Marantz SR4500, Evolution

A complete range

• Although it is the baby of Marantz's new series, this SR4500 more than measures up.

• Price: €510

• Specialists' rating: 5

• Text: Ramon Sendra

As it does every year, Marantz is renewing its range of A/V receivers. Of the four new models, we bring you the most basic one, which is no less impressive for that.

It is a 7.1-channel A/V receiver with discrete amplification (so Marantz leaves traditional 5.1 behind), although the first thing that strikes you is undoubtedly its new chassis design, available in black or silver (the latter €30 more expensive).

Inside, we also find a new amplifier design which, according to the manufacturer, can deliver a minimum of 70% of its stereo power when used in multichannel. It also includes a basic equalization system dedicated to audiovisual applications, called Home Theater Equalizer. As you would expect, it is equipped with all the extended audio decoders (Dolby Digital EX, DTS ES Matrix and Discrete, Dolby ProLogic IIx, DTS 96/24, Circle Surround and SRS True Headphone Surround). As for converters, it uses the now-standard 192 kHz/24-bit units on all channels, with 32-bit DSP processors, and on the video side, conversion and switching of S-Video and component signals.



WELL EQUIPPED



The first contact already suggests that the construction is robust. Being the entry model does not mean it is made entirely of plastic, nor does it neglect any detail.

Its connection panel could be the envy of many competing designs. Add it up: 7.1-channel preamp input and output, seven analog audio inputs and four outputs, two digital audio inputs and one output in each of the standard formats (S/PDIF electrical and EIAJ-TosLink optical), and the full set of video inputs and outputs, among which I would highlight the two component video inputs and the corresponding output. All of this is completed by the obligatory binding posts for its seven amplifier channels, each color-coded. Power is supplied via an IEC connector, though without a ground. Could anyone ask for more at this price?

With the cover removed, the power supply and the seven discrete amplifier channels catch the eye. On different layers we find the audio and video circuitry, separately, with conventional components. Worth noting is the layout of the heat sink, positioned transversely with enough space to ventilate properly. There are no fans, so, as always, we must take care when fitting it into any cabinet.

TESTED



I connected this Marantz to a set of Focal JMLab loudspeakers from the Chorus series and a Primare DVD30 player. As a display, I used a 32" Philips widescreen CRT TV. One of the things that has not changed much from previous models is the setup system (visible only on the front display, not on screen), although this time it is easier to access via the new cursor pad on the front panel. In fact, the remote control is no longer essential, as everything can be controlled from the unit itself.

The SR4500 lets you adjust the delay of each speaker, the level (including pink noise) and everything relating to the audio decoders and processors. Worth highlighting is the HT equalizer, which modifies the high-frequency response of films, a common flaw when the soundtrack of a DVD-Video comes straight from the theatrical original, with somewhat forward treble. Naturally, it offers subwoofer management with crossover frequencies of 80, 100 and 120 Hz. There is a quick setup option called "Simple Setup". It asks for the speaker configuration (2.0, 2.1, 5.0, etc.) and the room size (large, medium, small). But I don't recommend it, as the "full" menu is very intuitive and much more precise.

With Silje Nergaard and her "At First Light" I heard very good sound, perfectly balanced, if perhaps a touch bright. This SR4500 proved fast and effective with the tremendous dynamics of "The Three Pipers" from Carlos Núñez's "Almas de Fisterra"; subtle and precise on "Ponthus et sidoine", revealing every detail (breathing included) of a magnificent Jordi Savall on his favorite instrument. There is a "direct mode" for the most demanding listeners. In multichannel, "Finding Nemo" and "U-571" allowed me to confirm the earlier results: excellent, well-controlled dynamics. Despite those 80 W per channel, and the well-known limitation of powering up to 7 channels at once, this Marantz is very efficient and punchy in almost any application. It does not run out of breath even with the tremendous explosions in the submarine, and it is subtle with the most delicate music. In multichannel movie applications, I largely tamed the shrill treble with the HT filter.

Given these results, it would be unfair to label this Marantz SR4500 an "entry-level model". Despite its few extra features, it is a complete A/V receiver with 7 discrete amplifier channels and more than respectable results. It handles any signal effectively: subtle with music, punchy when needed with movies.

An excellent connection panel that more than one similarly priced receiver would love to have.

At this price, it is without doubt a very serious contender to consider.

A complete range

As the brand has accustomed us, year after year it updates its catalog with models that seem to replace the old ones. In fact, and fortunately for many, there is little more than a facelift and the odd addition that may or may not be of interest. Owning a three-year-old Marantz does not make it obsolete.

The SR4500 is the most basic model, although it already comes in a 7.1 configuration offering 80 W per channel. The SR5500 raises that power to 90 W and adds S-Video to component video conversion. The next step up is the SR7500 which, in addition to an RS-232 port and 105 W per channel, gains THX Select certification and includes an exclusive acoustic calibration system (something that has recently become fashionable).

Finally, the range is topped by the SR8500 which, in addition to everything added model by model, includes gold-plated connections, 110 W per channel and digital video switching via a DVI input.

Marantz SR4500, Evolution

Specifications

Power: 80 W RMS (20 Hz to 20 kHz, 0.08% THD) into 8 ohms per channel. 105 W into 6 ohms. Input sensitivity and impedance: 168 mV, 47 kOhms. Signal-to-noise ratio: 105 dB (analog direct input). Frequency response: 8 Hz to 100 kHz (+/- 3 dB) with direct digital input. 8 Hz to 45 kHz (+/- 3 dB) with 96 kHz digital input). Tuner: AM/FM. Connectivity: 2 S/PDIF and 2 EIAJ-TosLink digital audio inputs, 1 output in each format. 7.1-channel preamp input and output. 7 unbalanced stereo analog audio inputs. 2 component video inputs and 1 output. Composite video and S-Video inputs are also included. Power consumption: 388 W maximum. Dimensions: 387.5x440x162.3 mm. Weight: 12 kg. Distributor: Marantz (902113384).

Price: €510