New Marantz AV receivers stay slim, but cost more

Marantz NR1604

(Credit: Marantz)

AV receivers have a well-deserved reputation as giant, unsightly boxes, but over the last few years Marantz has shown that good sound can come in smaller packages.

The company refreshed its AV receiver line today with two new slimline models, the NR1504 and NR1604. They're largely the same as last year's models; the big addition is built-in AirPlay to the entry-level model, which also bumps up the price.

Here's how I'd break down the most important features:

NR1504 ($500): 5.1 channels, six HDMI inputs (including 1 front panel input), Audyssey MultEQ, networking via Ethernet, built-in AirPlay, networking, setup assistant NR1604 ($650) step-ups: 7.1 channels, 7 HDMI inputs, powered and unpowered second zone, analog video upconversion

Marantz NR1504 back panel. (Click to enlarge.)

(Credit: Marantz)

While it's a shame that Marantz no longer offers a $400 model, these new models still look very promising. If you've been frustrated ugly, bulky receivers with too many features that you never use, both models are a breath of fresh air, with a compact design and an uncluttered b... [Read more]