Marantz SR7011 vs SR7010 Review

While the SR7011 supports both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X out of the box, the SR7010 has built-in support for Dolby Atmos but it's only DTS:X ready, meaning a future firmware update is required in order to enable support for this format. Another object-based audio format: the Auro 3D is an optional paid upgrade for both models. Also a notable difference between them is that the SR7011 is equipped with HEOS, which is a wireless music streaming technology, whereas the SR7010 is not.

HEOS allows the SR7011 to become a part of a wireless multi-room system, provided you have HEOS speakers or another HEOS-enabled receiver. If that's the case, you can use the HEOS app on your mobile device to select the music (from a variety of sources) that is streamed to each HEOS speaker in different rooms. Although both models each have 9 power amps and 11.2 channel processing, it should be mentioned that the SR7010 has 13.2 channel pre-outs vs 11.2 channel pre-outs on the SR7011. The SR7010 has dedicated pre-outs for front wide speakers which are omitted from the SR7011, hence the difference. The 13.2 channel pre-outs, however, cannot all be active simultaneously due to the fact the SR7010 can only process up to 11.2 channels at the same time. Both models also have dedicated pre-outs for Zone 2 and 3.

The SR7010 utilizes Audyssey DSX processing which adds new channels for the purpose of providing more immersive surround sound. That being said, it can only be used if your setup includes front height speakers or front wide speakers (or both). Further, it cannot be used in the event of a 2-channel source being played back. The SR7011, on the other hand, omits the DSX processing. Besides the SR7010 being Audyssey Pro Installer ready (whereas the SR7011 is not), they have mostly identical features. The Audyssey MultEQ XT32 is employed by both for providing an automatic room acoustic correction. The included microphone can be used for measuring each speaker's response at up to 8 different location in your room. The speaker's response is then analyzed and equalized by the MultEQ XT32. There are also a number of additional Audyssey tools at the disposal of both models. For example, Dynamic Volume is intended to prevent large variations in volume (especially during TV commercials), whereas Dynamic EQ can improve the clarity of sound at higher volume levels by taking into account the room acoustics and human perception. Audyssey Low Frequency Containment allows you to adjust in steps the amount of the low frequency band. Setting higher values results in less bass and vibration being conveyed to neighboring rooms. Speaking of bass, both models have dual subwoofer outputs. Further, the Audyssey Sub EQ HT allows each subwoofer to be DSP-tailored individually.

The 9 amplifier stages allow each model to run a 5.1.4 Dolby Atmos speaker setup without an external power amp. If you wish to drive a 7.1.4 setup, however, an external 2 channel amplifier is required. Both models are rated at 125W per channel (2 channel driven into 8 ohms, 20Hz-20kHz, at 0.05% THD). All amplifier channels have identical circuit topology, so no compromises are made with the back surround and height channels. High performance 192kHz/32bit DACs (digital-to-analogue converters) are used in both models. High resolution audio is also supported since they both are able to decode FLAC and WAV up to 192kHz/24bit, and ALAC up to 96kHz/24bit. The SR7011 supports DSD format with sample rates of 2.8MHz and 5.6MHz, whereas the DSD streaming on the SR7010 is limited to 2.8MHz tracks.

Both models have 7 HDMI inputs and 3 HDMI outputs on the back. There is also one HDMI input on the front (behind a cover). All of them are HDMI version 2.0a, meaning they support HDR10 metadata that 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray discs send, provided you have a compatible player and a TV. Since the HDCP 2.2 is supported on all HDMI ports, you can connect your 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player to any of them. In addition to a signal pass-through, the SR7010 and SR7011 are also able to upscale DVDs and other standard definition, as well as high definition content to 4K Ultra HD, provided you have a TV with an Ultra HD 4K resolution. One of the HDMI outputs is dedicated for a 2nd zone audio and video. This allows you to have a different video feed for this zone. Both models have built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Further, their AirPlay capability allows for a wireless network music streaming from an iOS mobile device. You can use the front panel USB port for a music playback, as well. The Marantz SR7010 and SR7011 also have a number of additional audio connections, including digital audio inputs (2 optical and 2 coaxial), 7.1 multichannel input, and analogue audio inputs (5 on the back and 1 on the front). The same number of composite and component video inputs (and outputs) are found on both models.

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