Published On: May 21, 2019

Denon and Marantz Announce Select New 2019-Model Receivers

Published On: May 21, 2019
Last Updated on: October 31, 2020
We May Earn From Purchases Via Links

Denon and Marantz Announce Select New 2019-Model Receivers

Features of the new Marantz slimline models and entry- to mid-level Denon X-Series offerings likely point toward what we'll see on flagship models to come.

Denon and Marantz Announce Select New 2019-Model Receivers

  • The staff at HomeTheaterReview.com is comprised of experts who are dedicated to helping you make better informed buying decisions.

Denon and Marantz' parent company, Sound United, announced today the release of four new AV Receivers--two from Marantz' popular slimline NR lineup, and two from Denon's popular X-Series.

The Marantz NR1510 and NR1710 will retail for $599 and $749, respectively, with the former featuring 5.1 channels of amplified output, and the latter featuring 7.2 channels. Both feature 50wpc amps, but the NR1710 is set apart by its support for Dolby Atmos / DTS:X / Virtual:X processing, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization support, 4K Video Up-scaling, Powered Zone 2 and Zone 2 preamp outputs, and compatibility with the Audyssey MultEQ Editor App.

The Denon AVR- X1600H ($599) and AVR- X2600H ($799), meanwhile, are full-sized, 7.2-channel AVRs with 80 and 95wpc output, respectively. Both also support Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization, and boast key features of the impending HDMI 2.1 spec (including eARC and ALLM).

More details on the new slimline AVRs directly from Marantz:

Marantz, the number one Hi-Fi brand in the world1 and manufacturer of the world's most musical-sounding audio components, today announced the NR1510 and NR1710 slimline 4K Ultra HD AV receivers. Housed within the compact chassis of the new NR receivers are all of the performance and latest technologies needed to create a truly impactful and immersive listening experience, without sacrificing valuable entertainment center space. Like all Marantz components, the new AVRs are extensively tuned by Marantz sound masters to deliver the iconic Marantz sonic signature designed to please discerning audiophiles and everyday listeners alike.

"The latest additions to our slim network receiver line continue to demonstrate Marantz's mastery of blending the most musical sound with advanced technological features and elegant slender design," said Emmanuel Millot, global brand director at Marantz. "We've packed plenty of power into both models and included the latest HDMI suite alongside voice control compatibility with industry-leading AI platforms. Both of these new models easily meet the needs of most enthusiasts without sacrificing space, and are an ideal option for listeners looking to move away from a sound bar to a product with greater sonic performance and ease-of-use."

Immersive Surround Sound Capabilities
The NR1710 enables users to transform and upgrade their home cinema experience with its support of multidimensional object-oriented audio formats including Dolby Atmos, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization Technology, DTS:X and DTS Virtual:X to create startlingly lifelike cinematic experiences.

The NR1710's Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization Technology gives users a 3D listening experience without the need for dedicated height or surround speakers. Listeners can configure up to five channels for 5.1 setting and Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization Technology adds virtualized height and surround effects or use all seven channels for 7.1 setting and the technology adds virtualized height effects for more immersive experience without dedicated surround or overhead speakers.

Powerful Amplification
A high-current discrete power amplifier section produces exceptional sound for movies and music. Identical power is provided on all channels (50W per channel: 8-ohm, 20Hz - 20kHz, 0.08% THD, 2ch. drive) with low-impedance driver capability.

Latest HDMI Technology
The NR1710 includes eight HDMI inputs, with one located on the front panel for quick connections. Each input supports the latest in video and picture formatting including HDCP 2.3, 4K Ultra HD 60Hz video, 4:4:4 Pure Color sub-sampling, Dolby Vision, HLG, High Dynamic Range (HDR10), and BT.2020 pass-through.

By supporting eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel), which allows lossless and object-based audio transmission like Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Atmos from TV apps, the NR1710 gives users the power to enjoy better and more immersive surround experiences for TV audio easily.

Voice Control
Leveraging HEOS Built-In, the NR1710 works with leading voice agents--Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Siri and high-end smart home automation assistant, Josh.ai. Using the HEOS app, users can use their voice to stream music from various popular services. Other commands include the ability to switch between connected components, adjust volume, pause, mute, play a previous or next track, and more3.

