Having had an opportunity to test Marantz NR1508 vs Marantz SR5012, 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 7.2, respectively, for devices. In terms of power, there are differences, the NR1508 has such a ratio W/Ohm - 50/8, while the SR5012 has a power of 100/8. A common feature for devices is the same total harmonic distortion - 0.08%.
Competitive models use the same DAC. The Bi-amping function is implemented only in the Marantz SR5012. Both Marantz NR1508 and Marantz SR5012 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 Marantz SR5012 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, TuneIn Radio, iHeart Radio, Sound Cloud.
Support for the HDR function can only boast of each of the AV receivers. 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 SR5012. Video scaling is only possible with the SR5012. 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 SR5012 has 8/2. HDMI Audio Return Channel is only available on Marantz SR5012. HDMI eARC is not supported by the NR1508 and the SR5012. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. NR1508 and SR5012 support the standard HDCP 2.2. Unlike most receivers, our models do not have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player. Voice control is performed using Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI in both models. There is an ECO mode in either AV receiver. The Marantz NR1508 and the Marantz SR5012 can be properly configured using the setup assistant.
A Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format is available only in the SR5012. Only in the SR5012 realized a DTS:X surround technology.