1-on-1 Comparison

Side-by-Side Comparison

Marantz Slimline NR1506 (USA version)

SCORE:
76

Highlights

  • 5.2 channels
  • 5.1 channel processing
  • 50 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
  • HDR10, Dolby Vision, 4K Passthrough
  • AirPlay, DLNA
  • Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
  • USB input

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Content

Overview

Marantz Slimline NR1506 was introduced in 2015. It is equipped with 5 channel amplifier with 50 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 5.1 maximum channel processing. It passes 4K/60Hz video signal.

We evaluated the a/v receiver and gave 76 overall score out of 100. Our ranking system is based on the amplifier specifications, audio and video features, connectivity, multizone capabilities, radio and many other details.

AMPLIFIER
77
VIDEO FEATURES
94
AUDIO FEATURES
65
CONNECTIVITY
79
MULTIZONE
55
MISCELLANEOUS
59
RADIO
89
OVERALL
76

Pros and Cons

In this section we present pros and cons of Marantz Slimline NR1506.

PROS
  Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.
  New HDCP Version
  HDR10
  Dolby Vision
  4K or 8K Video Passthrough
  Ethernet
  Wi-Fi
  Bluetooth
  USB Input
  Composite Video Inputs
  RCA Pre-Outs
  Zones
  Analog Tuner
  Pandora
  Spotify
CONS
  5.1 Channel Processing
  No Dolby Atmos
  No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
  No DTS:X
  No IMAX Enhanced
  No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
  No DSD via HDMI
  No eARC
  No HDR10+
  No 4K or 8K Video Upscaling
  No HEOS
  No Chromecast Built-In
  Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
  Few HDMI Outputs
  Few 8K Inputs
  Few RCA Line Inputs
  Few Optical Inputs
  No Tidal
  Old Bluetooth Version

Audio Section

5 channel Amplifier

Marantz Slimline NR1506 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.

    Speaker Configurations

    Marantz Slimline NR1506's 5 channel amplifier can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

    • Configurations: Available configurations are:
    • 5.2 with internal amplifier.

    Sound Processing

    • Audyssey: Marantz Slimline NR1506 comes with Audyssey Dynamic EQ and Dynamic Volume.
    • Dynamic EQ: selects the best possible frequency response and surround volume levels moment-by-moment. This ensures that the bass response, tonal balance and surround impression remain constant despite changes in volume. This is the first technology that carefully combines information from incoming source levels with actual output sound levels in the room, a pre-requisite for delivering a dynamic volume solution.
    • Dynamic Volume: Your Listening experience can be greatly diminished when there are significant shifts in volume between television programs, commercials and within the program material itself. When this happens you must constantly adjust the volume to maintain your desired listening level. Audyssey Dynamic Volume monitors the volume of program material moment-by-moment and automatically adjusts it, maintaining the desired listening level for all content while optimizing the dynamic range to preserve impact.
    • MDAX2: Compressed music enhancement in Marantz Slimline NR1506 is done by Marantz’ MDAX2 technology. The use of compressed audio files like MP3, Windows Media™ Audio or AAC is getting more and more popular. The audio quality of these compressed files however is less than the original lossless files that are on a CD, especially lacking the higher frequencies and affecting the lower frequencies which make the audio image less wide and deep. The Marantz Digital Audio Expander 2, also called M-DAX2, recalculates the outputted frequency range. This enables you to get a more detailed and clearer sound.

    Room Calibration

    Marantz Slimline NR1506 comes with Audyssey MultEQ room correction system and includes the calibration microphone.

    • Audyssey Room Calibration: Audyssey is an acoustic measurement technology which automatically restores the acoustic distortion caused by the acoustic behaviour of a room with only a push on a button. Audyssey equalization provides an clear, accurate, natural sound with voices and dialog that become focused and intelligible, restoring the musical balance. Musical instruments and sound effects become precisely localized and the surround soundstage is made seamless and enveloping.

    Video Section

    HDMI

    Marantz Slimline NR1506 features 6 HDMI inputs. It has 1 output.

    • 4K/60Hz Passthrough: All inputs pass up to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4 video signal.
    • 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%.
    • HDCP 2.2 Copy Protection: All inputs and outputs are HDCP 2.2 compliant which is a requirement for 4K/HDR copy-protected content transmission.
    • 3D Ready: Marantz Slimline NR1506 is able to pass 3D video through HDMI.

    HDR (High Dynamic Range)

    Marantz Slimline NR1506 supports HDR (high dynamic range) video formats such as 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.

