Marantz NR1501

[kinda]

Hello,

Looking to replace a broken SR6001 and think I either need to go budget with a plan to replace in a few years maybe or spend more and keep for a while.

For the first option considering the NR1501. Wondered if anyone had any experience of it and with what speakers? Is it any good, is the 50W an issue, and if anyone knows how it compares to the larger Marantz amps for sound quality, (I've seen a comment it might be a bit thin sounding)?

Any info would be much appreciated. I have to say when I pre-outed my 100W per chaneel SR6001 to a 25W per channel stereo amp there was no impact in terms of volume, so maybe I've answered my own question on power.

 

[ayjaycee]

Kinda,

I have been using the NR1501 for about 4 months now (it replaced a CA 540R V2) and have no complaints whatsoever. The room is about 5M x 6M and it delivers plenty of power through Mordaunt Short MS902s at the front and back and a Mordaunt Short Alumni Centre speaker. I don't know how they measure power outputs but the NR1501 is at least as powerful as the 540R and, in my opinion, sounds better (and the 540R was pretty good in the first place). I do not use a sub woofer out of respect for the next door neighbors and can't say that I have missed it much either. For what it's worth, I used to use the 540R 'pre-outed' to a Marantz stereo amp but have now taken it out and use the NR1501 for stereo/music purposes as well. That said, I have kept the dedicated CD player but it does all now fit into the same cabinet. The real audiophiles will tell you that an AV receiver cannot replace a dedicated stereo amp but I have no complaints (but then again, I am obviously not a 'real audiophile'!!).

The only complaint that I have about the NR1501 (and it's a minor one) is that it does not 'pass through' HDMI when the power is off meaning that you always have to switch it on to watch TV via, in my case, Humax Foxsat HDR set top box. I got around the problem by by running an HDMI cable from the Humax to the TV and an optical cable from the humax to the NR1501 to take care of audio if I want to listen in surround sound.

Hope this helps and happy to answer any other qusestions.

 

[richardw42]

I also have the NR1501 and can thoroughly recommend it looks good too.
I use it with Monitor Audio BR5 floorstanders and it copes easily. I even used a pair of RS6s which also paired well.
As regards stereo performance it does very well. For a time I was putting my Roksan CD through and I was very pleased with it. I have no plans to upgrade any time soon. Don't think you'll regret buying it.

 

[Anonymous]

I also have the Marantz NR1501and it answered my prayers for a slimline av receiver. Im using it with the CANTON MOVIE 80CX speakers, i know they dont compare with the quality of previous posts speakers but at least you know there are some happy Marantz NR1501 owners out there. It sounds fantastic!

 

[Anonymous]

Another happy user here, although I would say I'm not an expert in the area I'm more than happy with the performance pair with some KEF 1005.2. Two things that I would add are that my unit pops/screeches when switching to a DD channel with Sky+HD and although it is a slimline unit the manual suggests plenty of clearance above it.

 

[Anonymous]

eremis6:I also have the Marantz NR1501and it answered my prayers for a slimline av receiver. Im using it with the CANTON MOVIE 80CX speakers, i know they dont compare with the quality of previous posts speakers but at least you know there are some happy Marantz NR1501 owners out there. It sounds fantastic!

Eremis6 what do you have to say about Canton Movie 80cx speakers? I have been interested in them recently...

 

[kinda]

Thanks for the feedback.

Sounds like this is definitely worth consideration and good to know it drives the MAs well.