Marantz NR1508 vs Sony STR-ZA5000ES

Here we are comparing Marantz NR1508 to Sony STR-ZA5000ES to reveal their common strengths and weaknesses as well as the differences between them which will help you in making a correct decision before the purchase. The Marantz NR1508 has 5 channel and the Sony STR-ZA5000ES has 9 channel amplifiers with Marantz NR1508's being less powerful.

Marantz NR1508	Sony STR-ZA5000ES
Marantz NR1508 was introduced in 2017. It is equipped with 5 channel amplifier with 50 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz and 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 5.1 maximum channel processing. It , passes 4K/60Hz video signal.	Sony STR-ZA5000ES was introduced in 2016 and represented a flagship model of a manufacturer. It is equipped with 9 channel amplifier with 120 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 11.1 maximum channel processing. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, passes 4K/60Hz and upscales up to 4K/60p video signal.

We evaluated Marantz NR1508 and Sony STR-ZA5000ES and gave them scores of 78 and 87 out of 100 recpectively. Our ranking system is based on the amplifier specifications, audio and video features, connectivity, multizone capabilities, radio and many other details.

For more details about the ranking please go to    Evaluations section.

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Marantz NR1508 over Sony STR-ZA5000ES.

	Marantz NR1508	vs	Sony STR-ZA5000ES
Music Playback via USB	MP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, DSD	vs
DSD via USB	2-ch Input	vs
Audyssey Dynamic EQ		vs
Audyssey Dynamic Volume		vs
Wi-Fi		vs
Bluetooth	SBC	vs
Works with Amazon Alexa		vs
DLNA 1.5		vs
AirPlay	AirPlay 2	vs
More Composite Video Inputs	3	vs	2
Headphone Out	6.3 mm (1/4")	vs
Internet Radio	TuneIn	vs
Pandora		vs
Spotify		vs
Tidal		vs
Deezer		vs
Napster		vs
SiriusXM		vs
Color-Coded Speaker Terminals		vs
Wider AM Frequency Range	520 kHz - 1710 kHz	vs	530 kHz - 1710 kHz

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sony STR-ZA5000ES over Marantz NR1508.

	Marantz NR1508	vs	Sony STR-ZA5000ES
More Channels	5.2	vs	9.2
Higher Power Output	50 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)	vs	120 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
Bi-amp capability		vs
More Channel Processing	5.1	vs	11.1
Dolby Atmos		vs	up to 7.1.4
Dolby Surround Upmixer		vs
Dolby Pro Logic	PLII	vs	PLIIz
DTS:X		vs	up to 7.1.4
DTS Neural:X		vs
DSD via HDMI		vs	2-ch/Multi-ch Input
Dialogue Lift		vs	Center Speaker Lift Up
Video Signal Upscaling		vs	up to 4K/60p
Analog To HDMI Upconversion		vs	Component, Composite
Remote Monitoring with ihiji		vs
More HDMI Outputs	1	vs	2 (1 Main, 1 Sub/Zone2)
More Optical Inputs	1	vs	2
More RCA Line Inputs	3	vs	4
More RCA Pre-Outs	2.2	vs	11.2
More Component Video Inputs		vs	2
Ethernet Switch		vs	8-Port Gigabit
Speaker A/B		vs
More Zones	1	vs	3
RS-232C Interface		vs
+12V Trigger Output		vs	3 (80 mA)
More Speaker Terminals	5	vs	11
More Large Speaker Terminals	5	vs	11
Gold plated RCA terminals		vs
Bigger Power Supply	180 W	vs	500 W
Higher Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	50 W (0.08% THD)	vs	120 W (0.09% THD)
Higher S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)	98 dB	vs	105 dB (20 kHz LPF, 500 mV)
Longer Warranty	3 Years	vs	5 Years

We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

STRENGTHS	Marantz NR1508	Sony STR-ZA5000ES
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.	Audyssey MultEQ	D.C.A.C. EX
HDR10
Dolby Vision
New HDCP Version	2.2	2.2
USB Input	1 (Front) for USB memory	1 (Front) for update and setting
RCA Pre-Outs	2.2	11.2
Composite Video Inputs	3	2
Ethernet
Analog Tuner	FM/AM	FM/AM

