Marantz NR1608 VS Onkyo TX-NR686
Marantz NR1608
  • Brand - Marantz
  • Manual - nr1608.pdf
  • USB - 1
Onkyo TX-NR686
  • Brand - Onkyo
  • Manual - tx-nr686.pdf
  • USB - 1

Reliable multifunctional receivers comparison – Onkyo TX-NR686 vs Marantz NR1608

Onkyo TX-NR686 vs Marantz NR1608

The Onkyo TX-NR686 vs Marantz NR1608 review is helpful for people looking for a good receiver. This review focuses on various crucial parameters.

Features & Performance

Onkyo TX-NR686 vs Marantz NR1608 back

Both models support the 7.2 channel setup, but the difference becomes evident when we compare the total output power – the TX-NR686 outputs 800 W while the NR1608 outputs 350 W. The TX-NR686 works with Sonos. Both receivers support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. These solutions support the modern 4K video format with HDR technology. The Marantz NR1608 has an “eco” mode.

Connections & Setup

These receivers support Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The TX-NR686 supports the Google Assistant and Chromecast. It also supports DTS Play-Fi technology. The NR1608 features HEOS.

Both models support the multi-room technology – you can play separate content and it is easy to control the playback.

Some customers had issues with ports of these receivers – they get no signal, but it may be true for certain units only. The Onkyo TX-NR686 has 7 in and 2 out while the NR1608 has 8 in and 1 out HDMI ports.

These models use the auto-calibration technologies to provide you with enveloping sound. Both manufacturers provide you with a special microphone. The NR1608 uses Audyssey and the Onkyo TX-NR686 uses AccuEQ.

Design

The Marantz NR1608 vs Onkyo TX-NR686 design comparison shows two different approaches, so the NR1608 looks slimmer – it has two knobs and numerous narrow buttons.

The Onkyo TX-NR686 looks bigger – it has three knobs (1 big and 2 small ones) and many squared buttons. Both models have extra ports and a display.

The dimensions are 14.9x17.1x6.8 in for the Onkyo TX-NR686 versus 14.8x17.3x4.1 in for the NR1608. The weight is 22 and 18.3 pounds respectively.

Pros & Cons

Marantz NR1608

VS

Pros

    • The Ideal autocalibration of the speakers for acoustic conditions of the particular room.
    • The device allows watching a movie in the main room and listening to the music in another one due to the Multi-Room function.
    • You can pre-out the mains to an external amplifier.

Cons

    • The only HDMI output 7x50W power plant fits better the smaller spaces.
    • No clear manual instructions, only online.

Onkyo TX-NR686

VS

Pros

    • Clear and organized menu.
    • Produces a good and loud volume from quite demanding speakers.
    • The model offers dual-zone capability and bi-amplifying, which enables users to create several zones while using several amplifiers.
    • Easy to install, setup and use. The zone 2 can be controlled easily via a remote controller.
    • The output sound is crisp and pure.
    • The instruments sound clearly distinguished with a very clear position in the area.

Cons

    • The streaming services that require premium subscriptions are not listed.
    • Bluetooth devices glitched short blank spaces during music playback.
    • Firmware update doesn’t notify about new available FW that makes the listeners select the option Update FW manually in order to check for a newer FW.

Specifications

Specification Marantz NR1608 Onkyo TX-NR686
Connector Type
Hdmi Outputs 1 2
Hdmi Inputs 8 7
Coaxial Digital Inputs 1 1
Phones 1 1
Optical Digital Inputs 1 2
Usb 1 1
Av Inputs 2 7
Subwoofer Outputs 2 2
Coaxial Digital Outputs has not has not
Optical Digital Outputs has not has not
Media Content Source
Usb-host
Network
Bluetooth
Additional Features
Audio Return Channel (arc)
Apple Air-play Support
Advanced Sound Retriever (asr) Technology
Three-zone Capability
Smartphone Remote Control
A-b Speaker Switch
Dual-zone Capability
Pure Direct Mode
Auto Power Off
Bi-amplifying
Amplifier
Output Impedance Per Channel 4 Ohm 8 Ohm
Output Power Per Channel 50 W 160 W
Total Output Power 350 W 800 W
Total Harmonic Distortion 0.08 % 0.08 %
Frequency Response 20 Hz-20 kHz 20 Hz-20 kHz
Sound Features
Surround System Class 7.2 channel 7.2 channel
Surround Sound Effects Dolby Surround Theater-Dimensional Virtual Surround
Audio D/a Converter 32bit / 192kHz 32bit / 384kHz
Digital Content Protection HDCP 2.2 HDCP 2.2
Audio Formats
Apple Lossless
Aiff
Aac
Wma
Wav
Mp3
Flac
Built-in Decoders
Dolby Surround
Dolby Digital Plus
Dolby Atmos
Dts:x
Dolby True Hd
Signal Processing
Hdmi Pass-through up to 4K up to 4K
Upscaling Via Hdmi up to 4K up to 4K
3d Pass-through
Video Conversion/scaling HDMI to HDMI scaling, analog to HDMI up conversion HDMI to HDMI scaling, analog to HDMI up conversion
Dimensions
Dimensions 14.8 x 17.3 x 4.1 inches 14.9 x 17.1 x 6.8 inches
Connectivity Interfaces
Ieee 802.3u
Ieee 802.3
Wi-fi
Bluetooth
User Manual
Manual nr1608.pdf tx-nr686.pdf
Functions
Network Audio Player
Internet Radio
Digital Player
Power Device
Standby Power Consumption 0.2 W 0.15 W
Operational Power Consumption 250 W 570 W
Radio
Preset Station 40 40
Tuner Bands AM/FM AM/FM
Tuner Type digital digital
Clock
Sleep Timer
Built-in Clock
Built-in Display
Colour black black
Type fluorescent fluorescent
General
Brand Marantz Onkyo

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