Marantz has introduced its line-up of 8K-ready AV receivers in the SR series, including the SR5015, SR6015, SR7015, and SR8015.
The 2020 SR-Series feature high-current discrete power amplifiers on all channels to deliver Marantz’s signature power output. Leveraging the company’s proprietary Hyper Dynamic Amplification Module (HDAM) circuitry, the AVRs offer low impedance driver capability and operational stability with a wide range of speakers.
For advanced multi-channel home theatre applications, the flagship SR8015 supports DTS:X Pro, which allows you to enjoy up to 13 channels of DTS:X decoding with speaker configurations such as 7.2.6 or 9.2.4. You can also enjoy the latest in IMAX Enhanced films in 7.2.6 or 9.2.4 speaker configurations thanks to newly adopted 13.2 channel processing capabilities with external amplification. The DTS:X Pro feature will be delivered via firmware update later this year.
In addition to DTS:X Pro, the 2020 SR-Series feature several other 3D audio formats, including Dolby Atmos, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization Technology, DTS:X, DTS Virtual:X, IMAX Enhanced, and Auro-3D out-of-box. The latest height virtualization technologies provide immersive audio without height channels, creating virtual height effects in a 7.1, 5.1 or 2.1 speaker arrangement.
To tap into separate power sources, the SR6015, SR7015, and SR8015 models support “Pre-Amplifier” mode, which provides a clear signal path and more tolerance in clipping levels by disconnecting internal amplifiers when the receiver is used as an AV processor and all speakers are powered by external amplifiers.
A dedicated “8K” HDMI input enables 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz video pass-through, new HDR format support including HDR10+ and Dynamic HDR, and a new HDMI feature called Quick Media Switching (QMS), which allows a source to instantly switch frame rate to eliminate screen blackout. They support HDR10, HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma), and Dolby Vision, as well as 4:4:4 Pure Color subsampling and BT.2020 pass-through.
Several new features are available for gamers, including 4K/120Hz pass through and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) to reduce frame tearing and improve overall precision. Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) and Quick Frame Transport (QFT) are each designed to reduce lag and improve stats.
The SR-Series AV receivers can also upscale existing HD and 4K content to 8K, and continue to support eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel), which allows lossless and object-based audio transmission like DTS:X and Dolby Atmos from TV apps or connected devices using a single HDMI cable.
HEOS Built-in allows for unlimited listening anywhere in the home. They can decode up to 24-bit/192-kHz ALAC, FLAC and WAV lossless files as well as DSD 2.8MHz and 5.6MHz tracks, providing access to high quality content from services like Spotify, Amazon Music HD, TIDAL, TuneIn Internet Radio, and more. Play songs stored on smart devices or personal media servers as well. Pair HEOS Built-in AVRs, including the Marantz SR-Series, with other HEOS Built-in products or speakers for a seamless listening experience.
Additionally, Marantz SR-Series AVRs are Roon Tested certified so you can use the advanced Roon music interface on PCs and smart devices. Marantz Roon Tested AVRs can be found and setup easily by Roon via AirPlay 2 or hardwired into a Roon Core device. Each receiver features a front-panel USB port that offers convenient audio playback of MP3 and high-resolution audio formats (WAV, FLAC, ALAC and DSD 2.8/5.6 MHz files).
Vinyl lovers, meanwhile, can easily connect a turntable to the SR-Series’ phono input and enjoy LP records. All models feature an advanced phono stage with HDAM, which outperforms op-amp solutions, delivering the clarity and detail discerning listeners expect from Marantz.
Optimize listening with Audyssey MultEQ XT on the SR5015 and MultEQ XT32 on the SR6015, SR7015, and SR8015 models, providing seamless setup for any room. With the supplied measurement microphone, Audyssey analyzes each speaker’s output (including subwoofers) at up to eight measurement locations and generates precision digital filters to optimize each channel for the correct frequency and time domain response. Audyssey Dynamic Volume also smooths out disruptive jumps in volume (such as TV commercials), letting you enjoy lower output levels along with clear dialogue and overall performance. The Audyssey Dynamic EQ provides full-range clarity at any listening level.
Audyssey MultEQ XT32 is adding Low Frequency Containment using advanced psychoacoustic algorithms to deliver more full-range balance, including deep bass, without disturbing neighbors or people in other rooms of the home. Audyssey Sub EQ HT provides individual DSP tailoring of each subwoofer in a dual subwoofer setup for deeper bass with improved definition. Plus, the optional Audyssey MultEQ Editor app, available for purchase at the app store, lets you view and adjust settings for detailed tuning.
New to Marantz, Dual Speaker Preset Memory enables you to toggle between two calibrated speaker configurations, which are stored natively in the AVR and can be switched on the fly. This ensures you can dictate where the sweet spot is for a variety of listening situations.
Designed with custom integrators in mind, the SR-Series AVRs boast the latest remote monitoring and management capabilities via Domotz Pro and OvrC, as well as RS232C and IP control capabilities. Web User Interface is also supported providing access to the AV receivers’ setup menu remotely or from a computer on the same network. These programs empower integrators to monitor the status of connected products and troubleshoot remotely from a separate location or on-the-go.
The Marantz SR-Series SR5015 AV receiver sells for $1,499 in Canada, the SR6015 for $2,199, the SR7015 for $3,199, and the SR8015 for $4,399.