WEAKNESSES	Marantz NR1508	Sony STR-ZA5000ES
No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
No IMAX Enhanced
No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
No HDR10+
No eARC
No 8K Passthrough	up to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4	up to 4K/60p (YCbCr4:4:4)
Few 8K Inputs
No Phono Input
No Digital Radio

Marantz NR1508	Sony STR-ZA5000ES
5 channel Amplifier: Marantz NR1508 features 5 channel power amplifier. It is rated at 50 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) and is able to drive 4 ohm speakers.	9 channel Amplifier: Sony STR-ZA5000ES features 9 channel power amplifier. It is rated at 120 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) and is able to drive 4 ohm speakers.

AMPLIFIER	Marantz NR1508	Sony STR-ZA5000ES
Channels	5.2	9.2
Power Output	50 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)	120 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
THX™ Certification
Continuous 6 Ω Rated
Certified 4 Ω Performance
Bi-amp Capability

Marantz NR1508's and Sony STR-ZA5000ES's amplifiers can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

• Dolby Atmos Configurations: The following speaker configurations are supported for Dolby Atmos:
Marantz NR1508: Not supported.
Sony STR-ZA5000ES: 5.2.2, 5.2.4, 7.2.2 with internal amplifier and 7.2.4 with addition of external 2 channel amplifier.
• DTS:X Configurations: The following speaker configurations are supported for DTS:X:
Marantz NR1508: Not supported.
Sony STR-ZA5000ES: The speaker configurations for DTS:X are the same as for Dolby Atmos - 5.2.2, 5.2.4, 7.2.2 with internal amplifier and 7.2.4 with addition of external 2 channel amplifier.
• Configurations without height channels: There are also other speaker configurations available which do not include height channels:
Marantz NR1508: 5.2 with internal amplifier.
Sony STR-ZA5000ES: 5.2, 7.2 with internal amplifier.
• Bi-Amp: Sony STR-ZA5000ES is able to bi-amp up to 2 main channels simultaneously. During bi-amplification two amplifiers are used for one speaker. One amplifier powers the midrange and tweeter section of the speaker and another amplifier powers the low frequency woofers. Each amplifier is less loaded and performs better. In order to use this feature speakers must have 2 pairs of connectors.

Dolby Atmos

Sony STR-ZA5000ES supports Dolby Atmos.

• Dolby Surround Upmixer: Sony STR-ZA5000ES supports Dolby Surround Upmixer. If the content is not mixed in Dolby Atmos then the Dolby surround upmixer will expand the audio to all channels including ceiling speakers. The upmixer has replaced the Dolby Pro Logic II family with improved upmixing algorithms.

DTS:X

Sony STR-ZA5000ES supports DTS:X.

• DTS Neural:X: Sony STR-ZA5000ES features DTS Neural:X which is an advanced upmixer that can take non DTS:X content and upmix it to the DTS:X speaker layout. It has replaced the DTS Neo family with improved flexibility.

AUDIO DECODING	Marantz NR1508	Sony STR-ZA5000ES
Dolby Atmos		up to 7.1.4
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
Dolby Atmos Music
Dolby TrueHD
Dolby Digital Plus
Dolby Surround Upmixer
Dolby Pro Logic	PLII	PLIIz
Dolby Digital EX
DTS:X		up to 7.1.4
DTS Neural:X
DTS Virtual:X
DTS Neo	Neo:6	Neo:6
DTS-HD Master Audio
DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
DTS 96/24
DTS Express
DTS-ES	Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1	Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1
IMAX Enhanced
Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer

Marantz NR1508 comes with 6 HDMI inputs. It has 1 output.

Sony STR-ZA5000ES comes with 6 HDMI inputs. It has 2 outputs - 1 Main and 1 Sub/Zone2.

