Marantz and Rotel 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.
Marantz vs Rotel Comparison Table
| Criteria | Marantz | Rotel |
|---|---|---|
| Brand Reputation | Marantz is recognized for its high-quality audio and home theater products with a focus on premium design. | Rotel is known for producing audiophile-grade audio components and amplifiers with a reputation for performance. |
| Sound Quality | Marantz emphasizes detailed and musical sound reproduction, often with a warm and engaging sonic signature. | Rotel focuses on delivering accurate and transparent sound with a commitment to high-fidelity audio performance. |
| Build Quality/Design | Marantz products feature high-quality build materials and sophisticated, elegant designs. | Rotel emphasizes robust build quality with a minimalist and functional design approach. |
| Product Range | Marantz provides a comprehensive lineup of audio and home theater products, including receivers, amplifiers, and more. | Rotel offers a range of high-performance audio components, including amplifiers, preamplifiers, and CD players. |
| Pricing | Marantz products cover various price points, offering options for different audiophile budgets. | Rotel products are typically positioned in the mid to high-end price range, reflecting their premium quality. |
| Features | Marantz products often include advanced features and technologies for an enhanced audio-visual experience. | Rotel integrates high-quality components and features, often focusing on core audio performance and functionality. |
Before we continue, you can check out similar comparisons in the series:
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 Rotel:
- 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.
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.
Rotel Quick History
A family-owned Japanese manufacturer, Rotel, was founded in 1957 by Tomoki Tachikawa in Tokyo, Japan. The company joined the Bowers & Wilkins (B&W) group to form a strategic alliance in the early 1980s.
The B&W group established exclusive distribution networks in North America and several European markets. It then established Rotel Europe in the UK in 2000 to consolidate all Rotel sales outside North America. The company is currently run by Peter Kao, nephew to Tomoki.
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 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.
Rotel Sound Quality
Rotel uses a Symmetrical Signal Trace design to keep the signal path of every channel identical to preserve the imaging and soundstage. The design also utilizes electrical superior “star” grounding techniques to reduce noise or hum.
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
Rotel Features
Here are the main features of Rotel:
- Symmetrical Signal Trace technology
- Signal Sense configured through the front display setup menu or on-screen display
- Auto Power Off powers off Rotel devices if there are no changes to volume, source or input within a selected period
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.
Rotel Build Quality
The build quality of Rotel devices can generally be said to be average.
The company is very selective about its choice of raw components and ensures the circuit design is meticulous making it one of the best performance manufacturers.
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.
Rotel Ease Of Use
Rotel amplifiers and speakers are generally easy to use, especially if you utilize simple features such as the simple inputs options.
On the other hand, the replacement remote control systems can be very complex to use as they utilize complex programming features.
The connection and placement process is easy, though.
Cost
Marantz Cost
- Speakers: $50 – $2000
- Tweeters: $20 – $100
- Amplifiers: $200 – $3000
Rotel Cost
Here’s a range of prices for Rotel amps and speakers:
- Amplifiers: $500 – $6000
- Speakers: $50 – $200
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.
Rotel Space Requirements
Rotel amplifiers are built to maximize space utilization with compact design and shallow depth. You can, therefore, easily place them near your TV without compromising your view of the TV.
The speakers, on the other hand, can be so demanding in terms of space despite Rotel making some average compact ones too.
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.
Rotel Remote Controls
Rotel remote controls come with specific buttons for all the features. The remote is built as sturdy as the amp is.
Rotel also works with many different types of remotes and control systems such as Universal Remote, RTI, Logitech, Crestron, and many others. This gives you additional flexibility as you can still control your Rotel products even when your factory remote control is damaged.
You can, however, replace your original Rotel remote with a genuine OEM replacement remote control similar to the original one from Remotes.com. You can also access the full ROTEL Remote Control Codes to help you understand the functionality of your ROTEL remote control.
Connectivity Options
Marantz Connectivity Options
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- HDMI
- RCA
- Optical
- Bluetooth
- Speaker level inputs
Rotel Connectivity Options
-
- USB
- XLR inputs
- RCA analog inputs
- Optical digital 1, 2 and 3
- Coaxial digital 1, 2 and 3
- Bluetooth aptX dongle
- MM Phono
- AUX
- Line level inputs
- Video 1-8
- Phono input
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
Rotel Power Range
- Speakers: 100W to 300 watts
- Receivers: 60W to 100W
- Amps: 100W to 500 watts per channel
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.
Rotel Frequency Response
20 Hz to 20 kHz.
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, Rotel gives you value for money with great sound and longevity. Although the build quality is average, there’s a product for every budget with versatile features that fit everyone’s needs. Rotel is also futuristic with many options to connect across devices.