August 21, 2009
MARANTZ INTRODUCES NEW ADVANCED HOME THEATER RECEIVERS WITH BLUETOOTH CAPABILITY

Two Bluetooth-Capable Models Allow Users To Access Music From a Variety Of Locations; New “Slimline” Receiver Is Half The Size of Traditional Receivers

By Gary Reber


Marantz America, a world leader in advanced home entertainment solutions, is introducing three new audio/video receivers geared to meet specific user needs and expand the realm of possibilities in 21st century home theater enjoyment. Marantz’s new A/V receiver offerings include two Bluetooth-capable models, the SR6004 (SRP: $1,249.99) and SR5004 (SRP: $849.99), as well as the new “Slimline” Model NR1501 (SRP: $599.99), designed to offer consumers and custom installers a space-saving receiver solution. The SR6004 and SR5004 replace the SR6003 and SR5003, respectively, and are scheduled for availability later this month. The NR1501 replaces the SR4003 and began shipping in July 2009.

Noted Kevin Zarow, Vice President, Marketing and Product Development, Marantz America, Inc: “Marantz is committed to providing its customers ways to expand and enhance their home entertainment experience. With our new Bluetooth-capable models users can literally expand their home entertainment environment by accessing their music directly and wirelessly from their portable music devices, including MP3 players and cell phones as well as from USB drives and PCs. That means they can now store their music wherever
they want and still enjoy a high level of listening through their main home entertainment system from virtually any location in the home.” 

Bluetooth Capability for More Flexibility in Great Sound
Both the Marantz SR6004 and SR5004 are Bluetooth capable home theater receivers, designed to work in conjunction with Marantz’ new RX101 Bluetooth receiver (SRP: $129.99). The RX101, which is powered by the receiver, is included with the purchase of the SR6004 and may be purchased separately for use with the SR5004. The RX101 works by receiving audio signals from Bluetooth-enabled devices (PDAs, PCs as entertainment devices, etc.) and sending them directly to the connected receiver, allowing users to enjoy great sound and more flexibility from their home entertainment sources. Users may listen to streaming audio from their Bluetooth-enabled cell phones, MP3 players, computers or other devices, including the iPhone™ and iPod Touch®*. For total convenience, the RX101 may be placed anywhere in a room for ideal reception of a Bluetooth signal; and because the RX01 also functions as an IR sensor, users can literally hide their Marantz system behind closed cabinet doors and still control it
by pointing their remote at the RX101.

Several innovative advancements distinguish Marantz’s new receivers from competitors and make them ideal for use in expanded home entertainment networks.  For example, with its 4-In/2-Out HDMI Repeating capability, the SR6004 allows users to connect two separate displays and switch from one to the other without changing cables. In addition, the SR6004 features a front-panel USB input that is compatible with the iPod® and iPhone™, supports playback of MP3, WMA and WAV files, and provides playback control via remote (Play, Stop, FF, BWD, Skip Forward, Random and Repeat Play), while showing music track information on the unit’s newly designed Graphical User Interface.

Both models feature advanced processing and sonic enhancement technologies to ensure a superior listening experience and compatibility with today's highest quality sound formats. For example, both support HBR Audio with advanced HBR (High Bit Rate) Audio Decoding, as well as Dolby Pro Logic llz, Dolby True HD, and dts HD decoding. They also feature a full 10-bit video processor that supports an I/P converter for video scaling to 1080p from all analog sources as well as the
transcoding of analog signals to HDMI.  For total future-readiness, both models accept LPCM 7.1 signals from a Blu-Ray player, have dual component outputs as well as DC Triggers and RS232C.

Like all Marantz A / V receivers, both the SR6004 and SR5004 offer a wide variety of features and capabilities that will appeal particularly to custom installers. Marantz’ elegant new shallower chassis design (< 16” deep) makes the units perfectly suited to rack-mounting, adding to installation flexibility, and additional room on the backside of the unit makes cabling easier and more convenient. A cursor-controlled menu system affords total ease of operation. Both models feature Audyssey Dynamic EQ, Dynamic Volume and MultEQ Auto Calibration. Furthermore, potentially allowing for even more expanded capabilities in the future, both the SR6004 and SR5004 also feature the innovative M-XPort  (Marantz eXpansion Port).
 
NR1501’s “Slimline” Chassis Solves Space and Placement Issues
The new Marantz NR1501 was designed to solve a common problem for custom installers and consumers – how to integrate today’s most advanced audio/video capabilities into a home entertainment system without the addition of another large component. The super-compact NR1501 solves this problem with its unique “Slimline” chassis. Just over 4” high and 13” deep, the NR1501 is approximately half the size of most traditional A/V receivers, allowing it to fit comfortably on a normal shelf or in a standard cabinet.  Adding to its elegant cosmetics, a contoured front panel combines aluminum and glass-reinforced resins for maximum shielding, dimensional stability, and sophisticated styling.

Despite its compact size, the NR1501 makes no compromises on performance or features. It features four HDMI 1.3 inputs for maximum performance from all today’s most advanced video sources. A full complement of built-in audio codecs ensures compatibility with advanced audio formats such as Dolby TrueHD and DTS Master Audio. A built-in transcoder lets users enjoy all their favorite composite and component videos via HDMI with a single cable solution. The unit also features a wideband 3-in/1-out component switcher for analog-only connections.

For added convenience and flexibility, a front panel 3.5mm connector lets users connect their iPods or other portable devices. The on-screen display menu simplifies system setup and a full-function Glo-key remote includes preset codes for Marantz Blu-ray players so you can operate the heart of your system without searching for another remote.

* Installation of iPhone 3.0 Software Update required.




Tags: - equipment - - Marantz - - Bluetooth-capable home theater receivers - - SR6004 - - SR5004 - - NR1501 -