Marantz SR7009

    87
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    Highlights

    • 9.2 Channels
    • 11.2 Channel Processing
    • 125 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
    • Dolby Atmos, Auro 3D
    • 4K/60Hz Passthrough, 4K/60Hz Upscaling
    • Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet
    • Phono Input
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    Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

    Overview

    Marantz SR7009 was introduced in 2014 and represented a flagship model of a manufacturer. It is equipped with 9 channel amplifier with 125 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 11.2 maximum channel processing. It supports Dolby Atmos and Auro-3D, passes 4K/60Hz and upscales up to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4 video signal.

    We evaluated the a/v receiver and gave 87 overall score out of 100. Our ranking system is based on the amplifier specifications, audio and video features, connectivity, multizone capabilities, radio and many other details.


    Here is a history of the series, where you can view and compare the main specifications of the receivers.

    Evolution of the series
    Model Year Chann. Power Dolby Atmos DTS:X HDR10 HDR10+ Dolby Vision Pass. Price
    SR7015 Image cannot be found 2020 9.2 125 W 8K
    SR7013 Image cannot be found 2018 9.2 125 W 4K
    SR7012 Image cannot be found 2017 9.2 125 W 4K
    SR7011 Image cannot be found 2016 9.2 125 W 4K
    SR7010 Image cannot be found 2015 9.2 125 W 4K
    SR7009 Image cannot be found 2014 9.2 125 W 4K

    You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Marantz SR7015 vs SR7013 vs SR7012 vs SR7011 vs SR7010 vs SR7009.

    Pros and Cons

    In this section we present pros and cons of Marantz SR7009.

    PROs

    •   High Power Output - 125 W
    •   Front Wide Channel Support
    •   11.2 Channel Processing
    •   Dolby Atmos
    •   Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
    •   DSD via HDMI
    •   Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.
    •   New HDCP Version
    •   Analog To HDMI Upconversion
    •   Wi-Fi
    •   Bluetooth
    •   8 HDMI Inputs
    •   4 HDMI Outputs
    •   USB Input
    •   Many RCA Line Inputs
    •   Phono Input
    •   Multi-Channel Input
    •   RCA Pre-Outs
    •   Composite Video Inputs
    •   Component Video Inputs
    •   Ethernet
    •   3 Zones
    •   Analog Tuner
    •   Digital Radio
    •   Pandora
    •   Spotify

    CONs

    •   No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
    •   No DTS:X
    •   No IMAX Enhanced
    •   No HDR10
    •   No HDR10+
    •   No Dolby Vision
    •   No eARC
    •   No 8K Passthrough
    •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
    •   0 8K Input
    •   No Tidal
    •   Bluetooth 2․1 + EDR

    And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

    AVERAGE

    •   9.2 Channels

    Marantz 2014 Lineup

    In 2014 Marantz released 4 new receivers. Here is the lineup:

    Marantz 2014 Lineup
    ModelChannelsPowerMax. Ch. Proc.Pre OutsRoom Corr.Immersive AudioZones Price
    SR7009 Image cannot be found 9.2125 W11.213.2 Audyssey MultEQ XT32 + PRODolby Atmos
    Auro 3D
    3
    SR6009 Image cannot be found 7.2110 W7.17.2 Audyssey MultEQ XT + PRO2
    SR5009 Image cannot be found 7.2100 W7.17.2 Audyssey MultEQ XT2
    NR1605 Image cannot be found 7.150 W7.12.1 Audyssey MultEQ2

    You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Marantz SR7009 vs SR6009 vs SR5009 vs NR1605.

    Successor

    In 2015 Marantz SR7009 was replaced by Marantz SR7010. Let us now have a look at some important differences between Marantz SR7009 and its successor.

