Having had an opportunity to test Marantz SR7015 vs Denon AVR-X2500H, I’d like to share my impression here to facilitate your choice of a new AV receiver.
The number of channels for receivers is different - 9.2 versus 7.2, respectively, for devices. In terms of power, there are differences, the SR7015 has such a ratio W/Ohm - 125/8, 165/6, while the AVR-X2500H has a power of 95/8, 125/6. The value of total harmonic distortion is also different, and for the SR7015 it is 0.05%, but for the AVR-X2500H it is 0.08%. Each of the compared opponents supports Bi-amping. Both Marantz SR7015 and Denon AVR-X2500H can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Each of the receivers has a Bluetooth connector. Both devices can work with such Apple Music services: AirPlay, AirPlay 2. Access to the Spotify service is on each of the competitors. The number of available streaming services varies for receivers, the Marantz SR7015 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, SiriusXM, Napster, SoundCloud, but the Denon AVR-X2500H works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, TuneIn Radio, iHeart Radio, Sound Cloud.
The HDR10 function is present in each of the rivals. Signaling over HDMI in standby mode can provide the SR7015 and the AVR-X2500H. Video scaling is only possible with the SR7015. Each of the participants of the comparison has a Dolby Vision.
The number of HDMI inputs/outputs varies depending on the receiver, the SR7015 has 8/3, and the AVR-X2500H has 8/2. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is only supported by the SR7015. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. The SR7015 has support for the standard HDCP 2.3, compared to the AVR-X2500H, which supports the standard HDCP 2.2. Like most receivers, our models have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player.
Unlike the SR7015 where 3 Multi zones is provided, the AVR-X2500H works with 2 Multi zones. Voice control is performed using Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI in both models. There is an ECO mode in either AV receiver. The Marantz SR7015 and the Denon AVR-X2500H can be properly configured using the setup assistant.
A Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format is available both models. A DTS:X surround technology is supported by devices from our comparison.