Marantz SR5012 7.2ch 8K AV Receiver Review
If you’re all about apartment living or have a cozy den that needs filling with sound, the Marantz NR1606 could be your ticket. It’s a snug fit for smaller spaces and just right for folks who want quality without the bulk. So, if your place is more ‘intimate’ than ‘immense,’ this little box of tricks should be right up your alley.
Our Verdict
The Marantz NR1606 is a champ in a compact space—great for sound without eating up room. It’s friendly with all your gadgets. The sound is pretty sweet for its size. But if you’re throwing a big party or have a massive living room, it might not knock your socks off. It’s a solid pick for city slickers or if you’re just starting on your home theater adventure.
PROS
- Excellent sound quality
- High-resolution audio support
- 4K and HDR pass-through
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- HEOS multi-room audio
- Audyssey MultEQ calibration
- Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
- Amazon Alexa compatible
CONS
- Small front display
- Potential overheating
- No 8K support
GENERAL
| Receiver Type | |
|---|---|
| Number Of Channel | Channel |
| Number Channel Processing | |
| Audio Feature | |
| Video Feature | |
| Watts Per Channel | |
| Zones | |
| Radio | |
| Amplifier |
CONNECTIVITY
| Ethernet | |
|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | |
| Bluetooth | |
| USB | |
| RCA LIne Input: | |
| RCA LIne Output: | |
| RCA Pre-Outs: | |
| XLR Line Inputs: | |
| XLR Pre-Outs: | |
| Phono Input: | |
| Optical Inputs: | |
| Optical Output: | |
| Coaxial Inputs: | |
| Multi-Channel Input: | |
| Headphone Out: | |
| HDMI Inputs: | |
| HDMI Outputs: | |
| 8K Inputs: | |
| Composite Video Input | |
| Composite Video Output: | |
| Component Video Input: | |
| Component Video Output: | |
| Front A/V Inputs: | |
| Speaker A/B: |
AUDIO FEATURES:
| Maximum Channel Processing | |
|---|---|
| Dolby Atmos | |
| Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization | |
| Dolby Atmos Music | |
| Dolby TrueHD | |
| Dolby Digital Plus | |
| Dolby Surround Upmixer | |
| Dolby Pro Logic | |
| Dolby Digital EX | |
| Surround EX | |
| DTS:X | |
| DTS Neural:X | |
| DTS Virtual:X | |
| DTS Neo | |
| DTS-HD Master Audio | |
| DTS-HD High Resolution Audio | |
| DTS 96/24 | |
| DTS Express | |
| DTS-ES | |
| IMAX Enhanced | |
| PCM | |
| Music Playback via USB | |
| High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network | |
| High Resolution Audio Formats via USB | |
| Gapless Playback | |
| DSD via HDMI | |
| DSD via USB | |
| DSD to PCM Converter | |
| USB DAC | |
| Jitter Reduction | |
| DTS Dialog Control | |
| Dialog Enhancement | |
| Dialog Level Adjustment | |
| Dialog Normalization | |
| Dialogue Lift | |
| Compressed Music Enhancer | |
| High-resolution Music Enhancer | |
| Audyssey Dynamic EQ | |
| Audyssey Dynamic Volume | |
| Audyssey LFC | |
| Audyssey Sub EQ HT | |
| Audyssey DSX | |
| Direct Mode | |
| Pure Direct Mode | |
| Independent Subwoofer Outputs | |
| Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. | |
| Audyssey App Support | |
| Bass Sync | |
| Optimized Bass Redirection |
VIDEO FEATURES:
| HDMI Version | |
|---|---|
| Enhanced ARC | |
| HDCP Version | |
| HDR10+ | |
| Dynamic HDR | |
| Dolby Vision | |
| HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) | |
| QMS (Quick Media Switching) | |
| 3-D Ready | |
| Video Signal Passthrough | |
| Video Signal Upscaling | |
| Analog To HDMI Upconversion | |
| Component Video Upscaling | |
| isf Certified Calibration Control |
AMPLIFIERS
| Channels | |
|---|---|
| Front Wide Channel Support | |
| Current Feedback Topology | |
| Discrete Amplification | |
| HDAM | |
| THX™ Certification | |
| Continuous 6 Ω Rated | |
| Certified 4 Ω Performance | |
| Bi-amp Capability |
GAMING FEATURES
| Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) | |
|---|---|
| Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) | |
| Quick Frame Transport (QFT) |
ZONES
| Zones | |
|---|---|
| Powered Zones | |
| Zone 2 Outs | |
| Zone 3 Outs | |
| RS-232C Interface | |
| +12V Trigger Output |
RADIO
| Analog Tuner | |
|---|---|
| Digital Radio | |
| Internet Radio | |
| Pandora | |
| Spotify | |
| Tidal | |
| Deezer | |
| SiriusXM Internet Radio | |
| Napster |
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
| On-Screen Display | |
|---|---|
| GUI Languages | |
| Web Browser Control | |
| IP Control for CI | |
| Control4 SDDP | |
| PreAmp Mode | |
| Display | |
| Remote Controller | |
| Remote Control In/Out | |
| LCD Display | |
| Detachable Power Cord | |
| Setup Assistant |
POWER
| Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 | |
|---|---|
| Rated Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, IEC) | |
| Dynamic Power per Channel (3 Ω, Front) | |
| Dynamic Power per Channel (4 Ω, Front) | |
| Dynamic Power per Channel (8 Ω, Front) | |
| Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 | |
| Maximum Effective Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA) | |
| Power Supply | |
| Toroidal Transformer | |
| Power Consumption | |
| No Sound Power | |
| Standby Power |
BUILD
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | |
|---|---|
| Weight | |
| Chassis | |
