It’s been a while since Marantz launched the SR7010 and SR7011 model. Thus it is high time Marantz refreshed it’s lineup with the SR6012 (MSRP$1499) and SR5012 (MSRP$999). It good to know that Marantz has upped the ante with several new features like multiroom music playback via HEOS integration and also full 4K Ultra HD compatibility.

Both are full-featured networked AV receivers but the Marantz SR6012 is the more sophisticated unit with nine built-in amps plus 11.2-channel processing.

The next model in this high end range is the Marantz SR5012 which comes with a more modest 7.2-channel processing and lesser power output of 110 watts per channel.

To keep up with the latest audio advancements, support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X is included. The SR6012 has 11.2-channel processing to handle 7.1.4-speaker configurations while the SR5012 is compatible with 5.1.2 configurations.

On the video side of things Dolby Vision HDR is also included with more media on the way.

Connectivity is the by-word for tech products. You can use a wired or Wi-Fi connection to access music through their home network. This includes Internet radio and streaming services such as Spotify Connect, Tidal and Pandora. It can also stream music from a computer or NAS drive at up to 192-kHz/24-bit and DSD 5.6 MHz. This is the works guys. High end audio in a box. Can’t ask for more.

The Marantz SR6012 handles 5.1.4 and 7.1.2 speaker configurations without the need for an external amp. Like other top-tier Marantz AVRs, users who opt to use all 11.2 channels can choose between assigning the main left and right speakers, or a pair of the heights to the external amplifier. This AVR provides preamp-out connections for all channels.

The SR6012’s futureproof advanced video section is fully compatible with the latest HDMI and HDCP 2.2 specifications on all 8 HDMI inputs. With 4K Ultra HD 60Hz video, 4:4:4 Pure Color sub-sampling, High Dynamic Range (HDR), 21:9 video, 3D, and BT.2020 and Dolby Vision pass-through on every input, the SR6012 is absolutely future-proof.

To keep audiophiles ears humming with expectation Onkyo’s 2016 line of advanced RZ Series AV receivers comes with upgraded and customized capacitors and Onkyo’s premium amp circuitry so as to deliver high-current power needed for the most demanding of action movies and full orchestral works.

The top two models – Onkyo TX-RZ810 (MSRP $1399) and Onkyo TX-RZ710 (MSRP $1099) are both THX Select2 Plus-certified for theater grade performance and are ready to decode Dolby Atmos and DTS:X surround formats. Onkyo has introduced separate analog amplification and digital processing blocks as well as solid copper bus bars that limit interference and patented Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry (VLSC) on all channels for noiseless digital to analog conversion for the TX-RZ810. There are 8 HDMI inputs and two outputs making it possible for two 4K/60 Hz video sources to be viewed in separate rooms.

Both the AV receivers can serve the entire home with FireConnect powered by Blackfire wireless technology which mirrors analog and digital audio on a compatible wireless speaker.

At the lower end of this range is the Onkyo TX-RZ610 (MSRP $899). It features a 7.2-channel network A/V receiver that delivers 100 W/ch into 8 ohms. However it does not have THX certification and some multi-zone connectivity. To maintain a similar audio standard Onkyo has  included high-quality components like a massive power transformer, custom-spec capacitors, and discrete non-phase-shift amp circuitry. This high-current design enables full-audio reproduction down to 10 Hz while improving control of speaker drivers for full range sound.

The 3-year warranty of these models also proved to be a fantastic selling point especially since people aren’t expected to upgrade their home theater receivers every year.

Consistency, innovation and performance are terms we can associate with Yamaha’s receivers. They have been consistent with product quality and keeps making better receivers over the years. They also keep innovating with better features while keeping prices affordable. And we have not been shortchanged with natural sound and video performance.

So we are glad to know that their 2015 lineup of AV receivers in the AVENTAGE range keep up with these ideals. Yamaha has 5 models in the 2015 lineup with prices ranging from $649.95 to $1999.95 for the flagship Yamaha RX-A3040.

