[Dan Driscoll]

Amazon Link

Marantz NR1607 Ultra HD 7.2 Channel Network A/V Surround Receiver with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi - $499. Free shipping for Prime members, tax in some.

7.2 channel slim-design A/V Receiver with 50W per channel (8 ohms, 20 Hz~20 kHz, 0.08% THD)
3D and 4K Ultra HD/60Hz full rate pass-through with HDR, BT.2020, 4:4:4 Pure Color support
8 HDMI inputs (incl. 1 front) and 1 output with full HCDP 2.2 support. 4K Up-scaling
Built-in Bluetooth(R) and Wi-Fi. Streaming Content; Airplay, vTuner Internet Radio, Pandora, SiriusXM, Spotify
Connect, DLNA. DSD, FLAC, ALAC, and AIFF High Resolution Audio Streaming
Dolby Atmos (up to 5.1.2), DTS:X ready (via firmware update). Odyssey MultEQ with Dynamic Volume and Dynamic EQ
Free Remote App for iOS, Android and Kindle Fire. Eco Mode.

[yamaha626]

Neat...I used to own a 1602 and really liked it. However Marantz is being a little optimistic about 50 watts per channel. I was running 92db efficient speakers, and honestly I'd be surprised if the 1602 even put out 35 watt/ch. Nevertheless I did enjoy it.

[roscoe65]

I agree on the power rating.  The 50wpc is two channels driven.  I would think that it is really a 30 wpc receiver.  I would definitely use speakers of >90dB or a small room.

[Dan Driscoll]

Most of the mass market receivers are rated with only 2 channels driven. All channels driven power ratings are usually hidden in the detailed specs, if they are given at all.

And note that I said most. There are a few exceptions, but they are exceptions.

[srb]

The only reasons to get the slimline series is if you don't have the room (height) available for a full height receiver or you just really admire the form factor.  There are a number of other ~$500 full-height receivers, either on sale or refurbished, from Marantz, Denon, Yamaha, etc. that will give you more power for the same money.

That being said, I may consider one of these as I have a space-limited nearfield 2.0 application that doesn't need the additional power and also requires decoding Dolby Digital to stereo as well as a 5 channel stereo mode to power a second set of 2.0 speakers, and this is simpler and cleaner than getting a stereo amplifier and a Dolby Digital DAC.

Steve

[roscoe65]

I got one of these (nr1606) because my room is not that large and I had a rack that wouldn't fit the full-height receivers.  It is not ideal driving GR Research speakers, but adequate.  I'm moving toward integrating my HT and LR 2-channel systems so it will be ideal in those circumstances:  Omega HO monitors on L/R/C and a couple of small surrounds.  The Omega's are all about 97dB so very little power is required.  They are combined with a pair of Rhythmik F8 subwoofers that integrate perfectly with the mains.  I can also use my Redwine Audio Signature 16 for the fronts as well.

If I were using normal-efficiency speakers I would spend the extra money to get a more powerful unit, with at least 100wpc as they are currently rated.  I've found bargain hunting at Accessories4less to be productive.