Marantz Unveils New 11.2-Channel AV7706 8K Ultra HD Processor

(October 8, 2020) Marantz has launched a new top-tier feature-packed AV processor. The 11.2-channel AV7706 is equipped with 8K friendly technologies, such as HDMI 2.1, and support for a vast array of immersive sound codecs. It also carries various streaming technologies, including HEOS Built-in, AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth, for Hi-Res music playback.

Billed as enabling “the next chapter of entertainment,” the AV7706’s 8K friendly video section offers eight HDMI inputs (one HDMI 2.1) and three HDMI outputs, with onboard 8K video upscaling. The single HDMI 2.1 input delivers 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz pass-through with support for 4:4:4 sub-sampling, 21:9 video, BT2020 color, and Dolby Vision, HLG, HDR10, HDR10+, and Dynamic HDR. It also can command cutting-edge movie and gaming experiences with technologies such as eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel), auto low latency mode (ALLM), variable refresh rate (VRR), quick frame transport (QFT), and quick media switching (QMS).

The most up-to-date HDCP copy protection protocol, HDCP 2.3, is supported across all eight HDMI inputs.

In addition to accepting both Atmos and DTS:X audio directly from a TV source, the AV7706 natively decodes an array of immersive audio codecs. That means owners can watch films featuring Atmos and DTS:X while also enjoying support for IMAX Enhanced and Auro-3D. And for times where legacy codecs are involved, playback can be upmixed using Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization Technology and DTS Virtual:X.

Internally, Marantz’s HDAM circuitry keeps music pure, while dedicated reference-class 32-bit AKM DACs convert audio across all 11 channels. And much like other top-shelf Marantz gear, room correction is handled by Audyssey’s elite MultEQ XT32 software.

“Fans will enjoy the audiophile sound you expect from Marantz combined with the latest in video and audio decoding,” said Joel Sietsema, President, Marantz. "As always, we are proud to deliver sophisticated engineering and our exquisite sound, all in a processor engineered to be the foundation of the most versatile premium performance home theater experience.”

The custom integration crowd will appreciate the AV7706’s use of OvrC and Domotz Pro, both of which allow for remote monitoring and management. Additionally, RS232 and IP control capabilities make the AV7706 easy to integrate with third-party home integration solutions.

The Marantz AV7706 Surround Pre-Amplifier carries an MSRP of $2,499 and is available for purchase now.

 

[Sonnie Parker]

Balanced outputs... if only they could score a gig with Dirac Live.

 

[Tom L.]

I currently run a AV7703.... Now I am lusting after this! Thanks!

T

 

[NBPK402]

Balanced outputs... if only they could score a gig with Dirac Live.

I agree 100%...that is the 1 thing that stops me from considering it for my next AVP.

 

[Robert Zohn]

I agree 100%...that is the 1 thing that stops me from considering it for my next AVP.

Our a/v techs have great success calibrating Denon and Marantz receivers and processors with Audyssey MultEQ XT32. We upgraded our Audyssey mic with the Pro installer Audyssey calibration kit. The results are excellent and all of the speakers image beautifully and the EQ tonal range is spot on.

You can find many excellent professional reviews on Audyssey MultEQ XT32 w/Denon/Marantz's app.

Marantz's new HDMI 2.1 SR7706 is a premium 11.2 channel processor and is priced very low for it's specs and performance.

 

[Sonnie Parker]

True... I've had very good results with Audyssey as well, no doubt about it. However, after using Dirac Live, it's hard for me to go back to Audyssey.

 

[Robert Zohn]

Please give Audyssey MultiEQ XT32 w/Marantz's app a try. It's a whole new premium calibration experience.

Here's a recent review by Amir at Audio Science Review.

 

[Sonnie Parker]

I read his review, but the results were not nearly as impressive at Dirac Live. Dirac can actually get your target curve very close to what amirm labeled as "wishful thinking" with Audyssey's prediction. This has been my experience with Audyssey as well. While it will suffice for some, it just can't compete with Dirac Live... and that is solely my opinion based on my experience and from what results I've seen with other systems. Don't get me wrong... I'd rather have Audyssey over no correction at all, as it will definitely sound better than not having it.

