Having had an opportunity to test Marantz NR1510 vs Yamaha RX-A880, 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 NR1510 has such a ratio W/Ohm - 50/8, 60/6, while the RX-A880 has a power of 100/8, 160/4. The value of total harmonic distortion is also different, and for the NR1510 it is 0.08%, but for the RX-A880 it is 0.06%.
The manufacturer installed different DACs, the NR1510 received the model 192 KHz/32-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 NR1510 and Yamaha RX-A880 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 NR1510 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, TuneIn Radio, but the Yamaha RX-A880 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, Qobuz.
The HDR10 function is present in each of the rivals. 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 NR1510 and the RX-A880. Video scaling is only possible with the RX-A880. Each of the participants of the comparison has a Dolby Vision.
The number of HDMI inputs/outputs varies depending on the receiver, the NR1510 has 8/1, and the RX-A880 has 7/2. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is supported by the NR1510 and the RX-A880. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. The NR1510 has support for the standard HDCP 2.3, compared to the RX-A880, which supports the standard HDCP 2.2. Like most receivers, our models have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player. For voice control in the NR1510 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 NR1510 and the Yamaha RX-A880 can be properly configured using the setup assistant.
A Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format is available only in the RX-A880. Only in the RX-A880 realized a DTS:X surround technology.