Marantz AV8802 Dolby Atmos Processor

The new Marantz AV8802 Dolby Atmos Processor is their flagship A/V preamplifier that brings the line up to date with class-leading features and even the ability to upgrade the hardware for HDCP 2.2 compatibility. The build quality of the Marantz AV8802 is stellar, from the toroidal transformer to the three piece top cover and copper-plated chassis. The new AV8802 preamp will be available in February 2015 and will be priced at $3,999.

The Marantz AV8802 is an 11.2 channel A/V preamplifier that bumps up the capabilities of the well-regarded AV7702 while still retaining such advanced features as Dolby Atmos and Auro-3D (the last via a paid upgrade). The AV8802 processes all signals through its proprietary HDAM (Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Module) before passing it through to the balanced XLR outputs. This is the same technology found on the company’s Reference Series separates and it delivers low noise and an all-discrete configuration. HDAM also provides an ultra-fast slew rate for true wideband response and maximizes the dynamic range for use with demanding high resolution audio formats.

Marantz AV8802 Dolby Atmos Processor Build Quality

The Marantz AV8802 impressed us with its build quality and architecture, but it’s the level of detail that also impresses. The company used audiophile 32bit/192kHz DA-Converters and also a power supply that rolls with four 10.000µF capacitors for plenty of headroom. The AV8802 uses four DSP (Digital Sound Processing) engines, so it can run 11.2 channels while supporting Audyssey DSX, DTS Neo:X 11.1, or the new immersive 3D sound formats without breaking a sweat.

An advanced video processing section means that the AV8802 also fully supports next generation 4K Ultra HD high resolution video and HDMI 2.0 features like 4K 50/60Hz pass-through and 4:4:4 Color. Full HDCP 2.2 will be supported via a future paid hardware upgrade. The AV8802 is capable of upscaling 1080p content to 4K and also transcoding both HD and SD analogue video sources. Run a single HDMI cable to your flat panel TV or projector and you can play back any connected source at any resolution. 7 rear and 1 front HDMI input—as well as 3 HDMI outputs—let you connect tons of sources while also driving 2 different displays—each with an independent source. You could run one display in your primary room and another HDMI display in a 2nd zone—even at 4K resolution!

With built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, the AV8802 also retains near-infinite connectivity options, like Internet Radio, Spotify Connect, Pandora, SiriusXM, and AirPlay. You can even play and stream music files from a PC or external hard drive using DLNA. File support includes MP3, WMA, FLAC HD, ALAC, WAV192/24 & AAC. Gapless, DSD, and AIFF are also supported for tracks such as live concerts or classical recordings. A front-USB iPod digital-compatible input and Phono MM input are also present for portable music and vinyl fans alike.

To give users the most possible connectivity options, the Marantz AV8802 Dolby Atmos Preprocessor comes with 13.2ch pre-out capability (in both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA formats) and you even get a 2-channel XLR input for high resolution balanced stereo sources. Audyssey MultEQ XT32 (Pro ready) room correction lets you calibrate the entire room as a “sweet spot” and Audyssey LFC reduces the transmission of low frequency sound through walls to other rooms, while Audyssey Sub EQ HT cares for perfect integration of two subwoofers in the home theater setup.

While you get a very capable backlit remote control, the Marantz Remote App (available in iOS and Android) really lets you customize and operate all zones of the Marantz AV8802 from your iOS or Android smart phone or tablet.

AV8802 Multichannel A/V Preamplifier Features

• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth built-in
• Current Feedback topology and new Marantz HDAM
• Toroidal transformer & Copper plated chassis
• High performance power supply with 4x 10.000μF capacitors
• Audiophile 32bit / 192kHz DA-Converters
• Auro-3D upgrade-ready (up to Auro 10.1)
• Dolby Atmos (5.1.2, 5.1.4, 7.1.2, 7.1.4 configuration)
• Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio
• Audyssey MultEQ XT32, LFC, Sub EQ HT, Pro ready
• Audyssey DSX; DTS Neo:X (11.1ch)
• 13.2ch pre-out (13.2ch XLR, 13.2ch RCA) and 11.2ch signal processing
• Latest HDMI version with 4k 50/60Hz 4:4:4 resolution
• HDCP 2.2 upgradeable (requires hardware modification)
• 7+1 front HDMI in / 3 HDMI out (2 + 1 zone) (4k 50/60Hz, 3D, ARC, Deep Color)
• HDMI scaling 1080p, 4k 50/60 Hz
• ISF video calibration
• HD Audio streaming: FLAC 192/24, DSD, ALAC, MP3, WAV, AAC, WMA, AIFF
• Gapless Playback
• USB port
• Spotify Connect, Pandora, SiriusXM, Flickr, Internet Radio support
• Phono (MM) input
• Setup Assistant and Advanced GUI
• RS232
• Marantz Remote App (iOS and Android)

Shop the Marantz AV8802 Processor at Audiogurus