Sony STR-ZA810ES vs Marantz NR1504 review

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The Sony STR-ZA810ES vs Marantz NR1504 comparison proves that these receivers have many common features.

Amplifier

A significant difference between the receivers in the number of channels, Sony STR-ZA810ES has 7.2 versus 5.1 for Marantz NR1504. Regarding power, then STR-ZA810ES has such a W/Ohm ratio - 100/8 when NR1504 has a power of 50/8, 60/6. The THD is 0.09% for the STR-ZA810ES but 0.08% for the NR1504.

Audio features

Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, 384 KHz/32-bit for STR-ZA810ES and 192 KHz/24-bit for the NR1504. Only the STR-ZA810ES supports Bi-amping feature. Each of the AV receivers can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing.

Connectivity

Only the Sony STR-ZA810ES can connect to the Internet via WI-FI. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. The Apple Music service is implemented on considered devices: AirPlay. Spotify can be used on each receiver. HDMI signal transmission in standby mode is implemented in each of the devices. The STR-ZA810ES can scale the input HDMI signal, unlike the NR1504. Dolby Vision technology found support only on the STR-ZA810ES.

Extensive connections

The Sony STR-ZA810ES has 6/2 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 6/1 HDMI connectors of the Marantz NR1504. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. The HDMI eARC is available only on the STR-ZA810ES. 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. Receivers do not have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player. An ECO mode is not present in each of the AV receivers. Both STR-ZA810ES and NR1504 can be configured using the Setup assistant.

Multichannel surround

Only the STR-ZA810ES has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. A surround technology DTS:X is supported only by the STR-ZA810ES.