Buying a basic receiver used to be a rite of passage for every college and high school student back in the early days of home audio. However, over time the taste for audiophiles has shifted to AV receivers that offer more than just okay sound. Today we’ll be getting into an in-depth analysis between the Denon DRA-800H vs Marantz NR1200.
In a nutshell, the Denon DRA-800H is well suited for excellent music performance coupled with state-of-the-art features. On the other hand, the Marantz NR1200 beats the DRA-800H when it comes to the ease of setting it up and its flexibility while working with audio and video.
Denon DRA 800H vs Marantz NR1200: General Specs
| Product Title | Denon DRA 800H | Marantz NR1200 |
| Weight | 18.30 pounds | 18.10 pounds |
| Frequency Response | 10 Hz -100kHz | 20 Hz -20kHz |
| Total Harmonic Distortion Stereo | 0.08% | 0.08% |
| Impedance | 4 – 16 ohms | 8 ohms |
| Power Consumption | 220 watts | 180 watts |
| Power per Channel | 100 watts per channel | 75 watts per channel |
Other than saving you from skyrocketing electric bills, Denon DRA 800H and Marantz NR1200 come with excellent features. So, let’s get right at it.
Denon DRA 800H Review
Over the years, Denon has established itself as a brand specializing in releasing premium and budget-friendly products. The DRA 800H stereo network receiver hasn’t fallen short of this glory as one of Denon’s products.
Features such as wireless music streaming, app support, and video switching have continually made this receiver one of the most sought AV receivers in the US and beyond.
Let’s get into some of the features that make the Denon DRA 800H receiver a great addition to your home theater sound system.
Excellent Smart Features
The Denon DRA 800H comes with wireless capability that allows you to wirelessly connect it to smart devices via WiFi, Apple AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth. With these features, you can stream your favorite audio wirelessly from any of your smart devices and enjoy it to the fullest.
Built-in Heos Technology
The wireless built-in Heos technology allows you to feel the soothing effect of your favorite music from any room in your home. And there’s more! This technology will enable you to play the same song in any connected room. Or play different songs for every room.
All you need to do is connect the receiver to HEOS wireless speakers and stream your music. Additionally, HEOS allows you to play music from TuneIn, Amazon Prime Music, Deezer, Spotify, SiriusXM, SoundCloud, TIDAL, local music, iHeartRadio, Napster, and Pandora.
Supports Voice Assistants
The network connectivity of the DRA 800H receiver enables the Denon DRA 800H receiver to use voice control systems such as Alexa, Siri, Josh.ai ecosystem, and Google assistant. Start your Heos app and ask your voice assistant to control the volume coming out of your speakers and switch interchangeably between connected media players.
High-Resolution Audio Certified
This receiver has an AKM 32-bit D/A converter capable of decoding up to 24-bit/ 192000Hz WAV, FLAC, and ALAC lossless files via the front network and USB sources. In addition, the Denon DRA 800H still supports the 2.8/5.6-MHz DSD, WMA, and MP3 file types.
Excellent Design
The Denon 800H is a stereo receiver that powers two dual speakers (A/B). The 100 watts per channel guarantees you excellent performance for a frequency response of 20Hz – 20kHz. The receiver has an oxygen-free copper power transformer and a high-current power amplifier.
The short and straight paths between the power supply, amplification, and signal give you a detailed and crisp-clear sound.
Multiple Connectivity Options
The Denon DRA-800H stereo receiver bags the award for many connection options for input and output data.
For input, DRA 800H features,
- HDMI inputs (6),
- Analog audio inputs (2),
- A Phono input,
- Coaxial digital audio,
- USB-A port
- DAB +/FM antenna jack terminal
- Optical digital audio(2).
- RJ45 Ethernet LAN connectivity
The output terminals are as follows:
- HDMI output that’s compatible with ARC and 4K/60Hz
- Subwoofer output via dual preamplified outputs
- Two sets of A and B speaker terminals
- A 6.35 mm stereo jack for headphone output.