    • HDR10: HDR10 uses the wide-gamut Rec. 2020 color space. It sends static metadata via video stream to the TV which calibrates its screen brightness and color according to that. HDR10 supports 10-bit color which corresponds to 1024 shades of the primary RGB colors. It is technically limited to a maximum of 10,000 nits peak brightness, however common HDR10 contents are mastered with peak brightness from 1,000 to 4,000 nits.
    • Dolby Vision: Dolby Vision is a set of technologies developed by Dolby Laboratories for high dynamic range (HDR) video. It covers content creation, distribution, and playback. Like HDR10+, it includes dynamic metadata that are used to adjust and optimize each frame of the HDR video to the consumer display's capabilities in a way specified by the content creator. Dolby Vision allows for a maximum resolution of 8K up to 12-bit color depth, maximum peak brightness of 10,000 nits and a color gamut up to Rec. 2020. It uses Dolby's proprietary dynamic metadata defined in SMPTE ST 2094-10.
    • Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG): The Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG) is a transfer function developed mainly for HDR live video feed and over-the-air broadcasts. It is an HDR format that uses BT.2020 color primaries and a bitdepth of 10-bit. It is backward compatible with the transfer function of SDR and is designed to be better-suited for television broadcasting, where the metadata required for other HDR formats is not backward compatible with non-HDR displays. HLG defines a non-linear optical-electro transfer function, in which the lower half of the signal values use a gamma curve and the upper half of the signal values use a logarithmic curve.

    Inputs and Outputs

    Audio

    • Analog Pre-Outs: Marantz Slimline NR1506 has 2.2 preamplifier outputs which allow you to connect the a/v receiver to the external power amplifier. You may want to use a high quality external amplifier for certain channels, usually for front L/R and center, and use the a/v receiver to power the rest.
    • Analog Line Inputs: There are 3 line inputs for analog audio connection.
    • Digital Inputs and Outputs: 0 optical input, 1 optical output and 1 coaxial input are available for digital audio connection.
    • Headphone Output: There is a 6.3 mm (1/4") headphone output jack on the front panel.

    Video

    • HDMI:
    • Inputs: 6 (1 front)   Outputs: 1
      8K Inputs: 0
    • Composite Video: Connect you VCR, Laserdisc player and other old video equipment with composite video cables.
    • Inputs: 3   Outputs: 1
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    Specifications

    Here we list all the available features and specifications of Marantz Slimline NR1506.

