Marantz vs Cambridge Audio – Which Brand Is Better?

Marantz and Cambridge are two renowned and well-respected brands in the audio industry and produce high-quality speakers, soundbars, headphones, and subwoofers.
In this article, we will cover a general overview of both brands, looking specifically at the sound quality, durability, price, and so on.
Of course, each brand has different devices at different price points. However, we will compare them as closely as we can.

Pros and Cons of Marantz:

• Pros: Known for producing high-quality audio components, including amplifiers, receivers, and CD players. Many of their products are well-regarded for their sound quality and build quality.
• Cons: Some of their products can be expensive, and some users have reported issues with durability.

Pros and Cons of Cambridge:

• Pros: Known for producing a wide range of audio products, including speakers, amplifiers, and CD players. Many of their products are well-regarded for their sound quality and value for money.
• Cons: Some users have reported issues with the durability and reliability of some of their products.

Quick History

Marantz Quick History

Saul Marantz started Marantz in 1953 and since then Marantz receivers have evolved from the ‘Consolette” pre-amp of 1953 to the modern receivers produced under Sound United.

In 2000, Marantz Japan Inc. brought together all the subsidiaries and assembled the SR Series Home Theater Receiver with improved sound quality, Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Module, and AirPlay connectivity. Today, Marantz is well known for its Av receivers, Av separates, amplifiers and hi-fi components.

Cambridge Audio Quick History

Cambridge Audio is a British company that manufactures high-end audio equipment. It was formed in the early ’60s by a group of young technology graduates in Cambridge, England and started out as a division of Cambridge Consultants.

Their line of devices includes earphones, amplifiers, CD players, speakers, and many others.

Sound Quality

Marantz Sound Quality

Many listeners generally describe Marantz as having a “warm” sound. Yet, they are “soft”, softer than Denon, for example. In general, the sound is high quality and accurate. One highlight is the balanced bass, but you may find less dynamism than in some other brands.

In fact, Marantz has a unique audiophile-quality sound that passionate music lovers appreciate.

In addition, the Marantz receivers built back in the 70s characterize the apex of the solid-state hi-fi era. Marantz 2245, for instance, hits a real sweet spot, as many users say, both in terms of power and price. The Marantz 2270 and Marantz 2245 are good examples as well.

Cambridge Sound Quality

As expected of a high-end brand, the sound quality is very excellent. The expert layering and detail of the sound ensure that all tonal ranges can play simultaneously without being muddled.

The deep bass stays in the background without overpowering the clear mid-tones and sparkling treble. All these are masterfully compounded to deliver sound with exceptional accuracy and vivid musicality, no matter what you’re listening to.

Features

Marantz Features

Marantz products are built for the future. Let’s look at some of the features of the Marantz 4K UHD AV Receiver SR5014 – 7.2 Channel as an example:

• Advanced object-based audio formats
• Versatile HDMI eARC connectivity
• High-performance, high-resolution audio playback
• HDAM circuit boards for detailed and dynamic sound
• HEOS built-in technology allows multi-room audio, digital music streaming, voice control, and comfortable HEOS App operation

Cambridge Features

Cambridge Audio devices have several features incorporated for maximum enjoyment. Some of the features are shown below:

• Personalized EQ settings – set up with the Melomania App
• Unique High-Performance Audio Mode – for hi-fi quality sound
• Up to 350W per channel in the amplifiers
• Passive noise cancellation with Transparency mode – to interact with your environment.
• Qualcomm cVc™ (clear voice capture)
• Voice control feature for Siri (iOS) and Google Assistant (Android)
• aptX™, AAC, SBC Bluetooth codecs support

Build Quality

Marantz Build Quality

Marantz receivers are stylish and offer luxurious feels with illuminated displays. Therefore, to say that the build of Marantz receivers is perfect is not an overstatement.

For instance, you can find 11 speaker terminals on Marantz SR7015 with gold-plated RCA terminals that make it look quite appealing.

The design is high-end, with stunning finishes and top-of-the-line components embedded throughout the body construction. Marantz’s designs will surely win you over at first impression.

