New Marantz Pre-amp

[Clark Kent]

I think I know what my next preamp/processor is going to be...

http://us.marantz.com/Products/2317.asp

This Marantz AV8003 Networking AV Preamp/Processor looks very sweet. MSRP is $2599 and it handles all advanced audio codecs like DTS-HD MA. Though Marantz has been a little behind other manufacturers(has their BD player come out yet?) I expect this to be a very good unit.

[RUR]

Looks nice and the price isn't bad - wonder what scaler is inside.... Does the DTC 9.8 have balanced outs?

The BD player shows 20 June @ Musicdirect.

[navyman]

How does this work. I am very new to this audio stuff and all I have so far is an entry level onkyo home theater in a box. I took a look at the website and saw the preamp and then the amp. Do you just combine the 2 instead of one reciever? And where do you connect the subwoofer. I am a few years away from building a high end system probably 4-5 years when my pay reaches the 6 figures level, but I would like to start learning about it now.

[RUR]

Originally Posted by navyman

How does this work. I am very new to this audio stuff and all I have so far is an entry level onkyo home theater in a box. I took a look at the website and saw the preamp and then the amp. Do you just combine the 2 instead of one reciever? And where do you connect the subwoofer. I am a few years away from building a high end system probably 4-5 years when my pay reaches the 6 figures level, but I would like to start learning about it now.

Yes, Pre/Pro+Amp=Reciever (or AVR, as it is commonly called), though there are advantages to both approaches. An AVR means fewer boxes and less connections. Probable higher WAF, if that's important in your household, as it is in mine.

Amp technology changes very slowly, so a good amp now will likely continue to be a good amp for years to come. Pre/Pro technology changes much more rapidly. Within the past year or so, we've seen HDMI 1.3 and the addition of DTS HD MA and TrueHD decoding. This means that folks who buy separate Pre/Pro and Amp ("separates", as they're called), need not re-buy an amplifier when they upgrade their Pre/Pro. In theory, this saves money over the long haul. There are usually audio quality benefits via separates, but that may not be true in all cases.

[MatrixS2000]

Originally Posted by RUR

Does the DTC 9.8 have balanced outs?

Yes.

[RUR]

So, aesthetics aside, what benefits does the Marantz offer vs. the Onkyo/Integra?

[ryoohki]

Well it's 800$ more than the 9.8... why?

[Beta Man]

Originally Posted by RUR

So, aesthetics aside, what benefits does the Marantz offer vs. the Onkyo/Integra?

They build better components for better sound quality, but obviously I haven't auditioned this latest incarnation from them, but from what they have produced in the past, they make very good components. I'm saving up my pennies for new Rotel Separates, and mono-block amps.

The speakers obviously make a HUGE difference, so I'll give this analogy....

The Speakers are the CAR..... the components are the GAS..... obviously buying a Ferrari over a Mustang gives you WAY more power, etc. but once you get that power, both can benefit by being fed High-Octane fuel.....

In the same respect, just giving high-octane fuel won't turn your Mustang into a Ferrari which makes me scratch my head when people spend $1,000 on a new receiver and connect their $2,500 speakers..... to each their own though.

[RUR]

^^^^
Preaching to the choir and I guess I should have been more specific. What significant features does the Marantz offer vice the Integra? Also, it would be nice if we could determine what upscaling solution the Marantz will use.

LOL, I'm in the market for a couple of Audio Research monoblocks for my 2ch system. If you're going 5/7 monoblocks for a HT, that's a lot of pennies!

[richteer]

Originally Posted by RUR

^^^^

LOL, I'm in the market for a couple of Audio Research monoblocks for my 2ch system. If you're going 5/7 monoblocks for a HT, that's a lot of pennies!

I'd like a pair of ARC Ref 200s for my stereo system, but for now I'll have to "make do" with my PrimaLuna Prologue 7s. :-) (The ARC Ref 610T rather too big for my needs, and the $40K price tag is breathtaking!)

[Beta Man]

Originally Posted by RUR

^^^^
Preaching to the choir and I guess I should have been more specific. What significant features does the Marantz offer vice the Integra? Also, it would be nice if we could determine what upscaling solution the Marantz will use.

LOL, I'm in the market for a couple of Audio Research monoblocks for my 2ch system. If you're going 5/7 monoblocks for a HT, that's a lot of pennies!

I only want to push the fronts with mono-blocks so three of them I guess..... but I haven't looked that far into it.... I'm still in the saving pennies stage!!!!

