Marantz’s history began in 1953 when Saul Marantz intended to produce equipment that would gratify audiophiles all around the world with precise and clear sound. The company’s first office was set up in his basement, which is very meaningful given how successful this brand becomes.
The market for gear aimed at consumers with high sound-quality expectations is growing quickly, but the number of purchasers looking for the finest Marantz receiver demonstrates the manufacturer’s undoubted superiority. The company’s biggest feature is that it seeks to meet the demands of all types of customers.
In other words, there are feature-packed receivers with exorbitant prices, more affordable versions, those developed for an exceptional audio experience, and purpose-built devices for producing cinema-inspired surroundings.
People choose Marantz receivers because of their excellent sound quality, which remains consistent regardless of the music genre. If you are interested in these models, keep reading our 5 Best Marantz Receivers review for more information below.
Our Top Pick: Marantz NR1711 8K Slim 7.2 Channel Ultra HD AV Receiver
Description: The NR1711 upgrades Marantz’s long-running winning ‘slimline’ AV receiver formula with the most recent video standards, as well as a slew of features and connections, including the HEOS streaming and multiroom platform… and we think it’s a winner.
Features: This is a genuine home theater receiver, having seven channels that can be adjusted in all of the standard surround sound configurations.
7.1 channels (all surround plus sub woofer), 5.1 channels with a stereo Zone B, 5.1 channels with the front stereo pair have given more power by bi-amping, or 5.1.2 with two overhead channels for Dolby Atmos or DTS:X soundtrack height information.
If you are looking for the 5 Best Marantz Receivers, you should give this one a chance. This is probably one of the best 5 Best Marantz Receivers you can find. Isn’t 50W insufficient when so many receivers these days are 100W? Keep in mind that the difference is only three dB.
Yes, greater power is always good, but the comparatively compact size does come at a cost. However, as always, if you have loudspeakers with particularly specific demands, you should follow their specifications. With an extensive set-up menu option, this receiver does enable the usage of four-ohm loudspeakers on all channels.
Moreover, despite the restricted rear-panel area, the Marantz NR1711 AV receiver has line-level outputs for the front speaker pair. That means you may improve in the future simply by installing a stereo power amplifier with whatever power you can afford.
There are a lot of inputs on the back panel. There are six HDMI inputs, one fewer than the previous year. As a result, the sixth HDMI input and HDMI output now support 4K video at 100 and 120Hz, as well as 8K video at 24, 25, 30, 50, and 60Hz.
We recognize that those resolutions may have certain restrictions, such as issues with HDR-encoded material at 4K/120Hz, due to limitations in the initial generation of CPUs.
Many pieces of home theater equipment have abandoned analog video, but not this receiver. It contains two component video sets and three composite video sets.
Pros
- A compact and powerful performer
- Bluetooth headphone compatibility
- Helpful guided setup
Cons
- No DAB+
- There are no high-level Bluetooth codecs.
Runner Up: Marantz SR6015 9.2ch 8K AV Receiver
Description: The company released this model after evaluating the shortcomings of the Marantz SR6014 (the predecessor).
Features: It is certain to please those looking for the most powerful AV receiver capable of producing high-quality sound in large spaces. Although it was initially intended as a 9-channel device, it has sufficient power for future additions if you intend to convert to an 11-channel system. As a result, the model may easily compete with the much-hyped Marantz SR8015, which has 11 channels at first.
The first item that drew our attention was the change to the HDMI connections, which now let you watch 8K material. Another appealing feature is Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support.
If you are looking for the 5 Best Marantz Receivers, you should give this one a chance. This is probably one of the best 5 Best Marantz Receivers you can find. We can see why Marantz is so concerned with contemporary decoding standards, as this is one of the most critical factors purchasers consider when purchasing a new AV receiver.
MAX Enhanced is another option that provides excellent video and audio quality. There are 7 HDMI inputs and 3 HDMI outputs in total, which is more than adequate for connecting all sorts of video and audio sources. You can also utilize a wireless connection.
All of our equipment were quickly attached, and there were enough connectors for other devices. While viewing the movie, we appreciated how the background sound did not interfere with the dialogue, which is a common issue with similarly priced receivers from other companies. There are no lags thanks to Quick Frame Transport and ALLM technology.
I can see why Marantz is so concerned with contemporary decoding standards, as this is one of the most critical factors purchasers consider when purchasing a new AV receiver. IMAX Enhanced is another option that provides excellent video and audio quality.
There are 7 HDMI inputs and 3 HDMI outputs in total, which is more than adequate for connecting all sorts of video and audio sources. You can also utilize a wireless connection.
Pros
- Excellent construction quality
- When speakers are correctly installed, they produce superior sound.
- Support for HDMI 8K/dual 4K output, as well as responsive eARC wireless networking
Cons
- There is no SONOS connectivity, and the software is buggy.
- Room correction setup takes a long time.
