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Wow the Marantz SR8015 has been my pride and joy for a few month now. Now with such a stellar review coming from Kristi and you I am walking a little taller today. You guys are great at what you do. My wife and I would just like to say thanks for bringing a couples prospective to RU-vid on HiFi and home theater equipment.
I only started watching this channel earlier this week. I have learnt a lot. As much as I can't afford a lot of these systems. I now know a lot on what to look for when the day comes. Thank You. Looking forward to more.
My first video with Andrew was a review of a Crown amp. I was stunned that he gave it a rave review, as the audio file bunch look down their noses at pro equipment. I have watched every video since that day, although I don’t always finish, as the topic of the review doesn’t interest me. My point being, Andrew never lies to get more viewers and Kristie lies less. Look back through his videos with a budget in mind and I’m sure he will line you up with a system that you will like.
@@jesseballard4753 I have gone as back as 2 years ago. I know it's a bit far. I have found the combo (pair of speakers and stereo amp) that make sense to me based on his reviews of them.
Totally understand sticking with the RZ50 (we're still sticking with ours) but yes, the Marantz DOES work as advertised and does a lot for the money IMHO.
@@andrewrobinsonreviews I'm in the middle of an AVR shuffle in the house. Moving my Yamaha TSR-700 (RX-V6A) into the living room (3.0 setup) to replace a 20 year old AVR there. The just arriving RZ50 gets my pseudo home theater/family room (5.1.2 SETUP). Then that's it for me in new audio equipment this decade...as I'm up to date and content.
I love my SR8015! I have not heard anything that even comes close. I did my homework and worked a few extra shift and I could not be happier! Watching any movie now is phenomenal. I hear things I never heard before! Also, I wanted to say you guys do such a great job reviewing stereo equipment and giving insight. I have learned so much! Thank you
Fantastic channel, very informative, entertaining, and a very professional presentation by Andrew & Kristi, Thank you. I have almost 20 months of experience with this Marantz AVR SR8015 and I can also attest that this review is extremely accurate, and mirrors my time spent playing with it. Andrew’s quotes, “Incredible”, and, “audiophile grade performance and then some” are just spot on! I just wanted to add my experience here for others who are searching for a quality AVR to purchase. I have always coveted Marantz electronics since I was a teenager and finally the opportunity arose to purchase this one. I have had quite a few separates and receivers through out the years but this one is truly a ‘Beast’ that can handle anything you throw at it. I’ve upgraded my basement HT from an older Denon 9.1 system, which performed well for it’s time with me, to a 7.2.4 using the SR8015 and other amplifiers driving my front three (FL, C, FR) speakers. All the other surrounds and height speakers are handled by the Marantz with incredible ease. Initially I hooked up the Marantz just like Andrew, to run my whole system (without external amps) and it performed exceedingly well indeed, in all aspects. My thought process was that I would like to use this machine to reach it’s full capability of 13 channels, and add even more headroom to the front stage at the same time, by adding amplifiers I already own. I could make this all come together and possibly round out the sound field even further. I also concur with Andrew that the two apps that are available (Marantz AVR & Audyssey AVR) are tools that are a must have in your arsenal to tweak your system so it will perform to it’s fullest capacity in your own space. I have found that using Audyssey Muti EQ XT32 and limiting it’s frequency range calculations from 550HZ down to 20Hz only, along with some manual overrides, has allowed me to tailor the SR8015 so it perfectly suits my room and listening needs. I have experimented with different height channel placements and settled on 2 Front Height channels and 2 Rear Height channels instead of side surround height’s that are recommended by Auro 3D. I do use Auro-Matic (Auro 3D) up-mixer most of the time, for music and movie content that is 5.1 or 7.1 encoded unless it’s specified in the recorded material, (et: Dolby Atmos, DTS-HD MSTR) and content that is just available in stereo, I use Dolby Surround up-mixing with fantastic results. After experimenting with all the other surround formats, I found these also work well, I just personally prefer using these two. There are just so many settings and parameters to experiment with this machine, including system presets, that will allow you to accomplish any needs you might have. The SR8015 automatic detection of incoming surround signals thru HDMI has always been correct. I wasn't sure this was possible but running two channel in Pure Direct is simply sublime. It also can handle my 400 Ohm headphones run directly from the unit, as well as a 150 Ohm pair especially well, as well as my turntable. After many months of tinkering, I finally put all the tools away and have just sat back and thoroughly enjoyed stereo, movies, especially SACD’s, and multi-channel recorded music ever since. Some day I might add an additional 2 height channels (side height or FCH and voice of god) which this machine will allow with some external amplification. It does run ‘hot’, adding a cooling fan is highly recommended. My only ‘Con’ is it put a big dent in my wallet, but I must say it was money well spent, and worth every penny! Hard to put into words how well and accurately this AVR presents music and movies, but to borrow many who have already said, “Incredible sound” “very musical”, “tight & controlled”, “not at all fatiguing”, and my favorite, “audiophile grade performance and then some”, all these quotes fit the bill. From my perspective, the multi channel surround capabilities are extremely impressive and creates a tangible emotional experience. So to answer your question of the day Andrew, Yes it is possible for this Marantz to serve as the center piece of anyones HT and also serve up a stellar 2 channel listening experience. I have found myself going into the basement HT to turn on this ‘Beast’ much more often!