 

[apana]

I would have purchased if it had Dirac

 

[Larry Megugorac]

The downside Dirac is it takes my pristine analog signal from my DAC, then does an A-D-A conversion for the room correction Adding all the noise that is involved in multiple conversions!! I listen to all my music through Roon, which allows to install convolution filters for Room Correction and preserving the integrity of my Analog signal. My Mini DSP 88A is for sale.....

 

[Sonnie Parker]

We've had zero issues with any noise and/or sound quality using Dirac... it has only improved the sound. However, my DAC is within my NAD M17 processor, not separate.

 

[Larry Megugorac]

Hey Sonnie,

Yea I’m not saying it’s like hearing a stylus on a vinyl disc, I just don’t like the unadulterated analog signal to be converted and reconverted at all.... I guess, plus there has to be something either added or subtracted from that process that I just want to avoid! BTW, I gambled a few years ago on getting an outboard DAC....you know reading to many audio rags/or articles ...I have been using Marantz Pre Pros for some time....i had an AV 8801....then got the 8805 and I still think an outboard DAC sounds better. I use one that is certainly not ridiculously expensive...the Schiit Yggdrasi. W/analog 2 and I love its flexibility to interface with my headphone amp and my processor with balanced connections.

 

[Sonnie Parker]

You gotta go with what sounds best to you, that is for sure. I've heard a few hundred systems thus far... bunches with very expensive outboard DACs, but still nothing any better than what I have now or have had for the last 10 years or so. Most sounded worse because of location and/or poor setup. If I ever hear anything better, I'll definitely consider it and give it a chance, as I am very open minded.

 

[Larry Megugorac]

Yep I agree that set up is sometimes more important than the kit...for my room correction, I use REW and the Dirac Mic to measure my system then send it to. Gent named Thierry from a company called Home Audio Fidelity who then takes your REW files and develops convolution files that can be installed to Roon (a great Music playback system) anyway you can turn these filters on and off to instantly hear how they are or are not working for your particular room!

 

[Sonnie Parker]

I use Roon, but my conversion is not the same as yours since you have an outboard DAC.

It would be nice to see some before and after convolution measurements.

 

[NBPK402]

Can you can reassign one of the subs and have a VOG channel?

 

[Sonnie Parker]

Yep I agree that set up is sometimes more important than the kit...for my room correction, I use REW and the Dirac Mic to measure my system then send it to. Gent named Thierry from a company called Home Audio Fidelity who then takes your REW files and develops convolution files that can be installed to Roon (a great Music playback system) anyway you can turn these filters on and off to instantly hear how they are or are not working for your particular room!

Better yet Larry... can you hook me up with Thierry? Assuming he can correct to my preferred target curve, I'll give convolution a try. I heard good things about it, so it will be interesting to compare it with Dirac. As I stated before, I am extremely open minded.

Can you can reassign one of the subs and have a VOG channel?

Not with the NAD... only one sub out on it. I have to get them time aligned and connect them all together. If I ever get an Maestro X9 that works, I'll have plenty of channels, but that could now be months away, depending on what AudioControl does.

 

[Sonnie Parker]

I found him Larry... I'll give it a try.

 

[Larry Megugorac]

I don’t think you will be disappointed....But you will need to bypass your Dirac path ....which I’m sure you know...let me how it goes!

 

[Sonnie Parker]

Yep... I can turn it off when using Roon, then turn it back on when not using Roon. Two-channel is what is most important to me anyway, although I still like all speakers corrected for movies... yet I'm not nearly as critical as I am for music.

What level of service do you use?

 

[Sal1950]

You gotta go with what sounds best to you, that is for sure. I've heard a few hundred systems thus far... bunches with very expensive outboard DACs, but still nothing any better than what I have now or have had for the last 10 years or so. Most sounded worse because of location and/or poor setup. If I ever hear anything better, I'll definitely consider it and give it a chance, as I am very open minded.

