Marantz NR1601

Marantz NR1601

Generally, when you're buying an AV receiver it comes down to features and performance, with aesthetics being a wash--there's little different between all the bulky, black boxes. But in the case of the Marantz NR1601, the main appeal is its slimline design: its 4.19-inch height is substantially smaller than a traditional AV receiver. Even better, the Marantz's slender dimensions don't have a negative impact on its sound quality; it's one of the better-sounding midrange receivers we've tested this year. The main trade-offs are HDMI inputs and price. The NR1601 only features four HDMI inputs, whereas many competitors have six, and its $600 price tag is notably more than, say, the $450 Pioneer VSX-1020-K. However, if you don't need tons of HDMI connectivity and are willing to pay for its good looks, the Marantz NR1601 is the way to go. The NR1601's slimline design makes it unique in the AV receiver market. At just 4.19 inches high, it's much smaller than your typical AV receiver, looking more like a high-end Blu-ray player than any of its competitors. It's also a tad shallower than a traditional AV receiver at 14.5 inches.