• 4K/60Hz Passthrough: On both receivers all inputs pass up to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4 video signal.
• 4K Upscaling on Sony STR-ZA5000ES: It can upscale up to 4K/60p from HDMI and analog sources.
• Analog To HDMI Upconversion: Sony STR-ZA5000ES supports analog to HDMI Upconversion, so you can input your analog video sources and output them digitally via HDMI. This means that you will need only one HDMI cable to connect to your TV.
• BT.2020 Color Space: BT.2020 or Rec. 2020 is a color standard which delivers a wider color gamut compared to Rec. 709. It covers approximately 75% of the total visual spectrum while the Rec. 709 covers only 35% (available on both models).
• HDCP 2.2 Copy Protection: Both receivers are HDCP 2.2 compliant which is a requirement for 4K/HDR copy-protected content transmission.
• 3D Ready: Both receivers are able to pass 3D video through HDMI.

HDR (High Dynamic Range)

Both receivers support HDR10, Dolby Vision and Hybrid Log-Gamma. High dynamic range video has greater dynamic range than standard dynamic range (SDR) video with brighter whites and deeper blacks. The result is greater contrast and more details in dark and bright areas, better color and depth.

VIDEO FEATURES	Marantz NR1508	Sony STR-ZA5000ES
HDR10
HDR10+
Dynamic HDR
BT.2020 color space
Dolby Vision
HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
HDBaseT Compatible
Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
HDCP Version	2.2	2.2
QMS (Quick Media Switching)
ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
QFT (Quick Frame transport)
3-D Ready
Video Signal Passthrough	up to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4	up to 4K/60p (YCbCr4:4:4)
Video Signal Upscaling		up to 4K/60p

TERMINALS	Marantz NR1508	Sony STR-ZA5000ES
HDMI Inputs	6 (1 front)	6 (1 front)
HDMI Outputs	1	2 (1 Main, 1 Sub/Zone2)
8K Inputs
USB Input	1 (Front) for USB memory	1 (Front) for update and setting
USB DC Out Port
Optical Inputs	1	2
Optical Outputs
Coaxial Inputs	1	1
RCA Line Inputs	3	4
RCA Line Outputs
XLR Line Inputs
Phono Input
Multi-Channel Input
RCA Pre-Outs	2.2	11.2
XLR Pre-outs
Composite Video Inputs	3	2
Composite Video Outputs	1	1
S-Video Inputs
S-Video Outputs
Component Video Inputs		2
Component Video Outputs

GENERAL	Marantz NR1508	Sony STR-ZA5000ES
Brand	Marantz	Sony
Series	Slimline	ES
Model	NR1508	STR-ZA5000ES
Type	A/V Receiver	A/V Receiver
Country	USA	USA
Release Year	2017	2016
Predecessor	Marantz NR1506
Successor	Marantz NR1509	Sony STR-AZ5000ES

AMPLIFIER	Marantz NR1508	Sony STR-ZA5000ES
Channels	5.2	9.2
Power Output	50 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)	120 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
Front Wide Channel Support
Current Feedback Topology
Discrete Amplification
HDAM
THX™ Certification
Continuous 6 Ω Rated
Certified 4 Ω Performance
Bi-amp Capability

AUDIO FEATURES	Marantz NR1508	Sony STR-ZA5000ES
Maximum Channel Processing	5.1	11.1
Air Studios Monitor Certification
Dolby Atmos		up to 7.1.4
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
Dolby Atmos Music
Dolby TrueHD
Dolby Digital Plus
Dolby Surround Upmixer
Dolby Pro Logic	PLII	PLIIz
Dolby Digital EX
Surround EX
DTS:X		up to 7.1.4
DTS Neural:X
DTS Virtual:X
DTS Neo	Neo:6	Neo:6
DTS-HD Master Audio
DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
DTS 96/24
DTS Express
DTS-ES	Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1	Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1
IMAX Enhanced
Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
360 Reality Audio
PCM	2-ch/Multi-ch Input	2-ch/Multi-ch Input
Network Audio Formats	MP3, WMA, MPEG-4 AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, DSD
Music Playback via USB	MP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, DSD
High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network	up to 192 kHz
High Resolution Audio Formats via USB	Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, DSD
Gapless Playback
DSD via HDMI		2-ch/Multi-ch Input
DSD via USB	2-ch Input
DSD to PCM Converter
USB DAC
Jitter Reduction
DTS Dialogue Control
Dialog Enhancement
Dialog Level Adjustment
Dialog normalization
Dialogue Lift		Center Speaker Lift Up
Digital Legato Linear
In-Ceiling Speaker Mode
OP Processing
Sound Optimizer
Tone Control		All Channels
Compressed Music Enhancer	MDAX2
High-resolution Music Enhancer
Audyssey Dynamic EQ
Audyssey Dynamic Volume
Audyssey LFC
Audyssey Sub EQ HT
Audyssey DSX
Direct Mode
Pure Direct Mode
Independent Subwoofer Outputs

