New York, October 19, 2025
News Summary
As buyers weigh the Onkyo TX-NR7100 against the Marantz Cinema 40, they encounter a trade-off between value and premium sound. The TX-NR7100 offers a broad feature set, while the Cinema 40 emphasizes refined audio quality. Both receivers cater to different priorities, with the Onkyo focusing on robust performance and connectivity, while the Marantz targets discerning audiophiles seeking longevity and audio fidelity.
New York — Buyers choosing between the Onkyo TX-NR7100 and the Marantz Cinema 40 face a clear trade-off: broad feature sets and value from the Onkyo versus premium components and a refined sound signature from the Marantz. The Onkyo TX-NR7100 was released in 2021 as a feature-rich mid-to-upper tier AV receiver, while the Marantz Cinema 40 launched in 2023, positioned as a premium flagship model. The Onkyo TX-NR7100 is priced lower than the Marantz Cinema 40, and that price gap often guides buyers toward the Onkyo when features per dollar are the priority.
The two receivers target different priorities. Key considerations for an AV receiver include clean power delivery, audio and video format processing, room correction capabilities, and device connectivity. The TX-NR7100 delivers strong power and connectivity, while the Cinema 40 emphasizes component quality and a warmer, more nuanced sound.
Top-level comparisons
The TX-NR7100 delivers 100 watts per channel across nine channels, with a dynamic capability of up to 250 watts into 3-ohm loads. The Marantz Cinema 40 provides 125 watts per channel using Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Modules (HDAM) for a more refined audio experience. The Cinema 40 supports up to 11.4 channels of audio processing but amplifies nine channels internally.
Room correction and calibration differ between the two models. The TX-NR7100 includes Dirac Live room correction, allowing adjustments based on room acoustics for enhanced audio. Dirac Live offers up to 13 measurement positions for calibration, making it highly effective but complex to set up. The Cinema 40 utilizes Audyssey MultEQ XT32 for room correction, which, while effective, is considered less advanced than Dirac Live.
Both units support modern video and gaming features. The TX-NR7100 features seven HDMI 2.1 inputs with 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz passthrough, supporting major HDR formats, including HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG. Both units support 8K passthrough and modern gaming features like VRR and ALLM. The Cinema 40 includes three HDMI outputs, enabling multi-zone setups more effectively than the TX-NR7100, which has two outputs.
Connectivity and streaming
The TX-NR7100 focuses on broad connectivity options including Chromecast, AirPlay 2, DTS Play-Fi, and Sonos compatibility. The TX-NR7100 incorporates high-quality Bluetooth codecs aptX and aptX HD, providing superior audio quality over Bluetooth. The Cinema 40 includes HEOS built-in for multiroom audio integration, along with support for standard streaming options. The TX-NR7100 is THX certified, ensuring reference-level audio performance.
User impressions and reliability
User reviews indicate that the Onkyo TX-NR7100 offers dynamic sound suitable for action movies and contemporary genres. The Marantz Cinema 40 is praised for delivering nuanced sound, particularly excelling with acoustic music and dialogue-heavy content. Users report that Dirac Live greatly enhances sound quality in challenging rooms, while Audyssey MultEQ provides reliable results without extensive setup. The features and performance of the TX-NR7100 typically provide excellent value for its price. The Cinema 40 is aimed at users prioritizing audio quality and long-term reliability with premium components. The Onkyo has been noted to occasionally have HDMI handshaking issues, while the Cinema 40 has positive reliability reports.
How they sound
Audio differences: The Onkyo TX-NR7100 is described as dynamic and punchy, while the Cinema 40 offers a warmer, more sophisticated sound signature. Those differences align with the hardware choices: Onkyo’s design emphasizes power and broad codec support; Marantz’s design leans on HDAM circuits and component selection to produce a refined tonal balance.
Who each receiver suits
The choice between the two receivers reflects user priorities: features and performance per dollar for Onkyo, and premium build quality for Marantz. Both receivers cater to different needs, making them suitable for varying home theater setups.
Supporting details and considerations
– The TX-NR7100 includes Dirac Live room correction, allowing adjustments based on room acoustics for enhanced audio. Dirac Live offers up to 13 measurement positions for calibration, making it highly effective but complex to set up.
