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The Marantz SR5011 came out in 2016 and it replaced the Marantz SR5010. It’s a full-size SR receiver with a lot of features, and it rings up at the lowest price point of all Marantz full-size receivers. It has the same distinguished look that Marantz is known for. It’s sleek, black, and gentlemanly. In 2016, it offered the latest sound and video technologies, but these days, it leaves a little to be desired.
However, it is still an excellent receiver offering, especially if you want to pare down a few features to save some money. With features like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth streaming, Dolby Atmos support, and DTS:X support, you’ll have plenty of hookups for just about anything.
Enjoy all your entertainment in the highest quality formatting. Screen movies in 8K with 8K/60Hz pass-through or upscaling with HDMI technologies like Dynamic HDR and Quick Media Switching (QMS) to eliminate video delay.
Marantz SR5011 – Product Update
A quick update – the Marantz SR5011 has been discontinued. It may still be available from some retailers, but it may not be as readily available. However, there are similar models out there, like the Marantz PM7000N, which we’ll take a quick look at in the ‘alternatives’ section a little later on.
Set-Up
Setting up the Marantz SR5011 is easy with the on-screen tutorial. Once you plug it in and connect it to your TV, you’ll be able to set up initial connections and implement your settings according to your current configuration. The on-screen guide is in full color and it’s intuitive, so you won’t have any trouble navigating. Once you get it set up, more complicated connections allow you to hook your SR5011 up to multiple sets of speakers. You can watch a movie in one room while streaming music in another.
This is a fantastic set up for parties or close get-togethers at your place. You’ll be able to use two different sources at once to suit each room’s purpose, even if it’s only you and your family at home.
Design
As far as design goes, you’ll enjoy the simplicity of the Marantz SR5011. It’s not overly complicated and it doesn’t overwhelm you with options on the front. The buttons are flush and the design is symmetrical, making the entire device look sleek and modern.
The jet black finish is masculine and attractive. It’s a sizeable device, clocking in at over 17 inches wide, more than 6 inches tall, and 14.5 inches deep. It weighs 22.1 pounds, which isn’t too heavy to lift, but it’s not slight either.
It’s a sturdy receiver, and the bulk of it will make you feel confident that it’s well built. Once you get it set up, you’ll likely not move it again, so the size is of no consequence to those who have room on the shelf. And if you’re a true audio and video aficionado, you’ll make the room.
Features
When it comes to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth streaming, you have access to nearly everything you need when it comes to internet radio, AirPlay, SiriusXM, or any other streaming services you use. If you host an online media server for all of your media, you really don’t need anything else.
However, the Marantz SR5011 comes with plenty more. You can playback FLAC, WAV, AIFF, ALAC, SACD, and Double DSD files. You can even download the Android, iOS, or Kindle Fire AVR Remote App and control your receiver from your phone or tablet.
The Marantz SR5011 contains a 7-channel amplifier for 100 watts of power, but unfortunately, in 2016, all manufacturers took away front wide channel support, so this one doesn’t have it either.
Current Feedback Topology
Included in the Marantz SR5011 is Current Feedback Topology, which sets high requirements for bandwidth and high-speed reproduction. It has the capability of keeping Negative FeedBack at a minimum so you get high through rate, excellent sonic transparency over the full bandwidth, and fantastic transient response.
Current Feedback amplification is different than Voltage Feedback amplification in that it enables the amplifier to be ultra-sensitive to difficult loads on the loudspeaker, resulting in much better sound quality.
Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Module
Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Module (HDAM) is exclusive to Marantz. The SR5011 contains this technology, replacing standard ICs with discreetly hidden circuit boards instead. These devices have surface mount components that work to reduce the noise level and Slew Rate, which gives you more accurate, detailed, and dynamic sound.
The HDAM components have been honed by Marantz over time to improve the quality of the receiver and the sound, so these models have a decidedly better fit and quality than the last generation of the receiver.
