Marantz NR 1501 7.1 Channel Slim Receiver

This is my second NR-1501. I purchased it to use in bedroom because I was so happy with my first. However, some technical difficulties with the Peerless (Itreo) wireless transmitter and the receiver have forced me to consider selling this unit.

The unit is in great shape and has been in use for less than 3 months. There are no scratches, physical defects or other issues.

Here is my review - Most importantly, at just over 4" tall and 13" deep, this is one of the few receivers on the market that will fit nearly anywhere. Even at only 13" deep, the 50 watt NR1501 has more then enough wattage to power my Dali Icon 2's plus a small Monitor GX150 center and some Mirage surround speakers. You may think that 50 watts is too low, but in my experience Marantz rates their receivers lower then what they are capable of. While not the most feature-rich receiver on the market, I would call the NR-1501 a unique upper-mid range system that overcomes size issues that other manufactures have struggled with (see Sherwood). There's a built-in upscaler so you can enjoy your favorite composite and component videos on your flat-screen TV through the HDMI input. There are four HDMI inputs, all version 1.3-capable meaning you'll enjoy video sources with stunning clarity and definition. The HDMI inputs are part of a comprehensive system that goes beyond mere switching capability.

As you might expect from Marantz, the audio circuitry matches the video side for sophistication. The carefully-optimized audio signal path rests on a separate circuit board for maximum performance as well as isolation from the spurious interferences generated by high speed video processing. The very efficient seven channel in-line amplifier benefits from voltage feedback for enhanced linearity.

It doesn't quite meet the standards of high-end since it's missing features like THX, but, for the money and size, I do not think there is a comparable alternative. In addition to the size, the NR1501 features a 7 channel, 50 Watts per channel amplifier, (4) HDMI 1.3 inputs, (3) each composite and Component Video inputs, (5) analog audio inputs and (3) digital audio inputs as well as a 1/8 inch stereo auxiliary input for iPods or other portable devices. The receiver can convert analog video to HDMI so that only a single HDMI cable needs to be run to your television. Additional audio capabilities include HDCD, dts-HD Master Audio and Dolby TrueHD decoding and 192 kHz / 24 bit capable DACs on all channels. Finally, the receiver has a single pre-out for future expansion (through the VCR out). This was a very a distinctive (and to me important) feature in a slim receiver. It makes it a near complete package.

So what's missing? There are no S-Video capabilities, satellite radio, multi-channel inputs or outputs, multi-room capabilities, 12v triggers, networking or USB capabilities (this is remedied by the SMP-N200). I can't say I've missed any of these.

And the rest- I prefer to setting up speakers myself so I threw away the set-up mic never thinking the receive wouldn't work in my bedroom. So I'll include an Audyssy ACM1H mic, which is really an upgrade.

Specs-

MPN NR1501
UPC 0099927231055, 0699927231057

Key Features
Channels 7.1 Channel
Amplifier Output Details 50 Watt - 8 Ohm - 20 - 20000 Hz - THD 0.08% - 7 channel(s) ( surround )
Sound Output Type Surround Sound
HDMI Yes
Built-in Decoders DTS 96/24, DTS Neo:6, DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, DTS-ES Matrix 6.1, DTS-ES decoder, DTS-HD High Resolution, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Pro Logic IIx
Receiver Tuner Type Digital
Receiver Tuner Bands AM/FM
Response Bandwidth 8 - 100000 Hz

Technical Features
Power Consumption Operational 250 Watt

Connectivity
Connectors Type 1 x HDMI output ( 19 pin HDMI Type A ) - rear, 1 x SPDIF input ( RCA phono ) - rear, 1 x audio line-in ( mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm ) - front, 1 x audio line-out ( RCA phono x 2 ) - rear, 1 x component video output ( RCA phono x 3 ) - rear, 1 x headphones ( phone stereo 6.3 mm ) - front, 1 x subwoofer output ( RCA phono ) - rear, 2 x SPDIF input ( TOSLINK ) - rear, 2 x composite video output ( RCA phono ) - rear, 2 x remote control - rear, 3 x component video input ( RCA phono x 3 ) - rear, 3 x composite video input ( RCA phono ) - rear, 4 x HDMI input ( 19 pin HDMI Type A ) - rear, 5 x audio line-in ( RCA phono x 2 ) - rear
Coaxial Digital Input Yes
Optical Digital Input Yes
Headphone Jack Yes

Miscellaneous
Color Black
Remote Control Type Universal remote control

Dimensions
Height 4.13 in.
Width 17.32 in.
Weight 18.96 lb.