Marantz SR7012 vs Onkyo TX-SR383

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Along with the growing popularity of custom home theater builds, the comparison of Marantz SR7012 and Onkyo TX-SR383 takes place. According to the results of our review, Marantz SR7012 received 9.4 points out of 10 possible, and Onkyo TX-SR383 was rated 4.8 points. The release date of SR7012 is 2017, and TX-SR383 is 2018. Based on the data on the characteristics and features of both models, we can conclude that SR7012 has better performance than TX-SR383.

Main advantages Marantz SR7012 over Onkyo TX-SR383

Main advantages Onkyo TX-SR383 over Marantz SR7012

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 10 and 7, respectively, on a 10-point scale.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. The Marantz SR7012 supports 11.2-channels sound, but Onkyo TX-SR383 supports a 7.2-channels configuration.

RMS stands for the actual power of the receiver. The higher this value, the louder the sound can be produced. The differences between the models in terms of RMS power are significant - for the SR7012 this value is 125/8 W/Ohm, and for the TX-SR383 it is 100/8 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the SR7012 9 out of 10, and the TX-SR383 - 6.

Bi-amping is the amplification of one speaker with two amplifiers. This amplification method has a positive effect on sound quality. Bi-amping is possible only on the SR7012.

Pure Direct mode feeds sound directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Only Marantz SR7012 has Pure Direct mode.

Most receivers now come with a microphone included. It is with the help of this microphone that the auto-calibration system functions, which adjusts the sound of the receiver to the room.

Speaker A/B switching allows you to change between the main and sub speaker set. Marantz SR7012 can work with the main and additional set of speakers - and switch between them.

Connectivity

The connectivity of competitors in our comparison is markedly different, Marantz SR7012 scored 9, and Onkyo TX-SR383 scored 6 out of 10.

Bluetooth connection is now one of the main communication protocols for the receiver's control or even music broadcasting.

DLNA is the perfect way to use your local cloud storage to stream movies and music directly to a TV. You can use the DLNA protocol only with Marantz SR7012.

Streaming services

Now music streaming services are gaining more and more popularity. They allow users to listen to millions of songs by subscription.

Extensive connections

The presence of many connectors makes the receiver more versatile. But there are also narrowly targeted models, the number of connectors which are limited to a certain area of use. And when choosing their own receiver, users need to consider exactly your goals for using the receiver. For extensive connection, Marantz SR7012 got 10 points, but Onkyo TX-SR383 received 6 points.

Marantz SR7012 is equipped with 8/3 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Onkyo TX-SR383 has 4/1 HDMI inputs and outputs.

HDMI eARC is the next step in the development of audio return channel technology, which works in conjunction with HDMI 2.1. Using eARC provides the highest sound quality for home audio systems. HDMI eARC is available only on Marantz SR7012.

Connecting a vinyl player or phonograph is possible using a Phono input which is represented by mini-jack or RCA connectors. Only the SR7012 has a Phono interface.

Video features

The AV receiver is the heart of the home theater. And in this case, support for all current video formats ensures the best user experience, so it is very important to consider this when choosing a device. Video features of the SR7012 were rated 10 out of 10 against the 6 for the TX-SR383.

Most of the AV receivers have a video scaling function, it is the process of reformatting the video signal to a higher resolution without losing the quality of the image. Upscaling the video signal resolution is possible only with Marantz SR7012.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the SR7012 got 10 points, but the TX-SR383 has 4.

Voice control allows you to control the basic functions of the receiver through a smartphone, smart speaker or using the microphone that comes with the kit. The SR7012 can be controlled by voice via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI. Only the Marantz SR7012 has the ECO mode.

Multi-room

As the center of a home media system, each multichannel receiver has an additional set of terminals for connecting the second set of speakers to create additional audio space in Zone 2 or even Zone 3 where audio can have the separate source.

Multichannel surround

Marantz SR7012 got 9 points for the multichannel surround sound and Onkyo TX-SR383 got 5.

Dolby Atmos' particularity is that this is the object-oriented sound format, that is, each audio signal object is independently sounded and connected to its spatial position. Marantz SR7012 can create 3D sound due to the Dolby Atmos support.

DTS:X is an algorithm used by the processor to create sound scenes, where sounds connected directly to objects rather than channels, and to determine the optimum sound output distribution in space. Surround sound with DTS:X is available only on the SR7012.

Auro 3D gives a bit more versatility than Dolby Atmos or DTS:X and provides a hemispherical sound and enables a receiver to produce 3D sound stages. Only the Marantz SR7012 has Auro-3D on its feature list.