May 9, 2012
MARANTZ DEBUTS TWO SLIMLINE A/V RECEIVERS WITH ADVANCED NETWORKING CAPABILITIES, CONTENT ACCESS AND CONTROL

Maximizing Versatility & Connectivity, New 4-Inch High SlimLine Chassis, Advanced Network Technologies, Front-Panel Inputs and More

By Gary Reber


Marantz, a world leader of advanced home entertainment solutions, today introduced the latest additions to its popular SlimLine Series of audio/video receivers. The new models include the 7.1-channel NR1603 (SRP: $649.99) and the 5.1-channel NR1403 (SRP: $399.99) both of which are scheduled to ship this spring.

Content Is King… and the NR1603 is a Crowning Achievement!
The 7.1-channel
NR1603 is a completely integrated home entertainment receiver that not only delivers pristine audio and video quality but also incorporates an array of features that provide simple, common-sense solutions for maximizing all the benefits of today’s content-rich consumer

market.

Apple’s AirPlay® is just one of the exciting features that make the NR1603 an invaluable centerpiece to any audio/video system and to the “connected entertainment space” of a networked home. AirPlay allows users to customize soundtracks for their home by unleashing their iTunes music libraries through a Mac, PC or an iPhone®, iPad® or iPod touch®*. The NR1603 also features a front panel USB input for audio and photo playback from most USB-enabled
devices. The same connection supports iPod Digital Direct, for improved sound quality from any iPhone, iPad or iPod.


The NR1603 is also equipped with Marantz’s new advanced networking technologies that allow users to access online content such as Internet Radio, Pandora and Sirius-XM**. In addition to these services, thanks to its DLNA 1.5 compliance, users have the option to connect a wide array of DLNA devices for playback through the NR1603. To make the experience intuitive, seamless and straightforward, Marantz’s new GUI features an improved design with richer graphics, multi-platform support and an enhanced feature set promoting faster browsing.

Both the NR1603 and NR1403 feature a front panel HDMI input for the quick and easy connection of HDMI-equipped temporary sources such as cameras, camcorders, and even gaming consoles. Both receivers also include the complete suite of Audyssey enhancements, including MultEQ, Dynamic Volume, and Dynamic EQ. The NR1603 features a 1080 i/p video scaler for higher video quality
from all sources, a total of 6 HDMI inputs and 1 HDMI output.

Like the NR1603, the NR1403 proves itself to be a robust centerpiece for any home theater setup. Equipped with an all-discrete amplifier section custom tuned by Marantz audio engineers, the NR1403 delivers a superior sonic experience, delivering 50 watts through each of its 5 channels. The front-panel HDMI input allows users to quickly and easily connect camcorders as well as iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch to view photos and video or listen to music. The new Graphical User Interface is superimposed on the video source, and provides ease in making adjustments during program playback. When used in conjunction with the optional RX-101 Bluetooth receiver, the rear panel M-XPort, found on all Marantz AV receivers, facilitates audio playback from Bluetooth-enabled devices. Like all Marantz AV receivers, the NR1403 employs M-DAX2 circuitry for improved sound quality from compressed music sources. With improved ease of system setup, the NR1403 also features an auto power off feature, and a total of 6 HDMI inputs, and 1 HDMI output.

Refined Sound Quality, Robust Feature Set and Capabilities
Housed in their sleek new SlimLine chassis, just 4” high, the new receivers are packed with advanced Marantz technologies for refined sound quality. Marantz’s audio heritage is reflected in every aspect of the new SlimLine Series receivers, which deliver a stunning level of musicality, with brilliance in timbre, scale and dynamics. Both the
NR1403 and NR1603 are equipped with a full complement of Audyssey audio technologies for immersive, high-quality surround sound. Audyssey MultEQ automatically calibrates and adjusts the loudspeakers to provide optimum sound for the specific acoustics of any listening environment. Thanks to Audyssey Dynamic Volume users can minimize the annoying, unexpected volume changes that can occur within programming and between broadcast channels. Audyssey Dynamic EQ automatically maintains proper tonal balance and surround speaker output at all listening levels.

Key Features in the Marantz NR1603 and NR1403

NR1603

7.1-channel, 50 watts per channel. Airplay®, new GUI, Audyssey MultEQ, Dynamic Volume and Dynamic EQ. Ethernet port and DLNA 1.5 compliant, front panel USB and HDMI. Total of 6 HDMI inputs. Multi-zone/multi-source audio, 2 component video inputs/1 output.

NR1403

5.1-channel, 50 watts per channel. Audyssey MultEQ, Dynamic Volume and Dynamic EQ. Front panel HDMI, total of 6 HDMI inputs. M-XPort.

For more information on Marantz, visit https://www.marantz.com/en-us/. Become a fan of Marantz on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/marantzamerica or follow Marantz on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/marantzamerica.

 


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