Mahwah, N.J. –
Marantz plans spring shipments of its next generation of SlimLine A/V receivers
(AVRs), one of which is the brand’s first slim AVR with Apple AirPlay and
1080i/p video up-scaling.
The two
4-inch-tall models are the $649-suggested 7.1-channel NR1603, which features
AirPlay, and the $399 5.1-channel NR1403.
The two models
replace their predecessors at the same price points but add multiple new
features, the company said.
Like its
predecessor, the new NR1603 features DLNA networking, Internet radio and Pandora
streaming but adds SiriusXM Internet streaming. The new model also adds 1080i/p
video scaler, five HDMI rear inputs and one front HDMI input, improved system setup, a multiâ€language GUI, mobile app control from
iOS and Android devices, simpler remote, new large-character front panel
display, and an auto power-off function.
New features
on the NR1403 receiver, which lacks networking, include five rear HDMI inputs
with one front HDMI input, improved system setup, new overlay GUI and auto
power-off function.
Both AVRs
feature Audyssey MultEQ room correction, Dynamic EQ to deliver balanced sound
at high or low listening levels, and Dynamic Volume. The latter automatically
adjusts volume levels when loud TV commercials come on, when a TV’s video
inputs are switched among different video sources, and a video program
transitions from soft to loud scenes. Both also feature a front-panel HDMI
input and M-XPort, which enables the addition of a stereo Bluetooth adapter.
The 5×50-watt
NR 1403 features M-DAX2 circuitry for improved sound quality from compressed
music sources.
The $649 7×50-watt
NR1603 adds AirPlay, DLNA 1.5 networking, front-panel USB input for audio and
photo playback from most USB-enabled devices, and iPod Digital Direct, which
uses the USB to capture music in digital PCM form from USB-connected iOS
devices. The NR1603 also steps up to 1080i/p video scaling. Other NR1603
features include multi-zone/multi-source audio.
