Yamaha RX-V581 vs Marantz NR1509 review

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It makes sense comparing Yamaha RX-V581 vs Marantz NR1509 because they both are able to give some premium features.

Amplifier

A significant difference between the receivers in the number of channels, Yamaha RX-V581 has 7.2 versus 5.2 for Marantz NR1509. Regarding power, then RX-V581 has such a W/Ohm ratio - 115/6 when NR1509 has a power of 50/8, 60/6. The THD is 0.09% for the RX-V581 but 0.08% for the NR1509.

Audio features

Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, Burr-Brown 192 KHz/24-bit for RX-V581 and 192 KHz/24-bit for the NR1509. Only the RX-V581 supports Bi-amping feature. Each of the AV receivers can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. The Yamaha RX-V581 has support for AirPlay, and its competitor in our comparison - AirPlay, AirPlay 2. Spotify can be used on each receiver. The RX-V581 can work with the audio stream from Pandora, JUKE, and the NR1509 can receive a content from Deezer, Pandora, TuneIn Radio.

Video features

These units support HDR technology. 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 NR1509.

Extensive connections

The Yamaha RX-V581 has 4/1 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 7/1 HDMI connectors of the Marantz NR1509. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. Unfortunately, HDMI eARC is not available on monitored devices. 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 2.2. The NR1509 has a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player. It is also worth noting that the ECO mode is presented in each of the receivers. Both RX-V581 and NR1509 can be configured using the Setup assistant.

Multichannel surround

Only the RX-V581 has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. A surround technology DTS:X is supported only by the RX-V581.