Vp-p/75 Ω (Component PB/CB, PR/CR) 1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Composite) |
Video Frequency Response | 5 Hz - 60 MHz, 0, -3 dB (Component) 5 Hz - 10 MHz, 0, -3 dB (Composite) |
Ethernet Standard | 100BASE-TX |
Wi-Fi Standard | IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n |
Wi-Fi Terminal Frequency | 5 GHz, 2.4 GHz |
Bluetooth Version | 3․0 + EDR |
Bluetooth Frequency | 2.4 GHz |
USB Terminal | USB2.0 5V, 1 A |
FM Frequency | 87.5 MHz - 107.9 MHz |
FM 50 dB Quiet Sensitivity (IHF, 1 kHz, 100% MOD.) | Mono: 2.8 µV (20.2 dBf) |
FM Effective Sensitivity | 1.2 µV (12.8 dBf) |
FM S/N Ratio | Mono/Stereo: 70 dB/67 dB |
FM Harmonic Distortion (IHF, 1 kHz) | Mono/Stereo: 0.7%/1.0% |
AM Frequency | 520 kHz - 1710 kHz |
AM Effective Sensitivity | 18 µV |
* - 480i/576i and 480p/576p only
** - 480i/576i only
*** - no 1080p/24 upconversion
**** - 1080p signal is not converted
Successor
In 2018 Marantz Slimline NR1608 was replaced by NR1609. Let us now have a look at some important changes that the successor brought.
UPGRADES | Marantz Slimline NR1609 | vs | Marantz Slimline NR1608 |
---|---|---|---|
More Optical Inputs | 1 | vs | 1 |
DOWNGRADES | Marantz Slimline NR1609 | vs | Marantz Slimline NR1608 |
---|---|---|---|
Remote Control In/Out | 0 / 0 | vs | 1 / 1 |
For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Marantz Slimline NR1608 vs Marantz Slimline NR1609.