Thank you for describing your experience, you seem well equipped to evaluate this machine and put it to good use. It would take me a lot of time and money to figure out what you just shared and I appreciate it, although my wallet may soon have a dent in it as well!
Excellent review!!! Indeed very powerful receiver. Paired with monolith x7 amp and im absolutely blown away how amazing this thing sounds all together. Definitely worth the price in my opinion. Purchased while it was around little over 3k.
Insightful video, thank you A & K for making it! It helped in making my decision to buy one. Yeah it's big money and two years old now but it's going to be awesome! This is still the Marantz flagship and the Cinema's won't change that. I've been with Denon for over 35 years but I am really looking forward to Marantz taking care of any withdrawal symptoms I may experience:)
I've only recently discovered your channel and I really appreciate the excellent content. I am getting ready to purchase my first stereo in nearly 30 years and so much has changed! 😳
@@andrewrobinsonreviews Thanks! At this point, I'm on a limited budget of what I can spend on a stereo, but your recent video on $1000 systems was really helpful.
I am glad you brought up the X6700h in the end of your review because on the surface it does seem like the X6700h and the SR8015 are apples to apples. I don't believe they are as you hinted at given the price differences but I haven't heard the SR8015 in my setup. I had the Denon X6700h in my 7.1.4 room pushing Polk RTi A9 fronts, CSi A6 center, FXi A6 surrounds, and RTi A5 rears. The room is fairly large (roughly 15 x 27 x 8) and found the X6700h lacking the juice needed to push all 11 speakers at once, especially the A9 fronts. It wasn't until I added an Emotiva XPA 2 (second gen) for the front LR and the Emotiva BAS-X 3 (center/surrounds), did the sound truly leave me giddy like the Marantz appears to have done. I do think the Denon X6700h is fully capable of being a one stop solution in a smaller space but it may not as capable to the extent that the Marantz SR8015 is. I do LOVE my Denon X6700h and would not consider trading it in for the Marantz. This review in a way confirms my purchase now that I added extra juice to the Denon. I haven't dug into the Audyssey settings as much but can't wait to after seeing this. Side note - I have both Xbox Series X and PS5 connected via an 8K switch and have no issues with my setup.
Happy Sunday. Thanks Kristi for asking about the Yamaha flagship reciever. The “coming soon” update is getting tiresome along with the HDMI port certification is just as crazy. Marantz did their homework and produced something quite special. As far as replacement of for a two channel setup, no way at least in my setup. I connect all of my music sources to my PrimaLuna EVO 400 integrated tube amp and the sound is much better IMO. Besides these AV receivers don’t accommodate a MC phono cartridge. So if you are mainly a home theater user, who sprinkles in a little 2 channel, then an AV receiver is No brainer. I just happen to be the opposite.
I recently purchased the 8015 and will hold off my first impressions until I have extensive time with it. I'll just say this: I was able to pick one up for $,1999 and for that price there is simply nothing better out there as I write this.
