Marantz launches two new slimline AV receivers

TVs are routinely skinny as hell now. Tablet computers and phones are getting slimmer all the time. Speakers can now be flat or incredibly tiny. Even Xbox and PS3 games consoles are now minute compared with their original incarnations. In fact, pretty much the only truly bulky parts of a typical home cinema system are their AV receivers.

But Marantz is out to change all that. For having already enjoyed success with debut ‘slim’ receivers last year, it’s now consolidating its slim line range with two new models: the NR1603 and NR1403.

The NR1403 offers a surprising amount of features considering it costs just £349.90. When it comes to connections, for instance, as well as five HDMIs on the rear there’s a further sixth one on the front – ideal for people wanting to easily connect smartphones, tablets or camcorders.

Marantz NR1603: Exactly like a normal AV receiver, only smaller.

There’s a total of 250W of audio power available for either stereo of 5.1 configurations, while set up is aided by a Setup Assistant, Audyssey MultEQ system and included microphone.

As for decoding, the NR1403 has separated decoders for both standard and high definition audio formats, including DTS-HD and Dolby TrueHD.

Stepping up to the £549.90 NR1603, meanwhile, gets you seven channels of audio, as well as a variety of networking facilities including audio streaming, Internet radio, Airplay from your iDevice, an iPod digital USB input and an M-DAX2 for boosting the quality of compressed audio.

The NR1603′s six HDMIs are all 3D compatible too, and offer video upscaling to 1080p.

Both of Marantz’s new slim AV receivers are available now in black or silver-gold.