Marantz 8K SR-Series AV Receivers – First Look
Marantz SR8015 – Front View
Marantz SR8015 – Rear View
(Images Credit: Marantz)
Hot on the heels of the Denon 8K receiver release we knew that Marantz would not be too far behind, especially as both compnaies share the same technical stable and are owned by the same parent company, Sound United LLC.
2020 looks to be shaping up to be the year of the 8K-ready AV receiver in the home cinema world, with Marantz the latest brand to launch 8K receivers.
Marantz’s four-strong 2020 SR-Series comprises the 7-channel SR5015, the 9-channel SR6015 and SR7015, and the flagship 11-channel SR8015 (pictured, top) – all four of which boast an HDMI input that supports 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz video pass-through. They also offer HEOS, Roon Ready and hi-res audio support.
Every model can upscale HD and 4K content to 8K resolution, while HDR format support covers HDR10+, Dolby Vision, Dynamic HDR, HLG and HDR10. All but the entry-level SR5015 are also IMAX Enhanced certified.
Besides 8K, other HDMI 2.1 features that all models support includes:
- Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) – allows the transmission of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X to your amplifier or sound bar from TV apps or TV connected devices using a single HDMI cable
- Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) – which promises to reduce frame tearing during gaming
- Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) – a gaming feature designed to reduce lag and increase response time
- Quick Frame Transport (QFT) – a gaming feature designed to reduce lag and increase response time
- Quick Media Switching (QMS) – allows a source to instantly switch frame rate to eliminate screen blackout
The SR Series
- SR5015 features 7 channels, 180W and Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support.
- SR6015 supports 9 channels and 185W , adding IMAX Enhanced certification. It also features 11.2ch processing, allowing a stereo external power amplifier to support the additional two processor outputs.
- SR7015 offers 9 channels and 200W with a second display behind the front trap door along with AURO 3D processing.
- The flagship SR8015 supports 11 channels each with a power amplifier rated at 205W. Like the 7015 it also supports AURO 3D. Additionally, you get 13.2 processing capabilities and many audiophile touches to include single-board amplifier design, toroidal transformer and a copper-plated chassis. As with Denon’s 2020 AV line-up, this model will support DTS:X Pro via a firmware upgrade later this year, providing up to 13 channels of DTS:X decoding (through 7.2.6 or 9.2.4 speaker configurations) when the amp’s extra two processing channels are driving an external stereo amplifier.
8K Support
Every model has a single 8K HDMI input that supports 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz video pass-through. The 2020 SR series supports HDR10, HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) and Dolby Vision, as well as 4:4:4 Pure Color subsampling and BT.2020 pass-through.
Hi-Res Audio
The SR range can decode up to 24-bit/192-kHz ALAC, FLAC and WAV lossless files as well as DSD 2.8MHz and 5.6MHz tracks, allowing you to listen to hi-res streaming from TIDAL, Amazon HD, Spotify and TuneIn internet radio. A well designed Roon interface gives you control over all your streamed music and HEOS provides further integration with other HEOS enabled products.
Vinyl lovers were not left out as an advanced Hyper Dynamic Audio Module (HDAM) moving magnet phono input is provided to connect to your turntable.
Inside
All models boast high-current discrete power amplifiers on all channels each using Marantz’s proprietary Hyper Dynamic Amplification Module (HDAM) topology. With low impedance driver capability they support good operational stability over a wide range of speakers.
Marantz SR8015 – Inside View
(Image Credit: Marantz)
Additionally, the 2020 SR Series supports a ‘Pre-Amplifier’ mode on the SR6015, SR7015 and SR8015 models. Pre-Amplifier mode provides more tolerance in clipping levels by disconnecting the internal power amplifiers when the receiver is used just as an AV processor driving external power amplifiers or active speakers.
Room Equalization
Audyssey Room Calibration is available in either Audyssey MultEQ XT (SR5015) and MultEQ XT32 (SR6015, SR7015 and SR8015) versions.
Audyssey MultEQ XT32 adds Low-Frequency Containment by using advanced psychoacoustic algorithms to deliver more full-range balance, including deep bass, without disturbing the neighbors. Whereas Audyssey Sub EQ HT provides individual DSP tailoring of each subwoofer in a dual subwoofer setup.
Lastly, and new to Marantz models, is a Dual Speaker Preset Memory, which enables owners to save and toggle between two calibrated speaker configurations stored natively on the amp.
MSRP: SR8015 ($3,199/£2,799/€2,999), SR7015 ($2,299/£1,599/€1,699), SR6015 ($1,599/£1,149/€1,199) and SR5015 ($1,099/£899/€899),
See here for more detailed information on the Marantz US web-site.