Yeah I was able to get lucky and find one for $1,700 but weirdly the price went up to $2,500 so I think it might have accidentally been marked with the wrong price on Amazon. Unfortunately I'm having to return it because in the process of setting it up the video output was fine initially and then started not showing up
I just put a deposit on the SR7015, couldn’t justify buying Yamaha A6A with its half baked HDMI 2.1. It’s 2022 and any receiver should be 4K gaming capable IMO. I couldn’t justify going to the 8015 as I live in a condo and don’t need the channels or the power. It’s great to hear sound wise this is a great performer both for movies/gaming and music. Really enjoy your channel, keep up the great work!
When I purchased mine I was in the idea of getting higher end without the crazy price tag. I have them connected to 4 Focal sopra N 3 towers that make up my 5.2 surround sound system in my tv room. I love the receiver have no negative comments about it . Best purchase ever made in my beginning of music and tv watching experience.
I gotta, say this A&K channel is kind of inspiring... Ok definitely is, But DAMN IT MAKES SHOPPING SO HARD!!! sooooo many good options. This channel did help me pick out my GFs turntable and powered speaker option, to that I say thank you because it was really difficult.
Yes - I have run stereo and AV components, integrated and receiver systems Apart from driving tough loads and very high volume - I just love a good AV receiver with the right settings for each use readily available - and then relaxes and enjoy The best Sony receivers have had that secret sauce for those who learned the controls - and when fiddling was too much, I found that getting all the settings right And Then using AFD would make me smile every time (auto format decode)… when I wanted to be surrounded in sound I would switch on a Cinema mode EX - even on stereo - and be happy Fiddling - tweaking levels - and searching for the right levels could bring even better sound across the spectrum from stereo to 5.1 and beyond, but not fiddling was very good already
Maybe you should take a look at the Denon X8500HA in comparison to the Marantz 8015. It is marginally more powerful, has 13 channels of amplification and is Denon's semi-flagship, sitting below the A110 which is a limited-edition anniversary version of the same machine with additional refinements. I have been using the X8500H (previous model without the 8k upgrade) and find its sound-quality "airy" and neutral...though lacking the sheer heft of the Denon A-1 which it replaced when the latter broke down. By the way, when may we expect your review of the Wharfedale Elysians?
Loved the video I do appreciate all the comparisons. Really enjoy insights even when it’s not the sort of thing I’d probably buy. Glad you mention convenience and ease of set up which can often be forgotten in the pursuit of sound quality but which is worth it’s weight in gold.
Started out with a mid-tier Marantz AV receiver, then added separate amps when I started worrying that the onboard amps couldn’t drive my B&W’s. Then upgraded to the top-of-the-line AV8805 *processor* since I already had amplification taken care of. Then I upgraded to a better, multichannel amp. Each of those changes made an impactful sonic difference. Yet the internet convinced me that the Marantz’s internal DAC still stunk, so I threw a couple thousand more bucks at a trendy Holo Spring 3. And you know what? It doesn’t sound any better (without room correction) than the Marantz with Audyssey engaged, in my asymmetrical living room. Well done Marantz for putting together a really solid platform. And thanks Andrew and Kristi - please do Anthem next!
Yeah, I’d asked Andrew In another post after they had moved what mattered the most in terms of sound (room vs amplifier vs speakers) and he said the room matters the most. He and Kristi should make a video about that if they haven’t already. I have cathedral ceilings with columns and an open space and I always engage room correction.
I would be wary I purchased the 8015 and right when I was getting it set up with some of my older component gaming systems and laser disc player the visual signal suddenly cut out and I couldn't get it back
Another outstanding video!!👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 you two are on a roll!! 👌🏾🔥🔥🔥🔥 Hey QQ though, No one is covering the 2CH playback setting on higher-end Denon/Marantz AVRs! Especially on topic when looking for a dual purpose AVR! Maybe this can be a separate video! Tons of HT enthusiasts such as myself may just have satellite/ in-ceiling speakers versus full-range enclosed speakers. How does this feature measure up in regards stereo playback modes? Especially since most stereo modes treat satellite & in-ceiling speakers as full-range speakers😢. I guarantee you’ll get tons of feedback on that video if you ever create one!
Some of the main differences between Denon X6700H and Marantz SR8015 are the DACs, amplifiers, motherboard and power supply. These components are of better quality in Marantz.
