Marantz has just released its 7.2-channel AV7701
Preamplifier (SRP:$1,699).
The AV7701 features Apple?s AirPlay, which lets users
stream iTunes music, whether from a Mac or PC, as well as
directly from their iPhone, iPad or iPod
touch. The AV7701 features the
Marantz chassis design, with an aluminum front panel, the
traditional Marantz star and the recognizable illuminated
Marantz front porthole display. The
AV7701 is scheduled for availability this month.
Network and streaming
functions in the AV7701 allows users to
listen to portable devices via Bluetooth,
with the optional RX101 Bluetooth adapter,
or when connected to a home network,
users can enjoy thousands of internet radio
stations via Pandora and SiriusXM Internet Radio services,
as well as the Spotify music service. The AV7701 is also
DLNA 1.5 certified for compatibility with multimedia PCs
and other devices. A front panel USB port allows for direct
connection to portable devices, and two sets of main audio
outputs are provided, including 7.2 channel unbalanced
(RCA) jacks as well as 7.2 channel balanced (XLR)
outputs.
The AV7701 features the latest video processing
technologies, and includes the ability to upconvert SD and
HD content to 4K high
resolution video (3840x2160) for compatibility with
advanced video displays. Users may control the AV7701 using
the newly designed Marantz Remote App.
Connectivity options
abound, including seven HDMI inputs, along with three HDMI
outputs, all compatible with 3D and 4K content. Two of the HDMI outputs let users
play their favorite movies
and shows on two separate HDTVs, while the third HDMI
output lets viewers in
another room watch a second program from another source.
Both main HDMI
outputs feature Audio Return Channel functionality. There
are also multiple analog
video inputs, including component and composite video for
hooking up legacy
standard definition (SD) and high definition (HD) sources,
as well as a 7.1 channel
audio input.
The AV7701 features the latest digital audio
decoders, including Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Pro Logic IIx,
along with DTS-HD
Master Audio. There's also the option for configuring the
system to deliver additional
front height or front width channels to expand the front
soundstage, and
the AV7701 can also be configured for bi-amp mode for the
front main (L/R)
speakers. The AV7701 also features Marantz HDAM discrete
pre-amplifier modules.
Audyssey?s MultEQ XT automatic room acoustic correction
system analyzes the
sound output from every speaker in the room (microphone
included), and generates
precision digital filters that provide optimum sound
quality with virtually any
combination of speaker sizes and types. Audyssey Dynamic EQ
delivers full
range sound quality regardless of the volume control
setting. Audyssey DSX
processing provides the option of additional front height
or front width sound
channels, expanding the front soundstage. Marantz M-DAX
audio
processing is also included, which re-processes compressed
audio sources to deliver
the full dynamic range of the original musical performance.