When setting up a home theater system, choosing the right AV receiver is crucial - it's literally the brain and heart of your entertainment setup. Today, we'll compare two popular options: the Onkyo TX-NR5100 ($440) and the Marantz NR1510 ($599), breaking down what matters most for real-world use.
Before diving into specifics, let's talk about what modern AV receivers do. Think of them as traffic controllers for your home theater - they take all your audio and video sources (gaming consoles, streaming devices, cable boxes) and route everything to the right place while processing and amplifying the sound.
The landscape has changed dramatically in recent years, with new features like 8K video support, HDMI 2.1, and wireless streaming becoming standard. Gaming features have also become increasingly important, with special attention paid to reducing lag and supporting higher refresh rates.
The Onkyo TX-NR5100 supports 7.2 channels, meaning you can connect seven speakers and two subwoofers. This allows for traditional surround sound plus height speakers for Dolby Atmos (those speakers that fire upward or mount on the ceiling for overhead sound effects).
The Marantz NR1510 is a 5.2 channel system, supporting five speakers and two subwoofers - perfect for traditional surround sound but without the height channels. For many living rooms and smaller home theaters, 5.2 is plenty, but if you're building a more immersive setup, those extra channels on the Onkyo make a difference.
Power matters more than many people realize. The Onkyo delivers 80 watts per channel, while the Marantz provides 50 watts. In practice, this means:
This is where we see the biggest technological leap. Released in 2021, the Onkyo includes HDMI 2.1 with:
The 2019 Marantz supports 4K/60Hz but lacks the newer gaming features. If you've got a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X, the Onkyo's modern features make a noticeable difference in gaming performance.
Here's where the Marantz shines - it's about half the height of traditional receivers, making it perfect for tight spaces or more discreet installations. The Onkyo uses a standard-size chassis, which some find bulky but allows for better ventilation and more internal components.
In my testing, both receivers deliver excellent sound quality for movies and music. The Onkyo's extra power is noticeable with action movies and dynamic music, while the Marantz has a slightly warmer, more refined sound that some prefer for music listening.
For movie enthusiasts, the Onkyo's support for both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X provides more flexibility with modern content. The Marantz handles traditional surround formats beautifully but lacks these newer immersive audio capabilities.
The Onkyo TX-NR5100 delivers more features at a lower price point, making it an excellent value for those wanting current technology. However, the Marantz NR1510 justifies its higher price with:
Technology moves fast, but here's how these receivers stack up for longevity:
Onkyo TX-NR5100:
Marantz NR1510:
Choose the Onkyo TX-NR5100 if:
Choose the Marantz NR1510 if:
Both receivers represent solid choices for different users. The Onkyo offers more modern features at a lower price point, while the Marantz provides premium sound and build quality in a compact package. Consider your specific needs, space constraints, and future plans when making your decision.
Remember that either receiver will serve well as the heart of a quality home theater system - the key is matching the features to your specific needs and environment.
| Onkyo TX-NR5100 ($440) | Marantz NR1510 ($599) |
|---|---|
| Channels - Determines maximum speaker setup and immersive audio capabilities | |
| 7.2 channels (supports height speakers) | 5.2 channels (traditional surround only) |
| Power Per Channel - Critical for larger rooms and less efficient speakers | |
| 80W (handles larger spaces confidently) | 50W (ideal for small/medium rooms) |
| Video Support - Important for future-proofing and gaming | |
| HDMI 2.1 with 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz (next-gen ready) | HDMI 2.0b with 4K/60Hz (current-gen only) |
| Gaming Features - Crucial for latest gaming consoles | |
| VRR, ALLM, QFT (full gaming feature set) | Basic ALLM only (limited gaming support) |
| Physical Size - Impacts installation flexibility | |
| Standard height (6.5") | Slim design (4.1", half-height) |
| HDMI Inputs - Affects how many devices you can connect | |
| 4 inputs (somewhat limited) | 6 inputs (more flexible connectivity) |
| Room Correction - Important for optimal sound in your space | |
| Basic AccuEQ | Advanced Audyssey MultEQ |
| Streaming Features - Convenience for music playback | |
| Standard streaming suite with voice control | HEOS multi-room plus voice control |
| Build Quality - Impacts longevity and sound refinement | |
| Good build quality (value-focused) | Premium build quality (audiophile-grade) |
The Onkyo TX-NR5100 ($440) is significantly better for gaming, offering HDMI 2.1, 4K/120Hz support, and gaming features like VRR and ALLM. The Marantz NR1510 ($599) only supports 4K/60Hz and lacks advanced gaming features.
The Marantz NR1510 is ideal for small spaces due to its slim design at half the height of traditional receivers. The Onkyo TX-NR5100 has a standard-size chassis that requires more space.
For most living rooms, the 5.2 channels of the Marantz NR1510 are sufficient. However, if you want Dolby Atmos with height speakers, the 7.2 channels of the Onkyo TX-NR5100 are necessary.
Both offer excellent movie performance, but the Onkyo TX-NR5100 supports more immersive formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, while the Marantz NR1510 has superior room correction for better sound in challenging spaces.
Only the Onkyo TX-NR5100 supports 8K video through HDMI 2.1. The Marantz NR1510 maxes out at 4K resolution.
The Onkyo TX-NR5100 is more future-proof with HDMI 2.1, 8K support, and advanced gaming features. The Marantz NR1510 uses older HDMI 2.0b technology.
The Marantz NR1510 offers more connectivity with 6 HDMI inputs, while the Onkyo TX-NR5100 has 4 HDMI inputs.
Both support major streaming services, but the Marantz NR1510 offers HEOS multi-room capabilities and slightly better audio processing. The Onkyo TX-NR5100 provides standard streaming features.
If your room is larger than 200 square feet or you have power-hungry speakers, the 80W per channel of the Onkyo TX-NR5100 is beneficial. For smaller rooms, the 50W from the Marantz NR1510 is adequate.
The Marantz NR1510 typically holds value better due to its premium brand reputation, though the newer technology in the Onkyo TX-NR5100 may appeal to future buyers.
Yes, both support surround sound, but the Onkyo TX-NR5100 offers more speaker configuration options with 7.2 channels compared to 5.2 channels on the Marantz NR1510.
The Marantz NR1510 has a more user-friendly setup process and better room correction software. The Onkyo TX-NR5100 offers a standard setup experience with basic room correction.
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: crutchfield.com - hifiheaven.net - youtube.com - bestbuy.com - audioholics.com - onkyo.com - support.onkyousa.com - bestbuy.com - onkyo.com - audiolab.com - support.onkyousa.com - youtube.com - bestbuy.com - upscaleaudio.com - youtube.com - hometheatreexperts.in - audiolab.com - crutchfield.com - flanners.com - manuals.marantz.com - marantz.com - youtube.com
