Sony STR-DN1080 vs Marantz NR1607

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Let's compare Sony STR-DN1080 versus Marantz NR1607 for an overview of all their pros and cons. According to the results of our review, Sony STR-DN1080 received 7.3 points out of 10 possible, and Marantz NR1607 was rated 7.7 points. The release date of STR-DN1080 is 2017, and NR1607 is 2016. And as a result of the comparison, NR1607 seems to be a better option for the role of a home theater center than STR-DN1080.

Main advantages Sony STR-DN1080 over Marantz NR1607

Main advantages Marantz NR1607 over Sony STR-DN1080

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 STR-DN1080 this value is 120/6 W/Ohm, and for the NR1607 it is 70/6 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the STR-DN1080 7 out of 10, and the NR1607 - 9.

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 NR1607 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, Sony STR-DN1080 scored 8, and Marantz NR1607 scored 9 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, both receivers got 7 points on our 10-point scale.

Sony STR-DN1080 is equipped with 6/2 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Marantz NR1607 has 8/1 HDMI inputs and outputs.

HDMI eARC is the next step in the development of audio return channel technology, which works in conjunction with HDMI 2.1. Using eARC provides the highest sound quality for home audio systems. HDMI eARC is available only on Sony STR-DN1080.

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 STR-DN1080 were rated 7 out of 10 against the 9 for the NR1607.

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 NR1607.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the STR-DN1080 got 9 points, but the NR1607 has 8.

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 STR-DN1080 can be controlled by voice via Google assistant. Marantz NR1607 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

For the ability to create multichannel surround sound, each of the receivers received 7 points out of 10.