There are few brands that are as prestigious and performant as Anthem and Marantz When it comes to AV receivers. Both these industry giants have been in the business of home entertainment for several years and have their own set of followers. However, when it comes to the crunch, which one is really the champion? If you are looking for the best soundstage or you are out for the newest features in the market, this showdown will guide you on which brand should be in your home theater. Get ready for the battle of the titans: Anthem vs Marantz in the world of AV receivers!
Product Selection
Anthem: Offers a specialized product lineup, focusing on high-end AV receivers. The limited selection allows Anthem to deliver top-tier performance, but there may be fewer options for consumers with specific needs.
Marantz: Provides a broader range of AV receivers, catering to different price points and performance levels. Marantz’s extensive lineup ensures that consumers can find a model that fits their needs, whether high-end or budget-friendly.
Result: Marantz offers more variety in product selection, providing options for different budgets and needs. Anthem’s specialized lineup focuses on delivering top-quality performance but may lack the variety offered by Marantz.
Availability
Anthem: Typically available through specialty audio retailers and select online stores. Its availability may vary by region, requiring more effort to locate, particularly for those outside major urban centers.
Marantz: Widely accessible through major electronics retailers and a broad range of online platforms. Marantz’s extensive distribution network ensures its receivers are easily found and purchased globally.
Result: Marantz’s widespread availability through various online and physical retailers makes it more accessible compared to Anthem, which may be harder to find and purchase due to its more specialized distribution.
Design/Look
Anthem: Design prioritizes functionality and simplicity. While the appearance is more utilitarian, the build quality ensures top-tier performance, focusing on durability rather than aesthetics.
Marantz: Celebrated for elegant and classic design. Marantz combines functionality with a stylish appearance, making their receivers a visually appealing addition to any home entertainment system.
Result: Anthem’s design is more utilitarian and function-focused, while Marantz offers a blend of style and functionality, catering to those who value aesthetics as well as performance.
Affordability
Most affordable brands
Anthem: Positioned in the high-end market, often with a premium price tag. The investment is justified by exceptional sound quality and advanced room correction technology, though it may be more expensive than some competitors.
Marantz: Targets the premium segment but offers a wider range of models at different price points. Marantz provides good value for those prioritizing sound quality and classic design, with options available for different budgets.
Result: Both brands cater to the high-end market, but Marantz offers a broader range of options at different price points. Anthem may be the pricier option, but it provides exceptional value for audiophiles focused on sound precision and room correction.
Quality/Durability
Anthem: Built with robust materials that emphasize durability and longevity. The construction focuses on functionality and resilience, ensuring top performance over time. However, Anthem receivers are known for having a hearable fan noise, which might impact user experience.
Marantz: Known for premium build quality with meticulous attention to detail. Marantz receivers use high-end materials, ensuring durability while providing a solid and reliable performance over the long term
Result: Anthem is praised for its durable and functional build, though it has some drawback like fan noise. Marantz offers a high-quality build that balances durability with reliable performance, but may not have the same level of industrial design focus as Anthem.
Reputation
Anthem: Known for its commitment to delivering high-performance audio equipment, particularly in home theater setups. Anthem has a strong reputation for precision and quality, with a loyal following among audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts.
Marantz: Revered for producing high-quality audio equipment since 1953. Marantz’s dedication to sound quality and design has maintained its strong reputation in the industry, consistently delivering reliable and premium products.
Result: Both brands have strong reputations, with Anthem excelling in performance and precision, while Marantz is known for its sound quality and design. The choice between them may come down to personal preference and the specific strengths that resonate more with you.
Customer Support & Warranty
Anthem: Well-regarded for responsive and knowledgeable customer support, helping users get the most out of their receivers. Anthem’s warranty terms are competitive, offering peace of mind for high-end investments.
Marantz: Known for excellent customer support and strong warranty coverage. The brand’s long-standing reputation for reliability is backed by a support team that ensures customers receive timely assistance.
Result: Both Anthem and Marantz excel in customer support and warranty coverage, making them reliable choices for long-term use. Anthem may have a slight advantage due to its established track record in customer service.
Sound Quality
Anthem: Known for its pristine sound quality, Anthem excels in delivering accurate and powerful audio. The ARC Genesis room correction technology is a standout feature, optimizing sound for any room environment. Anthem receivers provide a neutral and precise sound signature, with impressive bass handling and high sound intelligibility.
Marantz: Renowned for its warm, rich sound that’s perfect for music lovers. Marantz’s HDAM (Hyper Dynamic Amplification Module) technology ensures smooth and detailed audio. Marantz receivers excel in delivering immersive soundscapes, especially in stereo music playback, without sacrificing home theater performance.
Result: Both brands offer exceptional sound quality, but Anthem stands out with its advanced room correction technology and neutral sound signature. Marantz is preferred for its warm and rich audio, especially in music playback.
Connectivity & Features
Anthem: Equipped with HDMI 2.1, supporting 8K 60 and 4K 40 resolutions. It also supports all major HDR formats, including Dolby Vision and HDR10+. With features like VRR and ALLM, it’s great for gamers. Connectivity includes Bluetooth, WiFi, AirPlay, and Google Chromecast. However, it lacks a TV on-screen display and can experience slow performance when changing sources.
Marantz: Offers a comprehensive range of connectivity options, including HDMI 2.1 support, built-in streaming services, and advanced wireless features. Marantz balances modern features with high-quality audio processing, making their receivers versatile for both audio and video.
Result: Nearly a tie, Anthem may have the upper hand in terms of modern connectivity options and smart features, making it a more future-proof choice.
Conclusion
Best for Home Theater Enthusiasts: Anthem – Exceptional for precise sound and advanced room correction. Best for Audiophiles and Design Enthusiasts: Marantz – Ideal for rich sound and elegant design. Anthem excels in delivering a precise and neutral sound with sophisticated room correction, making it the go-to choice for immersive home theater experiences. On the other hand, Marantz stands out with its warm, musical sound and stylish appearance, catering to those who value both high-quality audio and refined design. Whether you prioritize advanced features or elegant aesthetics, both brands offer outstanding options tailored to distinct preferences.
