When setting up a home theater system in 2024, choosing the right AV receiver is crucial - it's literally the brain and heart of your entertainment setup. I've spent considerable time with both the Denon AVR-S970H ($599) and Marantz NR1510 ($599), and I'll help you understand which one might be right for your needs.
Before diving into the specifics, let's talk about what's important in today's AV receivers. The landscape has changed dramatically in recent years with the rise of 4K gaming, streaming services, and immersive audio formats. Modern receivers need to handle everything from legacy devices to the latest gaming consoles and streaming boxes.
The Denon AVR-S970H was released in 2022, while the Marantz NR1510 came out in 2019. This timing difference is significant because of how quickly HDMI standards have evolved, particularly for gaming and high-end video processing.
The Denon offers 7.2 channels (meaning seven main speakers and two subwoofers) with 90 watts per channel. In real-world terms, this means you can create a more immersive sound field with additional height or rear speakers. I've found this particularly noticeable when watching movies with complex soundtracks like "Dune" or "Top Gun: Maverick."
The Marantz, with its 5.2 channels and 50 watts per channel, provides a more traditional surround sound setup. While this might seem limited, it's actually plenty for many rooms, especially in apartments or smaller spaces. I've used this setup in a 15x20 foot room with excellent results.
Here's where the age difference really shows:
For most current content, both perform admirably. However, if you're a gamer with a PS5 or Xbox Series X, the Denon's HDMI 2.1 support makes it significantly more future-proof.
One of the most visible differences is size. The Marantz uses a slim design that's half the height of traditional receivers. This might seem like a minor point, but in real-world setups, it can make a huge difference in furniture requirements and ventilation space.
In practice, both receivers deliver excellent sound quality for their price point. The Denon's extra power becomes noticeable in larger rooms or when you're really pushing the volume. I've noticed this particularly during dynamic movie scenes or when playing music at higher volumes.
The Marantz, despite its lower power rating, has a remarkably clean sound signature. It's particularly good with music, thanks to Marantz's audiophile heritage. However, in larger rooms (over 300 square feet), you might start to notice its power limitations.
For home theater use, the Denon has several advantages:
The Marantz still performs admirably in more modest setups, but it lacks some of the more advanced surround processing features that make modern movies so immersive.
If you're a gamer, the Denon is clearly superior:
These features make a noticeable difference in gaming performance and visual quality with current-gen consoles.
At the same price point ($599), these receivers offer different types of value:
The Denon AVR-S970H provides:
The Marantz NR1510 offers:
Consider these factors when choosing:
For most buyers in 2024, the Denon AVR-S970H represents the better value. Its support for current standards, higher power output, and additional channels make it more versatile and future-proof. However, if space is at a premium or you're setting up a simpler system, the Marantz NR1510 remains a solid choice, particularly for its excellent music reproduction and compact design.
Remember, the best receiver is the one that fits your specific needs, space, and future plans. Don't feel pressured to buy more capability than you'll use - both of these units are excellent choices within their intended use cases.
| Denon AVR-S970H | Marantz NR1510 |
|---|---|
| Channel Configuration - Determines maximum speaker setup and surround capabilities | |
| 7.2 channels (supports full Atmos setup) | 5.2 channels (basic surround only) |
| Power Per Channel - Impacts audio clarity at higher volumes and speaker compatibility | |
| 90W (handles larger rooms and demanding speakers) | 50W (suitable for small/medium rooms) |
| Video Support - Critical for future-proofing and gaming | |
| 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz with HDMI 2.1 (fully current) | 4K/60Hz with HDMI 2.0 (last-gen specs) |
| Height - Important for cabinet and cooling considerations | |
| 6.6" (standard size) | 4.1" (slim profile, great for tight spaces) |
| Audio Format Support - Affects immersive sound capabilities | |
| Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, all current formats | Basic formats, no Atmos/DTS:X |
| Gaming Features - Essential for next-gen console gaming | |
| VRR, ALLM, 4K/120Hz (fully gaming ready) | Basic HDMI 2.0 features only |
| Release Date - Indicates technology generation | |
| 2022 (current-gen features) | 2019 (previous-gen features) |
| Room Size Suitability - Determines if power is adequate | |
| Up to 400 sq ft recommended | Up to 200 sq ft recommended |
| Price - Value consideration | |
| $599 (excellent value for features) | $599 (premium for compact design) |
The Denon AVR-S970H is better for home theater use due to its 7.2 channels, higher power output (90W per channel), and support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. The Marantz NR1510 is more limited with 5.2 channels and 50W per channel.
The Denon AVR-S970H is significantly better for gaming, offering HDMI 2.1 support with 4K/120Hz capability, VRR, and ALLM. The Marantz NR1510 only supports HDMI 2.0 features.
Yes, both can handle 4K content, but the Denon AVR-S970H supports up to 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz, while the Marantz NR1510 maxes out at 4K/60Hz.
The Marantz NR1510 is better for small spaces with its slim design at just 4.1 inches tall, compared to the standard 6.6-inch height of the Denon AVR-S970H.
No, only the Denon AVR-S970H supports Dolby Atmos. The Marantz NR1510 does not support Dolby Atmos or DTS:X.
The Denon AVR-S970H is more future-proof with its 8K support, HDMI 2.1 features, and advanced audio format compatibility compared to the Marantz NR1510.
Yes, both receivers support streaming through HEOS, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi, with services like Spotify, Tidal, and Apple AirPlay 2.
The Denon AVR-S970H is better for large rooms with its 90W per channel output, while the Marantz NR1510 is more suited to small or medium rooms.
Yes, both the Denon AVR-S970H and Marantz NR1510 support dual subwoofers with their .2 configurations.
At the same price point of $599, the Denon AVR-S970H offers better value with more channels, power, and features than the Marantz NR1510, unless space-saving is your priority.
Yes, both the Denon AVR-S970H and Marantz NR1510 include phono inputs for connecting turntables.
Both receivers feature automated setup assistants, but the Marantz NR1510 might be simpler due to fewer channels to configure compared to the Denon AVR-S970H.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: audioadvisor.com - listenup.com - audioadvice.com - abt.com - bestbuy.com - adorama.com - snapav.com - crutchfield.com - gibbyselectronicsupermarket.ca - skybygramophone.com - denon.com - manuals.denon.com - bestbuy.com - upscaleaudio.com - youtube.com - hometheatreexperts.in - audiolab.com - crutchfield.com - flanners.com - manuals.marantz.com - marantz.com - youtube.com
