Marantz mcr603 or nr1602 for Stereo Music?

[andyman2]

Hi, after a long absence from the world of hifi I'm going to make a modest splash back into it...

I've started looking at AirPlay enabled amps and for approx the same price I'm torn between the Marantz mcr603 with the AirPlay firmware update or the newly released nr1602. I know the 1602 is a 7.1 channel amp but I'll only be using this for Stereo (2.0 or 2.1 once I decide on the speakers).

Would I be correct in assuming the 603 which is only meant for stereo would have the better sound quality and DAC?

Any help much appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[Crossie]

Yes. A dedicated Stereo Amplifier will nearly always beat an AV receiver for 2 channel sound quality. However, AV receivers have built in DAC's whereas most Stereo amps do not.

 

[Crossie]

opps! pressed button twice.

 

[CJSF]

. . . . However, AV receivers have built in DAC's whereas most Stereo amps do not.

Interesting . . . therefor a dedicated 'DAC' unit will be beneficial??? I have been reading a lot about DAC, the on-board computer versions are 'poor', they say? Anyone tried a remote 'improved?' DAC with one of the receiver types mentioned?

CJSF