Onkyo and Marantz both manufacturing quality HiFi equipment including some pretty awesome receivers. As with any mid-tier gear, there are some features that make certain products stand out from others as well as downfalls so we have compiled a comparison between Onkyo and Marantz to help define these differences. Also, see these other comparisons Onkyo vs Yamaha and Onkyo vs Denon.
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Onkyo vs Marantz – AV Receivers
Onkyo TX-NR585 VS Marantz SR5013 (7.2 channel)
The two of these receivers have a lot to offer in terms of features. If you primarily use Apple products the inclusion of Airplay 2 may stand out to you in the Marantz SR5013. Conversely, for android users, the inclusion of Chromecast may be a selling point for the Onkyo TX-NR585.
Introduction
A 7.2 channel AV receiver is generally a safe choice for most home theatre applications. With the capability to start off small and add more speakers as you go they offer a little more versatility than a 5.1 unit. Marantz builds the SR5013 model as their competitor in this market and Onkyo offers up their TX-NR585.
Build quality
The SR5013 has a more modern look than the TX-NR585 as it has rounded edges and the Marantz bezel in its faceplate. This receiver also has a small circular screen that looks good but may not be as easy to navigate as the larger screen on the Onkyo receiver.
They both have easy to press bar-shaped buttons on their front although the input selection is controlled by a knob instead of the buttons on the Marantz.
The Marantz has an HDMI and USB input in the front housing while the Onkyo uses an AUX port as its extra front-facing input.
Features
These receivers share some pretty great features such as Airplay, DTS:X, Dolby Atmos, Networking capabilities, and Bluetooth. However, there are a few defining features for each system.
The Marantz holds the advantage in some areas. This receiver is able to upscale video signal to 4K and has built-in integration for Amazon Alexa. It also has a more updated version of Airplay as it comes with Airplay 2 and the Onkyo has the first version. This makes the Marantz a solid choice for those of us already using Alexa enabled devices or Apple products. The SR5013 also has two extra HDMI ports, totaling eight, which is something to keep in mind if you have a lot of devices that use HDMI outputs.
The Onkyo has some of its own features that are lacking from the Marantz product. One of these features is the inclusion of ‘PLL Jitter Cleaning’ this helps prevent any stumbles during playback from digital sources. The Marantz also has a built-in Chromecast so it may be a more suitable choice for android users.
Sound
The Onkyo has bright and warm highs but also a formidable presence in the lower frequencies too. The Marantz receiver also pumps out some highs with lustrous sheen but perhaps a little more spacious and less warm than the Onkyo.
Onkyo TX-NR3010 vs Marantz SR6014 (9.2 channel)
Without the inclusion of Bluetooth and WiFi packed into the Onkyo, it is probably not a suitable choice for most modern households without spending the extra on those add-ons. That being said, with those add on it would make a solid competitor for the Marantz.
Introduction
If you’re looking to fill a larger room with sound or you really want to show off the surround sound capabilities of your home theatre to your friends then you are probably considering a 9.2 channel receiver as the centerpiece for the setup. Marantz and Onkyo both have some feature-rich options to fill this need.
Build quality
These receivers both look sleek and will fit into any modern looking home theatre room. The Marantz has its front buttons covered by a panel so looks a little newer but less user-friendly. The panel feels sturdy and could last a lifetime if taken care of. They still maintain the typical look of the brand with the Marantz bezel with a small circular screen and Onkyo bar buttons with a large green and red screen.
Features
These receivers share many of the fantastic inclusions of their smaller equivalents as well as some added bonuses. They both have DSD via HDMI,4K upscaling, and network integration.
One way that the Marantz receiver is superior is more support for different types of Dolby and DTS formats on top of IMAX enhancement making this receiver a beast in terms of surround sound capabilities.
The Onkyo is not a slouch when it comes to the home theatre experience either. It packs in THX certification, dialogue lift, and DTS Neo:X. However, this receiver must have its wireless capabilities added separately so if having your receiver connected to Bluetooth and WiFi is important to you, you must keep this in mind.
Sound
Both of these systems offer great home theatre additions and provide enough power to give you a cinema type experience in your own home. You can experience a chest-thumping bass response from either of these with the volume pumped up while listening to music too.
The Onkyo has a slightly warmer tonality while the Marantz is a little more neutral.