Cambridge Build Quality

Cambridge Audio devices are fabricated from the best materials for maximum comfort and exceptional durability. Some of the materials used include comfortable silicone earbud tips, all enclosed in solid steel, aluminum, or plastic chassis.

In addition to the sturdy structure, some devices are water resistant, like the Melomania Touch wireless earphones which have an IPX4 rating.

Ease Of Use

Marantz Ease Of Use

Most people describe Marantz receivers as user-friendly products that are very easy to set up. Besides, their sound is excellent, and every user will quickly set them up in their home or office without requiring any skills.

Cambridge Ease Of Use

Wireless remote and app control are some of the features that make Cambridge Audio devices user-friendly. Clearly labeled controls and an integrated voice assistant also allow for effortless use.

Cost

Marantz Cost

Speakers: $50 – $2000

Tweeters: $20 – $100

Amplifiers: $200 – $3000

Cambridge Cost

The quality of Cambridge Audio devices lives up to its high-end name, but so does the price. They are quite expensive, though some of their devices can be very cheap. The price ranges for some device categories are given below:

Speakers: $100 – $1000

Amplifiers: $300 – $6500

Earphones: from $80

Players (CD/network): $400 – $5500

Subwoofers: from $300

Space Requirements

Marantz Space Requirements

Most of the receivers from Marantz are compact and require very little space. Whether you want to place them closer to your TV or together with your home theater, they will always find a space to fit in without looking cumbersome.

Cambridge Space Requirements

Cambridge Audio devices vary in size from tiny earphones to large amplifiers. The CXA81 Stereo Amplifier measures 148 x 430 x 365mm (HWD) and weighs 19.1kg, while the smaller ES30 outdoor speaker measures 330 x 202 x 198mm (HWD) and weighs 3.4kg.

This means that you will probably find a good device that fits your space requirements.

Remote Controls

Marantz Remote Controls

Marantz receivers come with factory remote controls that make navigation easier. Also, new Marantz receivers now come with a Marantz AVR remote app that you can use with iPhone and Android devices. This allows you to control the device with your smartphone seamlessly.

Cambridge Remote Controls

Cambridge Audio devices can be remotely controlled via the mobile app, wireless remote, and voice assistants like Siri and Google Assistant. These options can be used for basic and advanced functions such as audio tuning or pause/play.

Connectivity Options

Marantz Connectivity Options

• Built-in Wi-Fi
• HDMI
• RCA
• Optical
• Bluetooth
• Speaker level inputs

Cambridge Connectivity Options

The wide range of connectivity options found in Cambridge Audio devices allows connection to other speakers and various other devices.

These options include digital optical, coaxial and USB Audio, hi-res Bluetooth, XLR sockets, stereo RCA inputs and several other options.

Power Range

Marantz Power Range

Speakers: Up to 150 watts

Receivers: Up to 300 watts per channel

Amps: 150 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 180 watts per channel into 6 ohms

Cambridge Power Range

Powerful delivery is one of the easily noticeable features of Cambridge Audio devices. The Azur 851W Power Amplifier delivers a massive 800W at up to 350W per channel. The power range of Cambridge Audio devices ranges from 300W to 1200W.

Frequency Response

Marantz Frequency Response

Major products range from 10 Hz to 20 kHz. For instance, the audio section of the SR6014 is 10 Hz – 100 kHz. The Tuner, however, has a smaller reception frequency range of 87.5 MHz – 108.0 MHz.

Cambridge Frequency Response

Cambridge Audio devices have excellent frequency response ranges, which range from as low as 5Hz all the way up to 80KHz.

The Melomania Touch has a frequency range of 20Hz – 20kHz. The ES30 outdoor speaker frequency response ranges from 55Hz – 20kHz.

Conclusion

Marantz produces averagely-priced audiophile-quality sound systems and is well known for its AV receivers. Also, their build quality is good, and the devices are futuristic and easy to use. On the other hand, Cambridge Audio is a brand for serious audiophiles, delivering excellent value and performance. The brand gives great value for money.

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