Firstly I would like to say I love the channel with all the great reviews on products plus helpful how to info! I would of said no regarding using an av for two channel hi fi until I recently added an emotiva basx a3 to my avrx3600h. The sound is amazing, I never thought it would be better that my a85 arcam! I would say though the 3600h does not have the ability to produce high end audio on it's own. Keep up the good work on the channel. Best from over the pond, Pete
Agree 100%. Based on Andrew’s I purchased Onkyo’s TX RZ-50 with Dirac Live and it’s pretty good. I upgraded from Marantz 5012 and the sound quality is much better with Onkyo calibrated with Dirac. My question to Andrew is: how do you compare the sound between the RZ50 and the 8015?
And a big HELL YESS-a GOOD A/V CAN AND WILL PUT OUT FANTASTIC 2-CHANNEL!! And the big boys OF THOSE..Marantz, Denon, Yamaha etc can fill the bill! You just need to STEP IT UP a bit to get the right unit!!
I chose the Denon 6700 over the 8015 to save a few bucks and the 6700 has a voice control setting that I like (low setting really helps add just enough extra clarity for me). Otherwise, the specs are very similar. A huge benefit of both them is that they are very good prepro's for the price and have two setup presets. One can go full separates, fully integrated, and/or mixed (amp assignable) and also have two completely different setups in same/different rooms. I bet you can do a second followup video for just that. Also, I love having Zone 2 and 3 functions. Since all of my source contents are connected to the 6700 (HUB), I use the other zones to feed my tube amp (music) and a class D to play around with. Both the 8015 and 6700 are very versatile and have very similar functionality. Great video as always and thank you!
Love to see you review a lower level marantz. Most of us don't need a abizzillion speakers, but want more power for 2 channel. So would a lower lever Marantz with the two emotiva HC-1s sound the same in 2 channel as the 8016? Or do the lower level marantz have different electronics, pre amp, DAC, etc and a different musical sound?
I’m curious how this compares to the Denon X6700H or the Yamaha RX-A8. These would be my top three choices. Also does the SR8015 now come with an updated HDMI board? Or did you need the adapter box?
I'm noodling on upgrading my Pioneer VSX-932 AV Receiver, and this video has given me a lot to thing about! Stereo performance on my Pioneer leaves a little to be desired...
Yeah, it’s expensive and you do have to be wary of failure after the 3 year warranty expires. My 4 Marantz AV receivers had 5 year warranties and all of them needed repairs. The repair cost will easily be close to the $1,000 mark. You have to include a repair in your price. This unit technically retails for $5,000.
I love Marantz. I've had 5 receivers and now have the 7705, 8077, and 7055. I loved all my receivers, but now I'll never go back to internal amplification
I love your reviews and recommend your channel to all of my audio/video friends. Your chats with Kristi are always a treat. Please keep up the good work:)
No basic Dolby pro logic decoder makes listening to older material impossible unless a Dolby digital track is also available. Some TV programmes will not decode mono to the centre channel only.
As fan fanboy and owner of this era of Marantz products, i can attest that this review is really accurate when paired w/my experiences. Although my preamp is a couple years older, the menus and functions appear the same. I can’t speak to the amplifier power or sonic qualities in this receiver, but i can say both Andrew’s and Kristi’s experience’s with the Marantz’ functionality mirrors my experience. And its not ugly. I do like the look. Cheers and happy Sunday everyone!!!
Appreciate you weighing in Audio Tron! It's always nice to hear when we get it right, especially from other people with the same equipment. Have a great rest of your day!
@@andrewrobinsonreviews yup! I and i feel like much less of an amateur when i hear you two saying what im already thinking. Some people think subscribers, consumers, and fans like to have their pre conceived opinions reinforced. I like it when agreement happens based on real world experience. Its cool. And thanks again for the pick me up last week. Means a lot.
Thx for the review. I was thinking of the denon avc-x4700h or the Marantz sr 7015. Because of the big prise deferance i have now the Denon. I. Really happy whith it, comming from Yamaha .
