Onkyo vs Marantz AV Receivers Comparison

Comparing Onkyo and Marantz AV receivers can be difficult, with each offering a unique blend of features and price points. However, by weighing both brands’ advantages, discover the perfect fit for your home theater setup! People looking for the perfect home cinema experience face a tough choice between two top-notch AV receivers – Marantz vs Onkyo? Both have excellent features and specs, but which is right for you? Comparing these juggernauts side by side can help make the decision easier.

Basic information about Marantz and Onkyo

Marantz is a company that has been creating high-quality audio and video products since 1953. They specialize in making powerful home theater receivers, stereo amplifiers, and surround sound systems. Marantz offers products that are easy to use but still deliver superior sound quality. For example, Marantz receivers offer rich, room-filling surround sound and powerful multi-channel processing.

Onkyo is a brand that has been producing award-winning audio and video products since 1946. As one of the oldest and most trusted names in home entertainment, Onkyo has always focused on delivering excellent sound quality at an affordable price. In addition, Onkyo receivers give users great control over their audio and video equipment and an array of features to customize their listening experience.

Mid-price Marantz and Onkyo receivers comparison

Onkyo TX-RZ50

Are you searching for a powerful yet affordable home audio system and want to know if the Onkyo TX-RZ50 is right for you? Well, we've done all the hard work for you by testing this powerful amplifier and speakers, so let us tell you what we found. The Onkyo TX-RZ50 9.2-Channel AV receiver has proven to be an excellent pick for adding quality sound to your home.

Build and design

The Onkyo TX-RZ50 has a front panel with buttons and knobs. It is designed to look nice and has simple controls for adjusting the sound. The main power button is at the panel's top, with volume and input selection buttons below. The Tone Control knobs are on either side of the center display, allowing quick sound adjustments. Finally, a headphone jack is located at the bottom for private listening. These controls can customize your home theater experience quickly and easily.

The Onkyo TX-RZ50 also features a sleek and modern look with black accents and silver trim. This combination of colors helps it stand out while still providing an elegant look.

The Onkyo TX-RZ50 has dimensions of 17 1/8˝ x 7 15/16˝ x 15 11/16˝ (435 x 201.5 x 398 mm), making it a relatively small and portable device. Its weight also reflects this as it weighs only 30.9 lbs. (14.0 kg), making it light enough to be carried around easily.

Features and specs

The Onkyo TX-RZ50 is a unique audio amplifier that offers superior sound quality and performance. It boasts 250 W/Ch of THX® Certified Select RZ Series Dynamic Audio Amplification, meaning it can provide a powerful and crisp sound to any home entertainment system. It is also IMAX® Enhanced certified for an immersive signature sound by DTS:X®, providing a true cinematic experience.

The device features 11.2-ch processing and pre-outs for 7.2.4 layouts, allowing you to get the most out of your surround sound system at home. In addition, it can be controlled with Hey Google or Alexa, making it easy to use.

The Onkyo TX-RZ50 is also equipped with a range of HDMI® inputs. Inputs 1-3 and the Main/Sub out support 8K/60AB and 4K/120AB, while inputs 4-6 support 8K/60B and 4K/120AB. The front HDMI input supports up to 4K/60 (HDMI 2.0). There's also an HDMI Sub/Zone 2 Out that can transmit media to a second display.

Onkyo TX-RZ50 supports Bluetooth® wireless technology, allowing you to send or receive audio easily. In addition, it features RX mode (SBC/AAC) and TX mode (SBC/Qualcomm® aptX™/aptX HD), providing superior sound quality when streaming music or other audio content.

In addition, the AVR is compatible with 4K/120, giving gamers an ultimate gaming experience. With this level of resolution, you'll enjoy the most stunning visuals and smooth gameplay from the comfort of your home.

For music lovers, the receiver is also Sonos Certified, meaning it can easily integrate into existing Sonos audio systems for expanded sound options. So whether streaming music or playing it through a CD player, you can experience your favorite tunes in crystal clear sound.

Sound quality

The sound from the Onkyo TX-RZ50 is really good. It makes everything you hear sound clear and crisp. The soundstage is wide and detailed, making it easy to pick out individual sounds in the mix. The bass response is tight and precise, giving plenty of power when needed without being too overpowering. Voices are natural and clear, while the highs have good sparkle without sounding harsh or grating. It also has a lot of dynamic range, allowing a wide range of music types to be enjoyed.

All in all, this receiver's sound quality is excellent, something that both seasoned audiophiles and novices alike can appreciate.

