It’s strongly recommended to compare different receivers if you want to choose the best one: Marantz NR1508 vs Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A680.
The number of channels for receivers is different - 5.2 versus 7.2, respectively, for devices. In terms of power, there are differences, the NR1508 has such a ratio W/Ohm - 50/8, 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 NR1508 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 NR1508 and Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A680 can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing.
These units have the same Wi-Fi modules. 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 NR1508 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, but the Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A680 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, Qobuz. The quality of 4K/60Hz signal remains unchanged when transmitting from a source to a TV or projector via HDMI for both receivers. Signaling over HDMI in standby mode can provide the NR1508 and the AVENTAGE RX-A680. Video scaling is only possible with the AVENTAGE RX-A680. Each of the participants of the comparison has a Dolby Vision.
The number of HDMI inputs/outputs varies depending on the receiver, the NR1508 has 6/1, and the AVENTAGE RX-A680 has 4/1. HDMI Audio Return Channel is only available on Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A680. 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 NR1508 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. For voice control in the NR1508 is used Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI, but in the AVENTAGE RX-A680 is used Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant. There is an ECO mode in either AV receiver. The Marantz NR1508 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.