Hi
The way I see things is that the AVR market is competing with each other to make good business....there are a lot of AVRs side by side with similar features etc. Amplifier power is most of the time overrated...this is a related link by a reputed global forum
AV Receiver and Amplifier Power Ratings Trends: Manipulating Wattage Ratings | Audioholics
Like Audioholics, there are other forums which give a direction and food for thought to every consumer to make the right decision.
It seems the V581 is launched to counter the Denon x1200w which seems to be the most HYPED AVR among the masses.
I briefly got a chance to use the Denon 1200 for a week and although it has some muscle, it lacks punch and depth for music playback...movies sound good but not awesome.....I see almost the same features in the V581.....
Yamaha was great till the 90s and what you get today from their entry level or mid segment AVRs is satisfactory....my first AVR after using Arphi/Norge/Sony/Panasonic was the Yamaha RX V440 6.1 which was made in Japan and still alive till date in my home town. It was purchased in 2002.
If you want something which gives you a real audiophile experience for music and excellent cinematic experience, look at Denon 2000 series and above models, Marantz, Pioneer 800 series and above including LX series, Yamaha Aventage series mid & high segment models etc.
This opinion is based on using and testing AVRs over the past decade in normal home conditions and not in an acoustic treated room where dealers try to wow your experience and try to make a quick buck.
Basic difference between the V581 and NR1605 is that the NR1605 has no Dolby Atmos or DTS X....honestly there is not much difference from a 7.1 setup vs Dolby Atmos....I attended the What HiFi Show in March and experienced it for myself....I also feel that Dolby Atmos is just picking up and possibly be more wide spread in the next 2 years where content will be available...
If you are musically inclined and look for good audiophile refinement, go for Marantz which delivers a warm signature and depth with good detailing. Advantage is 9 band adjustable EQ is available which is rarely seen in other entry / mid segment level AVR Brands.
There will be a lot of AVRs coming up in the next 6 months to 1 year which as usual will compete with each other in terms of features size etc.....you need to see what is your requirements, connectivity options and budget and go for the right one....
The choice now is yours.....all the best!
