The Marantz SR5013 and SR5012 are nearly identical, except for that the SR5013 supports HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) pass-through and DTS Virtual:X processing out of the box whereas the SR5012 needs a firmware update for these two features. The SR6012 also needs an update for DTS Virtual:X but is capable of HLG pass-through out of the box. Another difference is that there is a Phono input and Signal GND terminal on the SR5013 and SR6012 whereas the SR5012 omits them.
There are some significant differences between SR6012 vs SR5013/ SR5012, though. For example, the SR6012 has 9 amplifier channels. The rated power output is 110 watts per channel (2 channel driven into 8 ohm loads, 20Hz - 20kHz, 0.08% THD) whereas the SR5013 and SR5012 have 7 poweramps and slightly lower power output of 100 watts per channel (2 channel driven into 8 ohm loads, 20Hz - 20kHz, 0.08% THD). The power amp section and the type of power transformer used are identical on all three Marantz receivers, though, since they all utilize HDAM (Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Modules) in discrete configuration instead of op amp integrated circuits. The power transformer is EI on all three of them.
The SR6012 has 11 speaker terminals which allows you to connect 2 more speakers than the SR6012 is able to power. Even though not all 11 speakers can be active at the same time, it might be useful to have them connected in case you often need to switch between two distinct speaker configurations, for example. And it'd be easier to modify the Amp Assign via the receiver's settings instead of having to connect and disconnect speakers from the binding posts. The Height 1 and 2 channels are assignable on the SR6012 while only the Surround Back channel is assignable on the SR5012 and SR5013 which have only 7 speaker terminals. Given their 7 poweramp channels, though, the supported speaker setups are not quite versatile to begin with.
The processing capabilities on SR6012 vs SR5013/ SR5012 are distinct. While the SR6012 has 11.2 channel processing (and 11.2 channel pre-outs), the SR5013 and SR5012 can only process up to 7.1 channels despite having 7.2 channel pre-outs. This means that the two subwoofer pre-outs on the SR5013 and SR5012 output the same signal. The SR6012, on the other hand, has discrete subwoofer functionality, so you can set the volume level and distance individually for each of the two subwoofers.
The SR6012 has the built-in amplification to drive Dolby Atmos speaker system up to 7.1.2 or 5.1.4 channel which can be expanded to 7.1.4 channel via an external 2-channel amplifier. In contrast, the SR5013 and SR5012 do not support extending Dolby Atmos configuration beyond 5.1.2 channel (which is what they can power internally) due to the lack of any extra processing channels dedicated for that purpose. In addition to Dolby Atmos, the three Marantz receivers also support DTS:X. In terms of Auro-3D, however, neither of them has a decoder for it, so this 3-dimensional audio format is not supported by either one of them.
Only the SR6012 is equipped with Audyssey Sub EQ HT which can correct any level and delay differences between the two subwoofers. While on the subject of room equalization, it should be said that the SR6012 features the full Audyssey suite of DSP algorithms such as Audyssey MultEQ XT32, Dynamic Volume, Dynamic EQ, LFC, and Sub EQ HT. The SR5013 and SR5012, on the other hand, omit LFC (Low Frequency Containment), and, as previously mentioned, Sub EQ HT (but do have Dynamic Volume and Dynamic EQ). Furthermore, they utilize the MultEQ XT (instead of MultEQ XT32), meaning that the resolution of the correction filters that are used for the main and satellite speakers is lower in comparison to the SR6012. As a result, the SR5012 and SR5013's ability to correct narrow peaks and dips in speakers response is therefore more limited. In other words, the SR6012's advantage is in terms of obtaining a flat response down to the roll-off frequency of your speakers.The lack of LFC on the SR5013 and SR5012 leads to these two Marantz receivers not being able to remove wall-passing frequencies while maintaining the perception of deep bass in your Main room which the SR6012 can do thanks to the utilization of advanced psychoacoustic algorithms. The SR6012 is therefore more suitable in case you live in an apartment building, for example, and do not want to disturb your neighbours. All three receivers include a calibration microphone, and can perform up to 8-point measurement of the speakers response based on which the room equalization is performed. Furthermore, they all are compatible with the Audyssey MultEQ Editor app which can be purchased for iOS and Android devices. This app allows you to adjust both the EQ frequency range and target curve for each channel pair in addition to view before and after calibration results.
Even though all three Marantz receivers support ARC (Audio Return Channel), only the SR6012 will receive a firmware update for eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel), according to Marantz, so that Dolby Atmos from your TV's built-in streaming apps can be transported via HDMI (provided the TV has an eARC-capable HDMI input as well). While the SR6012, SR5013, and SR5012 all have 7 rear and 1 front HDMI inputs (all of which are HDCP 2.2 compatible), there is a difference in the number of HDMI outputs. The SR012 has 3 HDMI outputs (2 for the Main room and 1 for Zone 2) whereas the SR5012 and SR5013 have only 2 parallel HDMI outputs, meaning that they cannot output different video signal for Zone 2. Nevertheless, all three Marantz receivers have dedicated 2-channel pre-outs for Zone 2, so at least in terms of multi-room audio zones, you have the same options with either SR6012, SR5012, or SR5013 (the only difference being the available pre-amp channels, as previously discussed).
The wireless multi-room streaming capabilities are identical on the SR6012, SR5013, and SR5012 thanks to the HEOS being built-in on either one of them. Furthermore, they all work with Alexa, so you can use voice commands to stream to the receiver itself or other HEOS-enabled speakers thanks to the HEOS Home Entertainment skill. You can ask Alexa to play a song, album, or station from various services such as Amazon Music, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, Pandora, as well as to skip tracks, control the volume, switch inputs, and power on and off your receiver. Grouping HEOS devices, though, is currently not supported by either Alexa or Google Assistant but it can be performed via Apple Siri. The three Marantz receivers will also receive firmware update for AirPlay 2 compatibility.
There is a difference in the number of composite video inputs which is 3 on the SR6012 vs 2 on either SR5013 or SR5012. The SR6012 also has 6 Analog Audio Inputs (including Phono) whereas the SR5013 has 5 (including Phono). The SR5012 has only 4 Analog Audio Inputs since it lacks the Phono input that can be found on the SR5013 and SR6012 which also have Signal GND terminal. According to the Marantz owner's manual the earth terminal on the SR6012 and SR5013 "is not for safety grounding purposes" but for reducing noise instead, at least with some turntables. If you're experiencing increase in noise, though, then you can disconnect the ground line between your turntable and receiver. The SR6012 and SR5012 are compatible with turntables that have MM (Moving Magnet) phono cartridge.
Check availability and pricing on Amazon.com for the SR5013, SR5012, and SR6012 (affiliate links; As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)
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