Marantz Slimline NR1506

    77
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    USA
    UK
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    Highlights

    • 5.2 Channels
    • 5.1 Channel Processing
    • 50 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
    • HDR10, Dolby Vision
    • 4K/60Hz Passthrough
    • Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet

    Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

    Table of Contents
    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. 2015 Lineup
    4. Amplifier
    5. Speaker Configurations
    6. HDMI
    7. Room Calibration
    8. Inputs and Outputs
    9. Replaced by NR1508
    10. Evaluation
    11. Specifications

    1. 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 77 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
    Audio Features
    65
    Video Features
    94
    Connectivity
    79
    Zones
    55
    Radio
    89
    OVERALL
    77

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


    Here is a history of the series, where you can view and compare the main specifications of the receivers.

    Evolution of the series
    Model Year Chann. Power Dolby Atmos DTS:X HDR10 HDR10+ Dolby Vision Pass. Price
    NR1510 Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		2019 5.2 50 W 4K
    NR1509 Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		2018 5.2 50 W 4K
    NR1508 Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		2017 5.2 50 W 4K
    NR1506 Image cannot be found 2015 5.2 50 W 4K

    You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Marantz NR1510 vs NR1509 vs NR1508 vs NR1506.

    2. Pros and Cons

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

    PROs

    •   Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.
    •   HDR10
    •   Dolby Vision
    •   New HDCP Version
    •   Wi-Fi
    •   Bluetooth
    •   USB Input
    •   RCA Pre-Outs
    •   Composite Video Inputs
    •   Ethernet
    •   Analog Tuner
    •   Pandora
    •   Spotify

    CONs

    •   Few Channels - 5.2
    •   Low Power Output - 50 W
    •   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 HDR10+
    •   No eARC
    •   No 8K Passthrough
    •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
    •   1 HDMI Outputs
    •   0 8K Input
    •   Few RCA Line Inputs
    •   No Phono Input
    •   No Zones
    •   No Digital Radio
    •   No Tidal
    •   Bluetooth 2․1 + EDR

    And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

    AVERAGE

    •   6 HDMI Inputs

    3. Marantz 2015 Lineup

    In 2015 Marantz released 5 new receivers. Here is the lineup:

    Marantz 2015 Lineup
    ModelChannelsPowerMax. Ch. Proc.Pre OutsImmersive AudioZones Price
    SR7010 Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		9.2125 W11.213.2Dolby Atmos
    DTS:X
    Auro 3D    		3
    SR6010 Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		7.2110 W9.213.2Dolby Atmos
    DTS:X    		2
    SR5010 Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		7.2100 W7.17.2Dolby Atmos
    DTS:X    		2
    NR1606 Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		7.250 W7.12.2Dolby Atmos
    DTS:X    		2
    NR1506 Image cannot be found 5.250 W5.12.21

    You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Marantz SR7010 vs SR6010 vs SR5010 vs NR1606 vs NR1506.

    4. Amplifier

    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.

      AMPLIFIER
      Channels5.2
      Power Output50 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
      Current Feedback Topology
      Discrete Amplification
      HDAM
      THX™ Certification
      Continuous 6 Ω Rated
      Certified 4 Ω Performance
      Bi-amp Capability

      5. 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.

      6. 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 via HDMI ports. 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
      HDR10
      HDR10+
      Dynamic HDR
      BT.2020 color space
      Dolby Vision
      HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
      HDBaseT Compatible
      Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
      HDCP Version2.2
      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

      7. 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.

      8. 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: 1 optical input 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

      Front A/V Inputs

      • HDMI, USB
      Image cannot be found
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      TERMINALS
      HDMI Inputs6 (1 front)
      HDMI Outputs1
      8K Inputs
      USB Input1 (Front) for iPod/iPhone and USB memory
      USB DC Out Port
      Optical Inputs1
      Optical Outputs
      Coaxial Inputs1
      RCA Line Inputs3
      RCA Line Outputs
      XLR Line Inputs
      Phono Input
      Multi-Channel Input
      RCA Pre-Outs2.2
      XLR Pre-outs
      Composite Video Inputs3
      Composite Video Outputs1
      S-Video Inputs
      S-Video Outputs
      Component Video Inputs
      Component Video Outputs

      9. Replaced by NR1508

      In 2017 Marantz Slimline NR1506 was replaced by Marantz NR1508. Let us now have a look at some important differences between Marantz Slimline NR1506 and its successor.

      UPGRADES Marantz NR1508 vs Marantz Slimline NR1506
      Works with Amazon Alexa vs
      HEOS 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 NR1508 vs Marantz Slimline NR1506
      Network Audio Formats MP3, WMA, MPEG-4 AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, DSD vs MP3, WMA, MPEG-4 AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD
      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 NR1508.