CALIBRATION	Marantz NR1508	Sony STR-ZA5000ES
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.	Audyssey MultEQ	D.C.A.C. EX
Calibration Microphone		Stereo
EQ for D.C.A.C.		31 band EQ
Speaker Relocation
Automatic Phase Matching
Audyssey App Support
Optimized Bass Redirection
Bass Sync

VIDEO FEATURES	Marantz NR1508	Sony STR-ZA5000ES
HDR10
HDR10+
Dynamic HDR
BT.2020 color space
Dolby Vision
HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
HDBaseT Compatible
Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
HDCP Version	2.2	2.2
QMS (Quick Media Switching)
ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
QFT (Quick Frame transport)
3-D Ready
Video Signal Passthrough	up to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4	up to 4K/60p (YCbCr4:4:4)
Video Signal Upscaling		up to 4K/60p
Analog To HDMI Upconversion		Component, Composite
Component Video Upscaling
Analog to Analog Video conversion
isf Certified Calibration Control

CONNECTIVITY	Marantz NR1508	Sony STR-ZA5000ES
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth	SBC
Works with Amazon Alexa
Chromecast Built-In
Works with SonoS
HEOS
DTS Play-Fi
MHL Input
DLNA 1.5
Music Connect
Domotz Pro Compatible
Remote Monitoring with ihiji
OvrC Compatible
AirPlay	AirPlay 2
Apple Product Connection	iPod, iPhone and iPad
Remote App	Marantz 2016 AVR Remote App for iOS and Android devices
InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue

TERMINALS	Marantz NR1508	Sony STR-ZA5000ES
HDMI Inputs	6 (1 front)	6 (1 front)
HDMI Outputs	1	2 (1 Main, 1 Sub/Zone2)
8K Inputs
USB Input	1 (Front) for USB memory	1 (Front) for update and setting
USB DC Out Port
Optical Inputs	1	2
Optical Outputs
Coaxial Inputs	1	1
RCA Line Inputs	3	4
RCA Line Outputs
XLR Line Inputs
Phono Input
Multi-Channel Input
RCA Pre-Outs	2.2	11.2
XLR Pre-outs
Composite Video Inputs	3	2
Composite Video Outputs	1	1
S-Video Inputs
S-Video Outputs
Component Video Inputs		2
Component Video Outputs
Ethernet
Ethernet Switch		8-Port Gigabit
PC In
Front A/V Inputs	HDMI, USB	HDMI, USB
Speaker A/B
Headphone Out	6.3 mm (1/4")
Detachable Power Cord
Flasher In
Remote Control In/Out	1 / 1

ZONES	Marantz NR1508	Sony STR-ZA5000ES
Number of Zones	1	3
Powered Zones		2 and 3
Zone 2 Outs		HDMI, Composite Video, RCA Pre/Line Out
Zone 3 Outs		RCA Pre/Line Out
Zone GUI		for Zone 2
RS-232C Interface
+12V Trigger Output		3 (80 mA)
Remote (IR) Input/Output		1 / 2

MISCELLANEOUS	Marantz NR1508	Sony STR-ZA5000ES
On-Screen Display	Hybrid Graphic User Interface	Graphical User Interface
GUI Languages	3	3
Web Control
IP Control
Display	1 line
Remote Controller	RC033SR	RM-AAU217
Pre-programmed / Learnable / LCD Display	/ /
Setup Assistant

