Marantz NR1603 vs Denon AVR-1713/AVR-1613 for stereo use.

I can't do a comparison to the Denon's but I am currently using the Marantz NR1403 in my fairly small music room with a 2.1 setup. Primary purpose is music but also use it connect my iMac, AppleTV and BluRay player to a TV. It works just fine. I was initially concerned with output but it has more than adequate power to fill the room I'm. I was initially going to go with the 1603 but found the networking stuff to be redundant given that I already had the AppleTV.

Interesting to find you mentioned all 3 of the AVRs that I actually bought and returned/exchanged !

I first got the Denon AVR-1613 and intended to keep it, until a week later the 1713 came along, on sale w/ about $30 higher than the 1613 (also on sale from BB). I though I may as well try out the slighter higher power, an added HDMI ...etc. However, having listened to both, I'd say one can go with either model. Both can handle my old Paradigm Performance series 11seMk3 just fine, in my smaller but open at one end to kitchen (12x11) family room.

My only luxury need is to re-use the now-abandoned power amp (Bryston 4BST) that was used with the old non-HDMI Denon avr-3300 to drive these speakers. I don't seem to have this need any more, but it would be nice to re-use it to fully enjoy the speakers.

Today I went window shopping at BB and FS, only to find out FS has the Marantz 1603 (some says designed similar to a Denon 1913) offering what I just need: 2.1 pre-outs, at a sale price of $699 (BB in the US quotes $649 but not avail in BB Can). I could not resist so I brought it home to test it out. If I really need the FR, FL pre-outs, this receiver is perfect.

I'll let you know which one I'll keep, right now inclined to the pricey Marantz if money is no object ?

To summarize your needs:
- listening to music and watching shows and movies with a pair of Totem Forest speakers in a 15x13 foot room - a 2.0 setup and room size;
- don't like cranking the volume too high so I'm not worried about power.

Not a need but rather best bang for the buck:
- wondering is whether the AVR-1713 is worth it over the AVR-1613 for the upgraded Audyssey, or whether the NR1603 is worth it over the AVR-1613 for its better(?) internal components.

For your 2.0 setup, I doubt that Audyssey XT (1713) adds any value over the MultiEQ (1613) => go w/ 1613

As for music listening, usually at lower level but requires clarity, I am inclined to the Marantz 1603. Apparently, the 1603 offers better internal audio components (see ref post below) than the 1613.

But here is the kicker: how efficient is the Totem Forest speakers? When its dynamic impedance dips below 4 ohms, can the amp (either 1613 or 1603) perform with ease? You also have the need to watch movie too, correct?

I tested my 1713 with the Super 8 DVD, particularly with the train crash and throughout the movie, then compared with the 1603, it was difficult to be conclusive. Perhaps because I don't have a parallel setup, switching from one to another directly and quickly with a "switch box", then replaying the same scenes, not sure if it is at the same sound level pressure. Even my wife who is pretty much a "bystander" threw in this question: unless it is a blind test, i.e. don't tell me which system is on, it can be a biased opinion ...etc.

Then, one thing is clear: the Marantz 1603 offer 2.1 pre-outs, which is indeed one of "my important requirement", as my tower speakers are not efficient. Hooking the external amp (Bryston 4BST) made a real different, though not very much, about 20% more as quantified by the wife , it is much closer to a real home theater experience. The sound and sound fields are much deeper, thicker if you will, more impressive throughout the frequency range. Not just movie, simple, pure audio listening is enhanced as my speakers are properly driven.

And you may know from an audio/video-phile point of view, a 20% improvement requires 100% or 200% cost to upgrade, exponentially!

There you have it: your requirements may have become something called "scope creep", but in a good way!

Have a good "AV" day!

(source: http://www.avsforum.com/t/1409015/marantz-nr1403-and-nr1603-slim-line-receiver-thread/60#post_22504819)