      10. Evaluation

      We evaluate Marantz Slimline NR1506 and give score of 77 out of 100. We also give separate scores for 6 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new receiver is added to the database.


      OVERALL
      77

      Amplifier

      GOOD
      77

      We give Marantz Slimline NR1506 a score of 77 for Amplifier features.

      •   Few Channels - 5.2
      •   Low Power Output - 50 W

      Audio Features

      AVERAGE
      65

      We give Marantz Slimline NR1506 a score of 65 for Audio Features features.

      •   Few Channels - 5.2
      •   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

      Video Features

      EXCELLENT
      94

      We give Marantz Slimline NR1506 a score of 94 for Video Features features.

      •   HDR10
      •   No HDR10+
      •   Dolby Vision
      •   No 8K Passthrough

      Connectivity

      GOOD
      79

      We give Marantz Slimline NR1506 a score of 79 for Connectivity features.

      •   No eARC
      •   New HDCP Version
      •   Wi-Fi
      •   Bluetooth
      •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
      •   6 HDMI Inputs
      •   1 HDMI Outputs
      •   0 8K Input
      •   USB Input
      •   Few RCA Line Inputs
      •   No Phono Input
      •   RCA Pre-Outs
      •   Composite Video Inputs
      •   Ethernet
      •   Bluetooth 2․1 + EDR

      Zones

      AVERAGE
      55

      We give Marantz Slimline NR1506 a score of 55 for Zones features.

      •   No Zones

      Radio

      EXCELLENT
      89

      We give Marantz Slimline NR1506 a score of 89 for Radio features.

      •   Analog Tuner
      •   Pandora
      •   Spotify
      •   No Tidal

      11. Specifications

      GENERAL
      BrandMarantz
      SeriesSlimline
      ModelNR1506
      TypeA/V Receiver
      CountryUSA
      Release Year2015
      SuccessorMarantz NR1508
      AMPLIFIER
      Channels5.2
      Power Output50 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
      Current Feedback Topology
      Discrete Amplification
      HDAM
      THX™ Certification
      Continuous 6 Ω Rated
      Certified 4 Ω Performance
      Bi-amp Capability
      AUDIO FEATURES
      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
      Network Audio FormatsMP3, WMA, MPEG-4 AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD
      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 Dialogue 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 FEATURES
      HDR10
      HDR10+
      Dynamic HDR
      BT.2020 color space
      Dolby Vision
      HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
      HDBaseT Compatible
      Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
      HDCP Version2.2
      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
      Wi-Fi
      Bluetooth
      Works with Amazon Alexa
      Chromecast Built-In
      Works with SonoS
      HEOS
      DTS Play-Fi
      MHL Input
      DLNA 1.5
      Domotz Pro Compatible
      Remote Monitoring with ihiji
      OvrC Compatible
      AirPlay AirPlay
      Apple Product Connection iPod, iPhone and iPad
      Remote App Marantz Remote App for iOS and Android devices
      InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue
      TERMINALS
      HDMI Inputs6 (1 front)
      HDMI Outputs1
      8K Inputs
      USB Input1 (Front) for iPod/iPhone and USB memory
      USB DC Out Port
      Optical Inputs1
      Optical Outputs
      Coaxial Inputs1
      RCA Line Inputs3
      RCA Line Outputs
      XLR Line Inputs
      Phono Input
      Multi-Channel Input
      RCA Pre-Outs2.2
      XLR Pre-outs
      Composite Video Inputs3
      Composite Video Outputs1
      S-Video Inputs
      S-Video Outputs
      Component Video Inputs
      Component Video Outputs
      Ethernet
      Ethernet Switch
      PC In
      Front A/V InputsHDMI, USB
      Speaker A/B
      Headphone Out6.3 mm (1/4")
      Detachable Power Cord
      Flasher In
      Remote Control In/Out1 / 1
      ZONES
      Number of Zones1
      RS-232C Interface
      +12V Trigger Output
      MISCELLANEOUS
      On-Screen Display Hybrid Graphic User Interface
      GUI Languages3
      Web Control
      IP Control
      Display 1 line
      Remote ControllerRC020SR
      Pre-programmed / Learnable / LCD Display / /
      Setup Assistant
      RADIO
      Analog Tuner FM/AM
      Digital Radio
      Internet Radio
      Pandora
      Spotify
      Tidal
      Deezer
      Napster
      SiriusXM
      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
      ECO Mode / Hybrid Standby Function
      Auto Power off
      PHYSICAL
      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)
      SPECIFICATIONS
      Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)50 W (0.08% 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
      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 Impedance 1 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
      Warranty3 Years

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

      Discussion

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