The parade of new 2019-model receivers continues to roll out, and the most current float to pass by our spot on the sidewalk is Marantz, with two new offerings positioned pretty much right in the middle of the pack. The SR5014 and SR6014 retail for $999 and $1,499, respectively, and deliver all of the goodies you'd expect from Marantz, including support for IMAX Enhanced and Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization Technology, along with some new treats like HDMI Multiple Input Assign.
Read on for full details, directly from Marantz:
Marantz, the number one Hi-Fi brand in the world and manufacturer of the most musical-sounding audio components, today announced the SR5014 and SR6014 4K Ultra HD AV receivers. Extensively tuned by world-renowned sound acousticians at state-of-the-art facilities, the latest high-powered Marantz SR-Series receivers deliver audiophile-quality sound alongside the latest array of technologies for easy integration into any home entertainment environment. Designed with custom integrators in mind, the new SR Series AVRs boast the latest remote monitoring and management capabilities via Domotz Pro, ihiji Invision and OvrC, as well as RS232C and IP control capabilities. New to the 2019 models, both receivers support the ability to assign different music sources to the same HDMI input. This level of flexibility enables users to watch the game while switching between music playback and commentators more easily than ever.
"The new Marantz SR-Series AV receivers define high performance for home entertainment enthusiasts, combining Marantz's classic sound with the most advanced entertainment technologies to ensure nearly all available content is supported to the highest degree possible," said Emmanuel Millot, global brand director at Marantz. "From outstanding 9-channel amplification and IMAX Enhanced upgrades in the SR6014, to the clarity of 4K Ultra HD and the addition of Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization to both models, the Marantz SR-Series AV receivers are the ultimate home entertainment solutions for the most demanding audiophile and video enthusiasts."
High-Performance Amplification & Advanced Decoding Capabilities
Prioritizing rich, powerful audio, the SR6014 features high-current discrete power amplifiers on all channels to deliver 110 watts of power per channel (8 Ohm, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 0.08% THD, 2 channel driven). Marantz's proprietary Hyper Dynamic Amplification Module (HDAM) circuitry provides optimal fidelity and maximum dynamic range of high-resolution files for stellar sound quality. With low impedance driver capability, the SR6014 offers operational stability with a wide range of speakers providing the clarity and balance users have come to expect from Marantz.
For home theater applications, the SR6014 supports an array of multi-dimensional audio formats, including IMAX Enhanced, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and DTS Virtual:X. Both the SR6014 and SR5014 add Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization Technology to give users an object-based listening experience without the need for dedicated height or surround speakers. Listeners can configure up to seven channels for a 7.1 setting while the technology adds virtualized height effects.
Latest HDMI Technology
The new SR Series include eight HDMI inputs, with one located on the front panel for quick connections. Each input supports the latest in video and picture formatting including, 4K Ultra HD 60Hz video, 4:4:4 Pure Color sub-sampling, Dolby Vision, HLG, High Dynamic Range (HDR10), 21:9 video, 3D and BT.2020 pass-through and HDCP 2.3 copy protection standard.
Both the SR6014 and SR5014 support eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel), which allows lossless and object-based audio transmission like Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Atmos from TV apps using a single HDMI cable, the SR6014 gives users the power to easily enjoy better and more immersive surround experiences from their TV audio. The addition of Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) ensures Xbox One users have a more responsive and immersive gaming experience when connected with select TV models that also support ALLM.
Intuitive Voice Control
Leveraging HEOS Built-in, the new SR series receivers work with leading voice agents--Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Siri and high-end smart home automation assistant, Josh.ai. Using a compatible smart voice speaker or phone, users can leverage their voice to stream music directly to the SR-series. With additional HEOS Built-in components, like HEOS-capable speakers or other Marantz electronics with HEOS Built-in, listeners can play all their music in one room or many. Other voice commands include the ability to switch between connected components, adjust volume, pause, mute, play a previous or next track, and more[3].
Audyssey MultEQ XT32 Room Calibration
Listeners can optimize their listening experience with Audyssey MultEQ XT32 room calibration, providing seamless setup for any room. With the supplied measurement microphone, MultEQ XT32 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 listeners enjoy lower output levels while still enjoying clear dialogue and overall performance.
The Audyssey Dynamic EQ provides full-range clarity at any listening level, and Audyssey Low Frequency Containment uses 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 Audyssey MultEQ Editor app, users can view and adjust settings for detailed tuning.
Hi-Res Support & Integrated Phono Input for Exceptional Playback
For listening applications, legendary Marantz sound quality can be experienced via users' favorite music, games, movies, and more. The SR series can also decode up to 24-bit/192-kHz ALAC, FLAC and WAV lossless files as well as DSD 2.8MHz and 5.6MHz tracks, empowering users to experience content exactly as the creators intended.
Vinyl lovers can easily connect their turntable to the SR series' phono input and enjoy the purity of classic sound of their entire LP record collection. Both models feature an advanced phono stage with HDAM, which outperforms inferior op-amp solutions, delivering the clarity and detail discerning listeners expect from Marantz.
Advanced Custom Installation Support
Marantz AV receivers offer extended support for custom integration. Both the SR-Series receivers feature OvrC Smart Remote Management support alongside ihiji Invision and Domotz Pro. 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.
New for the 2019 AVR models, the SR series feature HDMI Multiple Input Assign, which allows users to listen to multiple audio sources while maintaining the same video content on-screen. All Zone Stereo Mode--a.k.a. Party Mode-- is now storable on "Smart Select," so both Main Zone and Zone 2 will initiate music playback in sync by simply pressing the "Smart Select" button on the remote, app or third-party controllers.
The new series also feature HDMI Auto Input Rename, which automatically renames HDMI inputs to the source devices, including "PS4" and "Apple TV," reducing wasted time naming inputs.
SR6014 and SR5014 Features:
The Marantz SR6014 and SR5014 will be available July 15, 2019 at all authorized Marantz retailers.
Additional Resources
• Visit the Marantz website for more product information.
• Check out HomeTheaterReview's AV Receiver Buyer's Guide.