It makes sense comparing Onkyo TX-RZ820 vs Marantz NR1509 because they both are able to give some premium features.
A significant difference between the receivers in the number of channels, Onkyo TX-RZ820 has 7.2 versus 5.2 for Marantz NR1509. Regarding power, then TX-RZ820 has such a W/Ohm ratio - 160/8 when NR1509 has a power of 50/8, 60/6. The THD is the same and is 0.08%.
Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, AK4458 384 KHz/32-bit for TX-RZ820 and 192 KHz/24-bit for the NR1509. Only the TX-RZ820 supports Bi-amping feature. Each of the AV receivers can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing.
WI-FI modules have the same characteristics: 2.4/5GHz. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. The Onkyo TX-RZ820 has support for AirPlay, and its competitor in our comparison - AirPlay, AirPlay 2. Spotify can be used on each receiver. The TX-RZ820 can work with the audio stream from Deezer, TIDAL, and the NR1509 can receive a content from Deezer, Pandora, TuneIn Radio. 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 Onkyo TX-RZ820 has 7/2 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. These compared receivers have 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 TX-RZ820 and NR1509 can be configured using the Setup assistant.
Only the TX-RZ820 has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. A surround technology DTS:X is supported only by the TX-RZ820.