Marantz has unveiled its new super-slim network AV receiver, with a focus on better design and practicality in the home. The new NR1605 is a space-conscious AV receiver with built in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and packs the same punch as larger models, delivering true-to-life surround sound and superior video, but without needing a large, imposing home entertainment unit to house it.
The new NR1605 is a space-conscious AV receiver with built in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
With Bluetooth and Wi-Fi built-in, users can enjoy digital media files wirelessly. The NR1605 (MSRP $699) is expected to be available beginning in July 2014 at select Marantz dealers and online. The NR1605 comes with advanced network capabilities opening up almost unlimited sources of music content. The built-in AirPlay technology enables users to playback their music library from their iPhone, iPod touch and iPad wirelessly. While the newly-added Bluetooth capability makes integration of Android smart devices, iDevices or laptops just as effortless. Users do not even require a Wi-Fi network – everything is already there. Thanks to the DLNA standard, they can also stream music from a local storage device (NAS), listen to thousands of Internet Radio stations or online music services such as Spotify Connect. Music lovers can even enjoy the latest audio formats such as Apple Lossless and FLAC HD 192/24 or the bitstream DSD format as perfected for SA-CD players.
Next to the network streaming possibilities, Marantz offers its renowned sound quality made possible through a discrete amplifier section. The NR1605 owns a 7-channel amplifier with 100W equal power per channel. It also has built-in decoders for Dolby True HD and DTS-HD Master Audio. Its total of eight HDMI inputs handle a multitude of digital sources, so there is plenty of ports to easily hook-up a satellite box, BD/DVD player and game console… all at the same time. What’s more, the whole setup is very easy – with the help of the advanced Graphical User Interface (GUI), Setup Assistant, and Audyssey MultEQ room calibration. With this there is no need to study the manual, users just need to follow the on-screen instructions supported by high resolution graphics.
For total convenience, users can also use an Android or iOS device to operate the NR1605 via the available Marantz Remote App, which comes as a dedicated app for either smartphone or tablet. It all adds up to easy-to-use slim-line elegance with a powerful punch. The NR1605 further features support for next-generation TV displays capable of displaying 4k Ultra HD video. Along with 4k and 3D pass-through the NR1605 also features video upscaling technology to 1080p and 4k for ultimate future-readiness. In addition, with the Multi-zone functionality you can output music from the main room to a different room such as a kitchen or bedroom just via an additional pair of speakers.
As with many of this year’s models, the NR1605 includes the latest Marantz smart ECO mode. This reduces power consumption significantly when the receiver is just used for background listening or running on lower levels without any negative impact to the audio quality. If the higher power is required while watching a movie or listening louder to favorite music, the NR1605 automatically switches to “full power output.” The smart ECO mode has three settings: Auto, On and Off leaving it up to the user to decide.