RADIO	Marantz NR1508	Sony STR-ZA5000ES
Analog Tuner	FM/AM	FM/AM
Presets		60 (30/30)
Digital Radio
Internet Radio	TuneIn
Pandora
Spotify
Tidal
Deezer
Napster
SiriusXM

CONSTRUCTION	Marantz NR1508	Sony STR-ZA5000ES
Solid Aluminum Front
Speaker Terminals	5	11
Large Speaker Terminals	5	11
Color-Coded Speaker Terminals
Transparent High-Grade Speaker Terminals
High Grade Audio Components
Gold plated RCA terminals

POWER	Marantz NR1508	Sony STR-ZA5000ES
Power Supply	AC 120 V, 60 Hz	AC 120 V, 60 Hz
Toroidal Transformer	(EI)
Power Consumption	180 W	500 W
No Sound Power	ECO On/Off: 25 W/35 W
Standby Power	0.2 W	0.3 W
ECO Mode / Hybrid Standby Function
Auto Power off

PHYSICAL	Marantz NR1508	Sony STR-ZA5000ES
Dimensions (W x H x D)	440 mm x 105 mm x 376 mm (with antenna: 440 mm x 173 mm x 376 mm) 17-3/8" x 4-1/4" x 14-7/8" (with antenna up: 17-3/8" x 6-7/8" x 14-7/8")	430 mm x 174 mm x 410 mm 17" x 6-7/8" x 16-1/4"
Weight	8.2 kg (18 lbs 1 oz)	17.5 kg (38 lbs. 10 oz.)

SPECIFICATIONS	Marantz NR1508	Sony STR-ZA5000ES
Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	50 W (0.08% THD)	120 W (0.09% THD)
Power Output (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel Driven, FTC)		130 W (0.9% THD)
Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	60 W (0.7% THD)
Maximum Effective Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA or IEC)	100 W (10% THD)
Rated Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, IEC)	85 W (1% THD)
Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line)	130 mV/47 kΩ	150 mV/50 kΩ
Rated Preout Level and Impedance		2 V/1 kΩ
S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)	98 dB	105 dB (20 kHz LPF, 500 mV)
S/N Ratio (digital)		96 dB (20 kHz LPF)
Frequency Response (Analog In)	+1/-3 dB (10 Hz to 100 kHz, Direct mode)	10 Hz - 100 kHz/±3 dB
DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI		2.8 MHz
DSD Sampling Rates via USB	5.6 MHz, 2.8 MHz
Video Input Sensitivity/Output Level and Impedance	1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Composite)	1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Component Y) 0.7 Vp-p/75 Ω (Component PB/CB, PR/CR) 1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Composite)
Video Frequency Response	5 Hz to 10 MHz, 0 dB/-3 dB (Composite)
Ethernet Standard	100BASE-TX
Wi-Fi Standard	IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n
Wi-Fi Terminal Frequency	5 GHz, 2.4 GHz
Bluetooth Version	3․0 + EDR
Bluetooth Frequency	2.4 GHz
USB Terminal	USB2.0 5V, 1 A
FM Frequency	87.5 MHz - 107.9 MHz	87.5 MHz - 108.0 MHz
FM 50 dB Quiet Sensitivity (IHF, 1 kHz, 100% MOD.)	Mono: 2.8 µV (20.2 dBf)
FM Effective Sensitivity	1.2 µV (12.8 dBf)
FM S/N Ratio	Mono/Stereo: 70 dB/67 dB
FM Harmonic Distortion (IHF, 1 kHz)	Mono/Stereo: 0.7%/1.0%
AM Frequency	520 kHz - 1710 kHz	530 kHz - 1710 kHz
AM Effective Sensitivity	18 µV
Warranty	3 Years	5 Years

* - 480i/576i and 480p/576p only
** - 480i/576i only
*** - no 1080p/24 upconversion
**** - 1080p signal is not converted