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The Marantz NR1604 is a slim, archived 7.1-channel AV receiver from around 2013. It remains a sensible inexpensive choice for conventional 5.1/7.1 surround, Blu-ray and older HDMI equipment, Audyssey room correction, and legacy analog video. Its early 4K pass-through is not equivalent to modern HDR, HDMI 2.1, eARC, or 4K gaming support, so buy one only after testing it and confirming that it matches your system.
What the Marantz NR1604 is
Marantz identifies the NR1604 as a discontinued slimline network AV receiver, not a current model: official archived product page. It has seven discrete amplifier channels, one subwoofer pre-out, seven HDMI inputs (including a front input), and one HDMI output. The correct designation is 7.1-channel; listings calling it 7.2 are generally incorrect.
Its appeal is physical rather than current-format performance. The chassis is about half the height of a conventional AVR while retaining Audyssey MultEQ, component and composite video switching, legacy digital inputs, network audio, and front-height or surround-back assignment options. It is best viewed as a low-cost receiver for an older or secondary system.
Verified specifications
| Feature | NR1604 specification |
|---|---|
| Amplifier channels | 7.1; seven discrete power-amplifier channels |
| Power ratings | 50 W/channel at 8 ohms, 20 Hz–20 kHz, 0.08% THD, two channels driven; 70 W/channel at 6 ohms, 1 kHz, 0.7% THD, one channel driven |
| HDMI | 7 inputs (one front), 1 output; 3D pass-through, ARC and HDMI-CEC |
| Other video | 2 component inputs/1 output; 3 composite inputs/1 output; analog-to-HDMI conversion |
| Digital audio | 1 optical input and 1 coaxial input |
| Analog and other connections | 3 analog audio inputs, front USB, headphone output, one subwoofer pre-out, Zone 2 and front pre-outs, IR/control connections, 12-volt trigger, FM/AM tuners |
| Audio processing | Audyssey MultEQ, Dynamic EQ, Dynamic Volume, Pure Direct, M-DAX; conventional Dolby/DTS surround and Dolby Pro Logic IIz front-height processing |
| Networking | Wired network audio, AirPlay, DLNA 1.5, Internet Radio, Pandora, Spotify, SiriusXM and local computer/NAS playback as documented for its original generation |
| Bluetooth | Requires the optional Marantz RX101 receiver connected to M-XPort |
| Dimensions and weight | Approximately 17 21/64 in W × 4 9/64 in H × 14 29/64 in D; 18 lb 8 oz |
Specifications are from Marantz’s specification sheet and owner’s manual. The two power figures use different impedance, frequency, distortion and channel-drive conditions; neither is a universal comparison with newer AVR ratings.
#1 Best Overall
- RC021SR Replaced Remote, fit for MARANTZ Audio Video Receiver: NR1604 SR5008 SR6008 NR1604P
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What its 4K support really means
The NR1604 can pass through and upscale compatible video to 3840×2160 under its original design. The manual describes early 4K input/output behavior, along with legacy Deep Color and 3D features. That does not establish support for HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HDCP 2.2, 4K/120, 8K, VRR, ALLM, HDMI 2.1, or eARC. Marantz’s documentation also does not list those features.
Consequently, do not buy it as a modern 4K/HDR receiver. An HDR console, streaming box or PC may need to connect directly to the television, with audio returned separately. Compatibility depends on the exact TV, source and audio format, so test the combination rather than assuming every modern source will fail or work.
Rank #2
- RC021SR Replacement Remote Control Applicable for Marantz AV Surround Receiver SR5008 SR6008 NR1604 NR1604P
- No programming or paring is needed. Just insert new batteries to get it work.
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Practical connection options
- Connect older HDMI sources such as a Blu-ray player or cable box to the NR1604, then run the receiver’s HDMI output to the TV.
- For HDR or high-refresh gaming, connect the source directly to the TV and use the TV’s optical output or ARC to send compatible audio to the receiver.
- If ARC handshake behavior is unreliable, disable ARC/CEC temporarily and use optical. Optical has its own format and channel limitations.
- If the TV cannot provide suitable audio return, consider an HDMI audio extractor only after checking its HDCP, HDR pass-through and supported audio formats.
Audio capability and speaker matching
The published 50-watt, 8-ohm figure is adequate for many efficient speakers in a normal living room, but output depends on speaker sensitivity, impedance dips, room size, listening distance, desired level and how many channels are driven at once. A powered subwoofer handles deep bass and reduces demand on the receiver. The single subwoofer pre-out is intended for a powered subwoofer or suitable distribution solution, not a passive subwoofer.