Here’s a short summary of their features and specs:

1. Yamaha RX-A740 ($649.95): a 7.2 Channel receiver delivering 90W per channel featuring Apple AirPlay, built-in Wi-Fi and 4K Ultra HD Pass-through.
2. Yamaha RX-A840 ($849.95): also a 7.2-channel unit with higher power rated at 110W per channel. Features the latest HDMI version with 4K Ultra HD 50/60p support, AirPlay, built-in Spotify, Pandora and Rhapsody. YPAO Volume, 17 DSP programs and 3D support. It has 8 HDMI inputs and dual HDMI outputs (simultaneous output) to connect to a projector and flatscreen. It also features high resolution 192/24-bit Burr-Brown DACs.
3. Yamaha RX-A1040 ($1099.95): same features as the RX-A840 but with higher power rating of 120W per channel, higher quality DAC, more connectivity options including additional analog inputs, an additional 12v trigger and analog video outputs for the second zone.
4. Yamaha RX-A2040 ($1599.95): 9.2 channels with 140W per channel, 23 DSP programs, a high resolution music enhancer and dual ESS Technology ES9006 Sabre audio DACs. It features zone 2 and zone 3 powered speakers with HDMI for the second zone and audio pre-outs for audio in the 3rd zone.
5. Yamaha RX-A3040 ($1999.95): an audio powerhouse with 11.2 channels with 150W per channel of power. Super-high quality 192 kHz/32-bit SABRE32 DACs, optimized power amplifier layout with ultra-low jitter circuitry housed inside a double bottom chassis with a fifth foot. Advanced HDMI Zone Switching and Dolby Atmos Surround Processing also added.

All in all a complete range for the entry level and the most discerning audiophile.

Complementing the new entry level receivers launched recently, Onkyo launches two new mid-range receivers – the TX-NR737 and TX-NR838 priced at $949 and $1299 respectively. They have just been shipped and you should be able to get them from stores now.

Both these receivers come with Bluetooth and built-in WiFi, plus the latest HDMI standard and HDCP 2.2 spec to support 4K UltraHD content; and are THX Select2 Plus-certified to comply with cinema standards for larger rooms.

Onkyo is proud of their audio standards and takes great pains to make them sound as good as they look. Smooth current delivery is their aim for their higher end receivers and not surprisingly the TX-NR737 and NR838 are endowed with Onkyo’s proprietary Wide Range Amplifier Technology (WRAT). At the core are a custom high-output transformer, extra-large customised capacitors and low-impedance copper bus-plates. They also feature dual Digital Signal Processing (DSP) engines and 24/192 Burr-Brown DACs.

Room calibration is by way of AccuEQ software which by design bypasses the front left and right channels leaving their sound as they are. The surround speakers are then calibrated for a balanced surround sound.  With turntables making a massive comeback in the midst of burgeoning vinyl record sales, Onkyo has a Pure Direct Analogue Path (PDAP) feature that routes the audio path from the turntable directly through the receiver without being affected by the digital circuitry.

Connectivity wise, both models have 7 HDMI inputs; 6 on the rear and one MHL certified input on the front and supports 4K Ultra HD video at 60fps. The usual DLNA and Wi-Fi are built-in. DSD files and gapless 192kHz/24-bit FLAC and WAV are also supported. Bluetooth 2.1 is also built-in to both receivers to provide wireless streaming option.

These are good upgrades to last years’ models and with better audio fidelity and Ultra HD support these 2 new receivers should create quite a buzz with Onkyo users.

Read the full Onkyo TX-NR737 and Onkyo TX-NR838 reviews.

The new mid priced 7.1 channel Onkyo HT-R2295 outputs a respectable 130W per channel of power to all its 7 channels making it ideal for those who have large speakers. Priced at only $499, it is one of the highest powered speakers at this price range. It is also designed to be smart device friendly as it has a front-panel USB for lossless and compressed audio from your iPod, iPhone, or a flash drive.

With a full 7.1 setup, the soundstage is wide and well balanced between dialog and ambient surround that is well suited for movie buffs and serious music lovers. Room optimization is achieved by the ubiquitous Audyssey 2EQ acoustic correction. The are only 4 HDMI inputs so you have to be prepared to limit your source devices to just four.

If you want even more convenience in accessing music from your smartphone you can also get the optional UBT-1 adapter to enable Bluetooth wireless audio streaming. This is the latest version with a aptX® codec that delivers near CD-quality sound.

The Onkyo HT-R2295 is simple to use and packs a solid punch of amplifier power that will amply fill a medium sized room for an involving surround-sound experience.