For 2015, Marantz will soon release their flagship home theater preamplifier for $4000, the 11.2-channel AV8802. It combines exclusive Marantz sound innovations with the latest video technologies and connectivity options. Most remarkably, the AV8802 features a complex build-quality with a toroidal transformer, a three piece top cover layout, all packed in a heavy copper plated chassis for the best in unadulterated sound performance.
The Marantz AV8802 11.2 channel home theater preamplifier has been designed based on its highly-acclaimed predecessor (model AV8801) to provide the ultimate music and movie surround sound experience. It features breathtaking 3D-sound options, including Dolby Atmos and Auro-3D (paid upgrade required), giving users the ability to add additional speakers for a truly expansive and immersive surround sound experience. The AV8802 further enhances audio quality by delicately handling all signals- via the Marantz-own HDAM in Current Feedback topology before being passed to the XLR outputs and separate power amp. Marantz HDAM (Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Module) technology found on the company’s Reference Series components provides superior low noise wideband performance in an all-discrete configuration, compared to conventional op amp ICs. HDAM technology provides an ultra-fast slew rate for true wideband response and maximum dynamic range to deliver optimum sound quality with today’s high resolution audio formats.
High-grade audio components including audiophile 32bit/192kHz DA-Converters and a high performance power supply with 4x 10.000µF capacitors leave no open questions. Thanks to its four DSP (Digital Sound Processing) engines, the AV8802 is capable of playfully handling up to 11.2 channels to fully support Audyssey DSX, DTS Neo:X 11.1, or the new immersive 3D sound formats. Whatever the sound mode, the home theater enthusiast will be flooded with the absolute ultimate in surround sound sensation.
Featuring an advanced video processing section, the AV8802 fully supports next generation 4K Ultra HD high resolution video, along with the latest generation HDMI specification including 4K 50/60Hz pass-through and 4:4:4 Pure Color full color resolution sub-sampling. The AV8802 can upscale 1080p content to 4K and also upscale and transcode HD and SD analog video sources, so users can connect modern as well as legacy video sources and run just a single HDMI cable to a flat panel TV or projector. There are 8 HDMI inputs including 1 conveniently located on the front panel, and 3 HDMI outputs that can drive 2 different displays in the main room and another HDMI display in the 2nd zone. They conform to the latest HDMI specification for 4K Ultra HD compatibility. Full HDCP 2.2 will be supported via a future upgrade (requires hardware modification), as Marantz does not want to compromise on the limited bandwidth and color capability of currently available HDCP 2.2 implementations.
Thanks to its built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, the AV8802 opens up nearly unlimited music sources, such as Internet Radio, Spotify Connect, Pandora, SiriusXM, and AirPlay. It can play music files stored on a PC or external storage unit via DLNA network streaming standard. Almost any file is possible including MP3, WMA, FLAC HD, ALAC, WAV192/24 & AAC. Gapless, DSD, and AIFF are also supported for the full enjoyment of live concerts or classical recordings. To round up the connectivity options, the AV8802 comes with an iPod digital-compatible USB input and a Phono MM input for vinyl fans.
For extreme versatility in connectivity options, the AV8802 owns 13.2ch pre-out capability (13.2ch XLR, 13.2ch RCA) and even a 2ch XLR input. The advanced Audyssey MultEQ XT32 (Pro ready) room correction suite adds to the most accurate calibration of the speakers to guarantee that every seat in the room is a ‘sweet spot’ for audio. Audyssey LFC reduces the transmission of low frequency sound through walls to other rooms, while Audyssey Sub EQ HT cares for perfect integration of two subwoofers in the home theater setup.
In addition to easy operation with the supplied ergonomically-designed remote control, the Marantz Remote App (available in iOS and Android versions) lets you operate the AV8802 from your favorite device, such as a smartphone and tablet.
Price and Availability
The Marantz AV8802 is expected to be available in black beginning in February 2015 for $3,999.
Features
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth built-in
- Current Feedback topology and new Marantz HDAM
- Toroidal transformer & Copper plated chassis
- Three piece top cover construction
- High performance power supply with 4x 10.000μF capacitors
- Audiophile 32bit / 192kHz DA-Converters
- Auro-3D upgrade-ready (up to Auro 10.1)
- Dolby Atmos (5.1.2, 5.1.4, 7.1.2, 7.1.4 configuration)
- Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio
- Audyssey MultEQ XT32, LFC, Sub EQ HT, Pro ready
- Audyssey DSX; DTS Neo:X (11.1ch)
- 13.2ch pre-out (13.2ch XLR, 13.2ch RCA) and 11.2ch signal processing
- Latest HDMI version with 4k 50/60Hz 4:4:4 resolution
- HDCP 2.2 upgradeable (requires hardware modification)
- 7+1 front HDMI in / 3 HDMI out (2 + 1 zone) (4k 50/60Hz, 3D, ARC, Deep Color)
- HDMI scaling 1080p, 4k 50/60 Hz
- ISF video calibration
- MP3, WAV, AAC, WMA, AIFF
- HD Audio streaming: FLAC 192/24, DSD, ALAC
- Gapless Playback
- USB port
- Spotify Connect, Pandora, SiriusXM (where available), Flickr, Internet Radio support
- Phono (MM) input
- Setup Assistant and Advanced GUI
- 4 Smart Select buttons for fast selection of listening presets
- RS232
- Marantz Remote App for iOS and Android devices
