Audio Video News

Marantz today unveiled two AV receivers “tuned to deliver audiophile-quality sound” in 7.2- and 9.2-channel configurations with support for hi-res audio and multiroom wireless streaming with voice control via the Heos platform created by sister brand Denon.

Due out in mid-July, the 100-watt SR5014 ($999) and 110-watt SR6014 ($1,499) are equipped with Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and DTS Virtual:X surround processing and will add Dolby Atmos height virtualization processing through a future firmware update; the new technology enables the receiver to be configured for a 7.1 speaker layout with height virtualization adding an overhead dimension to the sound without having dedicated height speakers.

The SR6014 ups the ante with IMAX Enhanced certification, discrete high-current power amplifiers for all of its nine channels, and Marantz’s proprietary Hyper Dynamic Amplification Module (HDAM) for “maximum dynamic range of high-resolution files” along with the ability to drive low-impedance speaker loads.

Both receivers support Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG high dynamic range (HDR) and feature eight 4K/60-Hz capable HDMI inputs — including one on the front panel — with the ability to assign different music sources to the same HDMI input, providing a new level of flexibility that makes it easy to switch between TV sports commentators and music, for example.

HDCP 2.3 copy protection, BT.2020 pass-through, 4:4:4 color, 3D, and 21:9 video are also supported on both models. The SR5014 provides two HDMI outputs, while the SR6014 adds a third to accommodate a remote zone.

Another new Marantz feature — HDMI Auto Input Rename — saves time by automatically renaming HDMI inputs to the source components, including “PS4” and “Apple TV.”

Other shared features include an all-zone stereo mode (a.k.a. party mode), which starts music playback in the main zone and a secondary zone when the Smart Select button is pressed on the remote control, a third-party controller, or the Marantz Remote App.

Both receivers also support Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC), which allows lossless and object-based formats like Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Atmos to be transmitted from TV apps over a single HDMI cable, Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) for more responsive gaming when connected with a compatible TV, and voice control via Amazon’s Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple’s Siri, and the smart-home-focused Josh.ai. Voice can be used to switch between components, adjust volume, and skip, pause, or mute tracks.

Audyssey’s automated MultEQ XT32 room calibration and Dynamic EQ volume leveling is provided on both models. Both also support Audyssey’s $20 MultEQ Editor app, which provides additional controls for more detailed system tuning. The SR6014 adds two more Audyssey features: Low Frequency Containment processing, which draws on “advanced psychoacoustic algorithms to deliver more full-range balance, including deep bass, without disturbing neighbors or people in other rooms of the home,” and Sub EQ HT for fine-tuning bass in setups with two subwoofers.

In addition to decoding DSD 2.8MHz and 5.6MHz files and ALAC, FLAC, or WAV lossless files up to 24 bits/192 kHz, both receivers provide a phono input and phono stage based on Marantz’s HDAM amp technology, which is said to outperform op-amp circuits.

Marantz includes extended support for custom integration in both models, including smart remote management, which provides access to the receiver’s setup menu over a home network or via a web interface.

For more information, visit marantz.com/us.