What is the best vintage Marantz receiver? This is a somewhat tricky question. Since the company can boast of several premium-class models, the final decision-making is rather complicated. However, if you would like to find the best of the best, just stay tuned and keep on reaching this article.
It is a high time to introduce excellent receivers for any home theater enthusiast. Ready, steady, go!
Table of Contents
Marantz NR1710 UHD AV Receiver
If you are looking for high-end audio products in the receiver class, then Marantz is definitely one of the first brands to think about. The company was founded back in 1952, so the overall number of successful projects and solutions created can’t help but amaze. This best sounding vintage Marantz receiver is definitely an example of how genuine technologies and classic production tendencies can unite to make masterpieces.
The very first impression from the machine is deeply positive — its slim, chic, and sleek design is the thing to complement any room. Unlike several other units in the class, this model will suit different location options if they are not less than four inch in height. Please note this dimension is twice smaller than what average receivers have.
The power capacity is also great. Taking into account the fact the receiver includes seven channels, the model is still able to drive numerous outer gadgets. The receiver is designed to deliver fifty watts per channel.
Other parameters also allow users to consider this solution one of the best on the market. For instance, the unit includes eight HDMI inputs, as well as a phono input and one USB port. The number of linking options available is absolutely amazing. Let’s be more precise: with the help of the device, you can match your receiver to smartphones, turntables, MP3 players, auxiliary amplifiers, and more.
You will be pleased with exceptional picture quality this model can offer. The manufacturer has designed the unit in such a way to make it fully compatible with 4K Ultra HD TV. The option of surround sound is also available.
Even non-experienced consumers won’t have any significant difficulties when installing and adjusting the solution’s performance. On the one hand, the process itself is pretty understandable and doesn’t include any hidden dangers caused by misperception of manuals and user guides. On the other hand, Marantz has prepared a user-friendly setup assistant for your needs. That means you don’t need to worry you can make any mistake — you will be guided all the way through the process.
Another reason to give your preference to the unit under consideration is multi-room audio technology. You can operate the equipment with the help of the special HEOS application and choose on your own which tracks will be played in this or that location. Besides, this Marantz receiver supports Alexa, so hands-free operations are present too.
Even the price is pretty affordable. Several models can cost thousands of dollars, but this one is little more than seven hundred dollars. It is a rather beneficial investment, isn’t it?
- Smart home automation
- Alexa and HEOS connectivity
- Built-in Bluetooth
- Support of multiple audio and video formats
- Hassle-free installation and intuitive customization
- No considerable drawbacks are found
Marantz M-CR611 Network CD Receiver
For several customers, the issue of budget limitations is the thing that turns the purchase of function receivers into a disaster. However, you can still find truly efficient units at affordable prices, and Marantz M-CR611 is worth considering for sure. For just five hundred dollars, consumers will receive a lifesaver for their home theater system, and here are a couple of the reasons why.
First of all, the unit includes four digital channels. With their help, users can connect two speakers separately or a pair of them. Due to a well-thought-out system of inputs and outputs, you won’t face any problems when linking other gadgets as well. For instance, customers can increase the power of their home theater system by implementing AM-FM tuners, MP3 players, turntables, Blue Ray, etc.
Another excellent feature is Bluetooth connectivity. As you can guess, the number of audio sources increases significantly then. Besides, this feature simplifies setup and doesn’t cause installation drama for customers. Since streaming isn’t a problem, users are welcome to listen to their favorite songs and melodies, available at Spotify, Pandora, Siriusxm, and other services. Moreover, the machine under analysis can boast of built-in Wi-Fi, so easy pairing is to try for sure.
The manufacturer has done everything possible to make audio enthusiasts forget about installation challenges. This best vintage Marantz receiver is ready to perform and please you with its functionality literally from the box. This effect is available due to the plug and play feature.
The elegant chassis is the first thing you will notice when see this model. The front panel is enhanced with a highly-qualitative OLED display and LED lighting system. The latter feature is purely adjustable. On the one hand, you can choose the color of its performance. On the other hand, you can switch it on and off whenever you need and want.
The manufacturer has developed a special application to simplify operation and make adjustments be available in a remote format. Please note the program is compatible with both Android and iOS devices.
