It makes sense comparing Sony STR-DH770 vs Marantz NR1509 because they both are able to give some premium features.
A significant difference between the receivers in the number of channels, Sony STR-DH770 has 7.2 versus 5.2 for Marantz NR1509. Regarding power, then STR-DH770 has such a W/Ohm ratio - 105/6 when NR1509 has a power of 50/8, 60/6. The THD is 0.09% for the STR-DH770 but 0.08% for the NR1509.
Competitors' digital to analog converter (DAC) is identical to 192 KHz/24-bit. Only the STR-DH770 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. Only the NR1509 supports Spotify.
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.
The Sony STR-DH770 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. Of the two receivers in our comparison, HDMI CEC is present only in the NR1509. Both models support the standard HDCP 2.2. The NR1509 has a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player. An ECO mode is only available for the NR1509. The setup assistant will help you configure Marantz NR1509.
None of the rivals equipped with Dolby Atmos multichannel audio decoder. The receivers do not support the surround sound technology DTS:X.