Denon and Marantz have several similarities when compared to Yamaha. For instance, both these receivers use Dolby Atmos and DTS codecs, Audyssey Dynamic EQ, has HEOS multilink, AirPlay2, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth as common features.
Between Denon vs Marantz vs Yamaha, Yamaha uses YPAO room calibration, some models don’t have AirPlay2 or Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization. Yamaha models like RX-A3080 use Surround AI technology. Another difference is that Yamaha does not support 8k upscaling whereas both Denon and Marantz do.
If you are looking for a gaming receiver, then you can choose between Denon vs Marantz. The latest models of these brands support HDMI 2.1, and advanced gaming features like ALLM, VRR, etc. with several similarities, the comparison comes down to Denon vs Yamaha.
For most of the models we tested, Denon and Marantz cost more than Yamaha with more features. The number of inputs like the HDMI ports are higher in Denon and Marantz. However, with recent models, Yamaha might win as well.
Denon vs Marantz vs Yamaha: Product comparison
Without further ado, let us dive into the product details.
Denon vs Marantz vs Yamaha Receiver for 7.2 Home theater System
Build quality
Denon:
Denon has a sleek design, the front side has LCD display and several control buttons. The build quality is decent. It has a large button with several buttons which works fine.
Marantz:
Comparing Marantz SR5015 vs Denon AVR-S960H, Marantz has a different look. The front side has a circular and two knobs for control. The buttons are all tightly packed at the bottom of the panel which gives it a very neat look.
Yamaha:
Yamaha RX-A730 comes after the RX-A720 model . It belongs to the high-end Aventage series. The front side of the receiver has a glossy finish and the lower part is made of metal. It gives you the option to customize the 4 buttons of Scene.
The RX-A730 is designed so that it can prevent vibration which means better audio. The A.R.T resists vibration caused by the power transformer, power transistors, and heat sinks. The heat sink is designed to eliminate vibration from transistors and sound pressure.
Features
Denon
Between Denon AVR-S960H vs Marantz SR5015, Denon supports 8k upscaling, HDMI 2.1 and eARC. Being compatible with VRR, QFT, ALLM, it is best for gaming. It works with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi so you can connect or stream files from any source.
With a 7-channel amplifier, you can create a 5.1.2 home theater. It has 90W of power which makes it ideal to work with a bookshelf or tower speakers. It uses a 32-bit D/A converter. If you want to create a 5.1 home theater without height channels, the Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization will assist you.
Marantz:
With 100W of power, you can use the receiver to drive powerful speakers. Between Denon vs Marantz 2020 models, the Marantz is costlier than Denon. Other things are similar, like the 7-channel amplifier, 8k upscaling, HDMI 2.1.
You can use it for home theater to watch movies or play lag-free games because it supports ALLM, QFT, and VRR. Comparing Marantz 5015 vs Denon AVR-X3700H, Denon has more channels, inputs, and power output. It also has IMAX Enhanced, Audyssey LFC.
Yamaha:
Yamaha has the Intelligent Amp Assign feature with which you can quickly switch from one zone to another. This new model adds a feature called MHL which allows connecting the MHL cable with mobile into the HDMI port.
You can view excellent picture quality as it supports 3D and 4K pass-through. It supports Dolby Pro Logic II and DTS NEO:6 audio adjustments along with other formats which enhance the audio and video section.
All these receivers support multi-room audio. Denon and Marantz work with HEOS technology. You will get distortion free high-quality music without any doubt. HEOS works with iHeartRadio, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music HD, TuneIn, SiriusXM, TIDAL, etc. with Yamaha A730, you can use the powered and line-level stereo audio output for multi-room.
For apple users:
Between Denon vs Marantz vs Yamaha receivers, the Yamaha works with AirPlay and others work with AirPlay2. All these receivers can be used by Apple users. You can stream premium-quality audio from iTunes.
Denon allows you to use iTunes, Apple Music, and other compatible Apple iOS apps. You can connect Wi-Fi dongle like Yamaha YMA-10 to stream audio from Rhapsody, Pandora and vTuner.