All these input and output connectivity options assist you to connect the receiver effortlessly using the available wires and connectors.
Pros
- Features IP and external control for simplified customization and compatibility with third-party devices.
- The phono input allows you to connect your turntable to this stereo network receiver directly.
- Easy to play your audio content via Bluetooth and WiFi, right from your smart devices.
- Easy to tweak your volumes, select volumes, or mute the music using the Denon AVR mobile app.
- Delivers an impeccable gaming experience for Xbox One users.
- Works perfectly with numerous voice assistants
- Supports Auto Lip Sync
- High power and sound performance.
Cons
- Setting up the Denon 800H can be a bit tricky for first-time users.
Marantz NR1200 Review
Next on our review is the Marantz NR1200. One feature that stands out in this receiver is the slim design that allows it to be placed in small-sized rooms. However, don’t get fooled by the size because the sound quality you get is simply audiophile level. And the beauty of it all is that you don’t have to break a bank to own this carefully engineered product.
So, which features make this product a beast in your home theater setup?
Slim Design Profile
As you’ll notice, the Marantz NR1200 comes with a slim design profile that’s probably half the height of a standard receiver. So, you don’t necessarily have to own a massive room to work with the NR1200. While the Marantz NR1800 looks slim, it bags a whopping weight of 18.1 pounds.
Power and Performance
The NR 1200 is a two-channel receiver that delivers high-performance and quality sound, thanks to its power output of 75 W per channel (8-ohm, 20Hz – 20000Hz, 0.08% THD).
Additionally, the Marantz is equipped with the M-DAX circuit that improves the sound quality of low-resolution audio files to give you a much pure and clear sound for a perfect gaming experience.
The receiver also features three audio listening modes- stereo, pure, and pure direct, that work to ensure you achieve a “pure sound” from the Marantz NR1200.
Supports Smart Features
Like Denon 800H, the Marantz NR1200 receiver supports voice assistants such as Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant. Therefore, you can be able to control music playback from your receiver, provided your smart speaker has any of these voice assistants.
Install the Alexa app to your smart device (iOs or Android) and Heos skill for the stereo receiver and pair them. Afterward, indicate the smart speaker’s room and feel the vibe.
Handles Lossy and Lossless Compression Formats
The Marantz NR1200 stereo receiver supports multiple file formats: lossy and lossless. Lossy formats include MP3, AAC, WMA, while lossless formats comprise FLAC HD, DSD, FLAC HD 192/24, ALAC 96/24, and WAV 192/24. Let the file type not worry you because this receiver has sorted you out.
Pros
- The slim design profile allows this stereo receiver to be placed in small-sized rooms.
- Its low latency makes it a perfect pick for gaming.
- Supports multiple audio file formats
- Easy to connect the receiver to a smart TV.
- Supports Heos streaming
- Provides vinyl playback and phono-preamp capability
- Supports wireless connectivity via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, and Ethernet
- Flexible connectivity via HDMI ARC
- The setup is straightforward.
Cons
- Inexperienced Heos mobile app users may need help.
Marantz NR1200 vs Denon DRA 800H Review- Who Wins?
Marantz’s and Denon’s products have been globally known for producing state-of-the-art products, and therefore choosing these stereo receivers won’t be a walk in the park. Let’s break it down for you.
Simple Installation: Winner: Marantz NR1200. The slim profile of the Marantz NR1200 makes it easy to be placed in small-sized rooms. Also, the receiver has a step-by-step guide that helps you with the installation process.
Best for Music: Winner: Denon DRA 800H. Unlike the Marantz NR1200 that drives its two channels with 75 watts, Denon DRA 800H brags of 100 watts per channel. In addition, the low-frequency response of 10Hz allows the receiver to give crisp and deep lows that enrich your music experience.
Best for Smart Features: Winner: Denon DRA 800H. Although both receivers have tons of smart features, Denon has the upper hand due to its ability to support other home automation systems and josh.ai.
In conclusion, both receivers have an impeccable performance, but it all comes down to what you need in your home theater setup.
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