Marantz AV7702mkII Atmos/DTS:X AV Processor and Amplifier Preview

Along with its new lineup of power amplifiers, Marantz announced an upgraded version of its AV7702 model AV preamp/processor- The AV7702mkII. Last year’s model was a unit to drool over, packed with features and Marantz’s first Dolby Atmos enabled multi-channel preamplifier.  With this year’s upgraded model, consumers will get all the stuff that made the AV7702 a great pre/pro plus features such as HDMI 2.0a compatibility to support the pass-through of HDR content as well as 2.2 copy protection on all HDMI inputs and outputs. Also new with the mkII is 32-bit DAC for all channels and DTS:X and DTS Neural:X via a firmware update for object based 3D surround format to complete today’s available 3D immersive surround sound options.  With all these features, the Atmos-capable AV7702mkII can even be upgraded to support Auro 3D for an additional fee.  Though, most consumers are still waiting on some serious software support from Auro to see if the upgrade is even worthwhile.

Out of the box, the AV7702 will support 7.1.4 or 9.1.2 Dolby Atmos configurations for fully immersive surround sound. However, as mentioned earlier, there are options to upgrade the machine for Auro-3D and the Auromatic upmixer up to 10.1 channels via a paid software upgrade. With all these upgrades the AV7702mkII should be ready for the next generation of Blu-ray disc players, set-top boxes and other 4K Ultra HD sources.

The audio section allows for the passing of the signal to either the 11.2ch XLS or 13.2ch RCA pre-outs, and to an external power amplifier which is required since this is not an AV receiver with built in power amps. The AV7702mkII also has a dedicated pre-amplifier board with HDAM and a power supply for the pre-amplifier stage. It comes equipped with audiophile grade ELNA capacitors to give special treatment to high-resolution audio reproduction. The extended shielding for each pre-amplifier section is designed to minimize interference.

Also new to the AV7702mkII is addition of compatibility with the Marantz Remote app, so you can control it from your iOS or Android phone or tablet.

Marantz recommends pairing the AV7702mkII preamp with a Marantz MM series power amplifier. Marantz offers three MM series models that are newly upgraded this year. The lineup begins with Marantz’s MM7025, a 2-channel power amplifier followed by the MM7055, 5-channel power amplifier.

The MM7025 Power Amplifier

The MM7055 Power Amplifier

Marantz’s highest-grade power amplifier, the 7-channel MM8077 includes many of the innovations and technologies normally found in Marantz’ ultimate-quality Reference Series audio components, such as a copper plated chassis, high current toroidal power transformer, and current feedback discrete power amplifier stage design.  All MM series Marantz power amplifiers allows custom integrators and consumers to create high quality home entertainment systems with matching sonic performance and Marantz design integrity.

 

The MM8055 Power Amplifier

Bottom Line

Marantz is providing the latest in HD Video and Immersive Audio at more down to earth prices with this separates combo.  Basically you can configure your room as needed depending on the your speaker layout or the layout you want to achieve.  You can get into a 5.1.4 Dolby Atmos setup with the AV7702mkII pre/pro, and two MM7055 5CH amps for around $4,600.  This comes out to $800 less than using their MM8077 7CH amp and MM7025 2CH amp combo.  Thus, we recommend the dual MM7055 amp package if you're planning a 5.1.4 speaker system.

For even more immersive sound you can get a 7.1.4 setup with the AV7702mkII pre/pro, MM8077 7Ch amp and MM7055 5Ch amp for about  $5,800.   You can use that extra unused amplifier channel to power a buttkicker or a passive subwoofer.

All of the power amps are available now. However, Marantz plans to start selling the AV7702mkII A/V Network Pre-processor in October priced at $2,199. Look for a full review of the many features of this impressive pre/pro in the near future.

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.