Dolby Atmos
Dolby Atmos is supported on the Marantz SR5011 by the Dolby Surround upmixer. Each sound in the original cinematic audio is its own audio object, and Dolby Atmos retains those individual entities rather than unifying them. These audio entities are free of channel restrictions so each sound can be precisely placed throughout the room, exactly where it should be.
With Dolby Atmos, the sound is three-dimensional for rich clarity and power. It makes you feel like you’re in the middle of the action, much like in the movie theatre. While the Dolby Atmos algorithm allows these sound qualities to be delivered when streaming media or watching Blu-ray, you can also use this feature to expand your sound from seven speakers to as many as 34.
This allows for 128 independent audio elements all at the same time, so you experience breathtaking and realistic sound in a way that the director originally intended. For audio that is not originally mixed in Dolby Atmos, the surround upmixer will expand the audio so you still experience the same sound quality.
DTS:X and MDAX2
Support for the DTS:X comes with a Neural:X upmixer. In this case, the sound is rendered based on the speaker configuration rather than projecting to a set number of speakers like the Dolby Atmos does. Employment-based on the speaker layout is dynamic.
The Marantz SR5011 can also enhance compressed music, thanks to Marantz Digital Audio Expander 2 (MDAX2) technology. Files like Windows Media Audio, MP3, or AAC are compressed and experience a loss of sound. However, with MDAX2, you can produce the same audio quality in these formats as you can others, so you get clearer, more detailed sound.
Audyssey
Audyssey Dynamic Volume and Audyssey Dynamic EQ work together to ensure that tonal balance, bass response, and sound experience are always the same, no matter how you adjust the volume. It measures incoming source-level information and output sound to combine them for the delivery of dynamic volume solutions that aren’t distorted. Even at high volume, your sound is still clear.
Have you ever noticed that when you watch TV, the commercials are louder than your show? It’s annoying to have to turn it down during the commercials only to miss the beginning of your show after the commercial break because it’s too quiet. Audyssey Dynamic Volume helps to monitor the volume of these materials and automatically changes according to your desired listening volume. It optimizes your experience so you don’t have to constantly maintain or adjust anything.
Room Correction
With Audyssey MultEQ XT, you’ll notice that any acoustic distortion is corrected when you push the button. It helps to focus dialog and voices while restoring musical balance, so you can hear everything clearly and one won’t overpower the other.
Dolby Vision
Dolby Vision produces deep darks, bright lights, vivid colors, expanded contrast, and refined details so your viewing is just as spectacular as your listening. 4K passthrough can bypass Dolby Vision, Hybrid Log-Gamma, and HDR10.
Marantz SR5011 Pros and Cons
Marantz SR5011 Pros
With all of these features, it’s no surprise that the Marantz SR5011 has a lot of advantages.
- Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision
- DTX:X with Neural:X
- DSD via USB
- HDR10
- Hybrid Log Gamma
- 4K passthrough and upscaling
- DLNA 1.5
- Wi-Fi and ethernet
- Bluetooth
- 8 HDMI inputs
- USB input
- Multi-channel input
- Analog pre-outputs
- Internet radio
- Pandora
- Spotify
- SiriusXM satellite radio
Marantz SR5011 Cons
Unfortunately, because it’s three-year-old technology, there are some things you won’t find in the Marantz SR5011.
- No front-wide channel support
- No DTS Virtual:X
- No IMAX enhanced
- No Dolby Atmos height virtualization
- No DSD via HDMI
- No FireConnect
- No FlareConnect
- No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic upmixer
- No HEOS
- No DTS Play-Fi
- No Chromecast built-in
- Won’t work with SONOS
- Won’t’ work with Alexa
- No Tidal
- No Napster
- No Deezer
- No Phono Input
- No Toroidal transformer
- Marantz SR5011 Alternatives
There are several competitors on the market that you may want to take a look at before making a buying decision. Here are some that you may enjoy.
Marantz SR5011 Alternatives
Denon AVR-X3700H
With some impressive specs, the Denon AVR-X3700H is a solid choice for gamers in particular. Using Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization, the AVR-X3700H offers advanced video processing for an ultra-crisp and clean picture. In addition, it focuses on reducing lag for gaming, with Quick Frame Transport, Variable Refresh Rate, and Auto Low Latency Mode.
