It makes sense comparing Sony STR-DH790 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-DH790 has 7.2 versus 5.2 for Marantz NR1509. Regarding power, then STR-DH790 has such a W/Ohm ratio - 90/6 when NR1509 has a power of 50/8, 60/6. The THD is 0.09% for the STR-DH790 but 0.08% for the NR1509.
Competitors' digital to analog converter (DAC) is identical to 192 KHz/24-bit. Only the STR-DH790 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. 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. The HDR standard - Dolby Vision is supported by these receivers.
The Sony STR-DH790 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. The HDMI eARC is available only on the STR-DH790. 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. An ECO mode is only available for the NR1509. Both STR-DH790 and NR1509 can be configured using the Setup assistant.
Only the STR-DH790 has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. A surround technology DTS:X is supported only by the STR-DH790.