If you're looking to build or upgrade a home theater system in 2024, choosing the right AV receiver is crucial. Today we're comparing the premium $1,098 Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES with the more budget-friendly $599 Marantz NR1510 to help you make the best choice for your needs.
Think of an AV receiver as the brain and muscle of your home theater. It processes audio signals, powers your speakers, switches between video sources, and ensures everything works together seamlessly. Modern receivers need to handle everything from legacy DVDs to cutting-edge 8K content and object-based surround sound (where sounds can appear to come from specific points in 3D space).
Since the Marantz NR1510's release in late 2019 and the Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES's debut in 2023, we've seen significant changes in home theater technology. The biggest shifts have been around HDMI 2.1 features for gaming, 8K video support, and more sophisticated room correction systems. Let's see how our contenders stack up.
The Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES offers a robust 100 watts per channel across 7.2 channels. In real-world terms, this means it can easily fill larger rooms with clean, dynamic sound and handle sudden loud moments (like explosions or orchestral crescendos) without strain. The seven channels allow for either rear surround speakers or height channels for Dolby Atmos, giving you flexibility in speaker setup.
The Marantz NR1510 provides 50 watts per channel in a 5.2 configuration. While this might seem significantly less powerful, it's actually plenty for smaller to medium-sized rooms. The main limitation is having fewer channels - you'll need to choose between surround or height speakers, not both.
This is where the age difference really shows. The Sony supports all the latest standards:
The Marantz, being older, handles 4K/60Hz content well but lacks support for 8K and newer gaming features. For most current content this isn't a problem, but it could become limiting as 8K becomes more common or if you're a serious gamer.
Both receivers support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, but the Sony adds newer features like 360 Spatial Sound Mapping. This creates additional virtual speakers between your physical ones, making the sound field more seamless. Having tested this personally, the difference is subtle but noticeable, especially with well-mixed movie soundtracks.
The Sony, part of their ES (Elevated Standard) line, features premium components and construction. The hefty power supply and reinforced chassis help reduce unwanted vibration and electrical noise. This translates to cleaner, more accurate sound reproduction.
The Marantz takes a different approach with its slim design, standing just 4 inches tall compared to traditional receivers. This can be a huge advantage if space is tight, though it does mean some compromises in power supply size and cooling capacity.
For movie watching, both receivers perform well in their intended environments. The Sony excels with action movies and complex soundtracks, where its extra power and channels create a more immersive experience. I've found the additional headroom particularly noticeable during busy action scenes, where lower-powered receivers can sound strained.
The Marantz handles dialog and music well, though it can feel somewhat limited during demanding scenes. Its slim design makes it perfect for less dedicated spaces like living rooms where aesthetics matter more.
Both receivers support high-resolution audio and various streaming services. The Sony's more robust power supply and superior DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) implementation provide noticeably better stereo music performance. The Marantz is competent but doesn't quite match the Sony's clarity and dynamics.
For gaming, the Sony's HDMI 2.1 features make it clearly superior. The ability to handle 4K/120Hz and Variable Refresh Rate means smoother gameplay and better synchronization with modern gaming consoles and PCs.
The Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES costs nearly twice as much as the Marantz NR1510, but offers significantly more features and future-proofing. Think of it as buying a receiver that will last through several equipment upgrades versus one that might need replacement sooner.
Consider these key factors:
For most users building a long-term home theater system, the Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES is worth the premium. Its combination of power, features, and future-proofing make it a solid investment. However, if space is very tight or you're working with a strict budget, the Marantz NR1510 remains a capable option for smaller rooms and simpler setups.
Remember that an AV receiver is typically a long-term investment - it's often better to stretch the budget initially than to wish for more features later. Whichever you choose, both receivers represent solid options in their respective price categories, with the Sony offering premium features and performance, and the Marantz providing good basic functionality in a space-saving design.
| $1,098 Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES | $599 Marantz NR1510 |
|---|---|
| Channel Configuration - Determines speaker setup flexibility and immersion | |
| 7.2 channels (supports full surround + height speakers) | 5.2 channels (basic surround only) |
| Power Output - Critical for room size and dynamic sound | |
| 100W per channel (excellent for large rooms) | 50W per channel (suitable for small/medium rooms) |
| HDMI Support - Important for future-proofing and gaming | |
| 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM (fully future-proof) | 4K/60Hz only (limited for next-gen gaming) |
| Room Correction - Impacts overall sound quality in your space | |
| Advanced D.C.A.C. IX with multiple profiles | Basic Audyssey MultEQ (limited adjustment options) |
| Build Quality & Warranty - Affects longevity and reliability | |
| Premium ES line, 5-year warranty | Standard build, 3-year warranty |
| Physical Size - Important for installation flexibility | |
| Standard height (17.1" x 6.8" x 14.5") | Slim design (17.3" x 4.1" x 14.9") |
| Video Processing - Matters for picture quality | |
| Full 8K upscaling, HDR format support | Basic 4K processing, limited HDR support |
| Multi-zone Capability - Important for whole-home audio | |
| 3 zones with independent sources | 2 zones with limited source options |
| Streaming Features - Affects convenience and usability | |
| AirPlay 2, Chromecast, HEOS, Voice control | HEOS, Basic voice control |
The $1,098 Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES is significantly better for home theater use, offering more channels (7.2 vs 5.2), double the power per channel, and superior room correction. While the $599 Marantz NR1510 works for basic setups, the Sony provides a more immersive experience.
The Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES delivers 100W per channel, while the Marantz NR1510 provides 50W per channel. This difference is noticeable in larger rooms or when playing dynamic content like action movies.
Yes, but differently. The Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES supports 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz with full HDMI 2.1 features, while the Marantz NR1510 handles basic 4K/60Hz content only.
The Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES is significantly better for gaming, supporting 4K/120Hz, VRR, and ALLM. The Marantz NR1510 lacks these gaming-specific features.
Both handle music well, but the Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES offers superior performance with better DACs and more power. The Marantz NR1510 is adequate for casual listening but lacks the same refinement.
The Marantz NR1510 is ideal for small rooms due to its slim design and 50W power output. The Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES might be overkill for very small spaces.
Yes, but differently. The Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES can process 7.2 channels including height speakers, while the Marantz NR1510 is limited to 5.2 channels, restricting Atmos capabilities.
Both offer streaming, but the Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES provides more options including Chromecast built-in. The Marantz NR1510 offers basic streaming through HEOS.
For home theater enthusiasts, the Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES justifies its higher price with better features and performance. However, the Marantz NR1510 provides good value for basic setups.
The Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES features advanced D.C.A.C. IX calibration, offering superior room correction compared to the basic Audyssey MultEQ in the Marantz NR1510.
Yes, but the Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES offers more flexible 3-zone capability, while the Marantz NR1510 is limited to 2 zones with fewer source options.
The Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES is likely to last longer with its 5-year warranty and premium build quality, compared to the Marantz NR1510's 3-year warranty and standard construction.
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: ecoustics.com - electronics.sony.com - youtube.com - crutchfield.com - audioadvice.com - abt.com - merlinstv.com - worldwidestereo.com - snapav.com - overtureav.com - sony.ca - audioholics.com - bestbuy.com - upscaleaudio.com - youtube.com - hometheatreexperts.in - audiolab.com - crutchfield.com - flanners.com - manuals.marantz.com - marantz.com - youtube.com
