Marantz NR1504 vs Denon DRA-800H review

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What is better - Marantz NR1504 vs Denon DRA-800H?

Amplifier

The number of channels for receivers is different - 5.1 versus 2.0, respectively, for devices. In terms of power, there are differences, the NR1504 has such a ratio W/Ohm - 50/8, 60/6, while the DRA-800H has a power of 100/8, 120/6. A common feature for devices is the same total harmonic distortion - 0.08%.

Audio features

Competitive models use the same DAC. None of the compared opponents supports Bi-amping. Both Marantz NR1504 and Denon DRA-800H can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing.

Connectivity

Wireless Internet connection via WIFI is only possible with DRA-800H. 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 Denon DRA-800H works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, TuneIn Radio, iHeart Radio, Sound Cloud. Signaling over HDMI in standby mode can provide the NR1504 and the DRA-800H. None of the devices can increase the resolution of the incoming video signal. Operation with the Dolby Vision is only possible with the DRA-800H.

Extensive connections

The number of HDMI inputs/outputs varies depending on the receiver, the NR1504 has 6/1, and the DRA-800H has 5/1. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is not supported by the NR1504 and the DRA-800H. 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 DRA-800H, which supports the standard HDCP 2.3. In the presence of a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player only at Denon DRA-800H. There is an ECO mode in DRA-800H. The Marantz NR1504 and the Denon DRA-800H can be properly configured using the setup assistant.

Multichannel surround

Generally no support for a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format. A DTS:X surround technology is not supported by devices from our comparison.