In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the features, capabilities, and performance of the Marantz SR8015 and the Denon AVR-X8500H, and help you decide which one is the best choice for your needs. However, when it comes to overall performance, the Marantz SR8015 is the better pick (>>> Find on Amazon).
Marantz SR8015 vs Denon AVR-X8500H Side by Side:
| Marantz SR8015 | Denon AVR-X8500H | |
|---|---|---|
 |  |
|
| Amplifier | 11.2 Channels (140W per channel) | 13.2 Channels (150W per channel) |
| Audio features | Dolby Atmos®, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization Technology, DTS:X®, DTS Virtual:X™, DTS:X® Pro, IMAX® Enhanced and Auro-3D® | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Auro-3D Compatible; Audyssey Platinum Suite |
| Video | 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz | 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz |
| Smart features | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri, built-in WiFi, Bluetooth, and AirPlay 2, and a compatible mobile app for remote control. | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri, built-in WiFi, Bluetooth, and AirPlay 2, and a compatible mobile app for remote control. |
| Connections | 8 HDMI inputs, 3 HDMI outputs | 8 HDMI inputs, 3 HDMI outputs |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 18.1" x 7.5" x 17.3" | 17.1" x 7.7" x 18.7" |
| Weight | 38.8 lbs | 51.4 lbs |
| Price | Check on Amazon Projectorscreen.com | Check on Amazon |
Sound quality
The SR8015 has 11 channels, which provides a lot of flexibility for setting up a multi-channel home theater system. It has 9 built-in amplifiers that can be configured to drive speakers in a 7.1.4 or 9.1.2 configuration, with the option to add an external 2-channel amplifier to drive additional speakers.
It also allows you to assign the spare channels to drive speakers in a second room or to power height speakers in a Dolby Atmos or DTS:X setup.
The AVR-X8500H, on the other hand, has 13 channels, which provides even more flexibility for setting up a multi-channel home theater system.
It has 13 built-in amplifiers that can be configured to drive speakers in a 7.1.6 or 9.1.4 configuration, with the option to add an external 2-channel amplifier to drive additional speakers.
The SR8015 is rated to deliver 205 watts per channel (WPC) into 8 ohms, and 300 WPC into 6 ohms. This means that it can deliver a substantial amount of power to drive even the most demanding speakers.
The SR8015 also has a high-current power amplifier design, which helps to ensure stable and consistent performance even when driving low-impedance speakers.
The AVR-X8500H, on the other hand, is rated to deliver 150 WPC into 8 ohms, and 205 WPC into 6 ohms. While this is still a substantial amount of power, it is not as much as the SR8015.
However, the X8500H also has a high-current power amplifier design, which helps to ensure stable and consistent performance even when driving low-impedance speakers.
Winner: Marantz SR8015
Video Quality
Marantz SR8015 and Denon AVR-X8500H, both have the capability to transmit “pure” 4K video signals from a video source to a 4K TV without any modification.
Both Receivers are able to work with 4K/120Hz video. Additionally, the SR8015 also has the capability to pass through “pure” 8K signals from a video source to an 8K TV with the 8K pass-through feature.
Winner: Both Marantz SR8015 and the Denon AVR-X8500H
Smart Features
Both the Marantz SR8015 and the Denon AVR-X8500H have similar smart capabilities and features, with built-in support for Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri, built-in WiFi, Bluetooth, and AirPlay 2, and a compatible mobile app for remote control.
Winner: Both Marantz SR8015 and the Denon AVR-X8500H
Connectivity
The SR8015 has 8 HDMI inputs and 3 HDMI outputs, which provides ample connectivity for all your HDMI devices. It also has 3 component video inputs, 3 composite video inputs, and a front-panel USB input for easy connection of USB devices.
Additionally, the SR8015 has multi-zone capability, which allows you to enjoy different sources in different rooms at the same time.
The AVR-X8500H, also has 8 HDMI inputs and 3 HDMI outputs. Additionally, the AVR-X8500H has support for HDMI 2.1, which allows it to work with the latest video formats and technologies, such as 8K and HDR.
Furthermore, the AVR-X8500H has 13 channel pre-outs, which allows you to use the AVR-X8500H as a pre-amp and connect it to external power amplifiers, providing even more flexibility.
Check its comparison vs the Marantz AV8805
Winner: Denon AVR-X8500H
Marantz SR8015
Pros
- 205 watts per channel (WPC) into 8 ohms, and 300 WPC into 6 ohms, which provides a substantial amount of power to drive even the most demanding speakers
- 8 HDMI inputs and 3 HDMI outputs, which provides ample connectivity for all your HDMI devices
- Multi-zone capability, which allows you to enjoy different sources in different rooms at the same time
- 8K pass-through features, which allows you to enjoy 8k resolution on supported devices
Cons
- May be more expensive than some other AV receivers on the market
- Fewer channel pre-outs than the Denon X8500H
Denon AVR-X8500H
Pros
- Support for HDMI 2.1, which allows it to work with the latest video formats and technologies, such as 8K and HDR
- 13 channel pre-outs, which allows you to use the AVR-X8500H as a pre-amp and connect it to external power amplifiers, providing even more flexibility
- Powerful and dynamic soundstage, with a focus on impact and excitement
Cons
- No 8K pass-through features compared to Marantz SR8015
Conclusion
The Marantz SR8015 and the Denon AVR-X8500H are both high-end AV receivers that offer a wide range of features and capabilities. Both are excellent choices for different types of listeners, but the Marantz SR8015 is the better pick for overall performance.
The SR8015 is known for its detailed and nuanced soundstage, which is ideal for music listening, while the AVR-X8500H is known for its powerful and dynamic soundstage, which is better suited for home theater use.
Furthermore, the SR8015 has more advanced features such as 8K pass-through, built-in phono preamp, and multi-zone capability, making it a more versatile option. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of the listener.
If you’re looking for a high-quality AV receiver that offers excellent audio performance and a wide range of advanced features, the Marantz SR8015 is an excellent choice (>>> Check on ProjectorScreen).
Related Comparisons:
Denon AVR-X6700H vs. AVR-X8500H Side by Side