Onkyo TX-NR555 vs Marantz NR1508

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Choosing an AV receiver is not an easy task and the Onkyo TX-NR555 versus Marantz NR1508 comparison is meant to help you with this. According to the results of our review, Onkyo TX-NR555 received 7 points out of 10 possible, and Marantz NR1508 was rated 6.3 points. Both AV receivers were introduced in 2016. As a result, it becomes clear that TX-NR555 is a better option for home theater than NR1508.

Main advantages Onkyo TX-NR555 over Marantz NR1508

Main advantages Marantz NR1508 over Onkyo TX-NR555

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 7 and 5, respectively, on a 10-point scale.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. The Onkyo TX-NR555 supports 7.2-channels sound, but Marantz NR1508 supports a 5.2-channels configuration.

RMS stands for the actual power of the receiver. The higher this value, the louder the sound can be produced.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the TX-NR555 9 out of 10, and the NR1508 - 7.

Bi-amping is the amplification of one speaker with two amplifiers. This amplification method has a positive effect on sound quality. Bi-amping is possible only on the TX-NR555.

Most receivers now come with a microphone included. It is with the help of this microphone that the auto-calibration system functions, which adjusts the sound of the receiver to the room.

Connectivity

The connectivity of competitors in our comparison is equal and was rated 8 out of 10.

Bluetooth connection is now one of the main communication protocols for the receiver's control or even music broadcasting.

Streaming services

Now music streaming services are gaining more and more popularity. They allow users to listen to millions of songs by subscription.

Extensive connections

The presence of many connectors makes the receiver more versatile. But there are also narrowly targeted models, the number of connectors which are limited to a certain area of use. And when choosing their own receiver, users need to consider exactly your goals for using the receiver. For extensive connection, Onkyo TX-NR555 got 7 points, but Marantz NR1508 received 6 points.

Competitors in our review have 6/1 HDMI inputs and outputs.

By using the HDMI ARC, we can get rid of additional audio cables for the forefront of high-quality sound, but also thanks to this technology, it becomes possible to use surround sound formats. The TX-NR555 has HDMI ARC support.

Connecting a vinyl player or phonograph is possible using a Phono input which is represented by mini-jack or RCA connectors. Only the TX-NR555 has a Phono interface.

Video features

The AV receiver is the heart of the home theater. And in this case, support for all current video formats ensures the best user experience, so it is very important to consider this when choosing a device. Video features of rivals in our comparison were rated 7 out of 10.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the TX-NR555 got 6 points, but the NR1508 has 10.

Voice control allows you to control the basic functions of the receiver through a smartphone, smart speaker or using the microphone that comes with the kit. The NR1508 can be controlled by voice via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI.

Multi-room

As the center of a home media system, each multichannel receiver has an additional set of terminals for connecting the second set of speakers to create additional audio space in Zone 2 or even Zone 3 where audio can have the separate source.

Multichannel surround

Onkyo TX-NR555 got 7 points for the multichannel surround sound and Marantz NR1508 got 5.

Dolby Atmos' particularity is that this is the object-oriented sound format, that is, each audio signal object is independently sounded and connected to its spatial position. Onkyo TX-NR555 can create 3D sound due to the Dolby Atmos support.

DTS:X is an algorithm used by the processor to create sound scenes, where sounds connected directly to objects rather than channels, and to determine the optimum sound output distribution in space. Surround sound with DTS:X is available only on the TX-NR555.