    BASICS
    BrandMarantz
    SeriesSlimline
    ModelNR1506
    TypeA/V Receiver
    CountryUSA
    Release Year2015
    AMPLIFIER
    Channels5.2
    Current Feedback Topology
    Discrete Amplification
    HDAM
    THX™ Certification
    Continuous 6 Ω Rated
    Certified 4 Ω Performance
    Bi-amp Capability
    AUDIO
    Maximum Channel Processing5.1
    Air Studios Monitor Certification
    Dolby Atmos
    Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
    Dolby Atmos Music
    Dolby TrueHD
    Dolby Digital Plus
    Dolby Surround Upmixer
    Dolby Pro Logic PLII
    Dolby Digital EX
    Surround EX
    DTS:X
    DTS Neural:X
    DTS Virtual:X
    DTS Neo Neo:6
    DTS-HD Master Audio
    DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
    DTS 96/24
    DTS Express
    DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1
    IMAX Enhanced
    Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
    PCM 2-ch/Multi-ch Input
    Music Playback via USBMP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD
    High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network up to 192 kHz
    High Resolution Audio Formats via USBApple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD
    Gapless Playback
    DSD via HDMI
    DSD via USB 2-ch Input
    DSD to PCM Converter
    USB DAC
    Jitter Reduction
    DTS Dialog Control
    Dialog Enhancement
    Dialog Level Adjustment
    Dialog Normalization
    Dialogue Lift
    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
    Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. Audyssey MultEQ
    Audyssey App Support
    Optimized Bass Redirection
    Bass Sync
    VIDEO
    Enhanced ARC
    HDCP Version2.2
    HDR10
    HDR10+
    Dynamic HDR
    Dolby Vision
    HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
    BT.2020 color space
    QMS (Quick Media Switching)
    ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
    VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
    QFT (Quick Frame transport)
    3-D Ready
    Video Signal Passthroughup to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4
    Video Signal Upscaling
    Analog To HDMI Upconversion
    Component Video Upscaling
    Analog to Analog Video conversion
    isf Certified Calibration Control
    CONNECTIVITY
    MHL Input
    DLNA 1.5
    FireConnect
    FlareConnect
    Domotz Pro Compatible
    Remote Monitoring with ihiji
    OvrC Compatible
    HEOS
    Chromecast Built-In
    DTS Play-Fi
    Works with Amazon Alexa
    Works with SONOS
    AirPlay AirPlay
    Apple Product Connection iPod, iPhone and iPad
    Remote App Marantz Remote App for iOS and Android devices
    InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue
    Ethernet
    Ethernet Switch
    Wi-Fi
    Bluetooth
    HDBaseT Compatible
    HDMI Inputs6 (1 front)
    HDMI Outputs1
    8K Inputs
    USB Input1 (Front) for iPod/iPhone and USB memory
    USB DC Out Port
    RCA Line Input3
    RCA Line Output
    XLR Line Inputs
    Phono Input
    Optical Inputs1
    Optical Outputs
    Coaxial Inputs1
    Composite Video Input3
    Composite Video Output1
    S-Video Input
    S-Video Output
    Component Video Input
    Component Video Output
    PC In
    Multi-Channel Input
    RCA Pre-Outs2.2
    XLR Pre-outs
    Front A/V InputsHDMI, USB
    Speaker A/B
    Headphone Out6.3 mm (1/4")
    ZONES
    Zones1
    RS-232C Interface
    +12V Trigger Output
    MISC
    On-Screen Display Hybrid Graphic User Interface
    GUI Languages3
    Web Browser Control
    IP Control for CI
    Display 1 line
    Remote ControllerRC020SR
    Pre-programmed / Learnable / LCD Display / /
    Detachable Power Cord
    Flasher In
    Remote Control In/Out1 / 1
    Setup Assistant
    RADIO
    Analog Tuner FM/AM
    Digital Radio
    Internet Radio
    Pandora
    Spotify
    Tidal
    Deezer
    Napster
    SiriusXM Internet Radio
    CONSTRUCTION
    Solid Aluminum Front
    Speaker Terminals5
    Large Speaker Terminals5
    Color-Coded Speaker Terminals
    Transparent High-Grade Speaker Terminals
    High Grade Audio Components
    Gold plated RCA terminals
    POWER
    Power SupplyAC 120 V, 60 Hz
    Toroidal Transformer (EI)
    Power Consumption180 W
    Standby Power0.2 W
    GENERAL
    ECO Mode / Hybrid Standby Function
    Auto Power off
    Dimensions (W x H x D)440 mm x 105 mm x 376 mm (with antenna: 440 mm x 173 mm x 376 mm)
    17-5/16" x 4-1/8" x 14-13/16" (with antenna up: 17-5/16" x 6-13/16" x 14-13/16")
    Weight8.2 kg (18 lbs 1 oz)
    Warranty3 Years
    SPECS
    Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 250 W (0.08% THD)
    Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 260 W (0.7% THD)
    Maximum Effective Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA)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
    S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)98 dB
    Frequency Response (Analog In)+1/-3 dB (10 Hz to 100 kHz, Direct mode)
    DSD Sampling Rates via USB2.8 MHz
    Video Input Sensitivity/Output Level and Impedance1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Composite)
    Video Frequency Response5 Hz to 10 MHz, 0 dB/-3 dB (Composite)
    Ethernet Standard100BASE-TX
    Wi-Fi StandardIEEE 802.11 b/g/n
    Wi-Fi Terminal Frequency2.4 GHz
    Bluetooth Version2․1 + EDR
    Bluetooth Frequency2.4 GHz
    USB TerminalUSB2.0 5V, 1 A
    FM Frequency87.5 MHz - 107.9 MHz
    FM 50 dB Quiet Sensitivity (IHF, 1 kHz, 100% MOD.)Mono: 2.8 µV (20.2 dBf)
    FM Effective Sensitivity1.2 µV (12.8 dBf)
    FM S/N RatioMono/Stereo: 70 dB/67 dB
    FM Harmonic Distortion (IHF, 1 kHz)Mono/Stereo: 0.7%/1.0%
    AM Frequency530 kHz - 1710 kHz
    AM Effective Sensitivity18 µV

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

    Successor

    In 2017 Marantz Slimline NR1506 was replaced by NR1508. Let us now have a look at some important changes that the successor brought.


    UPGRADES Marantz Slimline NR1508 vs Marantz Slimline NR1506
    HEOS vs
    Works with Amazon Alexa vs
    AirPlay AirPlay 2 vs AirPlay
    Tidal vs
    Deezer vs
    Napster vs
    Higher DSD Sampling Rate via USB 5.6 MHz, 2.8 MHz vs 2.8 MHz
    Wi-Fi Standard IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n vs IEEE 802.11 b/g/n
    Wi-Fi Terminal Frequency 5 GHz, 2.4 GHz vs 2.4 GHz
    Newer Bluetooth Version 3․0 + EDR vs 2․1 + EDR
    Wider AM Frequency Range 520 kHz - 1710 kHz vs 530 kHz - 1710 kHz

    DOWNGRADES Marantz Slimline NR1508 vs Marantz Slimline NR1506
    Music Playback via USB MP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, DSD vs MP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD
    High Resolution Audio Formats via USB Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, DSD vs Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD

    For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Marantz Slimline NR1506 vs Marantz Slimline NR1508.

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