NR1710 and NR1510 Differentiation

New 2019 Models
NR-1510
NR-1710
Price
$599
$749
Amplification
5.2 CH at 50W
7.2 CH at 50W
4K Ultra HDMI
6 inputs
8 inputs
Dolby Atmos / 
DTS:X / Virtual:X
 
?
Dolby Atmos 
Height Virtualization
 
?
4K Video Up-scaling
 
?
Powered Zone 2 and 
Zone 2 Preamp Outputs
 
?
Audyssey MultEQ 
Room Calibration
?
?
Audyssey MultEQ 
Editor App
 
?
NR1710 and 1510 Shared Features 
    • 4K/60 Hz full-rate pass-through, 4:4:4 color resolution, HDR10 and BT.2020
    • Supports Dolby Vision, Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG), eARC and ALLM for enhanced picture and audio
    • Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio
    • Ability to decode high-resolution audio ALAC, FLAC and WAV lossless files up to 24-bit/192-kHz as well as DCD 2.8MHz and 5.6MHz tracks for high-resolution listening
    • HEOS Built-in for multi-room streaming, music streaming and voice control
    • Supports Alexa, Google Home and Apple Siri voice assistants
    • Supports all major streaming services including Spotify, Pandora, Tidal, and several others via Bluetooth, AirPlay 2 or the HEOS app
    • Integrated phono input
    • Built-in Wi-Fi with 2.4GHz/5GHz dual band support (dual antenna)
    • Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) for Xbox One
    • Advanced Custom installation support including IP control, Control 4 SDDP, Web UI, Works with Domotz Pro, OvrC and ihiji Invision for remote room monitoring and management, Remote In/Out, and Flasher Input
    • Marantz AVR Remote iOS and Android app
    • Dual subwoofer outputs

The Marantz NR1710 and NR1510 are currently available at all authorized Marantz retailers and online at www.marantz.com/us. The NR1710 retails for $749, the NR1510 retails for $599.

And full details on the new X-Series receivers directly from Denon:

Today Denon, the world's leading manufacturer of premium home entertainment and personal audio products since 1910, announced two new X-Series AV receivers. The Denon AVR-X2600H (95W per channel) and AVR-X1600H (80W per channel) deliver lifelike, visceral 7.2 surround sound experience far beyond the capability of TV audio or even traditional sound bars, providing home entertainment enthusiasts with the latest technologies to upgrade their home cinema and streaming entertainment experience.

"Denon is committed to bringing the latest technologies to home theater enthusiasts while offering flexibility so they can grow with their home entertainment systems. To that effect, we've added the latest Dolby and DTS 3D audio technologies and eARC so customers can up-mix traditional stereo and surround soundtracks to a 3D listening experience or virtualize Dolby Atmos or DTS:X mixes for amazing immersive audio without dedicated height channels," said Michael Greco, senior director of global brand management at Sound United. "Listeners can also expect a full suite of technical capabilities, including the latest 4K video technologies, ALLM [auto low latency mode], voice control, Apple AirPlay 2, and HEOS wireless multi-room music streaming."

Denon's new performance-tuned X-Series AV receivers provide a truly immersive 3D audio experience, supporting the latest surround sound formats including Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization Technology, which adds virtualized height and surround effects on traditional stereo or surround content as well as Dolby Atmos content while using fewer speakers. Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization is used to create the sensation of sound that extends above and beyond the listener, using only loudspeakers originating at listener-level. This technology is ideal for systems without discrete height or surround speakers throughout the room such as 2.1 or 5.1, simplifying installation while delivering the excitement of 360-degree audio. Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization Technology will be delivered via a future firmware update.

New HDMI Features for Uncompromised Connectivity
Denon X-Series AVRs feature a new eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel), which delivers uncompressed and object-based audio from the TV to the receiver via a single HDMI cable and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) for lag-free gaming. With eARC pass-through, 4K Ultra HD HDMI and full HDCP 2.3 support on all ports, X-Series AVRs provide seamless connections with the latest 4K and future 8K TVs as well as streaming devices, gaming consoles and other source players. Audio content from the TV can be distributed to the second zone as well as the main zone via HDMI using a new party mode feature. Video content quality through a TV or projector is uncompromised thanks to the latest 4K video technologies such as Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG. Denon X-Series AVRs are also HDCP 2.3 compliant, ensuring compatibility with the latest copy protected content.

Apple AirPlay 2 And Hi-Res Playback
Denon X-Series AVRs are Apple AirPlay 2 compatible allowing for streaming of Apple Music. Each receiver features a front-panel USB port that offers convenient audio playback of MP3 and high-resolution audio formats (WAV, FLAC, ALAC and DSD 2.8/5.6 MHz files). Wireless connectivity to popular streaming music services like Spotify, Pandora, Tidal, and more is easy via Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2 and Wi-Fi with HEOS built-in.

Effortless Voice Control
Denon X-Series AVRs also work with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Josh.ai, and Apple Siri for effortless voice control. Listeners can use Amazon Alexa for a variety of commands, including switching inputs for different media players, while the Google Assistant and Apple's Siri can be used to adjust the volume, skip to the next track, and more. Josh.ai offers custom integrators greater control over voice integration into a variety of existing smart home platforms, including Creston, Control 4 and a variety of other compatible platforms.

