Marantz SR5008, SR6008, and SR7008 Receivers Preview

Every receiver manufacturer tries to carve out their own niche in the marketplace. Over the years, Marantz has made it clear they are targeting audiophiles, and so the story continues with their new lineup, the SR5008, SR6008, and SR7008. Replacing last year’s ’07 series (no, not the year 2007), the new ’08 receivers keep much of what we liked last year, but make some big changes as well. At the same time, the SR5008 and SR7008 also receive a bump in price.

Additionally, whenever Marantz or Denon release new receivers, someone is bound to claim the companies simply clone each others' designs. Up until now, we've just taken Marantz at their word that there really are internal differences between the brands. However, this year we decided to reach out to D&M (The parent company of Denon and Marantz) and ask them what the differences really are. They responded with in depth diagrams and schematics, detailing the variations between the lineups. So, before we jump into this year's new Marantz lineup, we'll look at some of the general differences between the two manufacturing heavyweights.

What Makes a Marantz Different Than a Denon?

To start with, Denon and Marantz have difference engineering teams responsible for the final "house sound" of each brand. On the outside of each receiver, we can easily see that the front panels look different, the user interface is slightly modified, and Marantz tends to have higher quality binding posts and legacy audio support. But, what about differences we can’t readily see? What can you see if you crack open receivers from both companies? Below is a brief list of some, though not all, of the key differences between the two lineups. Note that these points are specific to the 08' Marantz receivers versus the 2013 Denon X series. Also note that some of these differences only apply to certain receivers in the lineups.

• Current feedback preamp topology – Allows for higher slew rate and lower distortion at all volume levels (particularly at low levels) than comparable voltage feedback designs

• Decoupled capacitors - To reduce residual noise and interference
  

         

Decoupled Capacitors. Left: Around Digital Board Entrance. Right: Around DAC.

• Luxury power capacitors – Custom capacitors, larger values for Marantz SR7008 compared to the Denon AVR-X4000
• Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Modules (HDAM’s) – A discrete preamplifier circuit module proprietary to Marantz that goes between the volume control and power amplifier section to further improve performance

               Denon AVR-X3000 PCB (No HDAM)     Marantz SR6008 PCB (HDAM Incorporated) 

SR5008 - $899

New to the SR5008 and SR6008 is the inclusion of Marantz’s proprietary HDAM (Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Module) and current-feedback preamp circuitry. Both features were previously only found in the SR7007 and above, but have now trickled their way down to all of the current SR receivers. Additionally, all 08' SR receivers feature full 7.2 preamp outputs and 7.1 analog inputs. Most receiver manufacturers have dropped analog multichannel inputs on sub $1K receivers, and many have also dropped analog multichannel outputs. This includes sister company Denon and their new Denon AVR-X3000 ($999). The inclusion of HDAM, current-feedback preamp circuitry, and full multichannel inputs and outputs on the SR5008 shows Marantz’s continued wooing of audiophiles.

SR5008 Front Panel                      SR5008 Rear Panel   

Power stays consistent from last year at 100 watts per channel (8 Ω/ohms, 20 Hz – 20 kHz with 0.08 % T.H.D.), with discrete amplifiers and identical topology for all seven channels. The binding posts receive a refresh with more convenient spacing and color coding. The SR5008 only has 7 sets of binding posts so the surround back channels pull double duty and power zone 2 as well. Marantz actually continues using the surround back channels for zone 2 all the way up to the SR7008. This configuration makes it a pain for people who use zone 2 and 7.1, because they will either have to switch out speaker cables or use an external amp for zone 2. I would rather that Marantz follow Yamaha’s lead and use the front height/width channels (available on the SR6008 and SR7008) for zone 2.

Audyssey MultEQ XT, 4K & 3D pass-through, AirPlay, Pandora, Spotify, RS232, 12v trigger output & IR in (no IR out) also make their way over from the SR5007. There’s a bump to 7 HDMI inputs, otherwise all inputs remain the same. We don’t see anything too huge to compel people to upgrade from the SR5007 to the SR5008, but we do like the changes that have been made. The multichannel inputs, pre-outs, HDAM, and current-feedback preamp circuitry set the SR5008 apart from most of the competition. The inclusion of a phono input would have rounded out the SR5008 perfectly, but for that, you'll have to jump up to the SR6008.

SR6008 - $1199

An extra $300 dollars steps you up to the SR6008, and all the upgrades that go with it. For starters, a increase to 110wpc and two additional binding posts. It still has 7 amplifiers and 7.2 preouts, but an extra set of binding posts for Audyssey DSX and DTS Neo:X front height or front width channels. The 9 sets of binding posts allow users to easily switch between a traditional 7.1 system (with surround back channels) to a 5.1 + height or width setup.

SR6008 Front Panel                      SR6008 Rear Panel

The SR6008, compared to the SR5008, also adds a phono input, extra composite input (4 total), and instapreview for convenient HDMI switching. It still keeps Audyssey MultEQ XT, but it’s now Audyssey Installer Pro Ready. The last big upgrades over the SR5008 are digital audio support for zone 2 and a second fully discrete HDMI output. While I can see the SR5008 as a compelling product in its price class, the SR6008 generally seems a little less enticing. Denon’s AVR-X4000 we reviewed retails for $100 more and offers a lot of features that the SR6008 lacks. The AVR-X4000 supports processing for a 9.2 system (still only 7 internal amps), 3 zones of audio, 3 HDMI outputs (2 discrete), an extra set of binding posts, and Audyssey MultEQ XT32 & SubEQ HT. To top it off, the AVR-X4000 also boasts 125wpc compared to the SR6008’s 110wpc. But, the Denon doesn't have multichannel analog pre-ins. It also lacks many of the higher grade internal components that the SR6008 has.

SR7008 - $1999

We finally arrive at the top of Marantz’s 2013 SR lineup, the SR7008 for $1999. The SR7008 is a $200 price increase over the SR7007, but there’s good reason for the extra cash, and good reason to upgrade. It’s now a full-fledged 9.2 receiver, with 9 fully discrete 125 watt internal amplifiers and 11 sets of binding posts. The 11 sets of binding posts are accompanied by 11.2 preouts, but unfortunately the SR7008 only has the processing power to support a 9.2 system. A 3^rd HDMI output finally appears (2 discrete, 1 clone) and a 3^rd zone of audio as well. Even more important is the upgrade to Audyssey MultEQ XT32 & Audyssey SubEQ HT.

SR7008 Front Panel                      SR7008 Rear Panel

The SR7008 sits at an interesting spot compared to the AVR-X4000 for $700 less. Both receivers have a nearly identical feature set, but the SR7008 has full multichannel inputs, 9 internal amplifiers, and higher grade components. The power capacitors are also larger in the SR7008, 15,000uF compared to 12,000uF. Granted, the larger caps are for supporting the extra two channels of amplification, not for providing more power per channel. One final note is that Marantz is going to continue producing last year's SR7007 to help fill the large gap between the SR6008 and SR7008.

Marantz '08 SR Receivers Conclusion

Marantz's new 2013 receiver lineup stays true to the company's long lineage of audiophile products. Many other AV companies tend to focus on offering as many features as possible, at as low of price as possible, usually at the expense of build quality (checkout our article on Trading Amplifier Quality for Features). Marantz has resisted that urge, and has chosen to focus on high quality internal components in pursuit of the best sound quality possible. This also means that you might have to pay more for a Marantz to get the feature set you want. So, is one of the new 08' SR receivers right for you? Well, that depends on what type of consumer you are. But, we're confident that between Marantz's and Denon's offerings, there's sure to be a receiver for most anyone.

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.