Thanks for the video as always, I do have opinion to share with you one not to do with this video, you were asked before on live stream whether you ever heard resistor ladder (R2R) dacs and you said you don't really know about it nor care much what tech is in an equipment. Giving the hilarious example of: if a running hamster in and amp gonna make it sound great keep running guys! In which I agree and totally on board with your attitude on this. I as well don't care what tech is in an equipment as long as it sound great. But I would like to share my further opinion with you, knowing what tech used in a peace of equipment can be beneficial in for consumer because it sometimes can give them some general idea of what the equipment would sound like and allowing them to nail down the vast choices out there down to a few in which they can tried out. Example, buying tube amplifier likely gonna give a warmer more full sounding than solid state amplifier. And so goes the R2R dacs utilizing a series of resistor rather than a premade chip for computation will also, in general, give a warmer and smoother sounding. Hope this give you a better understanding for the reason why some people do care about what tech is being used inside even though, ultimately it's about how its sound.
The Marantz can decode 13 channels, but it needs a separate stereo amp or two monoblock amps to power the remaining two channels. (At least the UK spec version does) :) great review
Thx Guys, I always had a regret about buying an AVR without AURO included... now I'm more reassured it isn't something to lose sleep over. I went 2019 Yama RX A2080 on-sale at that moment.. Performance great, future proof... not so much. Great review.
Auro 3D is a format that very much relies on the designed placement. I am very certain Andrew didn't have an Auro 3D set up. Atmos works with an Auro speaker arrangement, but Auro suffers some without the recommended placement. However, I still don't think you should lose sleep over it either way.
I have played with Auro on a 5.1.4 set up, but it was not with optimal placement. I did prefer it to Atmos personally. My thoughts above are more from the research that I have done vs my personal experience.
The preamp mode of the Marantz does appear to be mildly "superior" to that of the Onkyo, though the Onkyo does give you DIRAC, which in my opinion does produce better results in terms of room correction over Audyssey. So regardless of the outboard amp pairing your decision is likely going to come down to OTHER factors and not how the two compare straight up.
I got the SR5015 lat december as my trusted Onkyo TX-SR706 lost sound on some channels, main reason I went with the Marantz SR5015, it was on stock compared to many others and they had a deal on the last unit. Super happy with my choice and since the firmware upgrade this year it sound better, mostly with my xbox.
I bought my first avr, a Marantz 5015, to go with Klipsch 600m ii. I'm waiting for the speakers to arrive. Your channel has given me the addiction. Thanks for the great content. I love both perspectives.
Andrew, you're right - the 8015 must be incredible in 2 channel - you really should try bi-amp mode with a tower speaker. Thanks for answering the question from the other review about whether an AV receiver could compete with a stereo amp. I've recently urged Marantz to make a 7.1 in the $2,500 range to replace the old 8002 - essentially a pared down version of the 8015 with the same power directed to the 7.1 speakers (a 10 watt increase) and more audiophile features. I hope you and Kristi can also back that up. It would still be $1,000 more expensive than the TX-RZ50 but I think it would offer an alternative that would justify the premium. Thank you and Kristi for answering it - I knew you were going to add it to this review.😀
Another great review, thank you both for all the work you put into it. Y’all are hands down the best. To expand on the comparison of RZ 50 and a higher end AVR like the Marantz 8015 does the quality of speakers you own also come into play in the diminishing return discussion? Basically, can you out spend your speakers and/or not be able to achieve the performance potential a higher end AVR can provide?
The price differential between the RZ50 and 8015 is massive. The RZ50 has more power than the 8015 but it's not a toroidal. It has an issue with 4 ohm speakers but is fine with 8 ohm speakers. I own one 8001, and two 8002 which have the same power supply and fewer channels and as a result more power per channel and probably better electronics. I'm not sure I'd purchase the 8015 at this price point.
@@techsamurai11 Thank you very much for taking the time to respond. Your comment is very helpful as I continue to learn more about home audio. I currently have an older Marantz SR7011 which started to have front channel issues so added an Emotiva external amp which seemed to solve things for a while but more issues are starting to pop up so figured it is time to start looking to replace. The RZ 50 is attractive mostly because of Dirac and it Sonos integration but don’t want to take a step backwards in sound quality so trying to learn as much as I can before pulling the trigger.