Mobile app:
For Denon and Marantz, you can use the HEOS app to access HEOS functions. You can also use the Denon AVR remote Marantz AVR Remote App to control the Denon and Marantz receiver respectively via a smartphone.
You can control the Yamaha receiver with AV Controller App via your smartphone or iOS. You can control the switch, volume, DSP mode, etc.
Auto calibration:
Comparing Denon vs Marantz vs Yamaha receiver, Denon and Marantz use Audyssey for room calibration. Audyssey Dynamic EQ which produces accurate results. They have a Dual Audyssey Preset where you can store two Audyssey configurations.
Yamaha uses the YPAO system and it is commonly used with Yamaha users and is known to produce reliable results.
Performance
Denon:
If you set up Denon for home theater, the sound will impress you. You can connect speakers, subwoofers and a TV with it easily. It also supports the major 3D audio codecs, HDR 10+, Dolby Vision, etc.
The sound is well-represented and has a balanced tone, not adding any coloration. It will go well with bright speakers. As it works with BT.2020 pass-through support, 3D, dynamic HDR, HLG, HDR10+, Dolby vision, you will get the best picture quality possible.
Marantz:
To improve the video quality, Marantz SR5015 supports HDR, HDR 10+, HLD, DV, Dynamic HDR. The color contrast, accuracy and details are impressive. It is capable of producing multi-dimensional surround sound as it supports all major audio codecs.
So you can use both Denon and Marantz for home theater setup. The HDAM and current-feedback topology handles signals effectively producing premium audio
Yamaha:
Yamaha RX-A730 receiver supports Dolby and DTS sound decoding. It uses several features like Cinema DSP to add details to the content’s soundtrack, the Dialogue Lift and Level Adjustment is used to achieve crystal clear dialogues.
It has separate power for analog and digital circuits. This reduces interference producing ‘unaffected’ audio. It has Burr-Brown DACs that deliver the best possible audio. The sound is solid, produces accurate highs and deep bass.
Things to improve:
Denon doesn’t have Chromecast. Comparing Yamaha to Denon and Marantz, we see that Yamaha doesn’t support HDR formats. It also doesn’t have any phono input. Marantz doesn’t have Chromecast or IMAX Enhanced.
Denon vs Marantz vs Yamaha -Receiver for 9.2 Dolby Atmos Set-up
Build quality
Denon
The build quality has similar sturdiness except the front side has a ‘pull down’ panel.
Marantz
Marantz SR6014 has a similar circular display. You can choose between black or silver-gold color. The front panel is made of aluminium and has a ‘fascia trapdoor’.
Yamaha
Yamaha RX-A3080 replaces the RX-A3070, the RX-A3080. It is made of aluminium on the bottom side and the top side has a ‘glossy finish’. It also has an ‘aluminium fascia’.
The receiver design uses heat sinks that have features like anti-vibration and anti-therma.
Features
Denon
Denon AVR-X4700H uses a powerful Class AB amplifier and supports major protocols like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, DTS Virtual: X. This new Denon 2020 model also supports IMAX Enhanced, and Auro 3D.
Between Denon vs Marantz vs Yamaha is that, Denon supports 8k upscaling but others are limited to 4k.
With HDMI 2.1 and all gaming features, one HDMI input can be used with a gaming console. If you want to connect both Xbox and PS5, then you need to connect one to the TV and then connect TV to AV.
Marantz
Both AVR-X4700H and SR6014 have phono input which you can use with your turntable. They also support Apple AirPlay 2, Roon Tested, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, IMAX Enhanced, HEOS built-in for multi-room.
You can use the 9.2 Marantz receiver for 7.1.2, 5.1.4,5.1.2 or 5.1/7. It has BT.2020, Dolby Vision and Hybrid Log Gamma. It also has Bluetooth Headphone Transmission which means you can listen to wireless headphones.
To make gaming better, the receiver supports HDMI 2.1, eARC and ALLM. for Audyssey, it works with LFC and Sub EQ HT.
Between Denon AVR-X4500H vs Marantz SR6014, Denon has higher power output, Auro-3D, and more number of zones. Marantz has the latest HDCP and Bluetooth version.
