New to Marantz - Looking for an AVP?
 

Having been out of the A/V/D world for many years, we've been trying desperately to catch up.

As the signature (below) shows, we presently use a Mac MX-130 as the "brains" of our stereo system. As has been pointed out by several helpful members of the AAF, the MX-130 is way behind when it comes to the latest port/input technology, so it is clearly outdated in regard to the melding of Audio, Video and Digital (A/V/D).

Perhaps it started with the acquisition of our LG OLED television or our Sony X800M2 Player, but we quickly became aware of the fact that HDMI has a pretty strong foothold in the industry. Of the three outputs on the rear of our Sony X800M2, for example, two of them are HDMI...which leads me to the point.

We just came from having a Marantz SR7103 demonstrated for us, which, according to the Magnolia rep, can serve as an Audio Video Player (AVP). I also stumbled upon the fact that it contains an integrated amplifier section, but I think that I'll leave the interpretation of this unit to you folks on the Marantz board.

In short, we would like to employ as much of our present audio gear -- which includes a new Oppo 203 -- into a "newish" 5.1 surround system. I realize that our B&W N802, N805s and our old MC300 amp will never be up to the latest in A/V/D technology, but it still sounds great, so we figure that there's still a place for all of them.

By the way, we are presently looking for a matching center speaker and, possibly, an amp that will drive it. It's the control center, pre/pro or AVP -- whatever you wish to call it --that's brought me to this forum board.

Thanks for your time and your suggestions. :D

The SR7103 is last year's 3rd tier AVR. I would expect a nice discount on it.

OTOH, it is an AVR so, of course, it comes with power amps but do you want or need them? Also, its preamp level outputs to feed external power amps is only RCA, not XLR, and that may be an issue for you.

If you are thinking of going to swap this for your MX-130 (and do not need the internal amps), I'd suggest you consider the AV7705 instead.

You should get a dedicated good quality AV pre pro. There are many options out there. The Marantz AV8805 will be a good option. There's also Anthem AVM60, NAD M17 v2, newer Mac pre pros eg MX122, MX160, Arcam pre pros, Audio Control Maestro, etc, etc. As long as they support 4K HDR since you have the 4K OLED TV.

I would put in a vote for an Pre-pro from Marantz as well. The latest model is the AV7705
I am using the AV7703 that replaced a MX 121 Great performer.

Edward

Kal..... Yep, I had the exact same question about the "integrated" amplifier section in the SR7103 we listened to (yesterday). That is, do we need the amplifier circuitry? The answer, in a word, is "No."

We just returned today (Monday) from another demonstration in the Magnolia department of another BB. Unlike yesterday, though, this Magnolia was a "design center," so it had some actual audiophile grade gear in it...The two MC1.2KWs feeding a pair of B&W 800 D3s...fuhgedaboudit!! Nils Lofgren never sounded better! :D

Putting that to one side, we did get to hear an HTM2 D3 center matched to a pair of 803 D3s and, yes, it was all being driven via a Marantz AV Receiver, the SR7015. What we heard in that sound room didn't compare to the "beasts" in the Mac sound room, of course, but the quality of the HTM2 D3 center definitely came through. In short, we finally got to hear what a high-quality center can deliver...

HDMI switching?
 

Dilettante..... Yes, the idea of owning a "modern" AV pre/pro is starting to sink in, but do you have a favorite among the ones you listed? I'd also like to know if there's something about the types of HDMI switching that we should be aware of? In other words, if it supports 4K HDR, does that inherently mean that it has the latest in HDMI circuitry?

Edward..... Thanks for the interesting post. The part that really caught my eye was the fact that you switched from a Mac MX-121 to a Marantz AV7703...hmmmm :scratch2:

Do you have any additional thoughts on the the differences between the Marantz AV7705 and the AV8805? Both models have now been brought up in this thread; hence, the question...

All the ones I listed above support latest formats eg 4K HDR Dolby Vision on the video side, and Dolby Atmos & DTS-X on the surround audio side.
You asked me if I have my favorite one out of the ones I listed above, oh boy..... tough question. It all depends on the accompanying amps and speakers. They are all good within their price points and will all sound different.

Marantz AV Pre-Pros
 

Dilattante..... Thank you for posting (again) to the thread. Do you have any thoughts on the differences between the Marantz AV8805 and the AV7705?

The 8805 is a better sounding preamp processor than the 7705 due to better power supplies, better DACs, better analog output stages, etc on the 8805.
The 8805 is also equipped with better Audyssey Platinum room correction software whereas the 7705 uses a step down version of the Audyssey room correction. However, both have same features and both support latest audio video formats.