The Onkyo TX-RZ50 truly shines after being calibrated with DIRAC, making movie watching an unparalleled experience! It not only adds clarity and precision to sound across the frequency range but also offers features such as adjustable dialogue enhancement, bass management, and subwoofer equalization. In addition, with DIRAC's unparalleled acoustic manipulation capabilities, your Onkyo TX-RZ50 will become a truly immersive home theater experience!

Verdict about Onkyo TX-RZ50

The Onkyo TX-RZ50 is an impressive receiver that offers a wide range of features and options for both audio enthusiasts and casual listeners.

This product is truly outstanding - it was effortless to get up and run, and the audio quality is incredibly clear. It's of note that this item outperforms many others in its price range!

Marantz SR6015

Maintain your creative freedom to produce superior sound with the Marantz SR6015 receiver. It is the perfect choice for any home theater system. It's equipped with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding, which will let you enjoy your favorite movies and music in stunning detail.

Plus, this receiver also supports 4K Ultra HD video with HDR and Dolby Vision. You'll be able to enjoy your favorite movies and shows in crystal-clear detail. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Build and design

Let’s get started with the specifications of Marantz SR6015. This receiver is a little over 18 inches wide, almost 8 inches tall, and just over 15 inches deep. It’s made of high-quality materials and feels solid and sturdy. The design is sleek and modern with a black finish and silver accents.

Marantz SR6015 only has a few basic buttons on the front, so I find all of the controls to be intuitive. All of the ports and connectors are in easy-to-reach places. The receiver also comes with an on-screen display and handy remote control. The only thing that takes a little getting used to is the location of the power button, which is on the left side of the receiver instead of the front.

Features and specs

The Marantz SR6015 is a great choice looking for a high-quality receiver with all the features you need to enjoy your favorite movies and music. It has Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding, which lets you experience surround sound in a whole new way. It also supports 4K Ultra HD video with HDR and Dolby Vision for crystal-clear visuals. Plus, it has 8 HDMI inputs and 2 outputs so you can easily connect all of your devices. The receiver also has built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Apple AirPlay 2 support for easy streaming. Plus, the intuitive setup and operation make it easy to get started.

One of the top features of the Marantz SR6015, in my opinion, is its multi-room capability. In case you want to explore Hi-Res Audio, the SR6015 has you also covered with built-in HEOS technology, support for FLAC, ALAC, and DSD files. With HEOS built-in, you can easily stream music to any room in your house. And with Amazon Alexa, you can control your receiver with your voice. But the SR6015's real strength lies in its ability to produce reference-level sound. Thanks to Marantz's proprietary HDAM circuits, you'll enjoy exceptionally detailed and musical audio reproduction.

Sound

The features of Marantz SR6015 are a powerhouse when it comes to sound. You'll never have to wish you could listen to what the actors are saying again. Every line is crystal clear and the visceral enjoyment coming from the sound effects is movie studio worthy. The sound is such a relief because every other receiver I had was too bright and would give me headaches. I can watch for hours with no fatigue.

The sound quality is amazing from vinyl to streaming digital. It has a warm, natural sound that is detailed and precise. I also tried MultEQ X to provide a sound configuration for the acoustics of my room. It was stunning to hear nuances in my music that I never knew existed.

Verdict about Marantz SR6015

The Onkyo TX-RZ50 and Marantz SR6015 AV receivers offer unique features that make them stand out from the competition. In addition, both receivers can provide excellent performance at their respective price points. Each receiver’s features, performance, and price should be considered when deciding the best fit for your home theater setup. I have chosen a Marantz SR6015, an exceptional choice that will undoubtedly provide many memorable experiences. With Marantz SR6015, I’ve found the perfect audio solution to elevate my home theater system.

Marantz CINEMA 70s

Are you searching for a timeless audio-visual receiver with premium features, vintage sound quality, and great value for your money? Look no further than the Marantz CINEMA 70s AV receiver! This advanced technology is designed to take advantage of today's cutting-edge technologies while showcasing its classic aesthetic.

Build and design

The Marantz CINEMA 70s has a slim and stylish design, less than half as tall as other receivers. It looks luxurious, with each part carefully thought out. The size is 17.4 x 15.1 x 7 inches, and the weight is 19.2 pounds. It has plenty of space to fit all the components while still looking sleek and modern. The design is timeless, with a classic look that will never age.

The Marantz CINEMA 70s is built to last, with quality materials and craftsmanship that ensure it will stand the test of time. It is a durable and reliable choice that won't need to be replaced anytime soon.

The front panel is easy to use, with its intuitive controls and simple layout. There are dedicated buttons for each part of the receiver, allowing you to adjust settings quickly without going through multiple menus. In addition, the display is clear and easy to read, making it even simpler to understand what you're doing.