Yamaha
Yamaha RX-A3080 uses high-end Sabre Ultra DAC which focuses on details. It supports basic features like dual-band Wi-Fi with Ethernet, Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X codecs.
Comparing Yamaha vs Denon vs Marantz, the Yamaha has XLR connection which you can use with CDS2100 SACD player. It has Cinema DSP HD3 which is the 3D soundfield playback technology.
It delivers an astounding and powerful soundfield. The YPAO calibration, independent power supply and PLL circuit enhances the audio.
It supports MusicCast multiroom where you can build a 5.1 system with MusicCast 20 or
MusicCast 50 as rear surrounds.
Mobile app
Denon AVR Remote App HEOS apps are used to control the receiver. Audyssey MultEQ Editor App which you need to purchase is needed to get all features of Audyssey. Marantz supports the other two along with the Marantz AVR Remote app.
Yamaha works with MusicCast Controller App to control multi-room audio (room, source, search music). The AV Controller App allows you to control the receiver with a smartphone and the AV Setup Guide App guides you for easy setup.
Performance
Denon
The Denon AVR-X4700H audio quality is outstanding. AL32 Processing ensures that you listen to low-level signals with clarity. Audyssey improves the sound and adds details, balance producing good mid-range and better controlled bass.
The sound has a rhythmic tone yet will give you a punch where needed. It has a wide soundstage and huge headroom.
Comparing Denon AVR-X4700H vs Marantz SR 7015 , Denon supports Pandora, Analog Tuner, SiriusXM Internet Radio and has higher SNR. Power, audio features, channels AirPlay 2 compatibility are similar.
For the Denon AVR-X4700H Dolby Atmos setup, you can choose a Dolby Atmos Enabled speaker to keep on top of the front speaker or a Dolby Atmos Enabled integrated with a front speaker.
Follow this for SDL/SDR (Surround Dolby speaker left/right) and BDL/BDR (Back Dolby speaker left/right). When you are using 5.1 Dolby Atmos playback, set the speaker virtualization to on.
Marantz
The Marantz receiver power is adequate for most of the speakers we use daily. It delivers a powerful room-filling sound. The low-end is punchier and well-controlled. Between Denon vs Marantz sound, Denon is referred to as bright and Marantz as warm.
The soundstage is satisfying and the dialogues are very clear. The M-DAX (Marantz Dynamic Audio eXpander) is used to enhance audio coming from MP3s/digital music files.
Pure Direct mode produces audio with clarity. IMAX Enhanced in both Marantz and Denon produces high-end audio. Marantz Dolby Atmos setup is similar to Denon.
The user manual gives details with picture and angle calculation for Atmos speaker setup. You can also find details of height speaker, ceiling speaker, and Dolby Atmos Enabled speaker setup.
Yamaha
Yamaha RX-A3080 is quite powerful to use in large rooms. It works with Surround AI. which is an artificial intelligence technology. This will observe the type of content (dialog, background music, ambient sounds, sound effects) you are watching and reproduce sound to have optimum effect.
Comparing Yamaha RX-A3080 vs Marantz 8012 ), Marantz support Dolby Digital EX, Digital Virtual:X, has more channels, and IMAX. Yamaha supports NEO:6, up to 384 kHz/32 Bit, and has XLR connections.
The Yamaha RX-3080 for Dolby Atmos produces immersive 3D sound. It has excellent dynamics and a vivid soundstage. It works with virtual features like the Virtual Presence Speaker function and Virtual Surround Back Speaker.
This will make you feel the sound coming from the front or rear speaker position even though there is no physical speaker. DSP improves audio quality a lot but the sound may become too artificial, far away from what the singers intended.
Yamaha RX-A3080 Dolby Atmos setup is described in detail in the user manual. The Front Presence Left/Right, Rear Presence Left/Right are used as height channels for Dolby Atmos.
It is best to use a 5.1.2, 5.2.4 or 7.2.2 setup for Dolby Atmos. Make sure to follow the speaker positon guide given in the manual.
Things to improve:
Denon AVR-X4700 is an outstanding receiver without any notable downsides. Marantz SR6014 receiver gets very hot while using.
With Yamaha, newbies may find the YPAO setup to be complicated and the cost might be expensive for some.
