Marantz Unveils SR7012, SR8012 AV Receivers and AV7704 Processor with Alexa Skill

Marantz Combines Legendary Sound Quality with the Latest Home Cinema Technology including Voice Control, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Auro-3D and Apple Airplay2

Marantz® announced the expansion of its latest home cinema line-up with two high-end network AV receivers, SR7012 and SR8012, along with the AV7704 multichannel AV preamplifier/processor which replaces the AV7702mkII. The SR7012 and SR8012 are among the first AVRs on the market compatible with Amazon Alexa’s Smart Home Skill for Entertainment Devices starting September 19, 2017, and will support Alexa Multi-room functionality via a firmware update in November, bringing the power and simplicity of voice control to the home theater.

Marantz’s AV7704 preamp/processor offers installers even more flexibility and power through its ability to manage the latest audio and video formats. Serving as yet another testament to Marantz’s reputation of delivering legendary performance and premium sound quality, the SR7012, SR8012 and AV7704 also boast full HEOS wireless multiroom audio integration, empowering integrators and users to seamlessly create a whole-home audio experience that is easy to use and manage.

All three models support the latest in 3D immersive surround formats. The SR7012 and SR8012 feature high-grade audio components to preserve sound quality by delicately handling all signals via Marantz’s proprietary HDAMs (Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Module) before passing them on to the power stage. Marantz’s AV7704 pre-amplifier follows the same design implementation of HDAM to take advantage of high-resolution content quality in order to present the purest output. Without compromising video quality at the expense of music playback, these new AV systems are designed to sit at the heart of a high-end home entertainment system. The SR7012, SR8012 and AV7704 each are equipped with a new AV solution that supports full 4K compatibility and provides advanced home cinema intelligence, including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and out-of-box Auro-3D decoding.

“Marantz is committed to paving the way for the future of audio performance by giving consumers and integrators the technologies needed to experience new dimensions of sound,” said Brendon Stead, senior vice president, product development at Sound United. “Users will be excited to put these new Marantz receivers to the test, as the SR7012, SR8012 and AV7704 offer even more power and advanced functionalities, such as HEOS compatibility for whole-home audio and voice control compatibility that pairs with the latest smart home devices. These partnerships are revolutionary to the industry and will serve as cornerstones for any elite home-cinema system moving forward.”

Marantz SR7012 and SR8012 AV Receivers

Having completely re-tuned sound using upgraded parts and features, the SR7012 is a 9.2 channel network AV Receiver with 11.2 channel processing capability, that includes a 192kHz/32bit digital to analog converter block with Clock Jitter Reducer for a more precise, pure and high-quality sound.

Complimentary of SR7012’s nine amplifier stages, each channel provides 125W of pure Marantz power and finesse, giving users the ability to drive a full 5.1.4 home cinema setup without the need for additional external amplifiers.

Taking the SR7012 a step higher, the Marantz SR8012 is a high-speed output amplifier that is said to offer exceptional audio and video quality through its 11.2 channel, full 4K Ultra HD AV surround receiver with HEOS integration and the complete immersive audio formats including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Auro-3D. Importantly, the SR8012 features high grade, carefully selected audio components, including three codecs capable of driving height and overhead speakers and the receiver's 11 high quality amplifier stages with 140W of power per output. These power ratings enable the SR8012 to drive a full 7.1.4 home cinema setup without the need of additional external amplifiers. The whole internal circuit further enhances audio quality by delicately handling all signals via Marantz’s own HDAMs (Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Module) in Current Feedback topology before passing them on to the power stage to fire up the connected speakers.

Marantz SR8012 Backpanel View

The new SR Series AV receivers are some of the first on the market to support Amazon Home Entertainment Skill integration and will be available September 19, 2017, which enables voice command through Alexa allowing users to operate basic commands such as power on/off, track skip and volume to name a few. Additionally, the new AVRs will support the recently announced Alexa Multi-room functionality starting in November, allowing users to leverage Alexa to operate streaming services through the AV receiver. This includes operating the SR7012 and SR8012’s built-in HEOS technology with HEOS wireless multi-room music network so users can enjoy their favorite music anywhere in the home. Additionally, by using the free HEOS app, users can explore, browse and play music from their own music library, from online streaming music services and from thousands of internet radio stations. Conversely, users can also connect to external platforms via Bluetooth® and AirPlay®, which allows music to steam directly from any compatible device.

