Marantz SR6015 HDMI ARC Not Working: What It Usually Means
If your Marantz SR6015 HDMI ARC not working issue is stopping TV sound from reaching the receiver, the problem is usually a setting, cable, or HDMI handshake mismatch.
This guide walks through the most common causes and the exact checks that typically restore ARC or eARC audio.
How HDMI ARC and eARC Work on the SR6015
HDMI ARC, or Audio Return Channel, sends audio from your TV back to the AV receiver over the same HDMI cable used for video.
On the Marantz SR6015, ARC and enhanced ARC (eARC) depend on compatible HDMI ports, correct TV settings, and CEC control being enabled on both devices.
Because ARC relies on HDMI-CEC signaling, a single disabled setting can break the audio path even if the cable is firmly connected.
That is why the SR6015 may appear to be functioning normally while TV audio stays silent.
Most Common Reasons ARC Stops Working
- HDMI Control or ARC is disabled on the Marantz SR6015.
- The TV’s CEC function is turned off or uses a different brand-specific name.
- The HDMI cable is not rated or seated properly.
- The TV is connected to the wrong HDMI port.
- eARC is enabled on one device but not supported consistently on the other.
- Firmware on the TV or receiver is outdated.
- Sound is being routed to the TV speakers instead of external audio.
- A previous HDMI device caused a handshake conflict.
Check the Correct HDMI Ports First
The SR6015 uses a dedicated HDMI output for TV audio return functionality, and the TV must be connected to the correct ARC or eARC-labeled HDMI port.
If the TV is plugged into a regular HDMI input instead of the designated ARC port, the audio return path will not work.
On many televisions, the ARC port is also the eARC port, but the label varies by brand.
Look for wording such as HDMI ARC, HDMI eARC, or Audio Return Channel in the TV manual or on the rear panel.
Enable HDMI Control and ARC on the Marantz SR6015
For ARC to function, HDMI Control must typically be enabled on the receiver.
On Marantz models, HDMI Control and ARC are closely linked, and disabling HDMI Control often disables ARC behavior as well.
Use the receiver menu to verify the following:
- HDMI Control is set to On.
- ARC is enabled if the option appears separately.
- TV Audio Switching is enabled if available.
- Standby Pass Through settings are not conflicting with your setup.
After changing these settings, power-cycle the receiver and the television so they renegotiate the HDMI connection.
Check the TV’s CEC and ARC Settings
Television manufacturers use different names for HDMI-CEC, which is the control system ARC depends on.
Samsung calls it Anynet+, LG uses Simplink, Sony uses Bravia Sync, Panasonic uses VIERA Link, and TCL may use HDMI Control or CEC.
Inside the TV audio or system settings, confirm that:
- CEC is enabled.
- ARC or eARC is enabled for the HDMI port in use.
- TV speakers are turned off or set to external audio output.
- Digital audio output is set to Auto, Passthrough, or Bitstream rather than PCM-only if your source requires it.
Some TVs reset these options after a firmware update or factory reset, so a setting that worked previously may silently change.
Use the Right HDMI Cable
ARC can work with many standard high-speed HDMI cables, but eARC is more sensitive to cable quality and signal integrity.
If your Marantz SR6015 HDMI ARC not working problem appeared after a cable swap, the cable may be the weakest link.
Use a certified High Speed HDMI cable for ARC, and for eARC prefer a Certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable.
Keep the run short if possible, and avoid adapters, splitters, and wall plates during troubleshooting.
Match ARC and eARC Settings
The SR6015 supports eARC, but the TV must also support it for full bandwidth audio return.
If one device is set to eARC and the other is not stable with it, the result can be intermittent sound or complete silence.
When troubleshooting, try this sequence:
- Turn eARC off on the TV.
- Leave HDMI Control on for both devices.
- Test basic ARC audio from the TV apps.
- If ARC works, re-enable eARC and retest.
This approach helps determine whether the issue is with basic ARC compatibility or with enhanced audio formats such as Dolby Atmos over eARC.
Confirm the TV Audio Output Format
Some TVs default to PCM output, which usually works for stereo but may not behave as expected with surround formats or app audio routing.
Others set the output to Auto but still need a specific format adjustment for proper handoff to the receiver.
Check the TV audio settings and look for:
- Digital Audio Output: Auto, Bitstream, or Passthrough.
- Audio Output Device: Receiver or External Speaker.
- Dolby Digital or Dolby Digital Plus support for streaming apps.
If the TV is configured for internal speakers, the receiver may never receive the return audio signal.
Power Cycle the Devices the Right Way
HDMI handshakes often get stuck after a power outage, firmware update, or source change.
A complete reset of the connection can clear the problem faster than changing settings one at a time.
Try this order:
- Turn off the TV and the SR6015.
- Unplug both devices from power for 60 seconds.
- Reconnect the HDMI cable between the ARC ports.
- Power on the TV first, then the receiver.
- Test the TV app audio and input switching.
Turning the TV on first gives it time to advertise the ARC capability before the receiver requests audio.
Update Firmware on Both Devices
Marantz and TV manufacturers regularly release firmware updates that improve HDMI-CEC stability, eARC compatibility, and device discovery.
An outdated firmware version can cause ARC to fail even when all settings are correct.
Check for updates on the SR6015 through the network update menu or USB update process if needed.
Then check the TV’s support menu for the latest software version and install any pending updates.
Reset the HDMI-CEC Handshake
If the SR6015 has been connected to multiple devices, the CEC handshake may be confused by old control data.
Disconnecting everything except the TV and the receiver can simplify the signal path and reveal the issue.
For a clean test, remove game consoles, streaming boxes, Blu-ray players, and HDMI switches.
Connect only the TV’s ARC port to the SR6015 output, then verify audio using a built-in TV app such as Netflix, YouTube, or Prime Video.
When Dolby Atmos or Surround Sound Is the Problem
Sometimes ARC appears broken because stereo works but surround formats do not.
This can happen when the TV app outputs Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Atmos, or another format that requires eARC or specific passthrough settings.
If you get sound only in stereo, check whether your TV supports lossless or advanced audio over ARC.
Many TVs can pass compressed Dolby Digital over ARC, but Dolby Atmos from streaming apps may require eARC and compatible settings on both devices.
Signs the Receiver May Need Deeper Troubleshooting
If the receiver shows no ARC audio despite correct settings, the issue may involve the HDMI board, a locked firmware state, or a device conflict.
Before assuming hardware failure, test the SR6015 with another ARC-capable TV if available, or test the TV with another ARC receiver.
Hardware-level clues include:
- No audio only from TV apps, while external HDMI sources work normally.
- ARC worked previously but stopped after a power surge or update.
- The receiver never displays TV audio as an input source.
- Multiple certified cables and known-good settings still produce silence.
Quick Checklist for Restoring TV Audio
- Use the TV’s ARC or eARC port.
- Enable HDMI Control on the Marantz SR6015.
- Enable CEC, ARC, or eARC on the TV.
- Set TV speakers to external audio.
- Use a certified HDMI cable.
- Power cycle both devices after changes.
- Update firmware on the receiver and television.
- Test with only the TV and receiver connected.
Working through these checks in order usually resolves a Marantz SR6015 HDMI ARC not working problem without needing a service visit.
If the receiver still fails after a clean test with correct settings and known-good cabling, the next step is to isolate whether the TV, cable, or AVR hardware is preventing the HDMI return audio signal from completing the handshake.