Denon vs Marantz vs Yamaha -Receiver for 11.2 Complete Home theater
Build quality
Denon
If you want a 11.2 channel, then you can look at the Denon AVR-X6500H model. It has decent build quality and the same standard black box design along with a drop down flap door.
Marantz
Marantz SR8015 build quality is premium. It has a copper-plated chassis. The design is similar to previous models we reviewed.
Yamaha
The RX Z11 is bulky and has a rigid chassis. It is designed to minimize vibration. The receiver feet are bulky as well which reduces external vibrations. Yamaha didn’t have any 11.2 channels after RX Z11, except recently they manufactured RX-8A.
Features
Denon
The AVR-X6500H uses a monolithic power amplifier design. With low-impedance and high power amp, the sound will be balanced and clear. Since it is a Denon 2018 model, certain features like Dolby Height Virtualization are missing.
It supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Auro-3D, IMAX Enhanced and DTS: Virtual X, HEOS, AirPlay2, Audyssey, and phono input. It also supports Bluetooth but the older 3.0 version with EDR. you can easily stream content from Spotify Connect, Pandora, SiriusXM, Amazon Music, etc.
If DTS: Pro is important to you, you can get it on Denon AVR-X6700H. Between Denon AVR-X6500H vs Marantz SR8012, Marantz has higher power supply, more number of inputs. Other things like channels, HDR, power output, and audio codecs or upscaling remain the same.
Marantz
Between Denon AVR-X6500H vs Marantz SR8015, Marantz supports 8k upscaling, DTS: Pro HDMI 2.1, VRR, ALLM, and QFT needed for next-gen gaming. Marantz has all major features similar to Denon along with Dolby Atmos Height virtualization.
Comparing Denon vs Marantz, Marantz supports HDCP 2.3 and HDR 10+ along with an updated Bluetooth version. It also costs more. For room calibration it works with Dynamic Volume, Dynamic EQ, Sub EQ HT.
It is ideal for complete home theater setup as the receiver has ‘perfect’ surround performance. The setup is simple and you can choose various picture modes like streaming, ISF Day/Night, Vivid, Custom.
Comparing Denon AVR-X6700H vs Marantz SR8015, major features are similar but Marantz has more number of inputs and higher power.
Yamaha
If you are just starting to build up a complete home theater setup, you can choose the Yamaha RX Z11. It lacks certain features, like Dolby Atmos, AirPlay2, HDMI 2.1. However, if you don’t need these features, then this receiver is a good way to start.
Without using a toroidal transformer, it uses a large E-core power transformer. YPAO is available for room calibration. It works with Dolby True HD, Dolby Digital Plus Decoder, DTS-HD, Dolby Digital Ex Decoder, DTS Pro Logic, DTS Neo, etc.
You can also use the iPod with a Yamaha YDS-10 iPod dock which you need to buy separately. You will also find useful features like phono stage, AM/FM radio tuner, Internet radio, etc.
Mobile app
Denon uses the Denon AVR Remote App, HEOS app, and Audyssey Dynamic EQ app. Marantz uses Marantz AVR Remote App along with the other two apps similar to Denon.
Unlike others, Yamaha RX Z11 has two remotes but no app.
For apple users
Apple users can take advantage of using both Denon and Marantz. However, the Yamaha RX Z11 doesn’t support AirPlay.
Performance
Denon
The AVR-X6500H is a powerful receiver that has the 300MHz SHARC DSP, AL 32 and 32-bit DAC deals with audio processing and conversion. It produces optimum sound quality.
The DTS Virtual: X will make it feel like sound is coming from a certain place without any physical speaker, but it doesn’t give accurate sound. It produces 3D broad and immersive soundstage. The stereo separation and imaging are also accurate.
The dialogues are clear and the video quality is decent with 4k upscaling and Dolby Vision.
Marantz
It has a toroidal transformer which has higher efficiency compared to standard ones. The Dolby and DTS features create powerful room-filling audio. There is clarity and excellent dynamics and if there are any lacking, the Audyssey Dynamic EQ adjusts it as well.
