MARANTZ NR1711

When you’re onto a good thing, stick to it! Perhaps the most surprising thing about the Marantz NR1711 (the first and smaller of two Marantz receivers reviewed this issue) is that the other major brands haven’t copied its form factor — it’s the size of a normal stereo hi-fiamplifier, rather than having the double-height hulk of a chassis more common to AV receivers. Not that Marantz can’t hulk with the best of them — see the next review. But here we have what the company calls a ‘slimline’ receiver: a nice compromise for those who want the proper quality for a surround sound experience, but don’t want the bulk of most receivers.

Equipment

And, yes, this is a proper home theatre receiver, with seven channels able to be configured in all the usual surround sound ways: 7.1 channels (all surround plus subwoofer), 5.1 channels plus a stereo Zone B, 5.1 channels with the front stereo pair given additional power by bi-amping, or 5.1.2 with two overhead channels for the height information of Dolby Atmos or DTS:X soundtracks. Each amp channel is rated at 50 watts, measured at