Marantz NR1501 Slimline AV Receiver Review
Marantz NR1501 AAV Receiver
Summary
- Product Name: NR1501 Slimline AV Receiver
- Manufacturer: Marantz America
- Performance Rating:
- Value Rating:
- Review Date: February 15, 2010 09:20
- MSRP: $ 599.99
- Specifications
-
7 ch Discrete Analog Amplifier (50 watts x 7) in Slim Design Chassis
HDMI 1.3 x4 Inputs / x1 Output
Decoding of Dolby TrueHD, dts-HD Master Audio
Video Converter for All Analog Sources to HDMI
Independent Audio Board for Improved Sound
Simple Set-up with MRAC Auto Calibration
Component Video x3 Inputs / x1 Output
Analog Audio Inputs x5, Digital Audio Inputs x3
Marantz Remote D-Bus In/Out Jacks
Detachable Power Cord
On Screen Display for Setup through HDMI out
Glow Key, Precode Remote Control
Available Option Rack Mount Kit RMK1501NR
Weight: 19 lbs
Dimensions: 17-3/8" x 4-3/16" x 14-1/2"
Pros
- Slim
- 4 x HDMI 1.3 inputs
- 3 x component video inputs
- Analogue to HDMI upconversion
- Full HD audio support via HDMI
- 5-way binding posts on primary speaker connections
Cons
- No input level control
- No analogue 5.1/7.1 outputs
- No Zone 2 functionality
Introduction
Of late I've been giving a lot of overviews (both in person and via the Audioholics website) about the role of the AV receiver in today's home theater. In particular, I am impressed with how products such as the Marantz NR1501 are able to produce so much functionality in a small package and how well it integrates into todays' aesthetics-driven homes. The $599 NR1501 receiver is Marantz' "Slimline" model which packs most of the functions of a full-size receiver into a smaller chassis. Their claim is that the unit is just as good as a full-sized receiver, but made for those living in apartments, dorms, or other space-restricted areas where a smaller overall unit is desirable.
Recent Forum Posts:
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tkundhi posts on November 25, 2011 20:23
ohio, I've had a NR1501 for 2 years and am extremely happy with it. The shallow depth was my main reason for purchasing it. I needed an A/V receiver to fit into a shallow TV cabinet. I'm driving a set of B&W 601s & CC6 for the fronts and a Velodyne sub. No rears currently. I need to pick a a set of small LM1s for the rear.
On the video side I'm switching Satellite (HDMI), DVD (Component), iPhone (Component) to a Plasma via a single HDMI.
The system is great for the space and price. FYI, $599 will get you a MR1601 now. You can still pickup used NR1501 for a lot less.
t.
On the video side I'm switching Satellite (HDMI), DVD (Component), iPhone (Component) to a Plasma via a single HDMI.
The system is great for the space and price. FYI, $599 will get you a MR1601 now. You can still pickup used NR1501 for a lot less.
t.
ohio posts on September 09, 2011 16:33
Bumping this, as I jynxed myself and now I do need to replace my D402. The subwoofer output no longer works, even after an attempted warranty repair.
I live in a small (450 sq ft) city studio, so I don't need power. Given my space constraints and neighbors, I've given up on big speakers and critical listening - I'm using a JMlab 5.1 mini-speaker system and mostly play straight from the iPod (can't remember the last time I even turned my SACD player on). I basically want another receiver like this JVC - decent HDMI and upconversion capabilities. Simplicity of cabling and operation are key.
When I move to a larger place, I'll get back to my old setup (top shelf receiver, real speakers, and a 110" projector). In the meantime, is there anything on the market that's an improvement on a NOS D402?
I live in a small (450 sq ft) city studio, so I don't need power. Given my space constraints and neighbors, I've given up on big speakers and critical listening - I'm using a JMlab 5.1 mini-speaker system and mostly play straight from the iPod (can't remember the last time I even turned my SACD player on). I basically want another receiver like this JVC - decent HDMI and upconversion capabilities. Simplicity of cabling and operation are key.
When I move to a larger place, I'll get back to my old setup (top shelf receiver, real speakers, and a 110" projector). In the meantime, is there anything on the market that's an improvement on a NOS D402?
ohio posts on March 08, 2010 10:45
I'm surprised that about 2 years after JVC released the RX-D702 and D402 slimline receivers with Faroudja DCDi chips, the big competitors still haven't stepped to the plate with anything of better value. Chips have advanced far too quickly (and prices dropped too drastically) for those two to still be on forefront of video out of a slimline box.
The Marantz sure seems nicer on the audio side, but it doesn't take up any space to put a decent video processor in these chassis. I guess I should be thankful I don't have a good excuse to replace my 402.
The Marantz sure seems nicer on the audio side, but it doesn't take up any space to put a decent video processor in these chassis. I guess I should be thankful I don't have a good excuse to replace my 402.
anamorphic96 posts on February 15, 2010 14:39
Great review Clint. This was a receiver I was very curious about. I had a feeling it was more powerful than the specs would suggest.
Did you spend any time with the MRAC system. I'm a little curious as to how accurate it is and how the EQ portion performed.
Did you spend any time with the MRAC system. I'm a little curious as to how accurate it is and how the EQ portion performed.
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