SR7015 Model DTS X AV Amplifier by Marantz – Review

Offering a powerful 9-channel amplifier, with 125 watts per channel, the Marantz SR7015 consistently has the strength to make an impression. For 3D Atmos/DTS:X sound you can select between 7.2.2 or 5.2.4 speaker options with 2 or 4 ceiling speakers. Additionally, stick with 5.2.2 and power a second pair of speakers in another room or bi-amp your primary pair of speakers. As your system expands, so the capabilities of this Marantz AVA grows with it.

Enhance to 11-channel sound for cinematic immersion
Add an additional stereo power amplifier for next level surround sound. Maintain 4 ceiling or Atmos-enabled audio speakers as well as full, 7-channel surround sound. As an alternative, use 2 Atmos speakers and take pleasure in a wide-ranging soundstage with ‘front wide speakers’ forming a 9.2.2 system. If you don’t luxury a Dolby Atmos specific system, but want the most impressive sound possible, go for an 11.2 configuration. This provides 7.2 sound with the addition of front width and front height speakers.

The front fascia of the SR7015 showcases Marantz’s signature ‘porthole,’ a design element synonymous with the brand. The overall aesthetic is marked by a simple, uncluttered elegance, with controls discreetly tucked behind a pull-down door. The matte black finish accentuates the source and volume dials, as well as the power button, which are the only visible controls. Opening the pull-down door reveals access to extensive setup menus, along with a composite video input, USB input, HDMI input (4K/HDCP 2.3), headphone input, Audyssey mic input, and a large LCD display. While the porthole display is visually appealing, its size poses a challenge for readability at a distance, prompting users to weigh form against function.

On the rear panel, the SR7015 boasts seven assignable HDMI inputs and three HDMI outputs, featuring eARC support on the main output. With the ability to decode 11.2 channels, its pre-outs can expand capabilities and enable external power amplification for existing channels. Legacy connections include composite and component video inputs and outputs, analog inputs and outputs, and coaxial and optical inputs. Additional features encompass dual independent subwoofer outputs, 12-volt triggers, IR input, RS-232 input, and Ethernet. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support, facilitated by included antennae, complement the thirteen gold-plated speaker binding posts.

Maintaining Marantz’s commitment to quality, the SR7015 incorporates proprietary HDAM circuit boards and discrete power amplifiers across all channels. The claimed power rating is 125 watts (8 ohms, 20Hz–20kHz, 0.05% two channels driven), with a 70% power guarantee, translating to approximately 84W with all channels active—an honest acknowledgment in an era where power figures are often exaggerated.

The SR7015 supports various multichannel formats, including DTS HD Master/X, Dolby Surround/True HD/Atmos, Auro 3D, and more via firmware updates. HDCP 2.3-compliant HDMI inputs accommodate 4K and 8K video at up to 120 and 60 frames per second, respectively. Notable features include eARC, CEC, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, Dynamic HDR, HLG, ALLM, VRR, QFT, and QMS—ideal for gaming enthusiasts.

Equipped with Audyssey XT32 room correction software, the SR7015 includes features like LFC, Sub EQ, Dynamic Volume, and Dynamic EQ. Despite Audyssey’s age, recent updates align it more closely with contemporary room correction systems.

Networking options encompass HEOS Multi-Room, Alexa, Google Voice Assist, Apple Home Pod, Internet Radio, and support for streaming services such as Spotify, Amazon Music HD, Deezer, Tidal, and Napster. The SR7015 accommodates both lossy and lossless audio formats, including MP3, WMA, FLAC HD 192/24, WAV 192/24, and ALAC 192/24.

Unique Marantz audio technology
Even though feature-packed, the continue to puts sound top quality first. This Marantz uses a discrete, high-current amplifier with Marantz’s own amp modules – HDAM. These op-amps use surface-mount metal-film resistors for higher temperature balance. The final result is a clearer, much less distorted sound, whatever the volume. Some other audio improvements include AKM AK4458 32-bit DACs and a Hybrid PLL Clock Jitter Reducer for a more precise, vibrant sound.Four, 3D sound formats, including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced and Auro-3D
Supporting four, core 3D sound formats, the Marantz SR7015 AV Amplifier has you completely covered for impressive sound. Traditional Dolby Atmos is complimented by Atmos Height Virtualisation Technology for 3D sound without the need of all the speakers. DTS:X and Virtual:X offer the same flexibility. IMAX Enhanced takes DTS recordings to the maximum cinematic requirements. Auro-3D, meanwhile, gives you the strength of stunning, 3D sound, from all formats – including TV, gaming and music – without the need for Dolby or DTS encoding.

Completely ready for 8K, with dedicated HDMI input
Featuring a dedicated, 8K compliant HDMI input and matching output, this Marantz SR7015 AV Amplifier is ready for the next generation of TV. Not only does the amp pass through 8K/60Hz signals, but it also upscales HDMI signals to the 8K standard, too – helping you make the most of your 8K TV with 4K UHD media. If you’ve not yet made the jump to 8K TV, the socket also handles up to 4K/120Hz signals, for the top quality pass through and upscaling with 4K UHD.

Supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and Dynamic HDR
As well as supporting 8K, the Marantz SR7015 also works with a wide range of High Dynamic Range (HDR) video formats. These include Dolby Vision, HDR10 and HLG. It also supports HDR10+, which improves picture realism by delivering dynamic Meta data to your TV, as well as Dynamic HDR. In short, whatever the format used by the film, game or stream, the Marantz supports it.

Game on
The newest HDMI support also heralds a significant enhancement in video gaming. 4K/120Hz and VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) support maximise resolution and clearness. Quick Frame Transport (QFT) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) help get rid of lag and frame tearing, offering you a better, more responsive gaming experience.

At your command
Compatible with Alexa, Google and Siri, the SR7015 has your voice PA covered. For Alexa or Google Assistant control, just download the HEOS application. Pair your Echo device if you’re using Alexa and you are good to go – modify the volume, skip to the next track and switch inputs simply by asking Alexa or Google. For control via Siri, simply link the amp through Apple AirPlay 2 and have fun with voice interaction and AirPlay 2 multi-room support.

Innovative multi-room performance and custom set up ready
The Marantz SR7015 has no fewer than 3 HDMI outputs with an independent area 2. This implies you can run audio and video to some other screen, in another room independently from the twin, primary outputs. IP control potential for major third-party control devices, RS232 control, IR Flasher In and twin DC triggers make this AV amplifier perfect for more sophisticated home installations.

HEOS built-in – for the excellent multi-room audio
HEOS multi-room music systems connect together by dual-band wi fi, making them simple to set up with your current home network. Up to 32 HEOS units can be set up at one time, ensuring even the biggest of homes are covered for multi-room music. With HEOS already built-in, the SR7015 is prepared to go as a single ‘zone’ with no any further adaptors.

Masterful 8K HDMI Connectivity With eARC

The new Marantz SR7015 includes eight HDMI inputs and three outputs for all your favourite sources. One dedicated 8K HDMI input supports 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz pass-through capability, 4:4:4 Pure Color sub-sampling, Dolby Vision, HLG, HDR10, 21:9 video, 3D and BT.2020 pass-through.

Regulate it all with the HEOS application
Once you have set up your HEOS speaker system, you can stream music effortlessly through the dedicated HEOS application. Available for Apple iOS and Android, the app not only lets you stream your stored music, but also Internet radio services and favorite streaming services such as Spotify Connect (Premium account required), Tidal, Deezer, Amazon Music and some others.Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, and built-in wi-fi for the full networking experience
With both Bluetooth and AirPlay 2 connectivity it’s very easy to connect all your smartphones, tablets and compatible laptop/desktops and stream music wirelessly. The SR7015 also comes with wi-fi and Internet radio. Simply, just connect to your home network via Ethernet or wi-fi and access thousands of Internet radio sites via TuneIn as well as streaming subscription services. A Bluetooth headphone output is now also typical. Photo: Marantz

Audyssey MultEQ XT32 for uncomplicated room set-up
Providing Audyssey’s high-end MultEQ XT32 technology, the SR7015 adapts itself to your room’s acoustics. The XT32 variant of this auto measuring and set-up device features include Audyssey Dynamic Volume, Dynamic EQ, LFC and SubEQ HT for complete control. If you would like to take this even further, order the MultEQ Editor App (at additional cost) and you have access to highly developed user configurations.

The Marantz SR7015 makes installation a breeze with its user-friendly Setup Assistant. This feature guides you step-by-step through the entire setup process, providing simple, clear, and concise instructions. The Setup Assistant incorporates an intuitive graphical user interface, which is particularly helpful for those who are unfamiliar with multi-channel AV amplifiers, making the Marantz SR7015 less daunting.

The Setup Assistant covers a wide range of tasks, from selecting your speaker layout to configuring inputs, outputs, and additional zones. It even verifies speaker polarity and subwoofer volume before leading you through the Audyssey MultEQ XT32 room equalization process, utilizing the provided microphone.

To ensure optimal audio performance, the SR7015 includes a microphone for the MultEQ XT32 system to analyze the output of each speaker, including subwoofers, at up to 8 measurement locations. This analysis enables the generation of precise digital filters that optimize each channel’s frequency and time domain response. Marantz even provides a cardboard stand for the microphone if you don’t have a tripod available.

Marantz SR7015 Key Features:

• Exceptional sound quality
• 9 channels of amplification
• 11.2-channel processing
• Support for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro-3D
• IMAX Enhanced certification
• Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) support
• 8K/60Hz HDMI input and outputs
• 7.1-channel inputs
• 11.2-channel pre-outs
• HEOS multi-room functionality
• Integration of Audyssey MultEQ XT32

Marantz SR7015 Drawbacks:

• Limited to only one 8K/60Hz input
• Lacks a built-in tuner
• Slightly higher price range.

The Next Chapter In Movie Entertainment, with the fully immersive Marantz SR7015 AV Amplifier .