I've been very happy with Audyssey + Editor. The only negative I can throw out is that the requirement of using small screen cell phones and such makes fine adjustments to curves difficult. Many of us use an emulator app to run the android OS on our PC's but sometimes the emulator software can be buggy. I do really wish D-M would port the app to Windows/Mac, this is not the kind of work to do an a phone.
Also everyone seems to forget that Audyssey has had the ability to adjust 2 subwoofers independently for a number of years now. That's something Dirac has only brought to market in the last year but it's still not available to 90% of it's users.. That was one of the major reasons I bought my AV7703 a few years back over the others, I have dual subs and Audyssey does a A-1 job of getting them flawlessly incorporated in my 5.2.4 system.

Two-channel is what is most important to me anyway, although I still like all speakers corrected for movies..

That's a shame, you need to come out of that 1960s 2 channel world and get your rig optimized for multich music, it stomps plain ole stereo.

 

[LarryMagoo]

Yep... I can turn it off when using Roon, then turn it back on when not using Roon. Two-channel is what is most important to me anyway, although I still like all speakers corrected for movies... yet I'm not nearly as critical as I am for music.

What level of service do you use?

Yep....that's why I have a 5 Channel amp....listen to Stereo Music and multichannel TV and Movies....I don't have an exotic multichannel....just 5.2 it is easily enough to fill my modest 15 X 20 X 12 listening room. I use to listen to a lot SACD's wish I knew how Rip multichannel discs...I know it can be done but haven't jumped down that rabbit hole yet...One of Roon's best features is being installed on multi devices. I can control my entire system with my iPad any where in the house. Marantz also has a great app for control as well on my iPad.

I am not sure what you mean by level of service? ...from Roon? ...oh....maybe you mean membership?...I'm a life time subscriber..

Cheers!

 

[Sonnie Parker]

I've been very happy with Audyssey + Editor. The only negative I can throw out is that the requirement of using small screen cell phones and such makes fine adjustments to curves difficult. Many of us use an emulator app to run the android OS on our PC's but sometimes the emulator software can be buggy. I do really wish D-M would port the app to Windows/Mac, this is not the kind of work to do an a phone.
Also everyone seems to forget that Audyssey has had the ability to adjust 2 subwoofers independently for a number of years now. That's something Dirac has only brought to market in the last year but it's still not available to 90% of it's users.. That was one of the major reasons I bought my AV7703 a few years back over the others, I have dual subs and Audyssey does a A-1 job of getting them flawlessly incorporated in my 5.2.4 system.

That's a shame, you need to come out of that 1960s 2 channel world and get your rig optimized for multich music, it stomps plain ole stereo.

I agree... working off a phone is so painful.

I'm optimized for multi-channel, it's just not as important as two-channel at this point. Part of that has to do with the fact there if very little music I care for in multi-channel. I actually own the few I care about, and they sound great, but it's not enough for me to be that concerned with.

Keep in mind... a good setup in two-channel will make you think it's multi-channel.

I am not sure what you mean by level of service? ...from Roon? ...oh....maybe you mean membership?...I'm a life time subscriber..

I was referring to your Convolution filters thru Thierry... he has several levels of service.

Did you measure the before and after response that you can share with us?

 

[Larry Megugorac]

The basic need for me, was like most situations, lower freq. For me on the order of 1000 cycles on down....I should do another REW and see what it measures with filters engaged....I have only observed the changes using meter reading on my iPad..... and verified it was smoothed out dramatically from what I sent Thierry.

I like being able to send him the 2-3 songs that where used for measuring and so he knows your type of music. I have made some changes to my system and will Re measure and send off to HAF. He gives you a better deal the second time around. I pay for a crosstalk and non cross talk versions and compare them.

 

[Robert Zohn]

Marantz included our company with the first AV7706 allocation. Our shipment is scheduled to arrive the week fo October 19th.