Making space
Indeed, the overwhelming sonic character of this receiver is one of spaciousness and detail. The NR1602 is particularly terrific with Super Audio CD and high bit-rate files – Jazz and MOR rock are a good match.
RX101 adapter enables wireless connectivity using Bluetooth
In multi-channel mode, the image is snappy and coherent. Tron: Legacy (Blu-ray) has a wonderfully immersive DTS HD Master Audio 7.1 soundtrack, which this Marantz delivered with popcorn precision. As a network streamer, the NR1602 shows rivals a clean pair of heels. File compatibility from local USB and NAS is fine: MP3, WMA, WAV, FLAC and AAC tunes all play, and album art is displayed when available.
One big attraction for the NR1602 is its Apple AirPlay functionality. This translates to wireless audio made easy for those with iTunes and an iOS device. In addition, there are on-line audio options such as Internet radio, Last.FM and Napster. You can even peruse photo-sharing site Flickr while listening to your chosen source.
Also available in black
Verdict
By reshuffling traditional priorities, Marantz has conjured up something new and fresh with the NR1602. Out go incredible bulk and superfluous amplification, and in comes bullet-proof streaming, on-line audio and this year’s hottest feature ticket – Apple AirPlay. What’s not to like? ®
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Marantz NR1602 AV receiver with AirPlay
COMMENTS
pre-outs
Can i use those pre-outs to run Stereo to my amp?
Confusion
So when your TV, AV receiver and blu-ray player all want to be media players, which one wins?
Looks good but...
Nice to see Marantz have forgotten all about people with turntables, yes I know the purists will argue you need a seperate pre-amp, however, my Denon AV amp has a fantastic phono input stage.
Yes, you can stream Spotify wirelessly via Airplay but why would you want to? Spotify Premium on a mobile device is limited to 160kbps so streaming it via Airplay means that's the max quality you can possibly hear... half the bitrate you're actually paying a monthly subscription for!
Right now, the only way to hear the full 320kbps quality of Spotify Premium on an AV receiver is to buy an Onkyo model, period. AFAIK no other brand has Spotify onboard.
Marantz has not forgotten about people with turntables. Check its SR7005 receiver and also its range of two channel amps and you'll find phono stages included. But it does offer a range of products to suit many tastes, so not all amplifiers will include a phono stage.
