It’s strongly recommended to compare different receivers if you want to choose the best one: Marantz NR1504 vs Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A680.
The number of channels for receivers is different - 5.1 versus 7.2, respectively, for devices. In terms of power, there are differences, the NR1504 has such a ratio W/Ohm - 50/8, 60/6, while the AVENTAGE RX-A680 has a power of 115/8, 145/6. A common feature for devices is the same total harmonic distortion - 0.08%.
The manufacturer installed different DACs, the NR1504 received the model 192 KHz/24-bit, but the AVENTAGE RX-A680 is equipped with Burr-Brown 384 KHz/32-bit. The Bi-amping function is implemented only in the Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A680. Both Marantz NR1504 and Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A680 can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Each of the receivers has a Bluetooth connector. The contenders have differences in the supported services from Apple - AirPlay versus AirPlay, AirPlay 2 respectively. Access to the Spotify service is on each of the competitors. The number of available streaming services varies for receivers, the Marantz NR1504 works with Pandora, SiriusXM, but the Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A680 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, Qobuz. Signaling over HDMI in standby mode can provide the NR1504 and the AVENTAGE RX-A680. Video scaling is only possible with the AVENTAGE RX-A680. Operation with the Dolby Vision is only possible with the AVENTAGE RX-A680.
The number of HDMI inputs/outputs varies depending on the receiver, the NR1504 has 6/1, and the AVENTAGE RX-A680 has 4/1. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is only supported by the AVENTAGE RX-A680. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. The NR1504 has support for the standard HDCP 2.2, compared to the AVENTAGE RX-A680, which supports the standard HDCP 2.3. Unlike most receivers, our models do not have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player. There is an ECO mode in AVENTAGE RX-A680. The Marantz NR1504 and the Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A680 can be properly configured using the setup assistant.
A Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format is available only in the AVENTAGE RX-A680. Only in the AVENTAGE RX-A680 realized a DTS:X surround technology.