@@paulgross682 you're bringing up another excellent topic. Reliability, warranty, and total cost of ownership. Your unit is pretty new and shouldn't have that many issues especially as it was the flagship at the time since Marantz had discontinued the 8000 series after the 8002. My 4 Marantz units had 5 year warranties instead of 3 and sold for half price despite having the same power supply and I suspect sound quality. A 5 year warranty is many times better than a 3 year because a disproportionate number of units fail after the 3rd year. They all needed repairs especially display failure and blinking lights after losing power but nothing like what you're experiencing. A repair of an avr like the 8015 must run between $500 and $1,000 assuming they have parts which is a topic of its own. The 8015 needs cooling as it runs too hot to last a long time. I'm in the same boat and don't want to downgrade but the RZ50 seems like the more reasonable choice. In surround, it'll sound the same and offer eArc which will play better sound than Arc. It's more disposable in case of repair.
Certainly an A/V receiver can be used as a stereo source, and it would actually put out the advertised power due to the power supply only having to feed two channels. It wouldn't make sense in a dedicated listening scenario of course. I've used A/V processors with separate multiple or multi-channel amps (Carver, Yamaha, Emotiva) for more years than I care to think about, and have been perfectly satisfied. As you often say, your mileage may vary.
It's easy! The Marantz comes with a better DAC; The Denon doesn't. So if you're a music buff get the Marantz, if not you can get by with the Denon. Simple answer....
Nice job with initial review. I think some additional content could be useful. Perhaps using dynamic volume at low volume levels. Dynamic EQ when listening below reference levels. Virtual height option if you don’t have height speakers, etc.
Thanks! Another outstanding video!!👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 you two are on a roll!! 👌🏾🔥🔥🔥🔥 Hey QQ though, No one is covering the 2CH playback setting on higher-end Denon/Marantz AVRs! Especially on topic when looking for a dual purpose AVR! Maybe this can be a separate video! Tons of HT enthusiasts such as myself may just have satellite/ in-ceiling speakers versus full-range enclosed speakers. How does this feature measure up in regards stereo playback modes? Especially since most stereo modes treat satellite & in-ceiling speakers as full-range speakers😢. I guarantee you’ll get tons of feedback on that video if you ever create one!
Jared, did you happen to see this video we did a little while back? ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-oAPSEqz9BUM.html Also, and maybe I can do a better job, but I try and make it a point to comment on any AVR's stereo performance. But maybe a deeper dive is needed? Appreciate the question, support and critique!
This would be my dream receiver, but in Canada its $5K, which is hard to justify for me. I think I'm going to go with the Onkyo RZ350 which has a more palatable $2K price here in the Great White North. Basically, I need something that can run 7.2.4 which is my ultimate home theatre goal.
I wish you two would make a tv show where you go to people's houses and help them get the write sound for them! Andrew you and Kristy have awesome class and love the videos
Um guys you know when the universe throws you a bone….. this is an idea that would only work with you and your partner. I made my ambeo purchase because of you. I would of paid $$$ for you and your partner to FAceTime and look at what I was dealing with before my purchase. You guys would make SO much $
Hey guys, as always , ur my favorite Sunday pastime. Ok, here's my issue with using a surround receiver for music... Speakers. Personally, I use very different speakers for music than movies. Beyond that, IMO it's very doable
I thought long and hard about this Marantz, but I’m not a fan of Audyssey and I think it’s a shame that a product this expensive doesn’t have a better screen. I also thought about the Anthem MRX 1140 and 740 and even the Onkyo RZ-50. I just couldn’t wait any longer and I went with the NAD T778. I love its screen, Dirac, and I like its sound. It’s 85W all nine channels driven by the way.
I am considering the NAD t778 at the moment. What front speakers do you use with it, and how do you think it performs in 2-channel? This Marantz could be an option, but it seems to run hot, and I'm planning on having the receiver in my media bench, and I'm thinking the NAD would produce much less heat.
@@hannie1301 Hello, I run the T778 in my home theater with Arendal 1961s, but I do listen to some two-channel music in there from time to time and it performs well. It does not run very hot either.
I’ve been waiting for this review. I bought the SR8015 a few months ago after seeing your reviews of other Marantz products. I love everything about it including the “Marantz sound” in 2-channel stereo mode. I also use it in a 5.2.1 set-up for movies and it’s incredible. I’ve never tried Marantz before, but now I’m a believer.
