Marantz NR1510 Slim 5.2-Channel AV Receiver - Black

The Marantz NR1510 is the entry-level model in Marantz's slim-line AV receiver range, sitting beneath the CINEMA 70s and the higher-tier CINEMA series. Designed for rooms where a full-size receiver would be impractical, it packs a genuine 5.2-channel home cinema system into a chassis just 105 mm tall — roughly half the height of a conventional unit — without resorting to Class D amplification or shared output stages.

Amplification and Sound Quality

Five discrete power amplifier channels deliver 50 W per channel into 8 ohms (20 Hz – 20 kHz, 0.05% THD, two-channel driven). By using separate amplifier blocks rather than a single IC, Marantz reduces crosstalk between channels and improves thermal stability, which in turn keeps distortion low during sustained listening sessions. A dedicated Pure Direct mode bypasses the video circuitry and display to minimise signal-path interference, allowing the analogue stages to perform at their best for two-channel music playback.

Surround Sound Processing

The NR1510 decodes Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio — the lossless surround formats found on Blu-ray discs — as well as Dolby Pro Logic II for upmixing stereo sources. Audyssey MultEQ room correction analyses the acoustic characteristics of the listening space through a supplied measurement microphone and applies equalisation filters to compensate for room modes and reflections. Dynamic EQ maintains tonal balance at lower listening levels, while Dynamic Volume smooths out sudden jumps in loudness, which is particularly useful during broadcast content with variable audio levels. Two subwoofer outputs allow for dual-subwoofer configurations, helping to even out bass response across the room.

HDMI and Video

Six HDMI inputs (five rear, one front) and one HDMI output with eARC support handle the video switching. All ports support 4K pass-through with HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision, along with HDCP 2.3 copy protection. The front-panel HDMI input is convenient for temporary connections such as games consoles or cameras. eARC on the output allows lossless audio to be sent back from a compatible television, eliminating the need to route every source through the receiver.

Streaming and Network Features

Built-in HEOS technology provides access to streaming services including Spotify Connect, Tidal, Deezer, Amazon Music, and TuneIn Internet Radio, with support for high-resolution audio files up to 192 kHz / 24-bit in FLAC, WAV, and ALAC formats as well as DSD up to 5.6 MHz. AirPlay 2 compatibility enables streaming from Apple devices and integration with multi-room setups alongside other AirPlay 2 speakers. Wi-Fi (both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) and Ethernet connectivity are included, alongside Bluetooth for quick wireless playback — with the added ability to transmit audio to Bluetooth headphones for private listening.

Analogue Inputs and Phono Stage

Three analogue RCA stereo inputs accommodate legacy sources, and a built-in MM phono stage means a turntable can be connected directly without an external phono preamplifier. A coaxial and an optical digital input are also provided for devices such as CD players or set-top boxes. An FM tuner with RDS is included for radio reception.

Smart Home and Control

Voice control is available through Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri, allowing basic operations such as volume adjustment and input selection to be handled hands-free. For custom installation work, the NR1510 supports IP control, RS-232, and web-based control interfaces, as well as the Marantz Remote Bus for integration with compatible components.

Design and Build

At 440 x 378 x 105 mm (W x D x H) and 8.2 kg, the NR1510 fits comfortably into furniture and shelving that would not accommodate a full-height receiver. An ECO mode reduces power consumption during quieter passages, and auto power-off switches the unit to standby after a configurable period of inactivity. Standby consumption is rated at just 0.2 W.