    UPGRADES Marantz SR7010 vs Marantz SR7009
    Higher DAC Specs 768 kHz/32 Bit vs []
    Dolby Surround Upmixer vs
    DTS:X up to 7.1.4 or 9.1.2 with external amp vs
    DTS Neural:X vs
    HDR10 vs
    BT.2020 color space vs
    Dolby Vision vs
    HLG vs
    DOWNGRADES Marantz SR7010 vs Marantz SR7009
    Dolby Pro Logic vs PLIIz
    DTS Neo vs Neo:X
    Dialog Enhancement vs

    For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Marantz SR7009 vs SR7010.

    Audio Section

    9 channel Amplifier

    Marantz SR7009 features 9 channel power amplifier. It is rated at 125 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) and is able to drive 4 ohm speakers.

    • Current Feedback Topology: Marantz SR7009 features Current Feedback Topology which is a well known, Marantz’ original circuit technology. The Current Feedback amplifier technology fits perfectly with the high requirements set for Super Audio software providing wide-bandwidth, high-speed reproduction. The impedance at the Current Feedback point is limited resulting in a very low phase shift. Marantz receivers and amplifiers equipped with Current Feedback can keep the phase compensation via Negative FeedBack (NFB) to a minimum, resulting in high through-rate, excellent transient response and superb sonic transparency for the full bandwidth. Unlike conventional Voltage Feedback amplification, the Current Feedback amplification makes the power amplifier in-sensitive to difficult loudspeaker loads.
    • HDAM (Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Module): Marantz SR7009 features exclusive Marantz HDAM (Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Module) technology found on their Reference Series components. Marantz developed its own discrete circuit boards to replace standard IC's. These HDAM's consist of discrete surface mount components with short mirror image L/R signal paths. Those devices are doing exactly the same thing as the Op-Amps, but outperform the regular IC Op-amps dramatically in terms of the Slew Rate and reduced noise level, resulting in a much more dynamic, accurate and detailed sound. Over the years Marantz developed different types of the HDAM to improve quality and to fit to the special requirements of a product category like CD or amplifier.
    AMPLIFIER
    Channels9.2
    Power Output125 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
    Front Wide Channel Support
    Current Feedback Topology
    Discrete Amplification
    HDAM
    THX™ Certification
    Continuous 6 Ω Rated
    Certified 4 Ω Performance
    Bi-amp Capability assignable

    Speaker Configurations

    Marantz SR7009's 9 channel amplifier can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

    • Dolby Atmos Configurations: The following speaker configurations are supported for Dolby Atmos:
    • 5.2.2, 5.2.4, 7.2.2 with internal amplifier.
    • 7.2.4, 9.2.2 with addition of external 2 channel amplifier.
    • Configurations without height channels: There are also other speaker configurations available which do not include height channels:
    • 5.2, 7.2, 9.2 with internal amplifier.
    • Front Wide Channel support: Marantz SR7009 supports front wide channels. With the presence of two front wide speakers you can enhance the front surround stage. The following speaker configurations are available for front wide channels - 9.2, 9.2.2.
    • 2-ch Bi-Amp: Marantz SR7009 allows you to bi-amp up to 2 main channels simultaneously. During bi-amplification two amplifiers are used for one speaker. One amplifier powers the midrange and tweeter section of the speaker and another amplifier powers the low frequency woofers. Each amplifier is less loaded and performs better. In order to use this feature speakers must have 2 pairs of connectors.
    Marantz SR7009

    Dolby Atmos

    Marantz SR7009 supports Dolby Atmos. It is a cinematic audio format in which sounds exist as individual entities, called audio objects. In Dolby Atmos, any sound can exist as an independent audio object, free of channel restrictions. They can be precisely placed and moved anywhere in your room, including overhead, to flow above and around you in three-dimensional space. Through the use of audio objects, overhead sound, and all the richness, clarity, and power of Dolby sound, Dolby Atmos turns your room into an amazing place for entertainment. The format supports up to 128 simultaneous independent audio objects in a mix for rich, realistic, and breathtaking sound. It recreates the director's original concept through descriptive metadata to provide customized playback for home theater and delivers sounds above you through overhead speakers, special upward-firing Dolby Atmos speakers, or a Dolby Atmos enabled sound bar.

