We have tested the Marantz SR6015 AV receiver!

We have tested the Marantz SR6015 AV receiver!

Short overview:

• Dolby Atmos®, Dolby Atmos Height virtualization technology, DTS: X® and DTS Virtual: X ™ and IMAX®
• Nine channels with two independent subwoofer outputs
• It can also be used as an 11.2 channel processor by disconnecting internal amplifiers
• eARC and HDMI 2.1 technology for uncompressed audio signals from the smart TV and 4K or 8K video processing on all seven HDMI ports
• Audyssey MultEQ XT32 room correction
• In the on-screen menu, you can use the settings to install and set up in a flash

Introducing the Marantz SR6015 AV Receiver!

Marantz is part of Sound United, which also owns Denon, Polk Audio, Classe, Definitive Technology and other brands. Each brand retained its own unique style and technology. Marantz has always strived for premium sound quality. All the products they manufacture go through careful design and manufacturing, which is supervised by expert engineers. Both the AV and SR lines include the HDAM (Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Module), which operates at higher capacity and sets Marantz products apart from the competition. It is basically a discrete circuit with short signal paths. It works as an op-amp type. Offering separate high-current amplifiers on all channels, the SR6015 provides 110 watts per channel (8 ohm, 20Hz-20kHz, THD: 0.08% for two-channel control). Robust, rugged internal components ensure stability when using low-impedance speakers. The SR6015 also uses the AKM AK4458 32-bit D / A converters.

The SR6015 has nine amplifiers with an HDAM module, 110 watts of power per channel, for two channels. It has seven HDMI inputs and three outputs. One is a dedicated port that supports 8K video at 60Hz and 4K at 120Hz. It also supports Dolby Vision, HLG, HDR10, 21: 9 video, 3D and BT.2020 colour versions, and the latest HDCP 2.3 copy protection function on all HDMI inputs.

The model’s video processor is capable of processing native video signals up to 8K resolution and supports HDMI eARC, which can stream audio formats such as Dolby Atmos and DTS: X from your smart TV to your home theatre speakers. The SR6015 has the latest Bluetooth technology and can be connected to the network via Airplay 2, or LAN, or Wi-Fi. HEOS allows transmission to other HEOS-compatible devices throughout the house. The SR6015 can also be used as a preamplifier and connected to an external amplifier.

MARANTZ SR6015 AV Receiver Specifications

• 9.2 channels (two independent subwoofer outputs), configurable to 11.2 channels with 2 pre-outs
• 9-channel discrete amplifier, 110 W per channel (8 ohms, 20Hz-20kHz, 0.08% THD 2-channel)
• Dolby Atmos, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Surround, DTS: X, DTS Virtual: X, DTS HD Master, DTS Neural: X, Multichannel Stereo, IMAX Enhanced, Auro 3D
• Audyssey MultEQ XT32, dynamic volume, dynamic EQ
• 7 HDMI inputs (1 HDMI input on the front panel) with full HDCP 2.3 support, 3 HDMI outputs, eARC
• 8K / 60Hz and 4K / 120 Hz full speed transmission, 4: 4: 4 color resolution, HDR10, HLG, BT.2020 and Dolby Vision
• BUILT-IN HEOS multi-room audio, voice control and digital music streaming.

Inputs and outputs:

-5 stereo RCA line level, 1 Phono (MM), 2 optical, 2 coaxial, 1 USB, 11.2 multi-channel (2 subwoofer outputs), 2 multi-room, 3 composite, 2 component, 1 component, 2 composite

Design

Marantz takes design seriously. The SR6015’s minimalist front panel features symmetrical, round buttons on the left and right to change volume and inputs. The central display gives you just as much information as you need. The info button on the remote control displays additional information on your TV or projector screen, such as sound processing and setting details, and you can change the sound settings on the fly. Unlike most other receivers, it really only shows the most necessary information on the display, making it easy to read.

On the front, behind a cover, you’ll find the headphone and Audyssey microphone jacks, zone controllers, audio modes, USB, and A / V component inputs. But if you can control everything with the remote control, you don’t even have to open this cover many times.

The back panel houses the eleven tie-down columns and features seven HDMI inputs and three outputs, a dedicated 8K input that supports 8K / 60Hz and 4K / 120Hz transmission capabilities, and 4: 4: 4 Pure Color sub-sampling, Dolby Vision, HLG, HDR10, 21: 9 video, 3D and BT.2020 functions. The radio receiver recognises the input devices and names them automatically, but this can be easily edited as desired.

The only problem with the SR6015 remote control is that it does not have a backlight, which is a big disadvantage because it is often used during the evening or in the case of a home theatre, with full dimming.

Testing the Marantz SR6015

We tested the amplifier in a relatively modest-sized room, paired with Definitive Technology D15 tower speakers. The room was acoustically relatively tidy: leather sound-absorbing membranes were placed on the walls, Cube acoustical sound panels  in the corners, and acoustic curtains in front of the window provided the ideal balance of sounds and complete darkening. It would still be necessary to place diffusers on the ceiling for optimum sound. We first tested musicality on the Marantz AV receiver, playing Ed Sheeran’s brand new song Bad Habits.

The music filled the space and wonderfully flooded the room. We had a dynamic, lifelike, detailed sound.

We also tested the device while watching a movie. We watched the action movie Extraction starring Chris Hemsworth. The receiver produced a perfect surround effect, the dynamics were quite impressive, the detail as well. After the Audyssey correction, the deep ones also became strong and percussive.

Conclusion

Thanks to excellent sound quality, quick and easy settings, Audyssey MultEQ XT32 correction system, 4K and 8K video processing capabilities, this amplifier is a really good reception. The fact that it can also be used as a preamp, is just icing on the cake. The Marantz SR6015 has most of the features of the high-end SR8015 at a lower price but with slightly less power. The remote control could have a backlight. This great tool is also an ideal choice for movie buffs and music lovers.

G.H.

Written by Róbert Polgár