Audyssey MultEQ measures the speakers and listening area, then sets distances, levels and equalization. The receiver also offers Dynamic EQ, Dynamic Volume, Pure Direct and M-DAX. It can run conventional 5.1 or 7.1 layouts; depending on the assignment, the spare channels can serve front-height speakers or bi-amping. It is not a Dolby Atmos or DTS:X receiver, and it cannot be upgraded into an object-based surround platform.
Rank #3
- RC034SR Replacement Remote Control for Marantz Slim Line 7.1 7.2 Channel 4K Network AV Surround Receiver NR1608 SR5012 NR1604 NR1710 NR1605 NR1603
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- Package Included: 1 x IR Remote.
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Network audio, USB and Bluetooth
The original feature list includes AirPlay, DLNA 1.5, Internet Radio, Pandora, Spotify, SiriusXM, Flickr and playback from a computer or NAS, including WAV and FLAC files up to 192 kHz/24-bit in the published specification. These are historical capabilities: services can change authentication, APIs or regional availability, and the 2026 operation of each service is not guaranteed.
Treat the NR1604 as a wired-network receiver unless the individual unit has an accessory that proves otherwise. The manual’s app instructions require the receiver on a LAN; a phone can be on Wi-Fi on that same network. The Marantz Remote App and original service integrations are legacy software, so test them with your device before relying on them.
Rank #4
- Most musical sound: Tuned by the Marantz Sound Master to exacting standards, the NR1510 delivers the rich, warm character that has defined Marantz since 1953
- Slimline design: At half the height of a traditional AV receiver, the NR1510 brings legendary Marantz performance to spaces where full-size components simply cannot go
- Powerful five-channel amplifier: A high-current discrete amplifier delivers 50 watts per channel across all five channels—the foundation of precise, nuanced sound
- High-resolution surround sound: Full support for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio means every soundtrack is reproduced with fidelity and depth
- Versatile connectivity: Six HDMI inputs plus analog, digital, and phono inputs make the NR1510 a natural fit for virtually any home setup
The front USB port supports compatible iPod/iPhone devices and USB storage playback. It should not be assumed to be a general-purpose USB DAC input for a computer. Bluetooth is not built in: wireless playback requires Marantz’s optional RX101 receiver on the M-XPort, and used listings often omit that accessory.
Using it with 5.1, 7.1 and Zone 2 systems
- 5.1: Front left/right, center, surrounds and powered subwoofer are the simplest match and leave amplifier channels unused.
- 7.1: Add surround-back speakers where the room and seating permit.
- Front height: Dolby Pro Logic IIz-era height processing is available in supported assignments, but this is not Atmos height-channel decoding.
- Zone 2: The receiver provides Zone 2 pre-out/control connections; verify the chosen source and amplifier arrangement in the manual.
- Bi-amping: Possible in a supported speaker assignment, provided the speakers have removable jumper links and the configuration is wired correctly.
First-time setup
- Connect the receiver’s HDMI output to the television and select that HDMI input on the TV.
- Wire the front, center and surround speakers, observing polarity; connect a powered subwoofer to the single subwoofer pre-out.
- Choose the speaker layout in the on-screen Setup Assistant.
- Plug in the Audyssey microphone at ear height at the main listening position and run the measurement sequence, adding positions when prompted.
- Review detected speaker sizes, distances, levels and crossover values before saving.
- Connect sources and assign optical, coaxial or analog inputs where necessary.
- Enable HDMI Control/ARC only when the television requires it, then verify that the main-zone source produces sound from every speaker.
The supplied manual covers the Setup Assistant, input assignment and reset procedures. A reset can erase network settings, input assignments, Audyssey results and preferences; record settings before using it, and follow the exact regional manual sequence.
Best Value
- Sound Master tuned: Hand-tuned at Marantz's legendary Shirakawa facility in Japan, CINEMA 60 delivers the warm, enveloping sound that defines The Most Musical Sound in any room
- Timeless design: Symmetrical, elegantly proportioned, and built with premium materials, CINEMA 60 is as refined in appearance as it is in performance
- Immersive audio: Dolby Atmos and DTS:X place you at the center of a three-dimensional sound experience that brings every scene to life
- Uncompromising power: With 7.2 channels and 100 W per channel, CINEMA 60 delivers the commanding dynamics and subtle nuance of a world-class home theater
- Effortless connectivity: Six HDMI inputs — three 8K-compatible — plus analog, digital, and phono connections welcome virtually any source into your entertainment universe
Troubleshooting branches
No picture
- Confirm the TV input, receiver input and source power.