– The Cinema 40 utilizes Audyssey MultEQ XT32 for room correction, which, while effective, is considered less advanced than Dirac Live.
– The TX-NR7100 features seven HDMI 2.1 inputs with 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz passthrough, supporting major HDR formats, including HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG.
– The TX-NR7100 incorporates high-quality Bluetooth codecs aptX and aptX HD, providing superior audio quality over Bluetooth.
– The TX-NR7100 is THX certified, ensuring reference-level audio performance.
– The Cinema 40 includes HEOS built-in for multiroom audio integration, along with support for standard streaming options.
– The Cinema 40 includes three HDMI outputs, enabling multi-zone setups more effectively than the TX-NR7100, which has two outputs.
– The Onkyo has been noted to occasionally have HDMI handshaking issues, while the Cinema 40 has positive reliability reports.
Background
Onkyo positioned the TX-NR7100 in 2021 as a mid-to-upper tier receiver loaded with modern connectivity and calibration tools to appeal to users seeking strong features at a competitive price. Marantz positioned the Cinema 40 in 2023 as a premium flagship product prioritizing component quality and a refined listening experience for users focused on long-term reliability and musicality. As AV receiver technology evolved to include 8K passthrough and modern gaming features, both manufacturers integrated the necessary HDMI and processing support, while taking different approaches to amplification topology, room correction, and streaming ecosystems.
Bottom line
Choosing between the two models depends on whether buyers prioritize a broad feature set and lower price or prefer premium components and a warmer sound. The Onkyo TX-NR7100 is generally recommended for feature-driven buyers seeking value, while the Marantz Cinema 40 is aimed at listeners who prioritize tonal refinement and long-term reliability.
FAQ
What year was the Onkyo TX-NR7100 released?
The Onkyo TX-NR7100 was released in 2021 as a feature-rich mid-to-upper tier AV receiver.
When did the Marantz Cinema 40 launch?
The Marantz Cinema 40 launched in 2023, positioned as a premium flagship model.
Which receiver is priced lower?
The Onkyo TX-NR7100 is priced lower than the Marantz Cinema 40.
What are key considerations for choosing an AV receiver?
Key considerations for an AV receiver include clean power delivery, audio and video format processing, room correction capabilities, and device connectivity.
How much power does the TX-NR7100 deliver?
The TX-NR7100 delivers 100 watts per channel across nine channels, with a dynamic capability of up to 250 watts into 3-ohm loads.
Does the TX-NR7100 include Dirac Live?
The TX-NR7100 includes Dirac Live room correction, allowing adjustments based on room acoustics for enhanced audio.
How many measurement positions does Dirac Live offer on the TX-NR7100?
Dirac Live offers up to 13 measurement positions for calibration, making it highly effective but complex to set up.
What HDMI and HDR support does the TX-NR7100 have?
The TX-NR7100 features seven HDMI 2.1 inputs with 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz passthrough, supporting major HDR formats, including HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG.
Does the TX-NR7100 support high-quality Bluetooth codecs?
The TX-NR7100 incorporates high-quality Bluetooth codecs aptX and aptX HD, providing superior audio quality over Bluetooth.
Is the TX-NR7100 THX certified?
The TX-NR7100 is THX certified, ensuring reference-level audio performance.
What power does the Marantz Cinema 40 provide?
The Marantz Cinema 40 provides 125 watts per channel using Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Modules (HDAM) for a more refined audio experience.
Which room correction system does the Cinema 40 use?
The Cinema 40 utilizes Audyssey MultEQ XT32 for room correction, which, while effective, is considered less advanced than Dirac Live.
How many channels can the Cinema 40 process?
The Cinema 40 supports up to 11.4 channels of audio processing but amplifies nine channels internally.
Does the Cinema 40 have HEOS built-in?
The Cinema 40 includes HEOS built-in for multiroom audio integration, along with support for standard streaming options.
Do both receivers support 8K passthrough and gaming features?
Both units support 8K passthrough and modern gaming features like VRR and ALLM.
What connectivity focus does the TX-NR7100 have?
The TX-NR7100 focuses on broad connectivity options including Chromecast, AirPlay 2, DTS Play-Fi, and Sonos compatibility.
How many HDMI outputs does the Cinema 40 include?