    Auro-3D

    Marantz SR7009 supports Auro-3D after paid upgrade. It is an immersive 3D audio format developed by the Belgium-based company Auro Technologies. It consists of three layers of sound - surround, height and overhead ceiling. The base horizontal layer uses 5.1 or 7.1 format, the height layer is on top of the base layer and its information is extracted from the standard 5.1 surround PCM carrier. The a/v receiver decoder then extracts this information during playback. In home cinema Auro-3D comes with different listening formats - Auro 9.1, Auro 10.1 with added Top Ceiling channel ("Voice of God"), Auro 11.1 with added Front Height Center channel, and Auro 13.1 with added Left Rear Surround & Right Rear Surround channel.

    • Auro-Matic upmixer: Auro-Matic upmixer takes non Auro-3D sound and upmixes to the current speaker configuration.

    Audyssey DSX

    Audyssey DSX allows you to augment a standard five-channel home theater with either two Front Wide or two Front High speakers. The Wide channels create an expansive soundstage and bring out convincing directional effects. Alternatively, Height channels can add a vertical dimension to movie and game soundtracks.


    DECODING
    Dolby Atmos up to 7.1.4 or 9.1.2 with external amp
    Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
    Dolby Atmos Music
    Dolby TrueHD
    Dolby Digital Plus
    Dolby Surround Upmixer
    Dolby Pro Logic PLIIz
    Dolby Digital EX
    Surround EX
    DTS:X
    DTS Neural:X
    DTS Virtual:X
    DTS Neo Neo:X
    DTS-HD Master Audio
    DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
    DTS 96/24
    DTS Express
    DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1
    IMAX Enhanced
    Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer

    Sound Processing

    • Audyssey: Marantz SR7009 comes with Audyssey Dynamic EQ, Dynamic Volume, LFC and Sub EQ HT.
    • Dynamic EQ: selects the best possible frequency response and surround volume levels moment-by-moment. This ensures that the bass response, tonal balance and surround impression remain constant despite changes in volume. This is the first technology that carefully combines information from incoming source levels with actual output sound levels in the room, a pre-requisite for delivering a dynamic volume solution.
    • Dynamic Volume: Your Listening experience can be greatly diminished when there are significant shifts in volume between television programs, commercials and within the program material itself. When this happens you must constantly adjust the volume to maintain your desired listening level. Audyssey Dynamic Volume monitors the volume of program material moment-by-moment and automatically adjusts it, maintaining the desired listening level for all content while optimizing the dynamic range to preserve impact.
    • LFC (Low Frequency Containment): While high frequencies are easily stopped by walls low frequencies pass right through. After identifying the frequency range that most readily passes through walls Audyssey developed a technique, called Audyssey LFC (Low Frequency Containment) that reduses the volume at those frequencies and applies psychoacoustic processing to restore the perception of low bass for listeners in the room. The result is no more angry neighbors and no loss of enjoyment for listeners.
    • Sub EQ HT: Placing two subwoofers in the room can cause problems, they can create standing waves or even cancel each other out resulting in even less bass than a single sub can produce. Audyssey Sub EQ HT allows two subwoofers to be properly used in a home theater system. The process is automated and takes only a few minutes. The result is rich, full bass for everyone in the room.
    • MDAX2: Compressed music enhancement in Marantz SR7009 is done by Marantz’ MDAX2 technology. The use of compressed audio files like MP3, Windows Media™ Audio or AAC is getting more and more popular. The audio quality of these compressed files however is less than the original lossless files that are on a CD, especially lacking the higher frequencies and affecting the lower frequencies which make the audio image less wide and deep. The Marantz Digital Audio Expander 2, also called M-DAX2, recalculates the outputted frequency range. This enables you to get a more detailed and clearer sound.