- Hassle-free installation
- Remote customization and adjustment
- Excellent compatibility
- Built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
- Wonderful design
- There may be issues with the alarm system of the unit
Marantz M-CR612 Network CD Receiver
The collection of top-notch masterpieces by Marantz includes the following model as well — Marantz M-CR612 Network CD Receiver is capable of satisfying different customers’ objectives. Even though it’s not the cheapest machine the company produces, it is still affordable for a wide number of audiophiles.
One of the greatest features this best vintage Marantz stereo receiver has is Amazon Music Ultra HD. The latter feature allows users to enjoy the highest resolution stream, no matter which song they will listen to.
The machine possesses a built-in HEOS technology. If you are looking for a device with the opportunity of surround sound, this function will please you a lot. Since multi-room streaming is available, it is up to you to choose which tracks should be played in which area of your house. For instance, you can select different songs for each of the connected rooms. In addition, the diversity of streaming services to enjoy with this receiver is excellent — from SoundCloud to Spotify.
The manufacturer has equipped the tool with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. That means you can enjoy your track lists wirelessly without any installation hassle. On the front panel, there is a special button that will set up the performance of Wi-Fi.
You can control the device with Alexa or any other voice agents like Google Assistant. The flexibility of the model under consideration is obvious. With this model, it doesn’t matter which sources you have to listen to — it can cope with both analog and digital ones with ease.
- Amazon Music HD
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- Support of several voice control agents
- Outstanding compatibility
- Lightweight
- Tone controls are limited
Marantz AV Receiver SR8012
If you are looking for the most powerful device in the range of Marantz receivers, this model can suit your needs for sure. The unit under consideration can push out 205 watts per channel. Taking into account that the number of channels is eleven, just imagine what a powerhouse this unit turns out to be. In this case, you don’t have to purchase any auxiliary amplifiers to make your system perform at a new level.
Another exclusive thing about this model is Current Feedback and Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Module technologies. These features are what make the receiver sound brilliantly, no matter which audio format is on the go. Besides, the system supports several advanced video formats like Auro 3D, Dolby Atmos, and DTS. Just imagine how impressive movies and songs can be, if you use this receiver with its opportunity of surround sound.
Even though the manufacturer has equipped the solution in such a way to make installation a piece of cake for anyone, regardless of his skills and experience, the setup may still be a complicated thing. On the one hand, there is a special Marantz program that guides you step by step to help you link all the sources to the receiver. On the other hand, eleven channels and a lot of solutions to connect may be confusing — you simply may don’t realize which tools to link first, especially if you have some similar tools.
Of course, the manufacturer has complemented users with the ability of hassle-free streaming and pairing. You can control the performance of your receiver with remote voice agents like Alexa. Listen to Spotify and other services of the kind without difficulty.
The model can boast of one more genuine feature — it is IMAX enhanced. That means you can watch different movies without any loss of picture or sound quality on large screens. The ultimate equalization available offers marvelous audio effects, full-range purity and clarity, so users can adjust melodies they hear in the most efficient way.
The basic drawback of the model is its price. To note, this is the most expensive product on the list. However, it would still be a huge benefit to your home theater system.
- Powerhouse
- Built-in HEOS technology
- Surround sound
- Support of numerous audio and video formats
- IMAX enhanced
- Compatibility with Alexa and other services of the kind
- Premium price tag
- Heavyweight
Marantz AV Receiver SR7013
The model under consideration differentiates with its excellent audio engineering. If you would like to change your home theater experience for better, then this device will definitely help you. With nine channels, you can control the performance of several devices in a more accurate manner.
The formats the machine supports are the best thing about this receiver. From Ultra HD to Dolby Vision — users will be able to find out how impressive and breathtaking familiar movies can be, if reproduced with up-market technologies. Moreover, the function of surround sound is present, so users can use the benefits of zoning to the full extent.
You are welcome to select any voice control agent you like to simplify the tool’s operation. The built-in Bluetooth promotes wireless streaming and excellent audio sessions.
However, the average functionality of the product is still traditional for Marantz, and you can find the same features present in other models as well. So the number of the channels is one those things that definitely differentiate the unit from others, but nothing else significant.
