SR7002 RC8001SR Remote and HD Audio Support

The RC8001SR is a nice overall learning remote. It features a backlit LCD screen with 5 soft keys that control additional features (up to 4 pages per device). These soft pages can support up to 5 additional soft functions which can be learned in addition to whatever functions show up from the pre-programmed codes. The soft keys are fully editable and configurable to ensure that the features you need are available and accessible. For a standard remote this is extremely flexible and one of the best and most usable remotes I've seen included with an AV receiver. It will take you some time to wade through the setup steps, but it's all spelled out very clearly in the User Manual.

The remote can handle up to 20 macros, each of which can issue 20 IR commands. The 20 macros are accessed by pressing the M button at the top of the remote's LCD screen and you can rename all 20 macros as desired (up to 7 characters).

The RC8001SR has no CableTV button. In addition, the input buttons do not allow you to assign any 4-digit pre-programmed code from the list. This means that, for example, the DSS and TV buttons won't allow themselves to be configured for cable set-top box codes. During programming the remote will simply give you a WRONG CODE error. If you have a Scientific Atlanta or Pioneer CableTV box you'll need to assign this to Aux1 and that's the source you'll need to select for CableTV. Apparently, the folks at Marantz think that CD-Rs, MiniDiscs and VCRs are far more popular than CableTV. We politely disagree and hope they will reconsider both labels and pre-programmable code functionality in their next model. Additionally, we found that the slight delay from hitting a button to getting the desired action was a bit frustrating at times.

Backlighting is effective on this remote in that everything is adequately lit. The backlight time can be set using the Setup menu of the remote control and is activated by pressing either of the dedicated light buttons at the bottom of the remote. The only downside is that there is no way to have the backlight come on automatically when any control is pressed on the remote.

Source Switching

When you first select a Source button you are then able to control functions for that device. If you double click the source, you cause the receiver to switch inputs to that source. I really liked the way this worked. It makes sense and seemed a practical way to ensure you could still gain easy access to your components without always switching inputs. What isn't always intuitive is that, without dedicated AV receiver buttons, you'll always need to remember to hit the "Amp" button before controlling any receiver -specific functions.

Noteworthy is the fact that activating the Main Menu via HDMI will disrupt any audio being sent to the system for approximately 3-4 seconds.

RC101 Zone 2 Remote

The supplied Zone 2 remote works very well in its general use. In fact I really liked the automatic backlight, easy key layout, source selection and size. If you are utilizing the amplifiers in the SR7002 you will not initially be able to control the output volume as the remote comes configured to control the level of the Multi Zone preamp outputs. To switch the remote to control the volume of the Multi Speaker outputs (the amplifiers of the SR7002) you need to simultaneously press the 'Set' and 'Power On' buttons, then press the #2 button (also labeled 'DVD'), and then push the Enter button. Doing this will lock in the new volume control mode. The other thing that is very nice about the Zone 2 remote is the discrete On/Off controls for both the Multi Speaker Zone and the selected source. This is something even the main RC8001SR remote lacks (for Sources).

HD Audio Support

Not only does the SR7002 support Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus and dts-HD formats via HDMI, it has dedicated 7.1 analogue inputs for legacy DVD-Audio and SACD players that may not be able to send those formats via HDMI. This means that if you are an audiophile with a very nice SACD player you're not left out in the dust - and you don't have to upgrade to a newer HDMI-enabled universal player to retain the quality of your recordings. No matter what format you're looking to send to the Marantz SR7002, it's going to have a way to handle it.

The Testing System

We updated Reference System 2 a few weeks ago to introduce higher quality speakers into the RBH Sound CinemaSITE system. It now contains updated Signature SI-760/R speakers which have an updated driver design which really brings out the detail and clarity in music. The always difficult-to-get-right midrange is particularly impressive. As it is configured now, the system contains three SI-760/R speakers across the front, a pair of 66-SE dipole surround speakers and a pair of SI-1010P powered subwoofers. With the exception of the dipole surrounds, the Signature in-wall speakers reside within the CinemaSITE structure, which also supports the 92-inch Masquerade projector screen masking system from Carada. I am able to utilize the Audyssey MultEQ system to aid in smoothing out the subwoofer response in this room and have treated the room with acoustical material provided by RPG Diffusors. All audio electronics are conditioned and protected by an APC S15 system with additional SBATT. When the power goes out in Central Florida, this home theater can continue to play a movie all the way through the credits. As far as audio goes, that just about sums it all up.