Features and specs

The Marantz CINEMA 70s is a state-of-the-art home theater system that offers users an incredible home theater experience. It is equipped with a powerful 7-channel amplifier, providing clean and powerful sound to power all your home entertainment systems. It supports the latest audio formats, including DTS HD Master, DTS:X, DTS Neural:X, DTS Virtual:X, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization, and Dolby Atmos Music. This system also supports a range of high-definition audio formats with HDMI In/Out support up to 6/1. In addition, it upscales 1080p/4K video content to 8K resolution and can reach a max resolution of up to 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz.

This power output device has an 8-ohm impedance, a frequency range of 20 Hz - 20 kHz, and a 0.08% 2ch drive capacity with 50 Watts power.

An impressive feature of the CINEMA 70s is its Audyssey Dynamic EQ which optimizes sound quality based on the content being watched. It also has a built-in HEOS Multi-room and Streaming technology, allowing users to stream their favorite content from their mobile devices.

For audiophiles, the CINEMA 70s also includes a phono (MM) input which allows you to connect your turntable to the system and enjoy classic vinyl recordings.

Overall, with its impressive list of features and specs, the Marantz CINEMA 70s is a top choice for home theater enthusiasts looking to get the most out of their audio experience.

Sound quality

Marantz CINEMA 70s provides unbeatable sound quality and supports the latest audio formats, ensuring that you will always enjoy your favorite content in crystal-clear quality. For those who are serious about their audio, the Marantz CINEMA 70s has options for high-resolution audio playback, including DSD (Direct Stream Digital) and ALAC (Apple Lossless Audio Codec). In addition, with Dolby Atmos sound processing capability, the Marantz CINEMA 70s can take your home theater experience to new heights. It also offers advanced room correction technology to fine-tune your listening experience to the environment of your living room.

The Marantz CINEMA 70s has various advanced audio features, including Bass Management, Center Image Control, and Audyssey MultEQ® XT32. With these options, you can ensure you get the best sound quality possible from your home theater system.

Hearing audio with Atmos or surround sound directly from the source is incredible and adds to your listening experience.

Despite my apprehension that 50 watts per channel could generate a feeble sound, I was pleasantly surprised to find the audio quality robust. Moreover, this power supply is more than enough to handle an 18' x 12' space.

Verdict about Marantz CINEMA 70s

Onkyo TX-NR6100

With these features, the Onkyo TX-NR6100 is an ideal choice for a powerful home theater receiver with superior audio quality and performance. Whether it’s used for movies or music, this receiver will provide an immersive sound experience that goes beyond the ordinary.

Build and design

The Onkyo TX-NR6100 is a well-constructed device with an impressive build that makes it stand out in the audio receiver market. Its dimensions are 17 1/8˝ x 6 13/16˝ x 14 15/16˝ (435 x 173.5 x 379.5 mm), providing a solid foundation for the unit and making it easy to fit in any setup. The 21.7 lb (9.8 kg) weight might not be light, but its size is still manageable and should work well even with limited space.

The design of the Onkyo TX-NR6100 looks sleek, with a brushed aluminum front panel and a black finish. The front panel houses various buttons, dials, and other controls, along with an intuitive LCD display that provides quick access to the menu settings. At the back of the unit are ports for connecting audio devices, including HDMI inputs/outputs, digital optical/coaxial inputs/outputs, Zone 2 line-level outputs, and speaker terminals.

Features and specs

The Onkyo TX-NR6100 is an advanced 5.2.2-channel home theater receiver that offers a wide range of features and specs to provide an immersive movie and music listening experience. It boasts 210 W/Ch (6 ohms, 1 kHz, 10% THD, 1-ch driven) power output and 100 W/Ch (8 ohms, 20 Hz–20 kHz, 0.08% THD, 2-ch driven) for a powerful sound system. It also supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X playback for an immersive surround sound experience like no other.

In addition, the Onkyo TX-NR6100 also works with popular streaming services such as Sonos, Chromecast built-in™, AirPlay 2, and DTS Play-Fi®. It also supports Spotify®, Amazon Music HD, Pandora®, TIDAL, Deezer, and TuneIn so that you can listen to your favorite music in high-definition audio quality.

Furthermore, the receiver is equipped with HDMI 2.1 features that make it compatible with a range of devices and provide smooth frame-by-frame performance on TV via VRR, ALLM, QFT (Quick Frame Transport), DSC (Display Stream Compression), QMS (Quick Media Switching) and eARC (Main Out). Additionally, it features Bluetooth® wireless technology RX mode with SBC/AAC and TX mode with SBC/Qualcomm® aptX™ /aptX HD for easy streaming.

