Marantz SR5012 7.2ch 8K AV Receiver Review

0 Mixed Usages
Release year: 2017 Rating: 3.6

 

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

 

Where to buy

Specification

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
Where to buy

Details Review

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.

 

Where to buy

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