MX122 vs Maratz AV8805 vs Marantz AV7705
 

I am finally pulling the trigger on my HT upgrade and going to separates. I am going to order the MC8207 for 7 channel amplification, but a bit stuck on the processor to choose from.

In keeping with all MC, the MX122 would be the ideal choice for me vs the much more expensive MX160. From what I have read, the MX122 is for the most part a rebranded Marantz for the HT aspect, for which I am most interested. 2 channel listening I am not much into (I run all channels when listening to music via SACD's, streaming, Airplay, etc), and from what I understand this is what pushes the Mac past any Marantz model? This would be my most expensive option, but I would be "one and done" in all McIntosh!

My cost saving thoughts then kick in, deciding to skip over the MX122, and go to Marantz - i.e. the AV8805 or AV7705. I don't really see me ever going past 11 channels, so I could save further dropping down from the AV8805 to the AV7705. They both seem to then share the Audyssey calibration, along with the MX122. This then leaves both of the Marantz options the same with the exception of the 13 channels vs 11? I am also not interested in adding zones to other rooms, etc with this as far as that goes.

I hope to make this purchase last for at least the 8-9 years I have waited to upgrade my current Pioneer Elite processor, and now seems ideal with all the new releases lately for beyond 7 channel decoding. I appreciate any feedback to assist in my final decision for the processor upgrade!

-Ryan

I think the MX122 and MX160 are near the end of life. You might get an awesome deal on either used when the new model gets announced. Or save some money and get the marantz preamp for now and pair it with the Mc8207 so it'll be less painful if you upgrade.

I bought a MX122, I was in the market for a marantz or denon. If I knew then what I know now I would have gotten the MX160. I didn't know much about a DAC then.

The 8805 really sounds better than the 77xx series.

Better analog output stages
Better DAC - multiple discrete AKM4490 (used in Esoteric K01/K03 etc) vs single multi channel 4458
Better volume control
- upgrade path to new HDMI board in 2019/2020

I'd also avoid the MX122.

If you really like music playback, other options to consider are
Arcam AV860

As an MX122 owner, I'm sad that I clicked on this thread. Having said that, I recently moved from an MX121 to the 122 along with my upgrade to 4K televisions in zone 1 and zone 2. I'm very happy with the decision to stick with McIntosh.

Hello,


I'm checking with my AV Dealer now on the New Marantz 8805.


https://www.us.marantz.com/Assets/im...p_001_XL-L.png


I really like what I have read about it on multiple internet sites.


Terry

The Marantz is probably the most cost-effective way to go, but if you have a stack of blue meters as power, having that ugly port-hole just doesn't do it justice.



It almost drives one toward: if you don't need bells and whistles - SP3. If you need bells and whistles - SP4 (but then you are in MX16x $$ territory).

Great to get some feedback and thanks!! I am leaning towards Marantz, but still back and forth on the AV8805 vs AV7705. I know I will never use more than 11 channels and am having trouble justifying that the AV8805 would sound so much better at 2x the cost. I am also not the biggest fan of the blue port hole, but this will not be in view when my HT screen is down for movies. I also ran over the manuals and you can turn it on/off in the settings, which is nice. I'm still trying to get some free time to get to my local McIntosh dealer to get the MC8207 on order. They also sell Marantz, so I am hoping they maybe have one, or both of the Marantz models to compare to each other, and the MX122 that I know is there to make my final decision. It will be interesting in what they have to say as well being that they do sell both brands.

-Ryan

If you listen in pure audio mode, all LEDs are dimmed. :thumbsup:

https://www.us.marantz.com/Assets/im...p_001_XL-L.png
Well it is confirmed the Marantz AV8805 has officially been ordered.
It's waiting for the HT to be painted and drywall repairs 1st.


https://www.audioaficionado.org/showthread.php?t=43539

Terry

My MC 8207 lasted 3 years before developing annoying hums. Lose a channel , lose the HT setup while repairs are going on. 2 Parasound A52+ a much better deal. Something happens with one you still have 5 channels.