The Cinema 40 includes three HDMI outputs, enabling multi-zone setups more effectively than the TX-NR7100, which has two outputs.
How do users describe the TX-NR7100 sound?
User reviews indicate that the Onkyo TX-NR7100 offers dynamic sound suitable for action movies and contemporary genres.
How do users describe the Cinema 40 sound?
The Marantz Cinema 40 is praised for delivering nuanced sound, particularly excelling with acoustic music and dialogue-heavy content.
How do users view Dirac Live and Audyssey?
Users report that Dirac Live greatly enhances sound quality in challenging rooms, while Audyssey MultEQ provides reliable results without extensive setup.
Which receiver is noted for value and which for premium build?
The features and performance of the TX-NR7100 typically provide excellent value for its price.
What is Marantz aiming for with the Cinema 40?
The Cinema 40 is aimed at users prioritizing audio quality and long-term reliability with premium components.
Are there any noted reliability issues?
The Onkyo has been noted to occasionally have HDMI handshaking issues, while the Cinema 40 has positive reliability reports.
How do the audio signatures compare?
Audio differences: The Onkyo TX-NR7100 is described as dynamic and punchy, while the Cinema 40 offers a warmer, more sophisticated sound signature.
What does the final choice between the two reflect?
The choice between the two receivers reflects user priorities: features and performance per dollar for Onkyo, and premium build quality for Marantz.
| Feature | Onkyo TX-NR7100 | Marantz Cinema 40 |
|---|---|---|
| Release year / Positioning | The Onkyo TX-NR7100 was released in 2021 as a feature-rich mid-to-upper tier AV receiver. | The Marantz Cinema 40 launched in 2023, positioned as a premium flagship model. |
| Price | The Onkyo TX-NR7100 is priced lower than the Marantz Cinema 40. | The Onkyo TX-NR7100 is priced lower than the Marantz Cinema 40. |
| Power / Channels | The TX-NR7100 delivers 100 watts per channel across nine channels, with a dynamic capability of up to 250 watts into 3-ohm loads. | The Marantz Cinema 40 provides 125 watts per channel using Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Modules (HDAM) for a more refined audio experience. The Cinema 40 supports up to 11.4 channels of audio processing but amplifies nine channels internally. |
| Room correction | The TX-NR7100 includes Dirac Live room correction, allowing adjustments based on room acoustics for enhanced audio. Dirac Live offers up to 13 measurement positions for calibration, making it highly effective but complex to set up. | The Cinema 40 utilizes Audyssey MultEQ XT32 for room correction, which, while effective, is considered less advanced than Dirac Live. |
| HDMI / Video | The TX-NR7100 features seven HDMI 2.1 inputs with 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz passthrough, supporting major HDR formats, including HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG. | The Cinema 40 includes three HDMI outputs, enabling multi-zone setups more effectively than the TX-NR7100, which has two outputs. Both units support 8K passthrough and modern gaming features like VRR and ALLM. |
| Streaming / Connectivity | The TX-NR7100 focuses on broad connectivity options including Chromecast, AirPlay 2, DTS Play-Fi, and Sonos compatibility. The TX-NR7100 incorporates high-quality Bluetooth codecs aptX and aptX HD, providing superior audio quality over Bluetooth. The TX-NR7100 is THX certified, ensuring reference-level audio performance. | The Cinema 40 includes HEOS built-in for multiroom audio integration, along with support for standard streaming options. |
| User impressions | User reviews indicate that the Onkyo TX-NR7100 offers dynamic sound suitable for action movies and contemporary genres. The Onkyo has been noted to occasionally have HDMI handshaking issues. | The Marantz Cinema 40 is praised for delivering nuanced sound, particularly excelling with acoustic music and dialogue-heavy content. The Cinema 40 has positive reliability reports. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Home Theater Review: Onkyo TX-NR7100 vs Marantz Cinema 40
- Home Theater Review: Onkyo TX-NR7100 vs Marantz Cinema 30
- Home Theater Review: Onkyo TX-NR7100 vs JBL MA9100HP
- Home Theater Review: Onkyo TX-NR7100 vs Yamaha RX-V6A
- Wikipedia: Home Theater
- Google Search: AV Receivers
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Receiver
- Google News: AV Receiver News
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