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Marantz NR1602 AV receiver with AirPlay
Slimline 7.1 sound master
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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