Best for Budget: Marantz NR1510 UHD AV Receiver
Description: The Marantz NR1510 is a small 5-channel model with a low profile. This shape complements current flat-panel televisions.
Features: The unit’s main selling feature is its compatibility with Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoders, which ensure high-resolution multichannel audio playback.
Overall, this is the greatest affordable Marantz home theater receiver with a compact design. Though it cannot compete with the SR6015 and SR8015 in terms of performance and functionality, it does provide all necessary elements for seamless operation.
If you are looking for the 5 Best Marantz Receivers, you should give this one a chance. This is probably one of the best 5 Best Marantz Receivers you can find. The NR1510 is the absolute cheapest option, with 5.2 channels at 50 watts of power.
It has support for Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio, the Audyssey MultEQ calibration system, and a slew of features such as High-Resolution Audio, HEOS, and Airplay 2, support for all voice control platforms, and custom integration, as well as built-in WiFi and Bluetooth.
If there is one feature that stands out about the NR series, it is undoubtedly their ultra-slim designs, which allow them to fit in locations where a standard-sized receiver would not. AV receivers are not often the most visually appealing pieces of audio equipment.
The NR1510 is a more appealing sight than the majority of them, which have a fairly dull and unsightly black squarish box design. The unit lacks anything else that would improve its appearance, but even such a significant decrease in each size can improve its appearance.
The lower size of all NR models is a big selling factor and one of the reasons why so many people are interested in them.
The NR1510 for 2019 looks just like its bigger sibling, the NR1710, as well as last year’s NR models. There is no change, therefore other than the name on the front and rear, it will be difficult to tell which unit is which merely by glancing at the exterior shell.
Pros
- Excellent low-profile style
- Excellent channel separation and clean, clear sound
- When watching movies, the soundtracks do not combine with the dialogue
- Dynamic loudness is fantastic
Cons
- The remote is overly huge, and the buttons are inconveniently placed.
- Occasional connection failure
- There is no bi-wiring feature
Marantz NR1200
Description: The model features a thin form factor, which is typical of all NR series representatives. In this situation, however, we are dealing with a stereo gadget (2 channels only) aimed particularly at music aficionados.
Features: The majority of the sound route is constructed with the “dual mono” notion in mind. When working with movie soundtracks, the NR1200 automatically down-mixes all surround formats to stereo. That happened when we were watching the movie, although the sound quality was not substantially impacted.
The NR1200 includes HEOS technology, which allows you to access online services like Spotify, Amazon Music, Tidal, TuneIn internet radio, and others. Furthermore, you can benefit from multi-room based on HEOS.
If you are looking for the 5 Best Marantz Receivers, you should give this one a chance. This is probably one of the best 5 Best Marantz Receivers you can find. The cute features five HDMI inputs that may be automatically renamed according to data from connected sources.
All current standards are supported, including HDCP 2.3 copy protection technology, 4K Ultra HD 60 Hz video, and more. The output power is 75W at 8 Ohms and 100W at 6 Ohms.
It is quite simple to connect the receiver to a music system and set it up. After you’ve established a wifi connection and installed the HEOS app, you’ll need to select a signal source (Internet radio, streaming service, or files on the server).
Remember the Pure Direct mode, which turns off all superfluous circuitry, including the display and video signal output through HDMI. It produces amazing sound, can be used with many speakers and is quite simple to use. What more do you require from a stereo receiver?
As a result, we recommend using this mode when listening to music because the change in sound quality is remarkable. Stereo receivers are becoming increasingly common. The NR1200 is rightfully regarded as the best-sounding Marantz receiver among contemporary 2-channel models.
Pros
- Wonderful sound in rock, acoustic, vocals, jazz, and other genres.
- Bass, treble, and balance settings are all separate knobs.
- The ideal compromise between vintage stereo receivers and contemporary wireless streaming devices.
- All contemporary connections and functions
Cons
- It’s difficult to control the volume on Apple devices.
- Track numbers are occasionally removed, thus listening to an album becomes a mental exercise.
- Randomly switch off
Marantz NR1609
Description: Except for a slightly decreased power output, the Marantz’slimline NR1609 is a full-fledged 7.1-channel AV receiver in every way.
Features: The Marantz NR1609 is the more expensive of the two slimline networked receivers offered by the business. Except for a slightly decreased power output, this is practically a full-fledged 7.1-channel AV receiver in every way.
If you are looking for the 5 Best Marantz Receivers, you should give this one a chance. This is probably one of the best 5 Best Marantz Receivers you can find. The height is the most noticeable visual difference. It is only 105mm tall, or slightly more than four inches.
The seven amps each output 50W and may be configured to handle four-ohm speakers on all channels. Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby Surround, and DTS Neural:X surround+height systems are all supported in 5.1.2 mode. That is, you have the option of seven head-level speakers or five plus two above speakers. (Alternatively, you may bi-amp the front speaker, drive a second zone, and so on.)
