Marantz NR1403 and NR1603 Slim Line Receiver Thread - Page 6

Thanks. The page numbers are slightly different in the softcopy manual that came with my NR1603
HDMI control function: page 88
HDMI setup/HDMI control: pp 109-110.

Now I see how one can choose either "last" or specify the stand-by source. Does the optical connection carry both audio and video? would that allow me to run the DVR audio through the NR1603?

No. Only HDMI carries both audio and video. Yes, the optical cable will pass either stereo or DD 5.1 to the AVR with no difference in audio quality as with the HDMI cable connected.

If I go this route,

1. which of the two (the AVR or the DVR) is recommended to connect to the one HDMI with ARC capability on the TV?
2. If I connect the DVR directly to the TV with audio back from the TV via the optical connection, how would I select the DVR for playback with the NR1603 (on those occasions where I want to take advantage of the audio to it)?

Unrelated question: is there any direct way to access either a parametric EQ or simple high/mid/bass sliders on the NR 1603? even under the manual setting for audio settings I can't find such.

thanks!

1. That would have to be the AVR as the DVR is not able to receive the ARC audio from the TV.
2. Note I indicate DVR(optical) and not TV(optical).

Graphic EQ (p. 107 OM).

This morning the receiver, when powered on, was passing audio through to the TV. Could not get it to play audio itself. Not muted, powered on/off several times. It would not pass audio at all from the Roku. It played audio from both sources and BD last night.

Check to make sure the "HDMI Audio Out" setting (p. 109 OM) is set to "AVR" and not to "TV" with the understanding that it does not need to be set to "TV" in order to pass the audio to the TV in Standby mode.

Appreciate the response. I'm beginning to think that such a setting should
1) be findable without having to consult the manual. It is not, apparently, in the audio menu.
2) reset itself, rendering all audio output mute.

In the HDMI setup, the selection for HDMI audio out is grayed out, making it inaccessible.
It does show it being set to AVR.

I was able to access it by turning HDMI control "off" it made that menu item accessible again.

I had to turn HDMI control "off" then "on" to get audio output working from the NR1603.

Wonderful: I look forward to walking my wife or eight year old through that simply to get the thing to work.
Edited by theSeaHawk - 12/27/12 at 1:12pm

Note that I reference the Owner's manual page number as that is the only reference I have to assist you as I do not own a 1603. Doing so also provides additional reference for you as well if needed. However, the fact that the HDMI Audio Out setting is greyed out means something is wrong with the AVR. Try setting the AVR to Standby and disconnect the power cord for a few minutes (ie. soft reset which will not change any settings). If still no joy, then reset the microprocessor (p. 154 OM).

I was able to restore the NR1603's audio output for all inputs by turning HDMI input, which had been set to "on" to "off," then "on" again. This model is on probation and if it continues to act up, will be returned within the 30 day return period. I appreciate your input and will keep the soft reset/microprocessor reset in mind, but if I have to do that to get the unit to work, it will be going back.

It's frustrating that many common functions for audio control are either buried far down in menus and cannot be quickly accessed, if at all. I have a Marantz 2238 receiver (30 watts RMS per channel) that drives these same speakers with far more presence and body than does the NR1603.

Do you mean you cycled the "HDMI Control" setting?

Yes.

Okay, thanks for the followup.

I have just purchased the Marantz NR1603 along with some Jamo speakers and my excitement has fizzled out after reading the instructions. I know nothing about setting it all up and the salesman made it all sound very easy. I have an apple tv, blu ray dvd player and LG TV HDMI compatible. I can see how to attach the marantz and the tv with the HDMI cable and Optical cable, and it seems simple enough to add the blu ray player. However, how do I attach the Apple TV and can I use this for streaming music from my apple devices alone? I currently use this on the Television and it is great, however I am keen to use Pandora and I Tunes match on the system as well. If anyone can help a not so tech savvy woman I would be very grateful. Once everything is attached then the fun begins tuning it all.
Cheers Jen

Welcome to AVS Forum!

If you review the Audyssey 101/FAQ Guide linked in my sig, you'll learn how to best use the Audyssey mic to setup and EQ your speakers and sub. Unless you are trying to pass audio from on board TV apps (eg. Netflix, Hulu, Vudu, etc.) back to the AVR, there's no reason to use the optical cable. Although if that is the reason, you are likely better served using the optical cable rather than using the HDMI(ARC) feature to pass the audio from the TV back to the AVR over the same HDMI cable that connects the AVR to the TV. The Apple TV (ATV) will connect to the AVR just as any other HDMI device. Note that although the 1603 also features Airplay, the ATV can also stream video as well as audio while the Airplay on the 1603 can only stream audio. A caveat however, is that if you want to use the ATV to stream audio to Zone 2, you'll need to also connect the optical output of the ATV to an optical--> analog converter and then connect the analog output to the AVR as only analog audio from an external device will pass to Zone 2 while any of the on board network sources (Airplay, Pandora, internet radio, etc.) will pass to Zone 2.

