AV (Audio/Video) receivers started to exist in the 1980s, and with the help of time and technology, it has become even better. The AV receiver is central to any home theatre experience. Almost every year, companies produce newer versions of AV receivers, having additional features to lure away customers.
The company Marantz, one of the makers of high-end AV receivers, brings a new model in the year 2020 with improved features, especially audio and video compatibility, the Marantz SR7015.
It is advertised to be a high-end AV receiver with a high-end price, but is it really worth it? Let’s go to the board and decide whether we should break the bank or not.
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Marantz AVR SR7015 - 9.2 Channel Amplifier (2020 Model), 8K HDMI Upscaling, Auro 3D, IMAX Enhanced,... | Check Latest Price |
Sound Quality
The Marantz SR7015 is considered to be their second-best to what they can offer in the market as of lately. It is also their best 9.2 channels receiver and has added power to have better performance in bigger home theatre spaces.
Audio specifications for Marantz SR7015:
| Marantz SR7015 | Specifications |
| Channels | 9.27.1.4 (for Object-Based Configuration)11.2 (With External Amplifier) |
| Power Output per Channel | 2-Channel Driven:125 W at 8 ohms / 20 Hz to 20 kHz / 0.05% THD165 W at 6 ohms / 1 kHz / 0.7% THD |
| Speaker Impedance | 4 to 16 ohms |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz – 20 kHz |
The Marantz SR7015’s sound quality is excellent when connected to high-quality speakers. The receiver can provide up to 125 Watts of power per channel at 8 ohms which is loud enough for ample room space.
Audio processing specifications for Marantz SR7015:
| Marantz SR7015 | Specifications |
| DTS Compatibility | DTS:X |
| Dolby Compatibility | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Pro Logic IIz, Dolby TrueHD |
| Aero 3D Support | Yes |
| Upmixing Technology | Dolby Surround, DTS Neural:X, DTS Virtual:X, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization Technology |
| Supported File Formats | AAC, ALAC, DSD, FLAC, MP3, WAV, WMA |
For multi-dimensional listening experience, the Marantz SR7015 is compatible with the most advanced surround formats, including Auro-3D, Dolby Atmos, IMAX Enhanced, DTS Virtual: X, and DTS: X. The Marantz SR7015 enables you to enjoy the ultimate entertainment experience in the highest audio quality formatting available.
The SR7015 can produce high-quality sound and an impressive dynamic range with no distortion. It is equipped with an advanced calibration system that measures the output of all speakers, including subwoofers. It automatically adjusts to the perfect speaker output that will suit your unique listening environment.
With the Marantz SR7015 being able to support the Aero-3D function, it provides an authentic surround experience by having a perfectly balanced overall range without causing any confusion.
Being able to use the Dolby Surround-up mixer, the Marantz SR 7015 provides the best support for Dolby Atmos. Dolby Atmos is a surround technology that expands on existing surround systems by adding height channels, allowing sounds to be interpreted as three-dimensional objects.
The Marantz SR7015’s greatest asset is that it can quickly adapt perfectly to the acoustics of a room as it produces the most accurate sound in the most complex speaker settings.
Amazon gave an average score of 4.3 stars out of 5 stars from its reviewers. They also gave a score of 3.7 stars out of 5 stars for its sound quality.
The Marantz SR7015 is not a budget-friendly AV receiver. Still, for all its features that help produce excellent sound quality and let you experience premium entertainment performance, this thing is awe-inspiring and is worth breaking your bank.
Build Quality
The Marantz SR7015 design is all about the brand’s classic design. A two-tone effect is created using matte curved sides and a brushed metal central section. A large input dial is found on its left side, and the power button is located beneath it. On its right side is where the large volume dial is located.
Dimensions of the Marantz SR7015:
| Marantz SR7015 | Specifications |
| Maximum Dimensions | 17.3 x 16.2 x 7.3 in |
| Antenna: Horizontal (W x D x H) | 17.3 x 16.2 x 9.7 in |
| Antenna: Vertical (W x D x H) | 17.3 x 15.8 x 7.3 in |
| Weight | 31.3 lbs (14.2kg) |
The Marantz SR7015 is really impressive and certainly feels like a solid well-engineered audio product. Its front panel is made of aluminum, giving it an elegant and quality look. It also provides a luxurious feel with its illuminated porthole display.
The Marantz SR7015 is a little bit bulky for an AV receiver and needs ample space to be placed. If possible, you must purchase a separate cooler for AV receivers of this size to keep the temperature at low levels.
The Marantz SR7015 has 11 speaker connectors. Its RCA terminals are plated with gold which enhances the looks of this thing. Gold is also an excellent conductor of electricity and corrodes, which is why it is an ideal material for plating speaker terminals.
The Marantz SR7015 has a unique design that sets it apart from its competitors. It has an unusual circular display that features a blue light on its outside that certainly looks stylish. It has a limited display, but the SR7015 has a second hidden full functions display placed under the front hatch.
The Marantz SR7015 has been built with the company’s proprietary HDAM circuit boards, which utilize discrete power amplifiers across all channels to produce a power rating of 125 Watts RMS (8 ohms, 20Hz–20kHz, 0.05% two channels driven). The Marantz so-called 70% power guarantee rates the SR7015 closer to 84 Watts RMS when all channels are driven. This is enough power for a dynamic home theatre experience.
