Marantz SR5012
Marantz has introduced two new network AV receivers: the SR5012 and SR6012. Equipped with the latest versions of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, the SR5012 and SR6012 both offer the convenience of multiroom music playback via HEOS integration, in addition to 4K Ultra High-Definition compatibility to create an immersive home theater and entertainment experience.
Marantz is releasing the new SR5012 and SR6012 as the first models under the company’s 2017 “full-size” home theater range. Designed to sit at the heart of the home entertainment system both receivers offer a wide range of capabilities and features to enable reliable network streaming, such as the HEOS wireless multiroom system, Bluetooth, and Apple Airplay are also included for playback from portable devices.
“At Marantz, we strive to create products that boast exceptional audio quality and subtle, yet eye-catching design. Our new line of ‘full-size’ AV Receivers allows us to provide a wider range of options for those looking to create a premium home theater experience,” said Joel Sietsema, senior vice president, brand management at Sound United. “The SR5012 and SR6012 aim to create a one-of-kind immersive sound experience that rivals those found in theaters today.”
The SR5012 is compatible with a full range of 4K Ultra High Definition video specifications—from 4K 60Hz video to HDR, as well as Dolby Vision compatibility and Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG; via future firmware update). It also can decode both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X 3D surround sound.
The receiver has eight HDMI (HDCP 2.2) inputs to enable an array of high-definition sources to be connected, including Blu-ray Disc players, streaming devices, set top boxes, and games consoles, with 4K video and hi-res audio.
All seven channels of the SR5012 are identical in design and built from high-quality discrete components throughout, including the Marantz Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Modules (HDAMs). It also features low-impedance drive capabilities to manage complex speaker loads. The SR5012 can also handle digital to analog conversion through its eight-channel DAC block, using 32-bit AKM’s AK4458VN D/A converters on all channels.
The SR5012 even creates immersive surround fields from older soundtracks using Dolby Surround and Neural:X processing as well as being compatible with Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD soundtracks for conventional 5.1- or 7.1-channel surround.
SR5012 users can use wired or Wi-Fi connection to access music through their home network. This includes internet radio and streaming services such as Spotify, Connect, Tidal, and Pandora; it can also stream music from a computer or NAS drive at up to 192kHz/24bit and DSD5.6MHz. Connected USB storage or direct streaming from a smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth or Apple Airplay are also supported. HEOS integration gives the user the opportunity to create a wireless multiroom music system through the SR5012 by simply adding extra HEOS speakers to any room using the HEOS app.
Additional features of the SR5012 include an on-screen Setup Assistant to make it simple to install and configure the AVR, color-coded speaker terminals to simplify connections and an ‘Intelligent ECO’ mode to minimize power consumption without compromising performance. The SR5012 is also ISF calibration ready, allowing professionals to precisely calibrate it for even better video performance with the user’s display.
With a low-impedance drive, the SR6012 can drive 5.1.4 or 7.1.2 speaker configurations out of the box to deliver an immersive 3D sound of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Its 11.2-channel processing even allows 7.1.4-channel to work with an extra two-channel amplifier.
Three HDMI outputs allow audio and video to be sent to a second zone, as well as two additional displays (e.g. TV and projector) simultaneously. The SR6012 will also support eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) via a future firmware update to allow object-based audio, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X playback from TV video apps via a single HDMI cable.
The SR6012 has a higher-precision Audyssey MultEQ XT32 set-up and calibration and also has extra audio input (five, as compared to four on the SR5012) and a moving magnet phono input to allow a turntable to be connected. Other additions include an aluminum front panel for greater rigidity, a Hybrid PLL Clock Jitter Reducer for the most accurate audio reproduction, and an extruded aluminum heatsink for more efficient heat-dispersion. The SR6012 also features gold-plated connectors and speaker terminals.
The SR5012 ($999) and SR6012 ($1,400) will be available in July 2017 through authorized Marantz retailers.
