Having had an opportunity to test Marantz NR1508 vs Yamaha RX-S602, I’d like to share my impression here to facilitate your choice of a new AV receiver.
The number of channels for receivers is different - 5.2 versus 5.1, respectively, for devices. In terms of power, there are differences, the NR1508 has such a ratio W/Ohm - 50/8, while the RX-S602 has a power of 80/8, 125/6. 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 RX-S602 is equipped with Burr-Brown 384 KHz/32-bit. The Bi-amping function is implemented only in the Yamaha RX-S602. Both Marantz NR1508 and Yamaha RX-S602 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 RX-S602 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-S602. None of the devices can increase the resolution of the incoming video signal. Operation with the Dolby Vision is only possible with the NR1508.
The number of HDMI inputs/outputs varies depending on the receiver, the NR1508 has 6/1, and the RX-S602 has 4/1. HDMI Audio Return Channel is only available on Yamaha RX-S602. HDMI eARC is not supported by the NR1508 and the RX-S602. 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 RX-S602, 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 RX-S602 is used Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant. There is an ECO mode in either AV receiver. The Marantz NR1508 and the Yamaha RX-S602 can be properly configured using the setup assistant.
Generally no support for a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format. A DTS:X surround technology is not supported by devices from our comparison.