The answer to your question is yes I would go a different route though and would use the Marantz Av pre amp which is all balanced XLR and hook up my pro audio power amp with it and then hook up a a four channel pro amp to it with All XLR cable. I would run a 5.1 set up I don’t know if you have experience with XLR all balanced systems but that extra 6DB makes a difference
QOTD - I like the features and flexibility of an AV receiver coupled with a good power amp for front two speakers. Power amp stays when the AVR is upgraded. Great sound and good cost/benefit.
I have owned 4 Marantz AV receivers over 20 years including 3 of the 8000 (2 are in operation). I started with the 5002, then moved to the 8001 and then bought 2 8002s at a discontinued price. The 8001, 8002 have the same power supply as the 8015 but they have more power per channel (fewer electronics) and don't get as hot. I love Marantz but I find the 8015 way overpriced as it's nearly double the price with no power improvement. If you have a store nearby, I would definitely audition the RZ50 side-by-side with the 8015. And the reason I believe I'd do that is because after buying the 8002, I auditioned Marantz separates and I didn't hear much of a difference. I also auditioned the venerable Yamaha RX-Z11 that weighed 75lbs and cost $5,000 which was supposed to compete with the Denon 5806 (weighs nearly as much as a Rolls Royce and requires a crane for placement). Again, I thought the Marantz with my B&W 703s sounded as fantastic playing Michael Buble's bombastic I'm Feeling Fine as the Yamaha did with twice as expensive speakers (the Focal Electra BE 1028). My point is if the 8002 which was graded Audiophile level by Marantz could hold its own against Marantz separates and a 75lb Yamaha behemoth, then I figure the RZ50 might be able to hold its own against the 8015 especially since it has more power than the 8015, albeit EI vs toroidal. This is my own take of 20 years listening to about 80,000 hours of the Marantz flagship receivers 😀 Now I've asked (begged) Marantz to make a 7.2 in the $2,500 range with the exact same specs as the 8015 just fewer channels and I'd love to see some very stylish (level meters) on it. I think that would be a superb product that would entice a lot of people to switch to Marantz.
@@ManuelMedellin. RZ50 is 1,400. SR7015 is 3,000. I would try the RZ50 long before I bought the 7015 and 8015 unless money has no value to you. You could also go the RZ50 route and use an external amp to power the front 2-3 speakers without spending more money. You’re left with an external amp that should last you a long time.
Hi Andrew, I hope you are doing well. Thank you for your reviews. I was wondering which affordable DENON AV receiver for a pack KLIPSCH RF-8000+RP-504C (central) + surround RP-402S Noir + 1 active sub Velodyme ? These speakers are highly sensitive so I don't need a powerful amp, right?
My Integra A/V receiver and Revel speakers make for a very nice 2 channel setup. I guess it depends on what your aspirations are and how you want to spend your money. If I ever upgrade, it will be to another good A/V receiver. This Marantz is sure nice, but I real like the big Onkyo you reviewed earlier.
All inputs should be HDMI2.1 (you know what I mean, even though they effed the whole standard...) When I update from my X4700h, that's one of my main points. Though I think, that is really, really far away. I would want a good NAD, but their pricing and shortcomings on other areas than sound quality is still a thing...
Miika i agree on all hdmi 2.1 ports. Take a look at arcam avr21 its support all ports 2.1 hdmi. Only downside is it pricey and only 7 channels. But the sound on it is crazy once dial in.
take a look at it, it puts it quite well, it has surprised me, only lacking a little more sharpness due to power and dinanica is almost on par with arcam
Hello Andrew and Kristi, I have a Marantz sr 7015. It is USD 1.000 cheaper than the sr 8015. I’m driving a 5.1 system (Dali Opticon 6, 2, Vocal and Dali subwoofer) and like my system very much. Only downside is dropdown of Heos system. Solves it by buying the Bleusound node. Is this a good alternative for the sr 8015? Keep up the good work! Greetings from the Netherlands.
Thanks Andrew. When are you going to tackle Anthem receivers and pre/pros? I think their ARC (Anthem Room Correction) is phenomenal and the flexibility of their hardware makes setup for various configurations of stereo and surround.
