Marantz NR1506 5.2 Channel Network Audio/Video Surround Receiver with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi

I have been looking for a new receiver for some time now, and had my eye on a marantz unit due to their reputation for quality. I nearly ordered the 1605 last summer, but was hesitant regarding the posted reviews that were critical of freezing and connectivity issues. In addition, I don't need a 7 channel system (nor even 5.1) as the vaulted ceilings don't allow for hiding wires to the surround speakers. As such, upon moving into my new location I jettisoned the surround sound, and purchased some stereo bookshelf speakers (NHT absolute zero) and have been running a 2.1 channel system (velodyne 10" sub and older denon 1910 receiver).Upon seeing the release of a Marantz 5.1 receiver with wireless and hdmi 2.0, I took a chance on it, despite not seeing any reviews to indicate its performance. So that's why I'm here, I don't believe ever having written a product review in the past. Hopefully it will help someone else, who may have had the same concerns I did (perhaps unfounded, as those with problems are more inclined to post, etc.) with this line of receiver.I got it set up last weekend, and turned it on. Setup was easy and straightforward, a tripod made of cardboard was included in the box for Audessey setup mic (Super bootleg - being a paper tripod - but a definite plus from Marantz! I don't own a tripod, and wouldn't purchase on just to calibrate, so it was a nice touch.) I did read a forum post from someone who got hung up on this model with the setup software not recognizing his left channel speaker, but I did not experience any issues during calibration.After which, it guided setup of the home network through an iPhone/iPad. I'm not sure if it does the same with android or not, but setup with Apple was pretty painless. Select the Marantz receiver from the wifi settings, and it does the rest, connecting to the network and providing the password, etc. It connected wirelessly without extending the antennas (The Receiver sits on a component rack with the router and modem (Motorola surfboard and apple airport), so perhaps the proximity is a factor. But I get a solid connection, and have not had any issues thus far with network connectivity. What is appreciated is being able to change the video setting to the cable box (or other input) while having music playing through the system. I love being able to change the display to news or sports, while getting separate audio.Using apple music to stream through AirPlay, I have had it act weird and concky once thus far, prior to updating the receiver's firmware. (Although, I'm giving Marantz the benefit of the doubt on this one, and truly believe the performance issues are tied to the buggy-as-all-get-out launch of Apple music.) I have had no such issues streaming spotify, and have difficulty regularly even when trying to stream AirPlay to the Apple TV upstairs. You'd think that their features would work seamlessly within their Eco-system, but I have gotten far more solid performance with spotify streaming to PS3 prior to having a network receiver. Neither here nor there, (but as someone drinking the apple kool aid being firmly entrenched in their product line, I do hope apple gets it together again at some point. A far cry from how functional and simple their solutions were 10-15 years ago. The competition seems to have caught up a bit, and I'm not convinced the pricing premium they place on their products nearly provides the value it nice did.)Setup was easy, and performance has been great as well. Although the sound quality is improved over my old denon unit, the difference certainly has not been night and day. I'm still tinkering with it, and haven't explored everything within. It is better with dialogue, and I certainly enjoy 2.1 channel music to a larger extent. But I cannot comment on the surround capabilities or performance, since I'm running a 2 channel system.I will say the power is more than adequate for my needs. The speakers it powers aren't terribly efficient (86db), and the room has a lot of open space with high ceilings. Nevertheless, any concerns about cranking out enough sound have been completely unfounded. This will get loud, and sounds clear even at high volume. (Something about 50 watts of clean power being better than however many watts with poor amplification, etc.)I'm not entrenched in home theater or audiophile culture, but do like nice things and have somewhat of an ear for it. No doubt there are those that draw from far more knowledge, experience, and history with audio that can provide better feedback and assessment of the receivers capabilities. But in the absence of any other posted reviews, I wanted to throw my 2 cents in. Bottom line, it's a great sounding receiver for my needs (and I would imagine yours as well, assuming the feature set is right for you), has enough power to fill a big room with a 2.1 channel system with less than average efficiency speakers, and the network functionality has been no problem whatsoever. In addition, the slim profile is a plus, though for purely aesthetic reasons. Although my experience is only my own, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the receiver. My experience has been positive, and have had no issues.

It worked great for 31 days then the IR sensor went out and would not respond to remote control commands. Marantz customer support is a joke, when I called and explained the issue was occurring with the Marantz remote and my Logitech Harmony the rep wanted to reset the Marantz remote??? Then he explained I needed to ship to a service center and when I asked about the process he said there wasn't one, that I should just call them before sending the unit.April 26, 2016 update - sent the unit in for repair and it was returned with the exact same problem. Spoke with repair center and they replace a component recommended by Marantz. So I contacted Marantz and asked for options on exchanging for a new unit and was told there are no options other than sending it back to a repair center for evaluation. Only the repair center can authorize a replacement.I have purchased many stereo devices over the years and this is by far the worst experience. Based on reliability and inter-actions with Marantz I cannot recommend this product.

I owned a Denon which at the time was rating as one of the best. The remote on the Denon had a buttons to operate the receiver on the opposite side (just lame) but even worse was the Denon stopped working but still powered. I just went without using the Bose Acoustimass 10 for nearly 5 years before trying to get the Denon to work. I then read reviews where that model died literally in 2 years. So, it was simply, I'll NEVER buy Denon again and searched all the other brands. I remembered Marantz from the early 70's and new they were top of line back then and after looking at the reviews, remote, features, size (this is one of two that I found in 5:1 (actually 5:2 - takes two bass amps.) that wasn't the standard 6" height. I was a little concerned with the reviews on set up, etc. but ZERO issues! This thing is just awesome. Set up was freakin' easy, having the HDMI on the front is perfect for connecting a PC / Laptop and watching YouTube or anything on the internet. The sound and options for Game, Movie, Stereo, etc. is very good. The internet allows for internet radio which I really enjoy. The regular stereo works great with a power FM antenna. I was really surprised with 4k pass through and noticed the BluRay video quality impressed me and I can best describe this as going from VHS tape to DVD. It's that good. I'm sure the Onkyo and some of the other receivers are good but I really impressed with the Marantz, especially the remote, set up, features, sound, internet, etc. The only think I missed (which is my fault) is the Bose Acoustimass 10 has 6 speakers an the bass amp. So, I have a speaker which goes behind the couch in the center that is not connected. For some reason 5:1/2 and 7:1/2 are very common but not 6:1/2 for some reason. Hope this helps out anyone looking at buying this. One final note, I'm 48 years old and really don't like all the new technology and how technology in it's attempt to make things easier has gotten so frustrating and confusing. You won't have that issue with this receiver.

Great receiver. Love that it has Preamp outs. Network connection is awesome. Refurbished is just as good as new and half the price. [Note that the Marantz android app is mediocre, but that doesn't compromise quality of amp]

Love this receiver - very easy to set up. My only problem was getting the Air Play to work - Called Marantz customer support - they suggested it was my wireless internet port settings - too complicated to try to resolve it over the phone. I decided to not use the Marantz Air Play feature - instead using the Apple TV Air Play capability which works very well with the receiver... Definitely would buy it again

Love it so far. We can now stream movies from our tablets to our TV

merci recu

Great product.