HEOS Built-In Multiroom Music Listening
With HEOS Built-in, the X-Series AVRs can stream music wirelessly across compatible HEOS components from a variety of free and premium streaming services, including Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, TuneIn, iHeart Radio, SoundCloud, SiriusXM, Tidal and more. Consumers can also enjoy their favorite music in any room of the home wirelessly. Play the same song in every room or select a different song for each connected room via a variety of streaming sources.

Denon Setup Assistant Does the Work
By visually guiding users through each step in the setup process, Denon's award-winning Setup Assistant makes it easy to get X-Series AVRs out of the box and making beautiful music quickly. Because every home theater is unique, Denon uses premium room calibration technology from Audyssey that automatically takes precise measurements and optimizes the receiver's performance, providing the finest 3D audio experience tailored to the acoustic properties of the space.

Designed for Custom Integrators
Custom A/V integration professionals will appreciate the X-Series receivers' smart features, including support for Audio Select functionality or AirPlay OFF so it will not appear on every iOS device throughout the home. To best tailor system functionality for each client, integrators can now assign the same HDMI input source over multiple inputs and choose different audio sources. Integrators can also provide their clients with improved service efficiency and reduced downtime by utilizing ihiji Invision, Domotz Pro or OvrC remote system monitoring and management technology to remotely monitor and troubleshoot X-Series AVRs.

Key Differences Between Models

New 2019 Models
AVR-X1600H
AVR-X2600H
Price
$599
$799
Denon Amplification
7.2 CH at 80W
7.2 CH at 95W
4K Ultra HDMI
6 inputs / 
1 output
8 inputs / 
2 output
4K Upscaling
 
?  
Pure Direct Mode
 
?  
Analog Inputs
2
4
Audyssey MultEQ XT 
and Dynamic Volume
?
?  

Key Features on all 2019 X-Series AVRs

Video and HDMI

    • New eARC: Enhanced audio return channel now supports latest lossless and 3D audio formats for audio transmission directly from the TV to the AV receiver through the connected HDMI cable.
    • New HDCP 2.3: Supports latest copy protection standard on all HDMI ports.
    • New Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM): Low latency gaming supported on Xbox One and requires supported TV.
    • Incredible Color: 4:4:4 color resolution, BT.2020, HDR10, Dolby Vision compatibility and Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG)Supports.
    • True 4K: 4K Ultra HD/60 Hz pass through and 4K/30Hz video upscaling on AVR-X2600H.

Audio and Surround Sound

    • New Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization Technology: Up mix Dolby content to add virtualized height effects only from floor level speakers such as traditional 2.1 or 5.1 speaker setting (via future firmware update).
    • Immersive 3D Audio: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and DTS Virtual:X up mixing of DTS encoded content.
    • Lossless Surround Sound: Support for Dolby True HD and DTS HD Master Audio.
    • Premium DAC: 32bit AKM DAC allowing for high-resolution audio decoding.
    • Hi-Res Audio: Ability to decode up to 24-bit/192-kHz ALAC, FLAC and WAV lossless files as well as DSD 2.8MHz and 5.6MHz tracks.
    • Universal Playback: Front panel USB input enables playback of MP3, WAV, FLAC, ALAC and DSD (2.8/5.6MHz) files.

Music Streaming and Smart Home

    • HEOS Built-in: Wi-Fi music streaming and multi-room audio technology with compatible components. HEOS supports free and premium Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, TuneIn, iHeart Radio, SoundCloud, SiriusXM, Tidal and more.
    • AirPlay 2 Built-In: Use AirPlay 2 to stream Apple music wirelessly to the AV receiver, or group with other AirPlay compatible speakers to fill the home with music.
    • Effortless Voice Control: Works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant or Apple Siri for hands-free control of your wireless music and AVR.
    • Bluetooth Enabled: Stream music wirelessly and distribute to Zone 2 or HEOS enabled speakers through the free HEOS app.

Setup and Ease of Use

    • Room Calibration and Optimized Room Acoustics: Audyssey suite of EQ calibration technology for simple, accurate set-up and dynamic volume control.
    • Quick Selects: The front panel and remote control feature four Quick Select buttons that store preferred audio settings for each source.
    • Remote apps (iOS/Android): Denon AVR remote for basic AVR's control and setup. Audyssey MultEQ editor app available for purchase for further customization of room EQ curve.
    • Remote Monitoring Support: Gives custom integrators the power to monitor and troubleshoot remotely, which drastically reduces customer downtime. Supports Domotz Pro, OvrC, and ihiji Invision

The AVR- X1600H ($599) and AVR- X2600H ($799) are now available at authorized Denon retailers. For more information on the latest additions to the Denon X-Series receivers, please visit usa.denon.com/us.

Subscribe To Home Theater Review

Get the latest weekly home theater news, sweepstakes and special offers delivered right to your inbox
Email Subscribe
© JRW Publishing Company, 2023
As an Amazon Associate we may earn from qualifying purchases.

magnifiercross
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram
Share to...