- Reseat HDMI cables and try another receiver input.
- Check that the source resolution is accepted by the display.
- Temporarily disable HDMI Control/ARC to rule out a handshake loop.
- Connect the source directly to the TV. If that works, bypass the NR1604 for modern HDR video.
No sound
- Check mute, selected source and whether Zone 2 is being controlled instead of the main zone.
- Verify speaker terminals, polarity and input assignment.
- Set the TV’s ARC/optical output to a format the receiver accepts.
- Confirm Audyssey did not mark a connected speaker absent.
- Ensure the powered subwoofer is on and configured correctly.
Network services unavailable
- Use a wired LAN connection and verify the receiver and phone are on the same network.
- Test basic network access before diagnosing an individual service.
- Use USB or a local network server as a fallback.
- Do not treat the original service list as a promise of current authentication or app support.
Used-buying checklist
Test before paying
- All seven HDMI inputs, including the front input, and the HDMI output with your display.
- Every amplifier channel, headphone output and the subwoofer pre-out.
- Optical, coaxial, analog, USB, component and composite connections if you need them.
- Wired networking, tuner reception and remote control.
- Audyssey microphone input, front-panel controls, display, standby and power-on behavior.
Confirm included accessories
Ask for the remote, batteries, Audyssey microphone, AM/FM antennas, power cable and RX101 Bluetooth adapter if advertised. Missing remote or microphone makes setup and advanced configuration harder; a missing RX101 means there is no Bluetooth function.
Inspect for damaged HDMI sockets, corroded terminals, overheating marks, relay clicking, protection shutdowns, repeated restarts and controls that intermittently fail. Anecdotal reports of HDMI problems on older NR-series receivers are not a model-wide failure rate, but they are a reason to test every input and insist on a return option.
What is a fair used price?
U.S. secondary-market evidence in 2026 is sparse and condition-dependent. A completed eBay sale was $125; another tested listing with a remote asked $249.99. Search results also showed a $239 asking price, while an $8,289 listing is an obvious outlier rather than a valuation: search results and outlier listing.
| Price range | How to interpret it |
|---|---|
| Below about $100–$150 | Potentially attractive if fully tested and complete. |
| About $150–$200 | Reasonable only with working HDMI, remote, microphone and a return option. |
| Above $200 | Compare with newer used receivers offering HDR, Atmos and more current networking. |
| Untested, any price | High risk; unknown HDMI operation can erase the apparent bargain. |
These are directional buying thresholds, not an appraisal. Asking prices are not completed-sale prices, and shipping damage or missing accessories materially changes value.
NR1604 alternatives
| Alternative | Why consider it | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Marantz NR1510 | Newer slimline platform, HEOS networking, 5.2 channels and 4K support. | Fewer amplifier channels and less legacy connectivity; exact current availability should be verified. |
| Marantz NR1711 | Later slimline 7.2-channel design with substantially newer HDMI and surround support. | Typically costs more used; verify region, firmware and accessories. Market examples have appeared around $500–$650, but listings vary. |
| Marantz Cinema 70s | Current slimline category with modern surround, HDMI/video and networking. | Much more expensive; check the regional site for current specifications and price. |
| Modern full-size AVR | Often offers more power, HDMI 2.1, Atmos/DTS:X, cooling and format support. | Taller chassis and potentially harder placement. |
Who should buy the NR1604?
- Good match: A buyer needing inexpensive 5.1/7.1 sound, legacy HDMI, component/composite inputs, Audyssey and a low-profile chassis.
- Acceptable with conditions: A modern-TV owner willing to route HDR video directly to the TV and return audio by optical or ARC.
- Poor match: Anyone requiring HDR/Dolby Vision, 4K/120 gaming, VRR, ALLM, eARC, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, guaranteed current streaming services, built-in Bluetooth or dual-subwoofer processing.
The NR1604’s value is in its seven-channel amplification, slim dimensions, room correction and legacy connectivity—not modern video switching. Buy only a tested, complete unit at a low price; otherwise, put the extra money toward a newer receiver.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