It uses several other features like IMAX, Cinema EQ, DRC, Center spread and Dialogue Control. This focuses on controlling very high frequency, recreating sound close to original sound, improving soundtracks and ambient sound.
Yamaha
This receiver will not punch you in the face nor will it be too low. It is a balanced and sweet sounding receiver. The sound has satisfying details produced without any distortion.
It has a THX Ultra2 Plus feature which is responsible for producing powerful audio. The Yamaha RX Z11 is ideal for complete home theater setup because it is designed to play in a 3000 cubic feet or larger room size.
It further minimizes acoustical errors.
Things to improved
Denon does not have XLR connection, HDMI 2.1 or gaming features. The Bluetooth version is old. Marantz has manual GEQ which isn’t useful and it doesn’t have any FM or DAB+ tuner.
Yamaha can be used as an entry-level home theater receiver but not if you want 4k upscaling, Dolby Atmos or HDMI 2.1.
Denon vs Marantz vs Yamaha -Receiver for 13.2 Professional Surround Sound
Denon AVR-X8500H vs Marantz vs Yamaha
Build quality
Denon builds the world’s first 13.2-ch AV receiver. The Denon AVR-X8500H front side is made of aluminium. It uses copper plates to the heat syncs which help to dissipate heat.
Features
With 13.2 channels, you can build 7.1.6, 9.1.4 or 7.2.6 home theater. It supports major features like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Auro-3D, IMAX Enhanced, AirPlay2, phono input, etc. it will eventually support HDMI 2.1.
The SHARC DSP processors use high-end DSP processing. You can easily connect with Amazon Music, Tidal, Deezer, iHeart Radio, Napster, SoundCloud, Mood Mix, Pandora, SiriusXM, etc with this 2018 Denon model.
Similar to other Denon models, it also supports Audyssey and HEOS multi-room audio. Between Marantz SR8015 vs Denon AVR-X8500H, Marantz supports up to 8k upscaling and has HDR 10+.
Marantz and Yamaha don’t have any 13.2 AV receivers. However, you can use the Marantz SR 8015. You can expand it and use a 13.2 channel with an additional amplifier.
Mobile app
This receiver works with HEOS app and Denon AVR remote app.
Performance
Denon AVR-X8500H is an audiophile-grade receiver with outstanding performance. The bass will hit you on the face along with excellent imaging. With advanced audio technologies, you will experience room filling immersive surround sound.
The image quality is sharp and clear with great color contrast. It has decent 4k upscaling and the HDR support enhances dynamic range and contrast.
Things to improve
The Denon AVR-X8500H does it have any advanced gaming features.
If you are wondering which features to look into while buying an AV receiver, you can read details on AV receiver buying guide.
Parting words:
If we compare Denon vs Marantz vs Yamaha, the build quality and reliability is higher for Yamaha. If you think a certain Yamaha model has all the basic features you want including surround sound codecs or HDR, you can heavily rely on it to last long.
Comparing Denon vs Yamaha, several Denon models include HDR 10+ as well which means better image quality. Based on our models, if you compare all three receivers channel-wise, Yamaha becomes most affordable. Since the Yamaha models are somewhat old, they often lack HDR or older Bluetooth versions.
Audyssey vs YPAO comparison shows, Audyssey is slightly better to some extent. With Sub EQ HT, the subwoofers can be tweaked to achieve flat response. Yamaha models often use several DSPs which doesn’t seem to be quite helpful. Both Denon and Yamaha support wireless speakers with HEOS and MusicCast respectively.
Denon and Marantz have been ruling the AV receiver market for quite long. Yamaha with the new Aventage series seems to come back to the battlefield.
FAQs
Is room calibration worth it?
Given that you can improve your room acoustics and follow the ideal speaker placement guide, room calibration software will definitely improve the sound. Along with Audyssey and YPAO, Dirac is another popular software.
Make sure to carry out multiple experiments and check out the results with real-life data, like the distance of seating position and speakers.
What other factors to consider while choosing a receiver?
Along with selecting the best receiver, you should make sure you have high-quality speakers. For home theater, you can rely on Bose or Klipsch home theater systems. Also, the home theater system will depend on your room size. For medium to large rooms you can use a 5.1 or 7.1 home theater system.
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