With these features, the Onkyo TX-NR6100 is an ideal choice for a powerful home theater receiver with superior audio quality and performance. Whether it’s used for movies or music, this receiver will provide an immersive sound experience that goes beyond the ordinary.

Sound quality

The Onkyo TX-NR6100 provides an immersive and dynamic sound experience. Its 100 watts per channel output creates a vibrant and detailed soundstage with tight highs and powerful lows that stand out from the rest. The receiver utilizes THX certification to ensure crystal clear sound without any signs of artifacts, further enhanced by its compatibility with all major audio formats, such as Atmos, DTS X and Dolby True HD.

Thanks to its advanced calibration system, it can upmix any stereo sound to all your speakers for a more immersive experience. Whether watching an action movie or playing the latest video game, the Onkyo TX-NR6100 delivers a captivating audio experience with you on the edge of your seat.

The frequencies can be easily adjusted with its Graphical User Interface, allowing you to customize the sound according to your taste. The lows and mids are especially adjustable, giving you the power to fine-tune your sound with smooth bass and crisp highs, and the highs can be pushed even further with the help of its Room Acoustic Calibration system.

Additionally, its user-friendly interface makes it easy to set up and use. With the Onkyo TX-NR6100, you can easily customize your audio setup for the perfect listening experience. All in all, it is an entry to the mid-range receiver with high-end sound quality.

Verdict about Onkyo TX-NR6100

Both receivers come with multi-room audio capability, so you can enjoy your favorite music in any homeroom. They both have a variety of ports, including HDMI, USB, and analog audio inputs. They both include a phono input for connecting turntables. Ultimately, both receivers offer powerful sound and Dolby Atmos support with great picture quality to enjoy the best of home entertainment. If you’re on a budget but don’t want to sacrifice features and quality, then Onkyo’s TX-NR6100 is the way to go. It offers great sound performance while being significantly more affordable than its competitor, Marantz CINEMA 70s – making it an ideal option for anyone who wants top quality at an unbeatable price!

Budget Marantz and Onkyo receivers comparison

Onkyo TX-SR393

We have prepared an Onkyo TX-SR393 review. The TX-SR393 is an excellent receiver that offers excellent value. It has many features not found on other receivers in its price range.

For example, it has built-in Bluetooth that allows you to stream music from your phone or tablet. It also has an HDMI port with a 4K passthrough and HDCP 2.2 support, which allows you to take full advantage of the latest high-resolution video formats. Finally, it has a built-in FM tuner, which you will not find in many other receivers.

Build and design

Let's begin with Onkyo TX-SR393 features. The receiver's dimensions are 17 1/8"" x 6 5/8"" x 12 15/16"" inches, and it is 18.1 lbs in weight. The front panel has a clean and clear design. The front panel has a power button, input selector, volume knob, and headphone jack. The back panel has speaker terminals, an antenna connector, different inputs, a USB port, and HDMI ports.

A small display in the middle of the front panel shows the current input and volume level. Around the display, four LED indicators show which input is selected: Analog, Optical/Coaxial, and two HDMI inputs.

There is also a remote control. It is essential, but it gets the job done. It has all the standard buttons you would need, such as power, volume up/down, input, and surround mode. Plus, it's backlit, making it easy to see in the dark.

Features and specs

Onkyo TX-SR393 is a 5.2 channel A/V Receiver with 80 Watts, 0.08% THD of audio output when 2 channels driven. TX-SR393 is a receiver that allows you to enjoy many features. For example, it supports Zone B line-out. In addition, it allows users to send audio from the receiver to a second location, typically in another room.

Onkyo TX-SR393 has HDMI, Optical, and AUX inputs, a USB input that you can play music directly from your mp3 player or phone, a headphone output, and coaxial input. The rear panel of Onkyo TX-SR393 has several audio output ports. It also houses an antenna port for picking up FM broadcast signals. In addition, there are two RCA connectors for the analog input source, along with a dedicated digital coaxial connector. The speaker terminals are similar to the ones on the front. This model doesn't have built-in Wi-Fi, but you can connect your mobile phone, TV, DVD player to it via Bluetooth.

As Onkyo TX-SR393 video specifications, have Ultra HD Pass that supports 4K (up to 60p) video signals. It makes your movies come alive. It plays all types of media files, including high-definition blu-ray discs, making it worth buying for movie buffs. A high-quality video processor guarantees the highest image quality by minimizing noise and improving color gradation. In addition, the upscaling function converts standard definition material to Full HD for an improved picture, even on large screens.

