Marantz Announces AV7706 11.2Ch 8K Ultra HD AV Surround Pre-Amplifier

On the heels of what we would consider an ecstatic preview of Marantz’ new SR Series of AV Receivers as well as our comprehensive review of the SR8015 flagship model, Marantz just announced the release of  its new 8K surround AV pre-amplifier, the AV7706. This AV preamplifier features 11.2 channels of XLR and RCA pre-outs and is designed to be used with other Marantz amplifiers such as the MM8077, MM7055 and MM7025.

From the numbers and features we’ve seen from other Marantz preamps, the AV7706 looks to be a good choice if you're looking for a new analog preamplifier since it comes with Marantz’s HDAM circuitry in the preamp section and analog bypass capability. According to Marantz, the HDAM circuitry helps optimize channel separation, minimum crosstalk and enhance signal to noise ratios. Additionally, ELNA capacitors in the analog section should ensure exceptional power and dynamic ability for traditional physical sources, like record players and CDs.

The AV7706 enables the next chapter of entertainment with the highest quality, crystal clear viewing experience and masterful-quality external power amplification for the most demanding active speakers.  Our team continues to build on our storied 68-year history to set the standard for high-performance home cinema. Fans will enjoy the audiophile sound you expect from Marantz combined with the latest in video and audio decoding. 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.

--Joel Sietsema, President, Marantz.

For connectivity, the new Marantz AV7706 comes with eight HDMI inputs and three outputs. One dedicated 8K input supports 8K/60Hz or 4K/120Hz pass-through capability, 4:4:4 Pure Color sub-sampling, Dolby Vision, HLG, HDR10, 21:9 video, 3D, and BT.2020 pass-through while the latest HDCP 2.3 copy protection standard is supported on all HDMI inputs. The AV7706 also comes with HDR10+, Dynamic HDR, auto low latency mode (ALLM), variable refresh rate (VRR), quick media switching (QMS), and quick frame transport (QFT) support. The video processor can also upscale any native video source up to 8K quality. In addition, the AV7706 features HDMI eARC which supports 3D audio formats including Dolby Atmos, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization, DTS:X, DTS Virtual:X, IMAX Enhanced, and Auro-3D. Marantz has NOT announced DTS:X Pro support on this model despite their flagship SR8015 will be getting that update in the near future. We believe DTS:X Pro is reserved for models with > 11CH of processing such as the Marantz SR8015 AV receiver (13CH), Denon AVR-X8500H and the eventual Marantz AV8806 model to come.

Marantz AV7706 8K 11.2CH AV Processor Teaser Video

For integrators and installers, the AAV7706 offers extended support for easy custom integration like OvrC and Domotz Pro, two major remote monitoring and management technologies along with dedicated web user interface to set up the AV receiver from a computer on the same network. Installers can easily monitor the status of connected products and troubleshoot remotely from a separate location or on-the-go.

Additionally, with external RS232 and IP control capabilities, the AV7706 is easily customizable for use with third-party integration solutions. It also offers IP control capability for major third-party control devices, as well as Control4 SDDP (Simple Device Detection Protocol) certification for seamless integration with Control4 home automation equipment. IR (infrared) remote control input and output are included on the rear panel for remote control compatibility with other components in your home theater system.

The Marantz AV7706 ($2,499) is available at all authorized Marantz retailers and custom integrators. For more information, visit us.marantz.com.

 Our own Matt Poes has an AV7705 in hand and we plan on getting him an AV7706 to do a direct comparison on features and performance so stay tuned...

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