Even though there is much positive feedback about the quality build of the Marantz SR 7015, there are still isolated incidents reported where the product failed them.
The build quality of the Marantz SR7015 is impressive and what you expect from high-end AV receivers. Therefore, if you are willing to spend this price range, the Marantz SR7015 is an excellent option for you.
Controls
The Marantz SR7015 has vast connectivity options and controls to give you the best entertainment experience. This is what you expect when you buy a high-end AV receiver at a steep price.
Available A/V Inputs for the Marantz SR 7015 (located at the rear):
- 7 x HDMI
- 3 x 3RCA Component
- 3 x RCA Composite
- 2 x Optical TOSLINK
- 2 x Digital Coaxial
- 5 x Stereo RCA
- 1 x Stereo RCA (Phono) with Ground Screw
- 1 x 7.1-Channel RCA
Available A/V Outputs for the Marantz SR 7015 (located at the rear):
- 3 x HDMI
- 1 X 3RCA Component
- 2 x RCA Composite
- 2 x RCA Subwoofer
- 1 x 11-Channel RCA Pre-Out
- 1 x Stereo RCA Zone 2 Pre-Out
- 1 x Stereo RCA Zone 3 Pre-Out
The Marantz SR7015 has 11 pairs of terminals for connecting sounds located in its rear panel, but only nine amplifiers are inside. The SR7015’s processor is able to process 11 channels of surround sound, but only nine will produce sound simultaneously, depending on the set surround mode and the specific configuration selected.
The two subwoofer outputs enable precise bass production and eliminate audible dips and peaks. The Audyssey Sub WQ HT technology is employed in the Marantz SR7015 to calibrate the connected subwoofers independently in ensuring a suitable seamless bass performance. The subwoofer outputs really soothe low frequencies impressively and enhance bass dispersion efficiently.
Video specifications of Marantz SR7015:
| Marantz SR7015 | Specifications |
| HDR Compatibility | HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, Hybrid Log-Gamma |
| Pass-Through Support | 8K60p 4:4:4 (3D, BT.2020) |
| Upscaling | 8K UHD |
| GUI | Yes |
The Marantz SR7015 has an advanced HDMI and eARC support feature, making it the perfect choice for all types of entertainment requirements. The SR7015 lets you enjoy 8K quality videos as it guarantees exceptional clarity.
The Marantz SR7015’s most important HDMI output is eARC compatible. It allows you to directly perform object-oriented and uncompressed audio transmission from your television to the SR7015. The HDMI inputs provide the best support to different HDR formats to achieve enhanced color, contrast, and clarity.
On the front of the SR7015, you can find four Smart buttons. These buttons allow you to easily switch between media player, Blu-ray, and TV audio. Your favorite settings can also be stored by pressing these buttons.
The Marantz SR7015 uses a dual-system antenna to expect powerful Bluetooth and dual-band Wi-fi streaming. This product offers wireless access to your favorite audio content from smart devices. It also has a built-in HEOS technology that allows you to play a particular song in every room without exerting any effort. The technology is also compatible with free and premium TIDAL, SiriusXM, SoundCloud, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, Amazon Music HD, Pandora, and Spotify.
The Marantz SR 1750 is also compatible with the leading voice assistants, including Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Josh.ai, and Apple Siri. It lets you control the SR1750 hands-free with tasks like switching inputs between different media players, changing the tracks, and adjusting the volume.
Even though many liked the available features in the Marantz SR7015, Amazon only gave an average score of 3.4 stars out of 5 stars for its ease of use, which is pretty bad for a high-end AV receiver.
It is really what you expect on a high-end AV receiver for all the functions and controls available in the Marantz SR7015. This is still one of the best AV receivers available in the market.
Price
The price will be out of a lot of people’s budget, but if you’re reading a review about this, you’re more than likely not one of those people! It is a high-end receiver, so you’re going to pay a high-end price.
The price fluctuates a lot, but you can check out the latest price below.
If you are on a budget and still want a high-quality receiver, check out the Yamaha r-N602.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent sound quality
- 9 channels of amplification
- HEOS multi-room technology
- Audyssey MultEQ XT32
- Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Auro-3D
- IMAX Enhanced
- eARC support compatibility
- Sleek, modern design
- Wide range of inputs and outputs
- Impressive build quality
Cons:
- Only one 8K/60Hz input
- No built-in tuner
- Expensive (If you want a cheaper Marantz receiver, check my Marantz NR1510 review here)
- No MHL input
- Does not come with a front wide channel support
Conclusion
The Marantz SR7015 is a top AV receiver for plenty of reasons. Its features are It meets all my expectations of what a high-end AV receiver is should be. Its features are fantastic for its price, and it allows you to have the best entertainment experience.
Overall, this is a top-notch AV receiver for its sound quality, build quality, impressive controls and connectivity options. However, it is expensive, which is expected for a high-end AV receiver. But if you ask right now whether this thing is worth it? I would reply immediately without having second thoughts; yes, it is worth it.