Prepared for the future, the SR7012 and SR8012 both boast video capabilities that are fully compatible with the latest HDMI and HDCP 2.2 specifications on all eight HDMI ports. Additionally, both models have 4K Ultra HD 60Hz video, 4:4:4 Pure Color sub-sampling, High Dynamic Range (HDR), 21:9 video, 3D, BT.2020 pass-through, and Dolby Vision pass-through support on every input. All HDMI inputs enable a full array of 4K Ultra HD sources to be connected, and the triple HDMI outputs allow both models to support not just TV and projector set-ups in the main listening room, but also a separate display in another part of the house with an independent source. Audyssey MultEQ XT32 audio set-up and calibration ensures precise sound, which the user can tune using the Audyssey Editor app which is available through Google Play® and iTunes® stores. These advanced audio and video features give commercial integrators the ability to build more robust home cinema solutions while simultaneously introducing more customers to the power and beauty of multi-channel arrays featuring object-based audio.

Marantz SR8012 AV Receiver Top View

It's clear by the massive toroidal power supply, dual heatsinks, and monobloc amplifier construction that Marantz is returning to its roots in emphasis in "sound quality first" in AV receivers. We say a decline lately in AV receiver power supplies since the introduction of Atmos. Unlike the other models in the Marantz line, the SR8012 does NOT share a common architecture to sister company Denon counterparts.  Instead, this appears to be a completely new design exclusive to Marantz at this time.  Seeing the build quality of the SR8012 restores our faith that solid amplification isn't dead in AV receivers. This looks like one tasty amp section that we can't wait to get on our bench for testing.

Marantz AV7704 Preamp/Processor

For those building the ultimate home entertainment system, Marantz’s AV7704 is an upscale, multichannel AV processor and preamplifier, designed for use with high-quality external power amplification or active speakers. Beautifully designed for the advanced home cinema enthusiast, the AV7704 offers more choice for a power amplifier giving users full access to manage the latest audio and video format with versatile connectivity, making this an ideal solution for commercial integrators. Featuring superb surround sound audio quality from the latest surround formats, including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Auro-3D, the AV7704 preserves audio quality by delicately handling all signals via Marantz's proprietary current feedback HDAMs preamp, before passing them to the high-quality 11.2 channel XLR or 11.2 RCA outputs and separate power amp. This system also has the latest HDMI standard for future-proof compatibility and eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) support via a firmware update for the most advanced audio formats via single HDMI connection between AVRs and compatible TVs.

The AV7704 is packed with high-performance 192kHz/32bit D/A converters integrated on all channels to produce the highest resolution for music and movie sound. Presenting users with an elite home theater and entertainment experience, the AV7704 also has advanced wireless connectivity provided by both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth™ to support its many features, such as built-in HEOS technology enabling it to leverage a HEOS wireless multi-room music network. High-resolution audio formats and playback are fully supported for incredible fidelity. There is even a Phono MM input - ideal for users who leverage vinyl as a preferred media. Marantz’s AV7704 also comes with Audyssey MultEQ XT32, LFC, Sub EQ HT, Dynamic Volume and Dynamic EQ to deliver the ultimate equalization for your home theater space.  All three products are equipped with the Audyssey Editor App exclusive to Denon and Marantz to allow end users to customize their post calibration setup via their smartphone or tablet device.

The SR7012 ($2,199) will be available in September 2017, the SR8012 ($2,999) will be available November 2017, and the AV7704 ($2,199) will be available September 2017 through authorized Marantz retailers. For more information on the supported models for the new Dolby Vision and HLG compatibility firmware update please visit: http://www.us.marantz.com/us/

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