    Room Calibration

    Marantz SR7009 comes with Audyssey MultEQ XT32 + PRO room correction system and includes the calibration microphone.

    • Audyssey Room Calibration: Audyssey is an acoustic measurement technology which automatically restores the acoustic distortion caused by the acoustic behaviour of a room with only a push on a button. Audyssey equalization provides an clear, accurate, natural sound with voices and dialog that become focused and intelligible, restoring the musical balance. Musical instruments and sound effects become precisely localized and the surround soundstage is made seamless and enveloping.

    Video Section

    HDMI

    Marantz SR7009 features 8 HDMI inputs. It has 3 outputs: 2 for MAIN and 1 for ZONE2.

    • 4K/60Hz Passthrough: All inputs pass up to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4 video signal.
    • 4K Upscaling: Marantz SR7009 can upscale up to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4 from HDMI and analog sources.
    • Analog To HDMI Upconversion: The a/v receiver supports video upconversion, so you can connect your analog Component and Composite video sources and Marantz SR7009 will output them via HDMI. This means that you will need only one HDMI cable to connect to your TV.
    • HDCP 2.2 Copy Protection: All inputs and outputs are HDCP 2.2 compliant which is a requirement for 4K/HDR copy-protected content transmission.
    • 3D Ready: Marantz SR7009 is able to pass 3D video through HDMI.
    Marantz SR7009
    VIDEO FEATURES
    HDR10
    HDR10+
    Dynamic HDR
    BT.2020 color space
    Dolby Vision
    HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
    HDBaseT Compatible
    Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
    HDCP Version2.2
    QMS (Quick Media Switching)
    ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
    VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
    QFT (Quick Frame transport)
    3-D Ready
    Video Signal Passthroughup to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4
    Video Signal Upscaling up to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4

    Multi-zone Playback

    Marantz SR7009 offers multi-zone playback which allows you to play different input sources in 3 different rooms.


    Zone 2

    • Powered Zone 2: You can use the unit's 2 amplifier channels by connecting Zone 2 speakers directly to the speaker terminals. The remaining 7 channels will be left for main zone amplification.
    • HDMI Output: Marantz SR7009 offers HDMI output for Zone 2. This means that it can send two different HDMI signals to two displays.
    • Audio Pre Output: If you have a dedicated power amplifier for Zone 2 you can connect it to the a/v receiver via pre outs and control volume from the a/v receiver.
    • Composite Video Output: Marantz SR7009 has analog Composite Video output for Zone 2. This means that it can send a different video signal to the TV.
    • Component Video Output: Marantz SR7009 has analog Component Video output for Zone 2, so you can send a different video signal to the TV. Component video connection provides the higher image quality than the composite and S-Video connections.

    Zone 3

    • Powered Zone 3: You can use the unit's 2 amplifier channels by connecting Zone 3 speakers directly to the speaker terminals. The remaining 7 channels will be left for main zone amplification.
    • Audio Pre Output: If you have a dedicated power amplifier for Zone 3 you can connect it to the a/v receiver via pre outs and control volume from the a/v receiver.
    ZONES
    Number of Zones3
    Powered Zones 2 and 3
    Zone 2 OutsHDMI, Component, Composite, Pre Out
    Zone 3 OutsPre Out
    RS-232C Interface
    +12V Trigger Output2

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    Inputs and Outputs

    Audio

    • Phono Input: There is an MM phono input with built-in phono stage for connecting the moving magnet cartridge output of the turntable directly to the a/v receiver.
    • 7.1 Multichannel Input: In case you have a high quality Blu-Ray or a DVD player with multichannel analog outputs you may connect it to a 7.1 multichannel analog inputs of the a/v receiver and use high quality DACs of the player instead of the ones in the a/v receiver.
    • Analog Pre-Outs: Marantz SR7009 has 13.2 preamplifier outputs which allow you to connect the a/v receiver to the external power amplifier. You may want to use a high quality external amplifier for certain channels, usually for front L/R and center, and use the a/v receiver to power the rest. Also, Marantz SR7009 has 11 channel processing but has only 9 channel amplifier, so it needs the external amplifier connected to the analog pre-outs in order to reach the maximum speaker configuration.
    • Analog Line Inputs: There are 6 line inputs for analog audio connection.
    • Digital Inputs: 2 optical inputs and 2 coaxial inputs are available for digital audio connection.
    • Headphone Output: There is a 6.3 mm (1/4") headphone output jack on the front panel.