There are eight HDMI inputs, one of which is on the front panel. They all support full UltraHD resolution and video upscaling. Since last year’s model, we’ve seen more signs of vinyl’s rebirth – this receiver now has a phono input according to this 5 Best Marantz Receivers review.
It’s easy to believe that a 50W per channel receiver will fall short in an emergency. That might be accurate, depending on the speakers you’re using. But, in reality, we used this receiver instead of a 150W nine-channel device, just by putting in the identical speakers (minus the ceiling ones). And we’d be hard-pressed to find any significant difference in performance.
The speakers we selected were all mainstream models with average sensitivity and overall performance. If ‘in extremist meant speakers with very challenging impedances and unusually low efficiency, we’d recommend a different receiver according to this 5 Best Marantz Receivers review.
And now, back to the surround. All formats, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, were decoded flawlessly. We only had channels for two ceiling speakers rather than four, but we found that if correctly controlled, these two deliver more than 90% of the effect.
And this receiver handled them well. Some cinematic footage with 5.1 or two channels benefitted as well. The rain hitting the vehicle roof as Marion Crane approaches the Bates Motel in Gus Van Sant’s adaptation of Psycho was particularly striking.
Pros
- Small-scale performance
- Outstanding network capabilities
- All of the features required for modern home cinema
Cons
- Headphone output
Buyer’s Guide for 5 Best Marantz Receivers
Which receiver should you get: stereo or multichannel?
A receiver is required when constructing a home sound system for it to perform to its maximum capacity. In general, two types of receivers (home theater and stereo) are designed to perform slightly distinct functions. Look at the chart below to see which models may enhance your movie experience and which are solely suitable for music consumption.
The distinction between cheap and luxury Marantz AV receivers
When looking for the best Marantz receivers, we came across several good alternatives in both the cheap and premium price ranges. Anyway, we were intrigued about the reasons for such pricing disparities and whether it is feasible to get nice equipment without breaking the bank.
Most customers answer the question, “Do pricey AV receivers create better sound than inexpensive models?” To be honest, they are, but several aspects influence the final sound.
To help you comprehend the matter without being too technical, we recommend paying attention to the major components of an AV receiver that might increase the cost according to this 5 Best Marantz Receivers review.
Inputs can be wired or wireless
More costly receivers feature more wired and wireless input options. To be on the safe side, you should decide how many accessories you will connect to your receiver. In any case, it is usually preferable to have at least one more contribution for the future.
Design
This truly relates to the receiver’s body. Premium vehicles feature a more sturdy chassis and a more upscale design. They include an innovative ventilation system as well as vibration-resistant parts according to this 5 Best Marantz Receivers review.
Conversion from digital to analog
Signals from wireless and cable inputs must be transformed before your receiver can “understand” them. This is a critical step that has a significant impact on the final product. A higher-end Marantz AVR features a superior DAC chip than its lower-priced rivals.
Amplifiers
High-end receivers are outfitted with strong amplifiers, so the music you hear is detailed and dynamic, as it should be for an immersive experience. To minimize the overall cost of lesser versions, producers must utilize less powerful and long-lasting amplifiers.
DSP element
When choosing an AV receiver, you should look for one that can decode all major surround sound formats. However, such a feature is not without cost. The greater the value, the more formats your receiver can handle according to this 5 Best Marantz Receivers review.
Mechanism for calibration
Advanced receivers provide an auto-calibration option to help with the setup procedure. Of course, this choice comes at an additional cost.
Channels of an amplifier
Simply, an AV receiver’s channel count determines how many speakers it can power. For example, if you have a home theater receiver with 5 channels, you can connect up to 5 speakers according to this 5 Best Marantz Receivers review.
You may occasionally notice two numerals separated by a dot. In this example, the second figure decides whether or not a subwoofer may be attached (or even 2).
The majority of A/V receivers are 5.1 and 7.1-channel models. Most users will be satisfied with this arrangement, however, some consumers prefer bigger systems. To avoid going overboard, pick the number of channels based on the size of your space.
A 5.1 device is ideal for a medium-sized room, while a 7.1 one is ideal for bigger settings according to this 5 Best Marantz Receivers review.
However, if you want to migrate your system to a larger space, it may be a logical option to purchase a receiver with extra channels while using only basic speakers for a period of time. When the upgrade is complete, you may connect the remaining speakers without purchasing a new product.
Receiver strength
All receivers provide power measured in watts. This power is analogous to the gasoline required by a gadget to fulfill its operations. Of course, some receivers are more powerful than others, but that doesn’t imply they’re the only ones worth considering. In truth, you must realize how powerful a receiver you require for your place.
Manufacturers specify the power output for a receiver measured only for two active channels, which is surprising. This is weird, especially if you want to connect 5 or more receivers but don’t know how much power each one would provide. Fortunately, it is not a critical parameter.
Conclusion: 5 Best Marantz Receivers [2022 Review]
We listed the 5 best Marantz receivers for you, and you can go with any of the receivers found on our list without any doubt. We hope you liked our 5 Best Marantz Receivers review and it was helpful.