You have likely heard of both Marantz and Yamaha if you have been looking into purchasing home audio gear. We are going to compare several products from these two of the big names in Japanese audio/visual manufacturing. These companies both emphasize quality construction and sound design. They also both have a large range but we have taken 5 of their amps each for our comparisons.
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Marantz vs Yamaha – Integrated amplifiers
Yamaha A-S501SL vs Marantz PM5005
For digital listening, the Yamaha A-S501SL is the obvious choice unless you already own a quality standalone DAC but if you’re looking at this end of the scale for an integrated amp I’m sure you’re looking for something that can do it all.
If you plan on using the integrated amp for home theatre and turntable listening then either amp will provide a great sound but the Yamaha clinches it again due to its extra power.
Introduction
On the lower end of the scale in terms of price from either, we have the Yamaha A-S501SL and the Marantz PM5005. Both of these integrated amplifiers come in at under $500 making them a great unified option for those among us that don’t want to spend a small fortune on audio gear for a home but still want great quality sound.
Build quality
These amplifiers have a solid metal chassis and quality internals to boot. They are both built tough but have some design differences.
The Yamaha is a taller box that is 6 inches high compared to only 4 inches for the Marantz it is also heavier, weighing 19.8lb to the Marantz’s 14.7lb. The Yamaha has classic styling and looks as though it is straight out of the ‘70s with asymmetrical knobs that are larger on the right side and fade into no controls on the left side of the face. The Marantz has a more modern and symmetrical design with the same sized control knobs on either side and 3 smaller ones in the middle.
Features
These amps have some matching features which are nice additions to budget integrated amplifiers such as auto-off, record through outputs, and A/B speaker switching.
The Yamaha presents a few features that are missing from the Marantz. The main difference is a built-in DAC. The Dac means that this amplifier is equipped with digital inputs and can process digital audio. The Marantz, on the other hand, is purely analog which means it would require a stand-alone DAC to process digital audio. The Yamaha has a direct through mode to bypass the DAC for analog listening also.
The Marantz does have more analog inputs with a total of 8 RCA line-level inputs.
Sound
The A-S501 and the PM5005 have a significant difference in power output with the Yamaha rated at 80w per channel into 8ohms while the PM5005 is rated at 45w. This means the Yamaha is able to drive your speakers harder and is more suited for larger spaces.
Both amplifiers produce a more than adequate soundscape that is clear and detailed although the Yamaha can lose a little composure with particularly dynamically demanding songs. The Marantz leans more into the warm side of tonality and while the Yamaha is still warm, it is a more neutral and meaty tone than the Marantz.
Marantz PM6006 VS Yamaha A-S701BL
The PM6006 makes up for the primary shortcoming of the PM5005 with the addition of a DAC for digital sources making it much harder to look past in favor of the Yamaha. The Yamaha does offer more power and more analog inputs though which may suit many consumers better.
Introduction
These amplifiers are quite similar (and under $1000) to their smaller counterparts but with a couple of extra features but does Marantz bring enough extra oomph to the table to knock off the Yamaha?
Build quality
These amps are sturdy and attractive units with a style that screams Yamaha or Marantz’s quality. If you were to get one of these amplifiers for your home your audiophile friends would likely recognize them straight away.
They both have removable power cords to make maneuvering easier when relocating them and for safer shipping. They both have tone controls and volume and input selection knobs making them difficult to differentiate directly in terms of quality and will boil down to your individual taste.
Features
You can expect the features that made the smaller offering from these two manufacturers to still be present on these slightly more expensive units such as A/B speaker switching and auto-off functionality. Both of these amps have digital compatibility with a built-in DAC eliminating the main advantage that Yamaha had over Marantz in our last comparison. One advantage that the Yamaha still holds, is its pure direct mode to bypass the preamp on this integrated amplifier.
The Yamaha also has more line-level RCA outputs with 8 in comparison to the Marantz’s 5 but the PM6006 does have 2 optical inputs and the Marantz only has one. These slight differences in connectivity may make a big difference to the changes you have to make when connecting these amps to a preexisting HiFi setup.
Sound
Yamaha once again has the more powerful integrated amp in this comparison with 100w per channel into 8ohms compared to 45w from the PM6006. This difference is pretty significant and something to keep in mind if you plan to fill out a large space.
The sound of either of these amplifiers is likely to please most listeners although the Yamaha has a more tonally neutral sound than the warm leaning Marantz.
Marantz PM7000N VS Yamaha A-S801BL
These amplifiers are both sonically impressive and in terms of listening would really come down to taste. When talking about features, Marantz PM7000N takes the cake with its networking capabilities and Bluetooth which are both welcome additions to any modern household. However, you may like the extra wired inputs on the Yamaha A-S801BL if you don’t use Bluetooth devices or have any need for a network capable device.
Introduction
If you’re willing to spend a little more you can get a lot more amplifier for your money. This especially applies to the PM7000N when comparing to the PM5005 but is it enough to topple the Yamaha A-S801? Let’s dive into our comparison to find out.
Build quality
In terms of build quality and design, if you have a familiarity with any integrated amps from either brand then you should expect similar solidarity and aesthetics. The Yamaha looks like an all-around classic amp while the PM7000N looks like a ‘Marantz classic’ drawing uncanny similarities with other integrated amps in the PM series.