    Video

    • HDMI:
    • Inputs: 8 (1 front)   Outputs: 3 (2 for MAIN, 1 for ZONE2)
      8K Inputs: 0
    • Composite Video: Connect you VCR, Laserdisc player and other old video equipment with composite video cables.
    • Inputs: 4   Outputs: 1
    • Component Video: Component video connection gives you the higher quality video compared to the composite video connection. So in case your old DVD player and other equipment do not have an HDMI output but have Component video output use this connection over the composite one. Marantz SR7009 supports up to 1080p resolution on Component video connectors.
    • Inputs: 3   Outputs: 1

    Front A/V Inputs

    • HDMI, USB, Composite, L/R Audio
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    TERMINALS
    HDMI Inputs8 (1 front)
    HDMI Outputs3 (2 for MAIN, 1 for ZONE2)
    8K Inputs
    USB Input1 (Front) for iPod/iPhone and USB memory
    USB DC Out Port
    Optical Inputs2
    Optical Outputs
    Coaxial Inputs2
    RCA Line Inputs6 (1 front)
    RCA Line Outputs
    XLR Line Inputs
    Phono Input
    Multi-Channel Input 7.1
    RCA Pre-Outs13.2
    XLR Pre-outs
    Composite Video Inputs4 (1 front)
    Composite Video Outputs1
    S-Video Inputs
    S-Video Outputs
    Component Video Inputs3
    Component Video Outputs1

    Marantz SR7009 Evaluation

    We evaluate Marantz SR7009 and give score of 87 out of 100. We also give separate scores for 6 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new receiver is added to the database.


    OVERALL
    87

    Amplifier

    EXCELLENT
    92

    We give Marantz SR7009 a score of 92 for Amplifier features.

    •   9.2 Channels
    •   High Power Output - 125 W

    Audio Features

    EXCELLENT
    88

    We give Marantz SR7009 a score of 88 for Audio Features features.

    •   9.2 Channels
    •   Front Wide Channel Support
    •   11.2 Channel Processing
    •   Dolby Atmos
    •   No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
    •   No DTS:X
    •   No IMAX Enhanced
    •   Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
    •   DSD via HDMI

    Video Features

    GOOD
    73

    We give Marantz SR7009 a score of 73 for Video Features features.

    •   No HDR10
    •   No HDR10+
    •   No Dolby Vision
    •   No 8K Passthrough
    •   Analog To HDMI Upconversion

    Connectivity

    EXCELLENT
    90

    We give Marantz SR7009 a score of 90 for Connectivity features.

    •   No eARC
    •   New HDCP Version
    •   Wi-Fi
    •   Bluetooth
    •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
    •   8 HDMI Inputs
    •   4 HDMI Outputs
    •   0 8K Input
    •   USB Input
    •   Many RCA Line Inputs
    •   Phono Input
    •   Multi-Channel Input
    •   RCA Pre-Outs
    •   Composite Video Inputs
    •   Component Video Inputs
    •   Ethernet
    •   Bluetooth 2․1 + EDR

    Zones

    EXCELLENT
    92

    We give Marantz SR7009 a score of 92 for Zones features.

    •   3 Zones

    Radio

    EXCELLENT
    91

    We give Marantz SR7009 a score of 91 for Radio features.

    •   Analog Tuner
    •   Pandora
    •   Spotify
    •   No Tidal


    For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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