Marantz NR1508 vs Yamaha R-N303BL review

vs

What is better - Marantz NR1508 vs Yamaha R-N303BL?

Amplifier

The number of channels for receivers is different - 5.2 versus 2.0, respectively, for devices. In terms of power, there are differences, the NR1508 has such a ratio W/Ohm - 50/8, while the R-N303BL has a power of 125/8. The value of total harmonic distortion is also different, and for the NR1508 it is 0.08%, but for the R-N303BL it is 0.09%.

Audio features

The manufacturer installed different DACs, the NR1508 received the model 192 KHz/24-bit, but the R-N303BL is equipped with Burr-Brown 192 KHz/24-bit. None of the compared opponents supports Bi-amping. Both Marantz NR1508 and Yamaha R-N303BL 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, AirPlay 2 versus AirPlay respectively. 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 R-N303BL works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Sirius XM, Napster, Qobuz, JUKE.

Video features

Support for the HDR function can only boast of the NR1508. HDMI signal transmission in standby mode can provide only the NR1508. None of the devices can increase the resolution of the incoming video signal. Operation with the Dolby Vision is only possible with the NR1508. HDMI Audio Return Channel is not supported by either the Marantz NR1508 nor the Yamaha R-N303BL. HDMI eARC is not supported by the NR1508 and the R-N303BL. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that only the Marantz NR1508 has HDMI CEC. In the presence of a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player only at Yamaha R-N303BL. There is an ECO mode in either AV receiver. The Marantz NR1508 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.