Yamaha RX-S602 vs Marantz NR1510 review

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The present review is aimed to compare two AV receivers - Yamaha RX-S602 vs Marantz NR1510 that are meant to satisfy the needs of cinema and music lovers.

Amplifier

A significant difference between the receivers in the number of channels, Yamaha RX-S602 has 5.1 versus 5.2 for Marantz NR1510. Regarding power, then RX-S602 has such a W/Ohm ratio - 80/8, 125/6 when NR1510 has a power of 50/8, 60/6. The THD is the same and is 0.08%.

Audio features

Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, Burr-Brown 384 KHz/32-bit for RX-S602 and 192 KHz/32-bit for the NR1510. Only the RX-S602 supports Bi-amping feature. Each of the AV receivers can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing.

Connectivity

WI-FI modules have the same characteristics: 2.4/5GHz. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. The Apple Music service is implemented on considered devices: AirPlay, AirPlay 2. Spotify can be used on each receiver. The RX-S602 can work with the audio stream from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, Qobuz, and the NR1510 can receive a content from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, TuneIn Radio.

Video features

Both AV receivers support HDR10 technology (High dynamic range). Compared AV receivers retain the quality of 4K/60Hz signal when transmitting from a source to a TV or projector. HDMI signal transmission in standby mode is implemented in each of the devices. Both competitors are not able to scale the HDMI signal. Dolby Vision technology found support only on the NR1510.

Extensive connections

The Yamaha RX-S602 has 4/1 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 8/1 HDMI connectors of the Marantz NR1510. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. The HDMI eARC is available only on the NR1510. The Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) feature is present in most modern AV receivers and the models in our comparison are no exception. Both models support the standard HDCP 2.3. The NR1510 has a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player. The RX-S602 supports voice control via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and the NR1510 - Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI. It is also worth noting that the ECO mode is presented in each of the receivers. Both RX-S602 and NR1510 can be configured using the Setup assistant.

Multichannel surround

None of the rivals equipped with Dolby Atmos multichannel audio decoder. The receivers do not support the surround sound technology DTS:X.