My question is in regards to using your AV receiver as the centerpiece. I’m using the Onkyo RZ 50 pre to my Audible Illusions tube pre-amp to a pair of mono Emotiva HC-1s to a pair of Thiel CS2s (thinking of getting the Poll R700s) for the fronts and then for stereo listening I was not using the Onkyo at all because I didn’t know how the phono section of Onkyo AV receiver or this new Marantz compares to a separate pre-amp like the one I’m using and I am not sure you mentioned that in this review or the Onkyo review and that frankly is the only thing keeping me from actually using the Onkyo as my centerpiece. If you did mention it and I missed it my apologies. Thanks
Absolutely not!!!! Marantz yes decent. I bought the flagship amp the AV8802A which was over $5000. The amp had something happen to it just conveniently after the warranty expired and marantz will do nothing to help. I sent it in they said they could fix it, kept it for 3 months and the. Said they couldn’t it was a brick and I’m on my own. I asked if they could help with the purchase of a replacement and they said no. I’ll never ever buy marantz again. Horrible company
Andrew, thanks for the review. I love what you do here. The passion is evident in everything you do. That said, question: I inherited a mint pair of Klipsch Forte I speakers from my pop. I want to use them as the basis for a 5.2 system in my one bed to replace my old 7.1 Monitor Audio Silver system which had to be sold when I lost a job. If I am using classic Forte's and Heresy's with subs for a mixed use system, would the difference in quality between the Marantz 8015 and the Onkyo RZ50 be so appreciable in theater clarity and serious music listening, that it's worth the cost (given that I can pony up the bread)?
marantz cinema 40 vs sr8015 I'm torn between these two products. The SR8015 is about half a million dollars cheaper. I'm looking for a better AV receiver for music as I often use 2-channel stereo. I want to find a better AV receiver Mr. Andrew, which one would you choose? I was wondering which model you would recommend.
Ok I’m sold. Now, what to do about electrical surges and lighting strikes. Where oh where can I find a genuine high quality surge protector that does two things. 1) protects against normal electrical surges as well as higher surges like lightning a 1/4 mile away, maybe 4000 joules? and 2) stands by their warranty/guarantee if things fry my expensive new AV receiver at a cost under $1000.00. Ok maybe that’s three things but I’m still screwed up from replacing my third expensive av receiver.
Looks like Marantz offers a 3 HDMI to 1 port Switcher that you can add to the sr 8015 to run up to 3 devices with full HDMI 2.1 support. Why can't Marantz just update it in the receiver themselves? But at least a small workaround.
I agree with you but who cares. I only use that interface when I am configuring the system and then forget about it's existence. The rest of the time I use the app if needed.
Hello Andrew. I really enjoyed your review. I wanted to ask you a question. I just purchased the SR8015 Marantz this morning. I will have it Monday. I bought it because lightning struck and damaged several of my ports in the back of the receiver. It is a Denon AVR X8500HA. Do you believe that the Marantz 8015 will be every bit as good as my Denon? I hear picture quality may be better and sound should be comparable 😅. I hope because I am that guy you described. I want to leave no stones unturned. I look forward to hear your comments and your wife Kristi is a bonus. She is very knowledgeable. She touched on the 6700 Denon but not my 8500 which was 3200 on sale normally about 4000.
By the way Andrew my Denon AVR8500HA is a MONSTER! THE SOUND IS CRAZY. I have 5 Paradigm middle of the road speakers and 2 tower Martin Logans Eletromotion esl 2300 a piece. 2 SVS SB16 Ultra power. Crazy Sound!
I would say, and Ive not used this unit, but at $3800.00 vs $1499.00 for the RZ50, I would stay with the RZ50 and if needed, an amp to add such as the BassX-5 would be cheaper. And no Dirac Live? For $3800.00? I would pass. But what a great video Andrew and Kristi.
I admit, I prefer DIRAC too, but Audyssey is an option so I don't fault Marantz too much here. That said, on the value front, the RZ50 (with or without an outboard amp) is still the king.
@@andrewrobinsonreviews Thanks Andrew - at 9.2 channels and Dirac, although the Marantz is nice, that " law of diminishing returns" comes to mind and keeps me in the Onkyo corner.
