At Times Audio, we meet two kinds of customers every week.
One walks in asking, “Is Marantz worth it?”
The other asks, “What makes McIntosh so expensive?”
Both are valid questions. When you’re spending ₹10 lakh or more on a home theatre system, you should know where every rupee is going.
Let’s break it down — not just by specs, but by experience, sound, long-term value, and the kind of home each brand fits best.
Where Times Audio Comes In
First, a quick introduction. At Times Audio, we specialise in premium audio-visual solutions. Based in Gurgaon, we serve clients across Delhi NCR — from South Delhi bungalows and DLF apartments to Noida penthouses and farmhouse projects in Chattarpur.
We don’t sell ₹1L packages or mass-market soundbars. Our setups start at ₹10 lakh (excluding interiors and recliners) because high-performance audio demands more — in gear, acoustics, and attention.
Now, let’s get to the comparison.
Marantz: Musical, Feature-Rich, and Refined
Marantz has long been a favourite for listeners who want warmth, clarity, and musicality in their sound. It’s also a powerhouse when it comes to AV receivers with strong performance at the core.
- Sound Signature: Marantz has a smooth, laid-back character — perfect for music lovers who prefer depth and texture over sheer loudness. The tonal balance suits Q Acoustics, DALI, and Bowers & Wilkins especially well.
- Best Use Case: Ideal for living room setups, dedicated theatre rooms, or mixed-use spaces where both music and movies matter. Works beautifully with 5.1 or 7.2.2 Dolby Atmos layouts.
- Value at Scale: You can build a stellar ₹10–15L system around a Marantz SR8015 or AV10/AMP10 separates. Add Paradigm speakers, a REL subwoofer, and acoustic treatments — you’ll get detail and drama without the harshness.
- Why Clients Choose It: Balanced performance, sleek design, and smart streaming features like HEOS and Roon support. It’s not flashy, but it always delivers.
McIntosh: Power, Presence, and Prestige
McIntosh is another league. It’s not just about listening — it’s about feeling the sound in your bones. With those iconic blue meters, heavy chassis, and glass front panels, McIntosh makes a statement even before you press play.
- Sound Signature: McIntosh is bold, dynamic, and full of authority. You hear every note — and you feel it too. It pairs well with high-sensitivity speakers like Klipsch, B&W 800 series, and large floorstanders from Wharfedale or Sonus Faber.
- Best Use Case: Dedicated cinema rooms where performance and aesthetics go hand in hand. It’s not background sound — it’s a full-body experience.
- Price Tier: A McIntosh-based setup starts at ₹18–₹20 lakh and can go up to ₹50L+ depending on the room size, number of channels, and speaker configuration.
- Why Clients Choose It: Longevity, build quality, and unmatched audio authority. Many clients come in having heard it at a friend’s home — and once you’ve experienced that weight and texture, it’s hard to go back.
What Are You Really Paying For?
Here’s the honest answer:
- Marantz gives you high-performance AV with refined musicality and flexible integration at a strong value.
- McIntosh offers unmatched build, prestige, and sonic weight for those who want the very best — and are willing to pay for it.
Both brands can form the heart of a premium home theatre, but your choice should match your expectations.
- Want smart features, great balance, and multi-zone flexibility? Go Marantz.
- Want goosebumps, deep bass, and commanding vocals in a dark room with perfect acoustics? Go McIntosh.
At Times Audio, we help you experience both in our Gurgaon experience centre. You can hear the difference side by side — not on paper, but in person.
Real Conversations We’ve Had
- A South Delhi homeowner who thought McIntosh was “just hype” — until he heard it on B&W 802 D4s. He placed the order two days later.
- A Noida-based architect designing a 15-seater theatre who chose Marantz for its reliability, space-saving design, and compatibility with Anthem ARC room correction.
- A DLF resident upgrading from a ₹5L Yamaha system to a ₹22L McIntosh + REL + Klipsch Reference Premier 11.2 layout. He told us, “Now I know what I was missing.”
Final Word
This isn’t about which brand is better. It’s about which brand is better for you.
If you’re building or upgrading a high-end home theatre in Gurgaon, Delhi NCR, or anywhere nearby — let’s talk. We’ll guide you through every step — from room design to speaker placement to fine-tuning the last decibel.
Because when you spend ₹10–30L+ on a home theatre, it shouldn’t just be loud. It should be unforgettable.
