Marantz NR1602 or Denon AVR 1912

[dwh]

I'm sending back my Onkyo TX NR-609 today. I'm having issues with the HDMI pas through, and don't care for the deep menus for basic functions. I paid $400 shipped, and quite frankly fell for the THX logo on the front. I am looking at the Denon AVR 1912 for $400 shipped, or the Marantz NR1602, factory refurbished with two year warranty for $450. What are you opinions? Any other (better) options for a $500 budget?

 

[j_garcia]

What speakers? As long as the feature set of the 1912 meets your needs, I'd say it is the better choice between the two as it has quite a bit more rated power output (90W vs 50W).

 

[dwh]

Currently running crappy Onkyo HTIB speakers, soon to be replaced with Klipsch Reference RF 82II fronts, RC 62II center, and RB 41II surround and front high. 50w is plenty of power for those speakers.

I also came across the Marantz NR1601 for $350, which appears to be the 1602 minus internet connectivity, which isn't a big deal for me.

 

[j_garcia]

That's why I asked. So with those guys, as long as you don't have a big room, 50W should do fine. Even though they are owned by the same company, I prefer Marantz to Denon.

 

[dwh]

Does anybody have hands on experiance with either of these receivers? I'm counting the 1601 and 1602 as the same reciever since internet conectivity apears to be the only difference.

 

[alphaiii]

Does anybody have hands on experiance with either of these receivers? I'm counting the 1601 and 1602 as the same reciever since internet conectivity apears to be the only difference.

The NR1601 has a basic text on-screen display that does not overlay over the existing video...

The NR1602/NR1402 has a GUI that does overlay.

 

[dwh]

After reading some reviews on Amazon, looks like the Denon is the better choice...

 

[cschang]

I recently helped a friend set up a 1912, and was very pleased to see the features it has at its pricepoint.

 

[j_garcia]

After reading some reviews on Amazon, looks like the Denon is the better choice...

I don't think the slimline digital amp models are going to be as good as the traditional class AB models.

 

[dwh]

Denon AVR-2112CI, $450

This just might be a game changer.

 

[j_garcia]

Same 90W as the 1912, so unless it offers a specific feature you need, it won't be an upgrade.

 

[alphaiii]

I don't think the slimline digital amp models are going to be as good as the traditional class AB models.

The Marantz slimline AVR's still use AB amplification and discrete channels... They don't use digital amps like the Panasonic (among a few others) AVR's did.

 

[alphaiii]

Same 90W as the 1912, so unless it offers a specific feature you need, it won't be an upgrade.

The 2112 adds Audyssey MultiEQ XT.... the 1912 only has MultiEQ.

For those on a budget that don't need networking or video upconversion... the 1712 has XT and the same exact 90W per channel as the 1912/2112.

 

[j_garcia]

The Marantz slimline AVR's still use AB amplification and discrete channels... They don't use digital amps like the Panasonic (among a few others) AVR's did.

I could have sworn they were digital, but I guess I was mixing them up.

 

[alphaiii]

I could have sworn they were digital, but I guess I was mixing them up.

Yeah, you'd think so given the small size. So far, I have yet to hear that it doesn't deliver the rated 50W per channel. So I applaud Marantz for keeping discrete class AB amplification in the smaller form factor, and somehow avoiding any heat issues that might be a problem with a small chassis (at least, I've never had heat issues with the NR1402)

I can say, the NR1402 is pretty stout at 19lbs for it's "slim" size. I have a Panasonic XR55 a few years ago, and if I remember, it was only about 11lbs.

 

[GranteedEV]

Get a marantz sr5005 from accessories4less. Unlike the 1912 it has preamp outs.

 

[dwh]

I was looking at the SR5005, but read a lot of mixed reviews about the refurbed 5005s. Lots of issues showing up after 6+ hours of constant use. Sounds like they aren't "burning them in" overnight before testing.

 

[alphaiii]

Not sure if it matters to you... but just FYI...

The SR5005, like the NR1601, has the best text GUI that does not overlay.

The pre-outs are nice to have though.