Neither amp is going to win any awards for its unique appearance but in the case of home audio, it is often best to stick to a design that works.
Features
The contribution from Marantz to its PM series is leaps and bounds ahead of the PM5005 in terms of features. The Yamaha also adds some extra bells and whistles to its A-S801 too.
They now both have pre-amp outs for attaching subwoofers and high-quality DACs that are capable of DSD playback for HiRes streaming.
A standout feature for the Marantz is networking capabilities with built-in WiFi. This means this integrated amp can be used with Marantz’s HEOS app and can be connected to multi-room HiFi setups. This amplifier also Has Bluetooth which is not available in the Yamaha.
The Yamaha has A/B speaker switching which the PM7000N does not have. It also has 3 more analog inputs, 6 in total, so it may be a better choice for those with many wired devices to use.
Sound
The Marantz has an incredibly spacious soundscape with a dynamic reach that rivals much more expensive amplifiers. The sound remains clear and precise even when listening to the most rhythmically complex songs.
The Yamaha has fantastic tonal balance and desirable clarity across all of its compatible frequencies it is also the more powerful of the two amps being rated at 100w per channel @8ohms to the PM7000Ns 60w.
Yamaha vs Marantz – AV Receivers
Marantz SR5013 VS Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A1080 (7.2 channel)
A truly difficult selection to make between these receivers they both have a lot to offer in terms of sound and features. If you like your soundscapes particularly spacious then the Marantz SR5013 is likely a good choice for you while the Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A1080 may be better suited for someone who enjoys a more balanced and forward presentation.
Introduction
The two of these AV receivers come with a tonne of features and enough power to create a completely immersive atmosphere for your home theatre. They also work well for your music listening needs and are both worth looking into. They also have some different features that define them and make them a better choice for certain individuals.
Build quality
These receivers are both sleek and modern looking. The SR5013 has bar-shaped buttons and two control knobs for easy navigation but the small screen can feel a bit limiting when trying to really fiddle with settings. The Yamaha RX-A1080 has a shiny top half that fits a much larger screen into it. Its button controls and front-facing inputs are hidden underneath a panel to give a more simple look.
These receivers are built like tanks although we wouldn’t recommend dropping them, they will last forever if they are treated right and come with an ample warranty of 3 years for peace of mind.
Features
Both of these systems are feature-packed and share a lot of inclusions that make them great. One such inclusion is fantastic networking. Both systems have Airplay2 available for use with Apple devices and access to their respective app platforms for streaming which is HEOS for Marantz and MusicCast for Yamaha. They both can connect to WiFi and have built-in Bluetooth. They are also both able to scale video signals up to 4k and are compatible with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
They can’t share every feature so let’s look into where they are different. The Marantz has A/B speaker switching and DTS Virtual:X. It also has color-coded speaker terminals which can definitely help with the initial setup.
The Yamaha has DTS Neo compatibility and has double the amount of line-level RCA inputs with 8 total. It also has a higher resolution playback through its USB input at 384kHz compared to 192kHz on the Marantz receiver.
Sound
There is a negligible difference in the power rating of these amplifiers with the Yamaha being rated 10w more powerful at 110w into each channel at 8ohms.
The Marantz has an extremely spacious soundscape and with sparkling clarity and intricacy in even the most complex tracks and with the surround sound software can make a sturdy home theatre system.
The Yamaha leans a particular strength to home theatre use as it evens out talking and explosions perfectly while maintaining enough dynamic excitement to engage listeners.
Marantz SR6014 VS Yamaha RXA2080 AVENTAGE (9.2 channel)
If you have the need for A/B switching and have the latest surround sound speakers to pair with a receiver then the Marantz SR6014 might be for you. If you would like a little bit of extra power and inputs then the Yamaha RXA2080 may be a better choice.
Introduction
At the top end of the scale for AV receivers for these, we have the Yamaha RXA2080 AVENTAGE and the Marantz SR6014. These amplifiers are an upgraded version of the 7.2 channel receivers with even more features added. They are a decent amount more expensive than their others so making a smart choice is more important than ever.
Build quality
The Yamaha RXA2080 looks very similar to the RXA1080 with hidden buttons under a panel and Marantz also has this feature for their SR6014 this makes it look a little neater but it still maintains its classic Marantz aesthetics and mini circular screen. They are both built with smooth moving dials and parts that are made to last.
Features
The Marantz receiver is capable of using 11.2 channels with A/B switching for its speakers while the Yamaha uses a 9.2 ratio. If you have 11 front of house speakers then the Marantz will likely stand out to you, although, you must have a massive space to fill or be a real fanatic for surround sound. The Marantz also offers IMAX enhancement and Audyssey compatibility.
The Yamaha still has a higher sampling rate for its USB playback and more inputs overall.
Sound
The Marantz has more surround sound technology built-in with DTS Virtual:X, Dolby Atmos height virtualization, and Dolby Digital EX. The Yamaha is still no slouch but if you know you have any gear or plan on buying any that has those capabilities it is something to consider.
The Yamaha RXA2080 AVENTAGE is dynamically brilliant and has an upbeat presentation with a meaty edge. There is enough detail and intricacy to hear a pin drop in a live track and great tonal balance.
The Marantz offers an expansive breadth to its soundscape that has enough depth to get lost in especially with correct speaker pairing and placement.