Denon AVR-X3500H vs Marantz NR1504 review

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The Denon AVR-X3500H vs Marantz NR1504 comparison proves that these receivers have many common features.

Amplifier

A significant difference between the receivers in the number of channels, Denon AVR-X3500H has 7.2 versus 5.1 for Marantz NR1504. Regarding power, then AVR-X3500H has such a W/Ohm ratio - 105/8, 135/6 when NR1504 has a power of 50/8, 60/6. The THD is 0.05% for the AVR-X3500H but 0.08% for the NR1504.

Audio features

Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, AKM 192 KHz/32-bit for AVR-X3500H and 192 KHz/24-bit for the NR1504. Only the AVR-X3500H supports Bi-amping feature. Each of the AV receivers can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. The Denon AVR-X3500H has support for AirPlay, AirPlay 2, and its competitor in our comparison - AirPlay. Spotify can be used on each receiver. The AVR-X3500H can work with the audio stream from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, TuneIn Radio, and the NR1504 can receive a content from Pandora, SiriusXM. HDMI signal transmission in standby mode is implemented in each of the devices. The AVR-X3500H can scale the input HDMI signal, unlike the NR1504. Dolby Vision technology found support only on the AVR-X3500H.

Extensive connections

The Denon AVR-X3500H has 8/3 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 6/1 HDMI connectors of the Marantz NR1504. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. Unfortunately, HDMI eARC is not available on monitored devices. The Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) feature is present in most modern AV receivers and the models in our comparison are no exception. Both models support the standard HDCP 2.2. The AVR-X3500H has a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player. An ECO mode is only available for the AVR-X3500H. Both AVR-X3500H and NR1504 can be configured using the Setup assistant.

Multichannel surround

Only the AVR-X3500H has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. A surround technology DTS:X is supported only by the AVR-X3500H.