THE HI–FI HEADLINES

Some 60+ years ago, Saul B. Marantz started a little company which had a passion for bringing superior music playback into homes. Fast-forward to today and the spirit of company’s founder lives on as Marantz continues to push the boundaries of technical excellence.

Today’s current generation of Marantz surround receivers are no exception to this spirit, and thanks to their rolling program of product releases LWA HQ is in the enviable position of having a broad range of options – from entry-level solutions to a truly ‘kick butt’ top-of-the-line model. Marantz’s ‘basic’ NR1504 offers a host of connectivity options that just a few years ago would have been the domain of units costing three or four times the price! Offering both DTS-HD and Dolby TrueHD processing, these receivers also have nearly unlimited network-streaming capabilities including Apple Lossless, FLAC HD 192/24, gapless playback and AirPlay, not to mention Internet radio, so you are well and truly covered. When it’s time for a cinema experience the NR1504 punches out 60 watts per channel in 5.1 mode, or can be run in 2-channel stereo. It’s easy to set up perfectly with in-built Audyssey MultEQ and a supplied microphone. It’s not short on inputs either, with a total of six HDMI inputs to handle a multitude of digital sources – serious bang for your buck! NR1504 was $840, now just $699 The NR1604 differentiates itself from the NR1504 with a stomping 70 watts via seven channels. That’s not its only trick, however, thanks to GUI overlay and 4k scaling. Plus you also get an additional HDMI input, plus component video in and out ports. It also gives you multi-room/ multisource functionality without the need for an additional amp. What it all comes down to is an easy-to-use elegance with some serious punch. NR1604 was $1150, now just $799 The SR5008 comes in a fullersize cabinet, as you can see from the picture. Aside from offering all the features of its slimline cousins, power steps up significantly to 7 x 100 watts via seven inbuilt amplifier circuits. Thanks to the latest current feedback technology and Marantz’s own HDAM (Hyper Dynamic amplifier modules), big power does not compromise sound with clear, detailed and alive reproduction being a central characteristic of the 5008. It comes with no less than seven HDMI inputs – of which one is on the front – making it immediately ready for 3D/4k video and ARC (Audio Return Channel) audio from ARC-compatible TV sets. Lower resolution video can be up-scaled to 4k too. It also has the specially-developed Marantz Remote App for iPhone and Android devices. All of which makes the SR5008 a true combination of style, power and ease. SR5008 was $1380, now just $899 The SR6008 is a real steal when you consider the features on offer here. Aside from offering all the features of the 5008 it ups the power stakes to a considerable 110 watts via its seven channels. Again it has a convenient HDMI input on the front and six to the rear, here with two HDMI outputs, one of which can be used to send a different program to a different room. Also like the 5008, it has Audyssey DSX and DTS Neo:X 7.1 processing, an iPod-digital-compatible USB input and a Phono MM input for vinyl fans. SR6008 was $1799, now just $1299 The top model is the SR7008 and it represents exceptional value at this reduced price point. We could easily fill this entire page writing about this Herculean Surround Receiver. This baby has muscle, serious muscle – how’s 125 watts to each of its nine channels just for starters! Offering all the features of its lesser brethren PLUS Audyssey DSX and DTS Neo: X 9.1, you are flooded with the ultimate experience in surround sound. SR7008 was $3290, now just $2199