Sound United’s Marantz brand unveiled a pair of slim-design AV receivers bringing advanced audio and video support into a cabinet that is easier to fit into equipment racks.
Marantz NR1609 and NR1509 are currently available at authorized Marantz retailers at suggested retail prices of $749 and $549, respectively.
The NR1609 is a 7.2-channel AV receiver while the NR1509 is a 5.2-channel version.
Both models will pass through an assortment of high dynamic range (HDR) profiles, including HDR10, Dolby Vision and Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG). The NR1609 adds support for the Dolby Atmos and DTS:X object-based audio formats.
Both models also support wireless music streaming via Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay or the HEOS app, and will link with Amazon Alexa to carry out voice-control commands including: play, pause or stop music, switch receiver inputs, turn up the volume, etc. The HEOS multi-room audio system works with Amazon Alexa via the HEOS home entertainment skill. Additionall, the Bluetooth, AirPlay or HEOS apps will stream popular music services including Spotify, Pandora, TuneIn, Deezer and others.
Amazon’s Camera, Photo & Video Deals
Amazon Fire TV 4K Ultra HD Set-Top Media Adapter with Alexa
Amazon Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote
Amazon Echo Plus Voice Controlled Wireless Speaker and Home System Interface
Amazon Echo Dot Voice Controlled Home System Interface
Amazon Echo Spot with Alexa and Screen
4K Ultra HDTV Specials From Abt
Best Selling Soundbars and 5.1 Surround Systems
The NR1609 features a high-current discrete power amplifier section driving 50W per channel (8-ohm, 20Hz – 20kHz, 0.08% THD, 2 channel driven). The Marantz Hyper Dynamic Amplification Module (HDAM) circuitry is designed to deliver an improved through-rate, transient response and overall sound, while surround sound is enhanced with 3D-sound support from Dolby Atmos, DTS:X or DTS Virtual:X on the NR1609 only.
Music purists will find support in both models for Hi-Res Audio file formats including FLAC, AIFF and WAV up to 24-bit/192-kHz—plus, DSD 2.8MHz and 5.6MHz, and an integrated phono input is add for vinyl lovers.
For video, the NR1609 incorporates eight HDMI inputs (including one front-mounted port) one HDMI/ARC output, all of which supporting HDCP 2.2, 4K Ultra HD 60Hz video, 4:4:4 Pure Color sub-sampling, Dolby Vision, HLG, High Dynamic Range (HDR10) and BT.2020 pass-through. The NR1609 adds analog to HDMI up-conversion, 1080p to 4K upscaling capability.
The NR1509 has six HDMI inputs (one front mounted) and on HDMI/ARC output, all supporting pass through of HDCP 2.2, 4K UHD/60 Hz, 4:4:4 Pure Color sub-sampling, Dolby Vision, HLG and HDR10.
Sound United also includes Audyssey room calibration to automatically calibrate the receiver to the unique characteristics of the listening room. Set-up is simplified with intuitive on-screen instructions to adjust the Audyssey MultEQ, Dynamic Volume and Dynamic EQ parameters.
A microphone is supplied to help MultEQ analyze each speaker’s output (including the subwoofer) and adjust precision digital filters to optimize each channel for the correct frequency and time domain response.
An optional Audyssey MultEQ editor app is available in the NR1609 only for $20 to further customize the room acoustics per user preferences.
By Greg Tarr
Have a question for the HD Guru? HD GURU|Email
Copyright ©2018 HD Guru Inc. All rights reserved. HD GURU is a registered trademark.
Stay connected