AV Receivers Comparison: Sony STR-DH790 AV Receiver vs Marantz NR1508

Compare detailed specifications, side-by-side differences, verified user reviews, and buying recommendations to help you make the right choice.

Sony STR-DH790  AV Receiver

Sony STR-DH790 AV Receiver

  • Brand Sony
  • USB 1
  • Type fluorescent
  • WI-FI false
  • Bluetooth true
Marantz NR1508

Marantz NR1508

  • Brand Marantz
  • USB 1
  • Type fluorescent
  • WI-FI true
  • Bluetooth true

Quick Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

Deciding between the Sony STR-DH790 AV Receiver and the Marantz NR1508 depends on your available space, storage capacity goals, and everyday usage style:

Best For Maximum Capacity

Sony STR-DH790 AV Receiver

Designed for large households, bulk grocery shoppers, and long-term storage where total cubic feet is the highest priority.

  • Superior Volume: Easily stores bulk meats, frozen garden harvests, and family packs.
  • Cold Retention: Keeps food frozen significantly longer in power outages.
  • Energy Efficiency: Top-opening design keeps dense cold air trapped inside.
Best For Compact Spaces

Marantz NR1508

Ideal for apartments, offices, dorms, or secondary kitchen use where space efficiency and neat organization are paramount.

  • Space-Saving Footprint: Fits neatly under counters or in compact corners without intruding.
  • Upright Organization: Shelves allow you to organize and grab items without digging.
  • Everyday Convenience: Front-swing door provides quick, easy access anytime.

Pros & Cons

Sony STR-DH790 AV Receiver

VS

Pros

    • The setup and calibration processes are quite fast. It is easy to use due to the well-designed menu.
    • The total power output and the output signal quality is very high

Cons

    • No internet connection.
    • Certain parameters are limited in terms of adjustments – frequency response is limited to a board bass or treble adjustment.

Marantz NR1508

VS

Pros

    • Wireless streaming features.
    • Easy integration with the HEOS units for arranging wireless multi-room audio.

Cons

    • No Dolby Atmos and no high-resolution immersion as a result.
    • The lack of power for large floor standing speakers.

Specifications

Specification Sony STR-DH790 AV Receiver Marantz NR1508
Audio Formats
Apple Lossless Yes No
AIFF No No
AAC Yes No
WMA Yes No
WAV Yes Yes
MP3 Yes Yes
FLAC Yes Yes
Built-in Decoders
Dolby Surround Yes No
Dolby Digital Plus Yes No
Dolby Atmos Yes No
DTS:X Yes No
Dolby True HD Yes Yes
Signal Processing
HDMI Pass-through up to 4K up to 4K
Upscaling Via HDMI up to 4K up to 4K
3D Pass-through Yes Yes
Video Conversion/scaling HDMI to HDMI scaling, analog to HDMI up conversion HDMI to HDMI scaling, analog to HDMI up conversion
Connector Type
HDMI Outputs 1 1
HDMI Inputs 4 6
Coaxial Digital Inputs 1 1
Optical Digital Inputs 1 1
Phones 1 1
AV Inputs has not has not
USB 1 1
Subwoofer Outputs 2 2
Coaxial Digital Outputs has not has not
Optical Digital Outputs has not has not
Media Content Source
USB-host Yes Yes
Network No Yes
Bluetooth Yes Yes
Additional Features
Audio Return Channel (ARC) Yes Yes
Apple Air-play Support No Yes
Advanced Sound Retriever (ASR) Technology No No
Three-zone Capability No No
Smartphone Remote Control No Yes
A-B Speaker Switch Yes No
Dual-zone Capability Yes No
Pure Direct Mode Yes Yes
Auto Power Off Yes Yes
Bi-amplifying Yes No
Amplifier
Output Impedance Per Channel 6 Ohm 8 Ohm
Output Power Per Channel 145 W 50 W
Total Output Power 1015 W 250 W
Total Harmonic Distortion 0.09 % 0.08 %
Frequency Response 20 Hz-20 kHz 20 Hz-20 kHz
Sound Features
Surround System Class 7.2 channel 5.2 channel
Surround Sound Effects Dolby Surround Theater-Dimensional Virtual Surround
Audio D/A Converter 32bit / 192kHz 24bit / 192kHz
Digital Content Protection HDCP 2.2 HDCP 2.2
Connectivity Interfaces
IEEE 802.3u No Yes
IEEE 802.3 No Yes
WI-FI No Yes
Bluetooth Yes Yes
Dimensions
Dimensions 19.2 x 13.6 x 6.8 inches 14.8 x 17.3 x 4.1 inches
Power Device
Standby Power Consumption 0.3 W 0.2 W
Operational Power Consumption 700 W 180 W
Functions
Network Audio Player Yes Yes
Internet Radio Yes Yes
Digital Player Yes Yes
Clock
Sleep Timer Yes Yes
Built-in Clock Yes Yes
Built-in Display
Colour black black
Type fluorescent fluorescent
Radio
Preset Station 30 40
Tuner Bands AM/FM AM/FM
Tuner Type digital digital
General
HDR SUPPORT Yes —
ITEM COLOR Black —
MODEL NUMBER STRDH790 —
Brand Sony Marantz
Audio
SURROUND SOUND SUPPORTED Dolby Atmos and DTS:X —
NO OF CHANNELS 7.2 channels —
High Resolution Audio Yes —
Wireless Multi-Room Audio Yes —
VOICE CONTROL Yes —
Connectivity
NO OF HDMI OUTPUTS 1 —
BUILT IN BLUETOOTH Yes —
BUILT IN WI-FI Yes —
NO OF USB INPUTS 2 —
NO OF HDMI INPUTS 4 —
Dimension
ITEM DIMENSION 17 x 11.75 x 5.25 inches —
Item Weight 18.85 pounds —
Unique Features
BUILT-IN VOICE ASSISTANT No Support —
REMOTE CONTROL Yes —
Warranty
WARRANTY PERIOD 1 Year —

Frequently Asked Questions

The main differences center around storage capacity, form factor, and convenience. The Sony STR-DH790 AV Receiver provides extensive bulk storage capacity best suited for homes, garages, or basements needing deep freeze space. In contrast, the Marantz NR1508 offers a compact upright design that fits into smaller spaces with convenient shelf organization.

Chest-style freezers generally excel in thermal efficiency because cold air naturally settles at the bottom and does not escape when the lid is lifted. Compact upright models have lower total kilowatt-hour usage simply due to their smaller cubic volume, making both designs efficient for their respective intended purposes.

Both products are available through official brand stores and authorized retailers with full manufacturer warranties and fast delivery options. Click the "Check Best Price" buttons in the comparison cards above to view today's latest promotions, official deals, and current availability.

Measure your available floor clearance first. If you have open space in a garage, basement, or utility room and want to freeze items in bulk, choose the Sony STR-DH790 AV Receiver. If you have limited room in a kitchen, apartment, dorm, or office and prefer easy eye-level access to items, choose the Marantz NR1508.