Sound

It has an excellent sound quality, and it can easily play almost all types of file formats, including MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, FLAC, and DSD. In addition, the TX-SR393 also supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, which are two of the latest audio formats. As a result, it allows you to experience a more immersive sound with better quality.

The sound of the Onkyo TX-SR393 is perfect for watching movies. This receiver brings the movies to life and makes you feel like you are right in the middle of the action. The low, mid, and high frequencies are well balanced, but it lacks some power in the bass frequencies. When watching an action movie, you will notice this effect with explosions or car chases. This aspect can be compensated by adding a subwoofer to the system.

Verdict about Onkyo TX-SR393

Marantz NR1510

The Marantz NR1510 is a powerful home theater receiver sure to please even the most discerning audiophiles. It offers an array of features and connections that elevate your entertainment experience in any room, delivering accurate sound with warmth and clarity.

Build and design

The Marantz NR1510 is a slimline AV receiver that offers a sleek and sophisticated design without compromising performance. Sitting at just 4” tall, it offers an impressive array of features in a compact chassis. The front panel of the Marantz NR1510 features two knobs for power, source selection, and volume control, as well as a USB port that can be used for playing MP3 files. Additionally, the front panel has many buttons to control various aspects of the receiver, such as display mode, surround sound mode, and more.

The NR1510 also features two line-level inputs and one subwoofer output on the rear panel, allowing users to connect external sources and subwoofers easily. In addition, a headphone jack is conveniently located on the front panel, making it easy to plug in your headphones for private listening sessions.

Measuring 17.3 x 14.9 x 6.9 inches, the Marantz NR1510 is compact enough to fit anywhere in the home or office. In addition, it weighs only 18.1 pounds, making it incredibly lightweight - a perfect combination of size and weight; this item is sure to fit right into your daily lifestyle!

Whether you’re looking for something small to spruce up a shelf or countertop or bring a unique bit of flair to any space in the home or office, this item has all the features you need.

Features and specs

The Marantz NR1510 is a 5.1 multi-channel stereo receiver that provides Hi-Fi sound with modern connectivity and advanced features. It has 50W per channel of 8-ohm power for amplified sound at 20Hz – 20kHz and 0.08% THD in a two-channel drive. In addition, the NR1510 comes with Dolby Atmos and DTS HD Master Audio for immersive sound and built-in Audyssey Dynamic EQ for room calibration. It also offers 4K 60Hz 4:4:4 resolution with HDCP 2.3, HDR10 support, and eARC for optimal audio performance.

For easy access to music, the NR1510 features Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, and HEOS Multi-room and Streaming with support for Spotify Connect, Deezer, TIDAL, Napster, Pandora, and SiriusXM. To round out its features, the NR1510 has three composite video inputs, one output, and a phono input for a turntable connection.

The Marantz NR1510 also includes a Compressed Audio Enhancer (MDAX2) to improve the sound quality of compressed audio files such as MP3 or WMA. The MDAX2 technology helps to restore the original dynamics of audio files so you can enjoy your music with greater depth and clarity.

Sound quality

The Marantz NR1510 is an audiophile-grade receiver that delivers crystal-clear sound quality for a 5.2 system. Featuring an ultra-wide dynamic range for seamless signal transfer and Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro 3D Audio decoding capabilities, the NR1510 brings movies to life with amazing clarity and detail. From subtle details like background sounds to explosive sound effects, the Marantz NR1510 provides an incredibly lifelike and detailed audio performance that impresses even the most discerning audiophile.

The stunningly clear and defined highs of the Marantz NR1510 are sure to astound, providing a powerful and crisp sound. For music lovers and movie buffs alike, its expansive dynamic range ensures that all delicate audio nuances can be heard perfectly! The mids and lows of the NR1510 are also exceptionally clear and natural to give an enveloping soundstage experience.

The Marantz NR1510 is a truly remarkable receiver that packs a lot of power into its compact size. Its stunning clarity, ultra-wide dynamic range, and advanced audio decoding capabilities offer a fantastic audio performance sure to please even the most demanding audio enthusiasts.

Verdict about Marantz NR1510

The Onkyo TX-SR393 and the Marantz NR1510 are the best budget receivers on the market. Both offer great sound quality; however, some key differences exist when deciding. Compared to the Onkyo TX-SR393, the Marantz NR1510 offers a wealth of additional features — all necessary for today’s digital world. This device has Wi-Fi, streaming options, and other features, but the price is a drawback for the Marantz NR1510 compared to the competitor. I highly recommend the Marantz model if you want something within this price range.

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