Marantz updates 2015 slimline receivers with wireless connectivity

Marantz has announced its newest slimline receivers for 2015, with the NR1606 and NR1506 now joining the lineup in addition to the full sized SR5010.

While two of the models update 2014 receivers, the NR1506 replaces a two-year old design. Although the original NR1504 didn't even have Wi-Fi, the new NR1506 ($499) more than makes up for this not only with Wi-Fi but also Internet radio, Pandora, SiriusXM, and AirPlay plus Spotify Connect. It will also play back digital files stored on the network with support for most digital files up to 24-bit/192kHz. Bluetooth streaming is also included.

The same wireless functionality also extends to the more expensive NR1606 ($699) and SR5010 ($899) which also offer decoding for object based surround formats Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. As both receivers are 7.1 channel systems only one set of height channels will be amplified.

The three receivers offer more HDMI inputs than most with the NR1506 offering six-in/one-out, the NR1606 with eight-in/one-out and the SR5010 with eight-in/two-out. All of the models feature compatibility with the latest 4K standards including HDMI 2.0a specification with 4K 60Hz pass-through and HDCP 2.2 for 4K copy-protected content. The NR1606 and SR5010 will also upscale to 1080p and 4k 30/24 Hz via HDMI.

Trying to decide between the NR1606 and the SR5010? Apart from the size difference, the larger SR5010 offers more power (7x 100W vs 7x50W ) in addition to better quality amplification in the form of Marantz's HDAM (Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Module).

The three new models will be available in the US in July and August, with pricing and availability in the UK and Australia to be announced.