Marantz NR1509 vs Pioneer VSX-531 review

Votes 1 1
Rating 5 5

AV receivers comparison chart

Marantz NR1509 vs Pioneer VSX-531 review

Marantz NR1509
vs
Pioneer VSX-531

It’s strongly recommended to compare different receivers if you want to choose the best one: Marantz NR1509 vs Pioneer VSX-531.

Amplifier

The number of channels for receivers is different - 5.2 versus 5.1, respectively, for devices. In terms of power, there are differences, the NR1509 has such a ratio W/Ohm - 50/8, 60/6, while the VSX-531 has a power of 80/8, 140/6. A common feature for devices is the same total harmonic distortion - 0.08%.

Audio features

Competitive models use the same DAC. None of the compared opponents supports Bi-amping. Both Marantz NR1509 and Pioneer VSX-531 can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Each of the receivers has a Bluetooth connector. The NR1509 has access to the Spotify service.

Video features

Support for the HDR function can only boast of each of the AV receivers. 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 NR1509 and the VSX-531. None of the devices can increase the resolution of the incoming video signal. Operation with the Dolby Vision is only possible with the NR1509.

Extensive connections

The number of HDMI inputs/outputs varies depending on the receiver, the NR1509 has 7/1, and the VSX-531 has 4/1.Marantz NR1509 connectionsPioneer VSX-531 connections HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is not supported by the NR1509 and the VSX-531. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. NR1509 and VSX-531 support the standard HDCP 2.2. In the presence of a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player only at Marantz NR1509. There is an ECO mode in either AV receiver. The Marantz NR1509 can be properly configured using the setup assistant.

Multichannel surround

Generally no support for a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format. A DTS:X surround technology is not supported by devices from our comparison.

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General

Item

Marantz NR1509
Pioneer VSX-531

Model

NR1509
VSX-531

Brand

Marantz
Pioneer

Reviews

65
0

Amplifier

Channels

5.2
5.1

Stereo power (RMS), W/Ohm

50/8, 60/6
80/8, 140/6

Output impedance, Ohm

8, 6
6

Frequency response

10Hz-100KHz
20Hz-20KHz

THD in stereo, %

0.08
0.08

Audio features

Digital to analog converter (DAC)

192 KHz/24-bit
192 KHz/24-bit

Bi-amping

Pure direct (straight)

Auto speaker calibration

Audyssey MultEQ
MCACC

Speaker A/B switching

Other audio features

Audyssey Dynamic Volume, Audyssey Dynamic EQ, Hi-Res audio
Advanced Sound Retriever

Connectivity

Wi-Fi

2.4/5GHz

USB

1 (USB 2.0)
1 (USB 2.0)

Bluetooth

Ethernet (RJ45)

1

DLNA

MHL

Streaming services

Apple Music (AirPlay)

AirPlay, AirPlay 2

Amazon Music

Spotify

Other streaming services

Deezer, Pandora, TuneIn Radio
has not

Extensive connection

HDMI input/output

7/1
4/1

HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel)

HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel)

HDMI CEC

Digital content protection (HDCP)

HDCP 2.2
HDCP 2.2

Subwoofer output (LFE)

2
1

Headphone output

1 x 6.3
1 x 6.3

Optical digital input

1
1

Coaxial digital input

1
1

Composite input

3
2

Component input/output

0/0
0/0

Phono (MM) input

Front panel connectors

USB, HDMI, phones, setup mic
USB, phones, setup mic

Multi channel preamp output

Video features

HDR (High Dynamic Range)

4K signal pass-through

4K/60Hz
4K/60Hz

8K signal pass-through

HDMI signal pass-through

3D signal pass-through

HDMI pass-through in standby mode

Video conversion

Analog to HDMI scaling

HDMI to HDMI scaling

Dolby Vision

Other video features

DeepColor, x.v.Color, BT.2020, HLG
DeepColor, x.v.Color

Additional features

Voice control

Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI

App control

iPhone, iPad, iPod, Android

Display

colour OSD
fluorescent

Tuner

AM, FM
AM, FM

Sleep timer

Auto power off

ECO mode

Graphical user interface (GUI)

Setup assistant

Firmware update

network, USB
USB

Other additional features

IP Control, Web Control
has not

Multi-room

Multi-room zones

has not
has not

Zone audio output

has not
has not

Zone HDMI output

has not
has not

Multi-room control

has not
has not

RS-232

0
0

Remote control input/output (IR)

0/0
0/0

DC trigger output (12V)

0
0

Multichannel surround

Dolby Atmos

Dolby TrueHD

Dolby Surround

Dolby (other)

Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Pro Logic
Dolby Digital Plus

DTS:X

DTS HD Master

DTS Virtual:X

DTS Neural:X

DTS (other)

DTS 96/24, DTS-HD, DTS-EXPRESS, DTS-Surround, DTS Neo:6
DTS 96/24, DTS Neo:6

Auro-3D

IMAX Enhanced

Multichannel stereo

Audio file formats

MP3

WMA

AAC

WAV

FLAC

ALAC

Other audio file formats

has not
has not

Power

Operational power consumption, W

250
220

Standby consumption, W

0.2
0.45

Removable power cord

User manual

Manual

Dimensions

Size W x H x D, cm/inches

43.1 x 17.7 x 40.6/17.3 x 7.3 x 16.2
43.5 x 16.8 x 32/17 x 6.3 x 12.6

Weight, kg/lbs

14/31.1
8/17.6

Other

Release year

2013
2016
Marantz NR1509
Pioneer VSX-531
Marantz NR1509
Pioneer VSX-531

AV receivers SoundInspiration comparison rating

  • better
  • worse
  • 6.4
  • 4.3
  • 6.4Marantz NR1509
  • 4.3Pioneer VSX-531