The NR1509 differs from the NR1508 in that it has a phono input (and SIGNAL GND) and doesn't need a firmware update for HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) pass-through. When the NR1509 is compared to the NR1609 and NR1608, though, there are more substantial differences such as the number of poweramps and speaker terminals.
The NR1509 and NR1508 have 5 channels of amplification whereas the NR1609 and NR1608 have 7 such channels. That being said, the four Marantz receivers utilize discrete transistors, and are able to deliver the same power to all channels: 50 Watts per channel (2-channel driven into 8-ohm loads, 20Hz – 20kHz, 0.08% THD). Since the NR1509 and NR1508 have only 5 poweramps, they are not able to power any height channels (nor any of their 5 speaker terminals can be assigned for that purpose, or even for establishing a bi-amp connection of the front speakers). Given the lack of dedicated height channels, it's not surprising that the NR1509 and NR1508 don't have decoders for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X whereas the NR1609 and NR1608 are able to decode both object-based audio formats. Furthermore, the NR1609 and NR1608 do include DTS Virtual:X processing which ca be used in the event you haven't connected any height speakers (and you're not playing a Dolby-encoded content). In contrast, the DTS Virtual:X processing is omitted from the NR1509 and NR1508 which prevents them from being able to create any virtual height effects.
Even though the NR1609 and NR1608 have a Dolby Atmos decoder and the built-in amplification to drive 5.1.2 channel Dolby Atmos configuration, a further expansion via an external amplifier is not supported because they only have 7.1 channel processing capability. Still, the NR1609 and NR1608 do include dedicated pre-outs for Zone2 (in addition to the 2.2 channel pre-outs for the Main Zone) whereas the NR1509 and NR1508, due to only having 5.1 channel processing, omit the Zone2 pre-outs, so the only have the front (left and right) and subwoofers pre-outs. It should be said that neither of the four Marantz receivers has a discrete subwoofer capability, so the same signal is output from the two subwoofers terminals.
There is a DC OUT on the NR1609 and NR1608 but not on the NR1509 and NR1508. While the four Marantz receivers have the same number of composite video connections, namely 3 inputs and 1 output, only the NR1609 and NR1608 include component video connections: 2 inputs and 1 output whereas the NR1509 and NR1508 omit the component video connections altogether. There is a difference in the rear HDMI inputs which are 7 on the NR1609 and NR1608, and 5 on the NR1509 and NR1508. There is only 1 HDMI output on each of the four Marantz receivers, as well as a single HDMI input at the front. HDCP 2.2 is supported on all HDMI terminals on either receiver. The HDR video pass-through capabilities are identical, except that the NR1608 and NR1508 need a firmware update for HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) pass-through whereas the NR1609 and NR1509 have that capability out of the box. Additionally, HDR10 and Dolby Vision pass-through is also possible on either one of the four Marantz receivers. There is an important distinction in terms of video upscaling, though. Specifically, only the NR1609 and NR1608 are able to upscale SD or HD content to 4K resolution thanks to a dedicated video processor. In contrast, the NR1509 and NR1508 don't perform any upscaling of the video signal, meaning that your 4K TV will have to carry out the upscaling in case the signal coming from the HDMI output on these two Marantz receivers is only SD or HD, for example.
There is no difference between the four Marantz receivers in terms of wireless (multi-room) streaming. For example, not only all of the them have HEOS built-in but are also compatible with Apple AirPlay technology. While the original AirPlay does not support multi-room streaming, the NR1609, NR1608, NR1509, and NR1508 can be updated to AirPlay 2 which, just like HEOS, allows you to wirelessly stream audio in different rooms, provided you have AirPlay 2 (or HEOS, respectively) compatible speakers. Certain functions on either one of the four Marantz receivers can be controlled using voice agents such as Amazon Alexa (via the HEOS Home Entertainment skill), Google Assistant, and Apple Siri, provided you have a device equipped with any of those voice agents. For example, all three voice agents are able to control the volume and previous/next track selection but it needs to be said that in case of Apple Siri the support is limited to AirPlay only. Other tasks, however, such as switching inputs and powering on and off the receiver are currently only supported by Amazon Alexa although the Google Assistant is expected to be able to perform them as well in the future.
Check availability and pricing on Amazon.com for the NR1508, NR1509, and NR1609 (affiliate links; As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)
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