Marantz NR1508 vs Yamaha RX-A880 review

vs

Having had an opportunity to test Marantz NR1508 vs Yamaha RX-A880, I’d like to share my impression here to facilitate your choice of a new AV receiver.

Amplifier

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 RX-A880 has a power of 100/8, 160/4. The value of total harmonic distortion is also different, and for the NR1508 it is 0.08%, but for the RX-A880 it is 0.06%.

Audio features

The manufacturer installed different DACs, the NR1508 received the model 192 KHz/24-bit, but the RX-A880 is equipped with Burr-Brown 384 KHz/32-bit. The Bi-amping function is implemented only in the Yamaha RX-A880. Both Marantz NR1508 and Yamaha RX-A880 can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing.

Connectivity

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 RX-A880 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 RX-A880. Video scaling is only possible with the RX-A880. Each of the participants of the comparison has a Dolby Vision.

Extensive connections

The number of HDMI inputs/outputs varies depending on the receiver, the NR1508 has 6/1, and the RX-A880 has 7/2. HDMI Audio Return Channel is only available on Yamaha RX-A880. HDMI eARC is only supported by the RX-A880. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. NR1508 and RX-A880 support the standard HDCP 2.2. In the presence of a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player only at Yamaha RX-A880. For voice control in the NR1508 is used Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI, but in the RX-A880 is used Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant. There is an ECO mode in either AV receiver. The Marantz NR1508 and the Yamaha RX-A880 can be properly configured using the setup assistant.

Multichannel surround

A Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format is available only in the RX-A880. Only in the RX-A880 realized a DTS:X surround technology.