[RUR]

Originally Posted by richteer

I'd like a pair of ARC Ref 200s for my stereo system, but for now I'll have to "make do" with my PrimaLuna Prologue 7s. :-) (The ARC Ref 610T rather too big for my needs, and the $40K price tag is breathtaking!)

Poor you! Ref 200's would be great and I'd pick up a pair for the right price, but I'm looking for something to drive a pair of Vantages and 140's should do the trick nicely for ~half the price. Rogue 150's are also interesting and have received some excellent press.
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/rogue2/m150.html among others.

[sandman6662]

Here's the pic's & info of the new pair from Marantz,Man I wish I was rich to have these two, Like Champage dreams on a Beer can buget,LOL But to look at these two is like wow very nice and so much to offer,enjoy .Guess this will give Denon a run against thiere new AVP set..

** COMING SOON ** AV8003 Networking AV Preamp/Processor
$2599.99

Digital Media Player for Ethernet
- Audio, Video and Photo (supporting DLNA)
Video Scaler Up to 1080p
HDMI V1.3a: 4-in/2-out
Dolby TrueHD, dts HD, Deep Color
DSD (SA-CD), Auto Lip Sync
XLR Pre Output Terminals
XLR Audio Inputs for SA-CD
Multi Room Component Video Out
RC2001 Main Remote(PC Programmable, Learning)
RC101 Sub Remote(for Multi Room Control, Learning)
HD Radio / XM Ready / Sirius Ready
THX Certified
Copper Plated Chassis
Toroidal Power Transformer
New Clean Front Panel

Equipped with all of the latest high resolution audio formats, the forthcoming AV8003 is the perfect centerpiece for the ultimate home theater system. Featuring 7.1 channel Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding, the AV8003 is also THX Ultra2 certified, with additional THX surround sound post-processing functions. Able to handle a variety of input sources and formats, the AV8003 features a quartet of latest specification v1.3a HDMI inputs, which provide high resolution audio format compatibility as well as supporting Deep Color and xvYCC extended video formats, for the ultimate picture and sound quality with high definition sources such as Blu-Ray.

For whole home entertainment, the AV8003 features three zone A/V signal distribution, including high definition video via HDMI for the main zone, component video to the second zone, with third zone independent audio program capability. The AV8003 also features a built-in video processor that provides de-interlacing and up-conversion to 1080P. Multiple power supplies and extensive internal shielding, along with a full copper-plated chassis provide maximum audio and video signal integrity. A build in digital media player makes it easy to stream Audio, Video and Photos from your PC or NAS device to your theater. Combined with the companion MM8003 8 channel power amplifier, the AV8003 delivers nothing less than the ultimate home theater viewing and listening experience.







** COMING SOON ** MM8003 8 Channel Power Amplifier
$2399.99

140W x 8ch (8 ohms) Power Amplifiers
Low Impedance Continuous Drive Capability
Current Feedback Amplifier Circuit
Massive Toroidal Power Transformer
Slow Start to Power On
8ch XLR Input Terminals
DC Trigger Control Inputs, DC Power Status
Outputs, IR Flasher Input Terminals
Output Channel Relay On/Off Control
by Remote Signal (to Multi Zone Use)
Copper Plated Chassis
Gold Plated Speaker Terminals
Marantz Designed Storage Capacitors for Quick
Response to Rapidly Varying Sources
New Clean Design Front Panel


A perfect complement to AV8003 preamplifier/processor, the matching MM8003 eight channel power amplifier features a massive toroidal main power transformer that provides high current, low impedance capability along with cooler-running reliability. Equipped with both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA input jacks, the MM8003 also features audiophile grade gold plated speaker connectors.

With 140 watts per channel output, the MM8003’s eight channel configuration can power a complete 7.1 channel speaker system, including a passive in-wall subwoofer, for example. The stylish chassis features internal copper plating for maximum signal integrity, and the elegant front panel smartly matches that of the companion AV8003. Remote control input and output jacks allow external component control along with output channel relay on/off and slow start to power-on mode. Power, precision and audio purity are the hallmarks of the reference class MM8003, the ideal power amplifier for virtually any deluxe home theater speaker system.

[Scooby Blu]

Well, the website does not say Comming Soon any longer ! I heard they started to ship yesterday June 16th. Has anyone heard anything at all ??

[Chevypower]

Onkyo also has one coming out... balanced audio (XLR) pre-outs too, it's half the price of the Marantz

[Woody]

Originally Posted by Chevypower

Onkyo also has one coming out... balanced audio (XLR) pre-outs too, it's half the price of the Marantz

Onkyo already has the 885 out that retails for $1800 I believe.

Integra has the 9.8 out that retails for $1600.