| Front Panel | |
| Speaker Terminals | |
| Large Speaker Terminals | |
| Color-Coded Speaker Terminals | |
| Transparent High-Grade Speaker Terminals | |
| High Grade Audio Components | |
| ECO Mode / Hybrid Standby Function | |
| Auto Power off | |
| Warranty |
SPECIFICATIONS
| THD digital | |
|---|---|
| Analog Distortion | |
| Phono Distortion | |
| Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line) | |
| Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Phono MM) | |
| Rated Lineout Level and Impedance | |
| Rated Output digital | |
| S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A) | |
| S/N Ratio (Phono MM, IHF-A) | |
| S/N Ratio (digital) | |
| Phono RIAA Deviation | |
| Frequency Response (Analog In) | |
| DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI | |
| DSD Sampling Rates via USB | |
| Video Input Sensitivity/Output Level and Impedance | |
| Video Frequency Response | |
| Ethernet Standard | |
| Wi-Fi Standard | |
| Wi-Fi Terminal Frequency | |
| Bluetooth Version | |
| Bluetooth Frequency | |
| USB Terminal | |
| FM Frequency | |
| FM 50 dB Quiet Sensitivity (IHF, 1 kHz, 100% MOD.) | |
| FM S/N Ratio | |
| FM Harmonic Distortion (IHF, 1 kHz) | |
| AM Effective Sensitivity | |
| AM Frequency |
Design
The Marantz SR5012 strikes a balance between classic and contemporary design. Its front panel is uncluttered, which users find appealing and easy to navigate. The display is clear and informative, providing just the right amount of feedback. On the downside, some users feel the design is a bit conservative and lacks the modern touch of touchscreens or color displays.
Connectivity
Users love the SR5012 for its ample connectivity options, which include 8 HDMI inputs and full 4K Ultra HD video specifications. It’s praised for its ease of setup and the ability to handle a variety of sources.
As you begin connecting your devices, you notice the generous number of HDMI inputs. There’s a spot for the game console, Blu-ray player, cable box, and still room to spare. anyone can play music from your smartphone or tablet without getting up from the couch, thanks to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities.
Whether it’s streaming a playlist from Spotify during a dinner party or binge-watching the latest series on Netflix, the NR1606 is the central hub that brings all your entertainment together.
However, some users have noted the lack of an analog input for older devices, which could be a limitation for those with vintage equipment. Some users also have mentioned a slight learning curve when first navigating the network setup.
Performance
The SR5012 is known for its solid sound performance, delivering 100 watts per channel. It’s capable of driving a wide range of speakers and delivering a sound that is both powerful and nuanced. Users report that it excels in creating immersive surround sound fields, though some have wished for more raw power for larger spaces.
The NR1606 is adept at delivering high notes with a clarity that can make the strings of a violin in a classical piece resonate with purity. In action movies, the clashing of swords or the zing of a bullet whizzing by is rendered with sharp precision. However, some users have noted that at the uppermost registers, the sound can become a tad too bright, which might be less favorable for genres with a lot of high-frequency content, like certain types of electronic music.
The midrange is where the NR1606 truly excels, offering a warm and detailed soundstage. It’s in this range that the human voice lives, so whether you’re listening to a gripping podcast or the latest pop hits, the vocals are front and center, full of nuance and emotion. The downside? In very complex orchestral pieces or rock concerts, the mids can sometimes dominate a bit too much, potentially muddying the overall balance.
Bass is handled with a controlled strength that’s quite impressive for a receiver of its size. The NR1606 can give a satisfying thump to hip-hop tracks and provide the necessary rumble during an intense movie chase scene. That said, for those who live for the bass, the NR1606 might not shake the foundations as much as a dedicated subwoofer or a larger receiver might.
Where and When to Use
This receiver is ideal for medium-sized living spaces. It’s versatile enough for daily use, whether you’re watching TV shows, movies, or listening to music. Its calibration system ensures optimal sound for any room it’s placed in.
Compatible Devices
The SR5012 works well with modern devices, including 4K TVs, Blu-ray players, and streaming devices. Its wireless connectivity also supports streaming from mobile devices. However, the lack of certain legacy connections might be a drawback for some.
Ease of Use
Marantz’s SR5012 is user-friendly, with a setup assistant that guides you through the process. The interface is intuitive, making it accessible even for those new to AV receivers. Some users, however, find the remote control to be less intuitive.
Cost
At its release, the SR5012 was priced at $999, which users find reasonable for the features and performance it offers. It’s considered a mid-range receiver that provides good value for money.
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