Marantz SR6010 and SR7010 Dolby Atmos/DTS:X AV Receivers Preview

As September rolls around each year, so do new product announcements from most of the AV industry’s leading brands.  This year’s crop of announcements are expected to center around two key technology advancements from the past year: HDMI 2.0a (with a particular focus on high dynamic range and expanded color gamut options), and Dolby Atmos and DTS:X immersive audio support. 

Marantz has not disappointed with their recently announced network-capable AV receivers that check the boxes on some the latest trends in consumer AV and home theater.  The $1,399 Marantz SR6010 is a 7.2 channel network AV receiver that Marantz says delivers 110 watts per channel ( two channels driven).  We haven’t seen the power specs with all channels driven but we're guessing it will be more around 70-80 watts/ch given the history of how their past products have benched.

Regardless, the SR6010 comes with a Dolby Atmos decoder and Dolby Surround up-mixer to take advantage of multi-dimensional sound through height or in-ceiling speakers or Dolby Atmos elevation speakers (though we are proponents of discrete, in-ceiling speaker installations for immersive sound setups). The SR6010 will also be the one of the first Marantz receivers to support the new DTS:X immersive audio format, which is said to be much more flexible with speaker placement options.

Out of the box, the SR6010 will support a 5.1.2 configuration for immersive audio where the last .2 refers to the number of height or elevation speakers supported.  Unlike many competitors, however, the SR6010 allows you to add two additional external amplification channels to transform the AVR into a hub for 5.1.4 or 7.1.2 setups.  To facilitate this additional configuration, Marantz has concurrently launched the 140wpc MM7025 stereo amplifier.  Heck, we'd probably recommend using this amp for your main channels and reassigning the internal front channel amps of the SR6010 to power the height channels.

At the top of the line is Marantz’s $2,199 SR7010.  The SR7010 is an 11.2 receiver and ups the power rating to 125wpc (two channels driven) with high quality 192kHz/32-bit D/A converters dedicated for all channels. Three HDMI outputs vs the SR6010’s two are standard, however two of the three HDMI outputs run in parallel, fitting the need for installations where individuals might have both a television and projector in the same room.  Dolby Atmos and DTS:X configurations up to 7.1.4 or 9.1.2 are supported.  Both models feature independent, dual subwoofer outputs and the latest in Audyssey LFC, and Sub EQ HT.

The SR7010 does something different than just adding more channels, however.  For the first time, the SR7010 rounds out support for all major immersive audio formats.   The SR7010 can be upgraded to support Auro-3D and the Auromatic upmixer (up to 10.1-channels).  Auro-3D support, however, is an optional, paid upgrade.  In case you’re not familiar with Auro-3D, it’s another immersive audio format that has gained some strong traction in Europe.   

Marantz SR7010 Rear Panel

Audio Streaming and Room EQ

Both models appear to have some serious audio punch and will play nicely in today’s increasingly network-oriented world of digital content.  WiFi and Bluetooth compatibility are standard along with Internet Radio, Spotify Connect, Apple’s AirPlay, and DNLA streaming.  

And yes, these models are getting on the high resolution bandwagon. The new receivers will play FLAC HD, ALAC, WAV192/24 and DSD. If you still have legacy digital sources, there’s an iPod digital-compatible USB input on the front panel.  A surprise and welcome inclusion is a dedicated moving magnet phono input for vinyl and a third, audio-only zone. 

The SR6010 and SR7010 come with Audyssey MultEQ® XT32 room calibration and a remote Marantz Remote App available for Android and iOS.

On the video side, both the SR6010 and the SR7010 support Ultra HD, (also incorrectly called 4K), high-resolution video, along with the latest HDMI 2.0a spec.  Both models will support 50/60Hz pass-through and scaling and HDCP 2.2, which is a critical component for playing Ultra HD copy-protected content. 

Advanced Video Switching

Much more importantly than just resolution is support for HDMI 2.0’s HDR (High Dynamic Range) and wide color gamut compatibility, which will make content on UltraHD Blu-ray discs pop to life.  Believe it or not, HDR and a wider color gamut are much more noticeable video improvements over simply adding more resolution to displays.

As is standard in today’s mid-range AV receivers, both models have 8 HDMI inputs, including one conveniently located on the front panel.   All HDMI ports are HDMI 2.0a and HDCP 2.2 compliant.  

The SR6010 and SR7010 continue a trend that we hope to see more and more of: independent, dual-zone HDMI output capability.  The dual HDMI outputs on the Marantz models allow you to connect two displays to one AVR and have each display show either the same or a completely different source.  Having such matrix-style HDMI switching is going to be a huge boon for custom installers and homeowners who can now simplify their cabling run requirements.

The video section fully supports next generation 4K Ultra HD high-resolution video, along with the latest HDMI 2.0a specification which includes 4K 50/60Hz pass-through and scaling, and the HDCP 2.2 compatibility that is required for 4K copy-protected content. It also features HDR (High Dynamic Range) and wide color gamut compatibility, key components of the Rec.2020 4K Ultra HD video specification. There are 8 HDMI inputs, including one conveniently located on the front panel, all of which support HDMI 2.0a and HDCP 2.2 compatibility. Its dual HDMI outputs are multi-source/multi-zone, allowing two displays to work independently and simultaneously.   

If you’re wondering about custom installation options, then the new Marantz units will fit the bill.  Both models come with RS-232 support and trigger outputs.  However the SR6010 has only one trigger output while the SR7010 includes two trigger outputs.

Conclusion

By any measure, these new AV receivers from Marantz promise to bring home a new era of high resolution audio and Ultra HD video.  With ample network capabilities, RS-232 support for custom installations, high resolution audio, and support for the latest HDMI 2.0 features, these new Marantz AV receiver models should be on any enthusiast’s short list for a high end home theater.  The only question is which one are you going to get?  The SR6010 or SR7010?  Let us know in our forums and please share your experiences.

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