Marantz NR1510 vs Yamaha R-N602BL review

vs

Having had an opportunity to test Marantz NR1510 vs Yamaha R-N602BL, 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 2.0, respectively, for devices. In terms of power, there are differences, the NR1510 has such a ratio W/Ohm - 50/8, 60/6, while the R-N602BL has a power of 115/8, 105/4. The value of total harmonic distortion is also different, and for the NR1510 it is 0.08%, but for the R-N602BL it is 0.01%.

Audio features

The manufacturer installed different DACs, the NR1510 received the model 192 KHz/32-bit, but the R-N602BL is equipped with Burr-Brown 192 KHz/24-bit. None of the compared opponents supports Bi-amping. Both Marantz NR1510 and Yamaha R-N602BL 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 NR1510 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, TuneIn Radio, but the Yamaha R-N602BL works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, Qobuz. HDMI signal transmission in standby mode can provide only the NR1510. None of the devices can increase the resolution of the incoming video signal. Operation with the Dolby Vision is only possible with the NR1510. HDMI Audio Return Channel is only available on Marantz NR1510. HDMI eARC is only supported by the NR1510. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that only the Marantz NR1510 has HDMI CEC. Like most receivers, our models have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player. There is an ECO mode in either AV receiver. The Marantz NR1510 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.