The overall construction is marvelous. Without a doubt, the unit is created to last and perform in a non-stop mode. The price isn’t really affordable though — it can prevent some consumers from purchasing this model. The decision is up to you, anyway.
- Outstanding engineering
- Great number of channels
- Excellent power capacity
- Dolby surround sound
- Bluetooth connectivity
- HEOS and Alexa compatibility
- Premium price
- Super heavyweight
- Somewhat cumbersome
Buyer’s Guide
A powerful receiver is that equipment that is capable of leveling up your home theater experience dramatically. However, if you would like to use the features of your system to the full extent, it is not the best choice to skimp. Of course, there are numerous rather cheap solutions on the market, but options that will definitely last are up-market for sure.
You should give careful considerations to this purchase, since your chosen receiver is the main power supply for the speakers of the audio system. Such a device influences the quality of sound and video reproduction significantly. Flexible adjustment of parameters may become useless if the basic functions are performed badly.
To avoid typical mistakes newcomers usually make, it is highly recommended to get at least basic understanding which properties will suit your particular case. Here are some of the most important things to take into account.
Power Capacity
There is a wide-spread opinion: the more powerful the solution is, the more qualitative and functional it is. Without a doubt, the purity of sound reproduced directly depends on this parameter. Your selected receiver should maintain the work of different devices simultaneously, so it can’t be weak. Otherwise, you will spoil the overall performance of the system or may even damage it.
The power required to interact with each specific gadget at the proper level depends on the speaker’s acoustic sensitivity. In simple words, that is the number of decibels it delivers per watt of power. The rule of thumb is pretty simple: machines with low sensitivity require more watts to function at a decent level.
In addition, the indicator to focus on is defined by the size of the room that is intended for the installation of your AV system. The larger the space is, the more powerful receiver you have to purchase to achieve good sound. Modern models push out from 40-60 watts per channel and may reach 200-300 watts.
Receiver Type
In general, there are two kinds of receivers on the market — stereo and multichannel solutions. Stereo models possess two channels only and are devoted to work with sound only, switching two or more audio sources. However, if you are looking for a full-fledged home theater unit, then AV receivers will perfectly meet your expectations and requirements. All the gadgets are connected to the receiver, and the latter, in turn, is then linked to the monitor you have with just one HDMI cable.
Number of Channels
You may find receivers with five, seven, and even eleven channels. In this case, the decision is up to you. The more gadgets you would like to implement into your audio-and-video system, the bigger number of the channels the machine should have.
Compatibility
The better the receiver is, the more inputs and outputs for connecting to outer solutions must be present. Such units are usually equipped with HDMI and USB ports, etc. Bluetooth-connectivity and built-in Wi-Fi adapter are examples of advanced but necessary features. Top models of receivers may also possess such a function as a DLNA client. With its help, customers will be able to play video-recording files from their local computer network.
Moreover, one of the essential things to bear in mind is the diversity of audio and video formats your receiver can fully support. The number of files to watch or to listen to will significantly increase, if your tool is capable of reproducing DTS and Dolby files.
Ease of Use
If you don’t have any experience in adjusting the receiver’s performance, it is a well-thought-out decision to look for units with the ability of auto-customization. In this case, the device itself will be able to do all the work instead of you and make the system function properly.
To simplify the installation for end consumers, manufacturers usually include user manuals in the kit. Besides, there are several video guides of how to link different devices of your home theater system without difficulty.
FAQ
What is better to choose — Denon or Marantz?
Both companies are highly-recommended brands to pay attention to. They care about their products’ quality, and there are several excellent models present in their lines. As for sound quality, Marantz units are considered to perform in a warmer manner than Denon.
Does Marantz produce high end tools?
Without a doubt, the brand is a highly recognizable manufacturer of hi-fi equipment. The company’s SR range is an excellent example in the case.
Conclusion
Several customers would like to know how to get the best sound from a vintage Marantz receiver. However, it is not a problem at all in the case of this manufacturer. The majority of their tools benefit users with intuitive installation and navigation, as well as plenty of up-market features for excellent audio and video reproduction of the home theater system. Each of the models highlighted in the list is worth considering. Just check which of them will suit your conditions and specifications.
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