It has some of the most advanced video technology available, with Dynamic HDR and HDR10+.
It’s compatible with Pandora, Spotify, TuneIn, and Alexa, and you can extend the reach of music to other rooms in your house via Wi-Fi, Airplay 2, or Bluetooth.
Enjoy all of your favorite music services like Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music HD, TIDAL, SiriusXM, Deezer and more. The AVR-X3700H also lets you enjoy your music via AirPlay 2, letting you stream your favorite tracks from Apple Music.
Marantz PM7000N
If you like the sound of Marantz, you could take a look at the Marantz PM7000N. With a high-performance 2-channel integrated amp, it gives super-dynamic, high-resolution sound, and you can access a variety of music streaming services too (like Spotify, Pandora, and Tidal). So if music is your focus, this is a good one to go for.
It has built-in HEOS technology to play your favorite tracks via AirPlay 2, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth. You can even hook up your timetable to the integrated phono input, which is a nice touch.
You can seamlessly connect your digital TV, Blue-Ray, or DVD player, too.
Onkyo TX-RZ820
With 11.2-ch pre-outs and 11-ch processing, you can enjoy 3D sound through a 7.2.4 layout (external power amp required), or use built-in amps for a 5.2.4 or 7.2.2 layout.
Here’s one that costs a bit less than the Marantz SR5011, which is always nice for those who are trying to save some cash. However, it doesn’t support nearly as many sound codecs, it doesn’t have ethernet or AirPlay, and it can’t tune into SiriusXM satellite radio.
However, it does have bass control, treble control, THX certification, and 3D technology, which the Marantz doesn’t have. As far as design goes, it’s almost as sleek. It’s a nice, masculine black with a clear digital display and attractive lines. It doesn’t have any inputs on the front with easy access, but that’s no different than the Marantz, so if you’re looking to save some money, this might be the one for you.
FAQ’s About Marantz SR5011
Can I repair my Marantz SR5011 receiver on my own?
Receivers are complicated devices with a lot of internal parts. A lot goes into building them, so leaving repairs to the professionals is always your best bet. Conduct a quick search online for your nearest Marantz retailer and they can help you with repairs or find someone close who can.
Does Marantz make good receivers?
Many people have never heard of a lot of the brands that make great receivers, and Marantz is one of them. Yamaha, Sony, and Integra are some of the brands you may have heard of, but there’s always an additional cost associated with big-name brands.
You’ll find great quality receivers in names like Marantz, Pioneer, Denon, and Onkyo, even if you’ve never heard of them. You’ll also find them online and at retailers all over, which makes them easy to find. Marantz has a long history of making Hi-Fi products, so you can trust their devices to be excellent quality and work great for a long time.
How do I dispose of my old stereo receiver?
If you’re upgrading and you’re not sure what to do with your old receiver that still works, here are some ideas. You can resell your receiver at a local pawn shop or on the internet. Many people are in the market for something affordable to try out before paying top dollar for the latest and greatest.
You can donate your stereo receiver to a local church or charity. Many of these types of non-profit organizations still need high-quality sound, but they can’t afford to buy it new. You can recycle any non-working stereo receivers at a local recycling facility. Many cities have free electronic waste recycling, as long as you can prove you live within the city limits.
Enjoy all your entertainment in the highest quality formatting. Screen movies in 8K with 8K/60Hz pass-through or upscaling with HDMI technologies like Dynamic HDR and Quick Media Switching (QMS) to eliminate video delay.
The Verdict
If you’re in the market for a new stereo receiver, Marantz is one of the best brands you can get. Even though Marantz has been making the SR5011 for three years at the time of this publishing, it comes with plenty of features at a fraction of the cost. You’ll get high-quality sound that hasn’t faded over time, you’ll pay less, and you’ll only miss out on a few things that you may not even miss anyway. It’s definitely worth the price and offers a fantastic receiver for most people.