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Marantz Slimline NR1606 Receiver Does Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and HDCP 2.2 for $699

By Rachel Cericola

If that home theater rack is looking a little crowded, you may have to slim down. Of course, we're not talking about actually getting rid of anything. Instead, Marantz is making it easy to pack more power into that area, by introducing two new Slimline receivers.

Both the NR1606 and the NR1506 Slim Design Network A/V Receivers are designed for space-conscious home theater geeks who want something small, but powerful. And this is an area where you won't want to skimp, seeing as how the receiver is the cornerstone of that entire setup!

The 5.2-channel NR1506 boasts 50 watts per channel (20Hz~20kHz, .08%THD, 8 ohms), with built-in WiFi, Bluetooth, AirPlay and DLNA. It also has the ability to stream web radio, as well as services such as Pandora, SiriusXM and Spotify Connect. (Just be advised that subscriptions and/or fees may apply.) It can even deliver high-resolution FLAC HD, ALAC, WAV192/24 files, as well as DSD. On the video side, the NR1506 can handle 4K Ultra HD video, with the latest HDMI 2.0a spec, 4K 60Hz pass-through and HDCP 2.2 support. It even has HDR (High Dynamic Range) and Wide Color Gamut compatibility, key components of the BT.2020 4K Ultra HD video specification. Other features include six HDMI inputs (including one on the front), a front-panel USB port, the on-screen Setup Assistant, and Audyssey MultEQ room calibration.

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The NR1606 has support for Dolby Atmos, with DTS:X coming via a firmware update later this year. Photo: Marantz.

However, the 7.2-channel NR1606 is the cream of the skinny crop, offering the even more features stuffed into that Slimline design. Rated at 50 watts per channel (20Hz~20kHz, .08%THD, 8 ohms), this one comes with Dolby Atmos decoding and Dolby Surround upmixing, which means you can add in that height channel---along with extra speakers. It will also be able to add in DTS:X support, via a firmware update later this year. Besides everything listed above, the NR1606 can also upscale analog and digital content to full 1080p HD or even near-4K quality. This model even has eight HDMI 2.0a inputs and the option for a second audio zone.

If you're willing to dedicate a little extra space, Marantz will also release the SR5010, a full-size receiver with the performance to match. The 7.2-channel model boasts a hearty 100 watts per channel, which is perfect for even larger theater rooms. The hook on this model isn't just the power, but what this component uses to create that power. It has Marantz's HDAMs in Current Feedback topology, Marantz HDAM (Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Module) technology, and the ability to crank out killer sound with today's high-resolution audio formats. Other features include a second HDMI output, a 7.2-channel pre-out section, and an RS-232 connection.

Marantz will start selling the NR1606, the NR1506, and the SR5010 sometime between July and August. These new receivers have been priced at $699, $499, and $899, respectively.

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The SR5010 is for the true audiophile, with Marantz's HDAMs in Current Feedback topology and support for high-res audio. Photo: Marantz.

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