Marantz 1601 vs 1402

[Hoshner]

Hi,

I am buying my first surround system and have a budget of 50K for the same.

I have decided to go with a Marantz Amp with a Boston Acoustics XS5.1.

My question is that on Hifi Mart there is the Marantz 1601 & Marantz 1402 both available for approx same price.

My usage will be 80 % Movies, 20 % Music. Both sounds quality and ease of use are important to me.

The Marantz 1601 has with a USB port in front as well as the ability to scale to a 7.1 system.

The Marantz 1402 is newer, has 5.1 channels and no usb but has more input options at the back as well as a pre amp out (not sure how this affects me)

Cant decide which one to go for..

Any perspectives / help would be appreciated!

Thanks

Hoshner

 

[sjith]

hoshner,

in the pre amp out you can connect an additional 2 channel amplifier
(for a stereo setup or driving the front speakers etc.)

1601 offers more inputs
1 more comp. video in, 2 more analog audio in, 1 more optical audio in, and 1 pair speaker outputs to make it 7.1

 

[Hoshner]

Hi,

Thanks for your reply Sjith, on paper the 1601 seems a superior option.

In terms of sound quality and output i believe both would be the same .. Is that correct ?

Any reason besides the preamp out i may want to go for the 1402 ?

Since its newer does it support any better tech ? Easier setup options / better GUI, support for wider range of codecs, surround decoders etc ?

In terms of HDMI tech like 3D and ARC i believe both Amp are HDMI 1.4a compatiable and should support both .. is that correct ?

Dont want to go with the 1601 for the 7.1 (which i will probably never use) and then get stuck because it doesnt support some stuff that may be more relevant.

Thanks

Hoshner.

 

[SatMumbai]

I am advising a friend of mine on a similar topic and so here is my take.

I have not extensively read through the spec sheet of both, but to me the slimline receivers except the current 1604 are not of great value at many levels.
The above mentioned models are with out network which is a big NO, if you want to do AirPlay or Internet Radio. On the surface they offer some GUI, what I understand is that the GUI is not overlay on HDMI and I guess in 1601 it is more like you have to change the output on the receiver to get the GUI/OSD on TV. I remember things like that on much older equipment and to me it is quite annoying.

You can have current year Yamaha or Pioneer with Warranty & Bills for lower prices if it is a 5.1 and no pre-outs but networking and proper GUI. I am not too sure where you are located, but I buy the popular electronics from Alpha in Ville Parle as they have great prices and much easier to handle as there is generally no bargain.

Look out a bit more in physical stores, if you have not done already, and try to get a demo of the equipment to make sure that you are fine with GUI before your purchase.

To conclude the story, My friend has gone with NR1604 as he needed a 7.1 receiver with network. I guess this might be in 50K price region and possibly out of your budget but the Yamaha and Pioneers have various good price points and nice sounding too!

 

[gurujee]

^what is the reason for your disappointment.

 

[Hoshner]

Hoshner,

Don't go with Nr1601 with boston A soundware xs5.1 same i bought from hifimart, but am very much disappointed.

One week back i got nr1601 and yesterday i received Boston a soundware xs5.1. I sold out my Onkyo s3400 , it is 100% better than this.

Still you want to go with same combination, send me pm will sell my products.

just receiver one week and boston one day old.

Today i fixed it , but very much disappointed.

rammy

Hey Rammy,

What exactly are you disappointed with ? Is it the Amp or Speakers ? The Marantz Amps (1402 & 1601) whilst dated (and i take SatMumbai's point that the interface is not the best, but at 24K its probably still great value) have all got rave reviews in terms of sound. There are others on this forum that have used this combination with satisfactory results.

Would be great if you could elaborate.

Thanks

Hoshner.

 

[shriram]

I also got the Marantz NR1601 from hifimart, and my impression is that it is a good value for money for the features offered (at the current price). Yes it may lack contemporary features like Airplay, WiFi, etc.. but IMO a 4k-7k media player will address these issues. Personally, I have a WDTV Live hooked up to the AVR via HDMI and it provides all the connectivity I need. Currently using with CA S30's speakers and planning to expand to 5.1 down the line..

- Shriram

 

[shriram]

I am looking at following options at the moment, which I believe should pair well with Marantz AVR's going by personal experience and reviews
CA s30 fronts + s50 center
MS Aviano 1 fronts + Aviano 5 center
Dali Zensor 1 and vokal center
(already have a JBL sub.. not looking for surrounds at the moment)

- Shriram