Hi jdsmoothie,
I am new here, and the new owner of a 1403 that I am enjoying a lot. I haven't yet set up Audyssey, (currently listening to 2 channel only) I noticed your post "If you review the Audyssey 101/FAQ Guide linked in my sig" I don't see the link in your sig? Would you please direct me to the guide....

Thanks,

lacro

UPDATE:

Duh!.... Now that I am a member your sig shows up just fine. Please disregard my request.
Edited by lacro - 12/30/12 at 12:53pm

Hi lacro ... it's the first line in my sig ....

Note also that you can run Audyssey with only 2 speakers.

Will the 1403 drive a 4 ohm load? I want to use one in my RV to drive five of these little speakers.
http://www.jensenrvdirect.com/jensen-surface-mount-theater-speaker.html

I am a new owner of a Marantz 1403, and I am just using it for a 2.1 system for my computer room. The question I have is there any way to safely bi-amp it so I get more power for the two speakers I'm running off of it? It has enough power as is, but I figure I might as well add some headroom if it's easy and safe to do.

I did not see anything on this in the manual, so I'm not overly optimistic, but I am curious if this is possible.

Thanks!

Well I would use the pre-amp outputs on the marantz
And pick up a parasound 2 CH amp...it will be your best move!

Thinking of getting the 1403 to replace a bells&whistles
Avr..with a lot I don't use..love the slim look..only will be powering
Center and surrounds..just worried about the GUI on screen menu..I heard its very outdated Atari 80s look?
Any happy campers out there with there 1403?..don't need network or 7.1.. Had it..room plays better with just 5.1
Is this 1403 play nice with the harmony remote?
Guess I will just pick one up..give it a shot..if not I can return it..replacing h/k avr254..thanks for any info

As you'll likely only be driving them at background music listening levels only ... shouldn't be a problem.

Although the 1403 doesn't offer the "bi-amp" feature offered on the 1603 and higher models, doing so isn't going to buy you any noticeable increase in power. If you feel you need more power to your speakers, use the FL/FR pre-amp outputs with a more powerful 2CH amp connected to power the speakers.

Thanks, yes you are right, watching movies in the campgrounds has to be handled delicately. Folks get upset if one leaves the lights on all night, sub effects would mean instant exile...

Thanks for the reply, that is pretty much all I needed to know. This is just a 2.1 computer speaker system (Paradigm MilleniaOne 2.0 + Paradigm Monitor Series 7 SUB 8), and it has enough power as-is. I was more curious than anything.

I meant to come back to this outstanding question...

So if I were to connect the FIOS DVR to HDMI #1 on the NR1603 (the non-ARC HDMI input), and feed DVR audio to the NR 1603 via optical, how would I access that audio in the NR 1603?

thanks

You could connect the Apple TV via HDMI to one of the other available HDMI inputs on the NR 1603. I have a Roku device and connected to the "media player" input and it works great. There is also a "rename device" menu available, I believe in the HDMI menu. You can rename that input "Apple TV" and it will show up on the display on the front of the NR 1603 when you select it. Just have to remember to press "media player" on the remote when you want to access it.

The other option would be to hook the Apple TV directly to an available HDMI input on the TV, and then feed its audio to the NR 1603 via optical connection - be that from the Apple TV itself or via the TV optical out. Just not sure how one would access the audio program then.

Hello all..I was just reading the manual for the 1403 and it says the pre-amp inputs on the back one for the sub and the other two,I thought you could use to hook up a separate amp to power the front speakers,but the manual says the preouts are only for hooking up a separate amp to power front height channels only!
It says only the 1603 has pre-outs to hook up a separate amp to power the 2front main speakers!!??
Does any one know if this is true?
Does anyone have a 1403 and using a separate power amp to power there main speakers?

The Fios DVR (HDMI) would connect to the TV. The Fios DVR (optical) would connect to the 1603. You'll note the optical input on the 1603 defaults to "TV Audio" so simply select the "TV Audio" button on the remote when you want to listen to DVR audio through the surround speakers.

Not sure where you read this as the Owner's manual (p. 47) indicates front (not front height) speakers and the pre-outs are clearly labeled FL/FR as well.

Hi there,
I have had the nr1603 for a couple months now, but can't figure out how to make Zone 2 AirPlay be the default for remote controlling. For example, if I use AirFoil to controll the 1603, when I adjust the volume, it will only adjust the volume for the Main speakers. I always have to use the marantz iOS app to control the zone 2 volume. Is there any way I can make AirPlay be the default with Zone 2 only?
I hope this makes sense.
Thanks
r