Marantz NR1510 vs Pioneer VSX-934

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Let's compare Marantz NR1510 versus Pioneer VSX-934 for an overview of all their pros and cons. According to the results of our review, Marantz NR1510 received 7 points out of 10 possible, and Pioneer VSX-934 was rated 7.4 points. Both AV receivers were introduced in 2019. And as a result of the comparison, VSX-934 seems to be a better option for the role of a home theater center than NR1510.

Main advantages Marantz NR1510 over Pioneer VSX-934

Main advantages Pioneer VSX-934 over Marantz NR1510

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 6 and 7, respectively, on a 10-point scale.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. The Marantz NR1510 supports 5.2-channels sound, but Pioneer VSX-934 supports a 7.2-channels configuration.

RMS stands for the actual power of the receiver. The higher this value, the louder the sound can be produced. The differences between the models in terms of RMS power are significant - for the VSX-934 this value is 80/8 W/Ohm, and for the NR1510 it is 50/8 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the NR1510 6 out of 10, and the VSX-934 - 9.

Bi-amping is the amplification of one speaker with two amplifiers. This amplification method has a positive effect on sound quality. Bi-amping is possible on the VSX-934.

Most receivers now come with a microphone included. It is with the help of this microphone that the auto-calibration system functions, which adjusts the sound of the receiver to the room.

Connectivity

The connectivity of competitors in our comparison is equal and was rated 8 out of 10.

Bluetooth connection is now one of the main communication protocols for the receiver's control or even music broadcasting.

Streaming services

Now music streaming services are gaining more and more popularity. They allow users to listen to millions of songs by subscription.

Extensive connections

The presence of many connectors makes the receiver more versatile. But there are also narrowly targeted models, the number of connectors which are limited to a certain area of use. And when choosing their own receiver, users need to consider exactly your goals for using the receiver. For extensive connection, Marantz NR1510 got 9 points, but Pioneer VSX-934 received 7 points.

Marantz NR1510 is equipped with 8/1 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Pioneer VSX-934 has 6/2 HDMI inputs and outputs.

HDMI eARC is the next step in the development of audio return channel technology, which works in conjunction with HDMI 2.1. Using eARC provides the highest sound quality for home audio systems. HDMI eARC is available only on Marantz NR1510.

The HDCP encryption protocol is now mandatory for most media devices. This security technology encrypts digital signals from one product to another. HDCP content-encryption protocol is present on Marantz NR1510 in the HDCP 2.3 version, and Pioneer VSX-934 has the HDCP 2.2 version.

Video features

The AV receiver is the heart of the home theater. And in this case, support for all current video formats ensures the best user experience, so it is very important to consider this when choosing a device. Video features of the NR1510 were rated 6 out of 10 against the 10 for the VSX-934.

Most of the AV receivers have a video scaling function, it is the process of reformatting the video signal to a higher resolution without losing the quality of the image. Upscaling the video signal resolution is possible with Pioneer VSX-934.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the NR1510 got 10 points, but the VSX-934 has 6.

Voice control allows you to control the basic functions of the receiver through a smartphone, smart speaker or using the microphone that comes with the kit. The NR1510 can be controlled by voice via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI. Only the Marantz NR1510 has the ECO mode.

Multi-room

As the center of a home media system, each multichannel receiver has an additional set of terminals for connecting the second set of speakers to create additional audio space in Zone 2 or even Zone 3 where audio can have the separate source.

Multichannel surround

Marantz NR1510 got 5 points for the multichannel surround sound and Pioneer VSX-934 got 7.

Dolby Atmos' particularity is that this is the object-oriented sound format, that is, each audio signal object is independently sounded and connected to its spatial position. Pioneer VSX-934 can create 3D sound due to the Dolby Atmos support.

DTS:X is an algorithm used by the processor to create sound scenes, where sounds connected directly to objects rather than channels, and to determine the optimum sound output distribution in space. Surround sound with DTS:X is available on the VSX-934.