CEDIA 2018: Meet Marantz’s New Flagship 11.2-Channel AV7705 Preamp Processor

CEDIA 2018: Meet Marantz’s New Flagship 11.2-Channel AV7705 Preamp Processor​

(September 19, 2018) Sound United had a massive presence at CEDIA 2018, showcasing a wide range of new gear from its impressive list of top-flight AV brands. One such brand – Marantz – used the limelight to reveal its all-new AV7705, a potent 11.2-channel pre-processor that holds the honor of being the industry’s first preamp to carry IMAX Enhanced certification.

First and foremost, the AV7705 is designed to drive an audiophile experience, carrying advanced high-end 32-bit AKM digital-to-analog converters on all channels along with decoding of 24/192 Hi-Res audio (ALAC, FLAC, WAV, and DSD 2.8/5.6). Much like its predecessor, the processor ships with unlocked support for Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro-3D immersive sound formats, in addition to offering legacy codec multi-channel upmixing solutions from Dolby, DTS, and Auro.

Sound quality is further boosted by the deployment of the company’s proprietary Hyper Dynamic Amplification Module (HDAM) circuits, which function to minimize crosstalk and enhance overall signal resolution for superior channel separation and overall quality of audio imaging. Also, the AV7705 features Audyssey’s well-regarded MultEQ XT32 room correction suite which offers simple-to-follow setup instructions along with other selectable audio features.

On the video front, the AV7705 provides owners access to eight HDMI inputs (one front) with broad support of modern 4K video requirements, including BT.2020 passthrough and a range of High Dynamic Range formats (yes, Dolby Vision is on that list). Some future HDMI 2.1 features are also supported, highlighted by Enhanced Audio Return Channel or eARC (which supports the transfer of immersive sound audio from a TV to the processor through a single HDMI connection) and Auto Low Latency Mode or ALLM for an ultra-smooth Xbox One gaming experience.

Also due via an early 2019 firmware update is the processor’s IMAX Enhanced functionality, a marriage of audio and video enhancements offered by IMAX and DTS. To be clear, IMAX Enhanced was launched only weeks prior to CEDIA and information about the certification and its resulting performance parameters was limited at the show. In fact, preliminary branding logos were rushed for display – printed on stickers and slapped on gear meeting certification requirements. Press materials claim that IMAX Enhanced technologies will produce “clearer pictures and brighter images alongside immersive, heart-pounding audio.” So, for now, we’ll have to wait and see how this technology ultimately functions.

Of course, the AV7705 offers a wide variety of wireless functionalities, anchored by Marantz’s excellent HEOS platform which opens doors to app-based device and Alex voice controls, along with whole-home multi-room audio. Other exciting wireless features include Bluetooth, Apple Airplay 2, and access to a wide array of streaming services (TIDAL, Spotify Connect, Pandora, and more).

The AV7705 is priced at $2,199 and is available for purchase now.

 

[jdubs75]

I need this!

 

[Todd Anderson]

Agreed on that, jdubs! We ALL need this!!

 

[jdubs75]

So I came across a great deal on the AV7705 this weekend and placed the order. Slightly premature purchase as I don't have an amp yet given I'm currently running an AVR. Bring on the Black Friday amp deals!!!!!!!

 

[jdubs75]

AV7705 is here. Now I need an amp!!!

I’ve only had AVRs, never owned a pre so if anyone has suggestions on amps please provide your feedback.

 

[Kal Rubinson]

My baseline recommendation for amps, particularly multichannel amps, is ATi. https://www.ati-amp.com/AT54XNC.php

 

[jdubs75]

Thank you for the reply Kal. ATI Signatures were definitely on my "wish" list although a bit too pricey for me so I was looking at Outlaw's 7220.

I must admit I wasn't even considering class-Ds but after spending a couple hours last night researching the AT52s & 54s including the reviews from you and Dave I'm now very interested! I now need to see if they fit into my budget and locate a local dealer so I can check them out in person.

 

[ddude003]

There are many ways to slice and dice this... You now have a _very_ nice 11.2 channel pre/pro... And you have, in your 'My System', an 7.1 or 7.2 speaker system... What are your short and long term goals with a next amplifier(s) and what is your approximate budget? Are you looking to drive your current 7.1 speakers or what comes next??? Do you want a single box supporting 7 or more channels or are you going to drive your front L&Rs from a two channel amp or mono blocks and another 5 or more channel amp for the rest of your speaker system? Any reason you are not considering the Marantz MM8077 7 channel power amplifier?

 

[jdubs75]

There are many ways to slice and dice this... You now have a _very_ nice 11.2 channel pre/pro... And you have, in your 'My System', an 7.1 or 7.2 speaker system... What are your short and long term goals with a next amplifier(s) and what is your approximate budget? Are you looking to drive your current 7.1 speakers or what comes next??? Do you want a single box supporting 7 or more channels or are you going to drive your front L&Rs from a two channel amp or mono blocks and another 5 or more channel amp for the rest of your speaker system? Any reason you are not considering the Marantz MM8077 7 channel power amplifier?

I'm currently running a 7.1 system so my short term goal is to get the new AV7705 up and running asap w/ plans to add Atmos over the next 6-months. My budget for the initial 7-channels is $2-3k. I'm thinking a single box for the 7-channels to save real estate in my rack for the future. No specific reason for not considering the MM8077.

 

[jdubs75]

Just a quick update on the 7705. I was loving my AV7705 but now after 6-weeks of use the video is cutting out on Monitor-1. It started cutting out for 10-15 secs at a time once every couple hours and then became more frequent around 4-6 times during a movie. Then finally went out and didn't come back. No audio loss.....only the video. I completed a full reset over the weekend and resolved the issuer but only lasted for a couple hours and then it started all over again. Monitor-2 works fine without and issues.

This is very frustrating knowing I just purchased the AV7705 only 6-weeks ago and I will now need to send it out for repair!!!!!

My Denon AVR5800 is still kicking after 18 years!!!!!!

 

[Todd Anderson]

Bummer. Definitely not the cable?

Unfortunately, this can happen with nearly any brand of equipment. Good news is Marantz will stand behind their product!

 

[jdubs75]

Definitely not the cable. Video works fine when I swap the HDMIs cables on my projector from Monitor-1 and Monitor-2.

When I move Monitor-2 (65" panel) to Monitor-1 I lose video on the 65".

 

[Todd Anderson]

That's disappointing. I'm sure they can get you fixed up. Stinks when gear goes belly up.