NETWORKED AV RECEIVER MARANTZ NR1606

Receivers — multichannel AV amplifiers — do tend to be large units, double height, partly allowing ventilation space for all those amp channels, partly simply to fit all the required connections on the back. Marantz has offered a friendlier design for some years now, and the NR1606 is the newest version of this ‘slimline’ receiver series. At only 105mm tall (including feet but not including the two antennas) and with its curved face, it’s a far prettier unit than is the norm. So let’s dive right in and see what’s behind that attractive face.

EQUIPMENT

Examining the raw facts and figures, we see that the NR1606 isn’t disappointing. Perhaps the only marked variation from the norm in a receiver in this price category are the headline power measurements. There are seven channels, rated at up to 50W continuous each (two channels driven) at just 0.08% THD into eight ohms across the full audio bandwidth. Do keep in mind that