8801

[uwbadger]

Remodel finally finished


The 8801 really does sound good.
Very easy to set up also.

Thumbs up.

ayre dx-5, kxr, mxr, Vandersteen 5A, marantz 8801, Vandersteen vcc-5, Vandersteen vsm sig

[Toccata]

I got mine today and love it! It replaces a Sony 6400ES AVR, which I was using as a pre/pro with my Parasound A51. The 8801 just trounces it! Far warmer yet also more detailed, and the Audyssey EQ makes a huge improvement. I originally intended to go the purist route, but I went ahead and went for the calibration, and man, it made a huge improvement. The sound is far more present and detailed with the Audyssey EQ turned on. However, I don't use the dynamic EQ or volume. Highly recommended.

[avsBuddy]

Toccata, how do you like your Parasound amp? I'm considering trying it out, but there are not local demos available. I'm running Classe for the front LR, but need a high quality amp to drive my center and rears for multi channel music and HT. And who knows, maybe even replacing my Classe's with Parasound monoblocks down the road

[Toccata]

avsBuddy, I love my A51! It's very powerful, dynamic, detailed yet warm, and best of all, it isn't bothered by the difficult load that my Martin Logans present.

[AlxG]

I have the AV8801 and like what I'm hearing with 2-channel music via Squeezebox Touch. The highs sound pristine and the mid/bass has a very dynamic response.

However, I was completely blown away with FLAC > Squeezebox Touch> Digital Coax Cable > Rega DAC > Analog RCA cables > Analog 7.1 Chanel input > Pure Direct configuration.

I've auditioned many systems in my life, and have never heard pure listening pleasure until now. I'm getting enormous amount of bass and midrange presence which is 3-dimensional image in terms of center image, soundstage width and depth. I can't stop tapping my toes no matter what style of music I throw at it... Classical, Jazz, Blues, etc. I'm done looking for a 2-channel setup

I'm bi-amping Von Schweikert VR-4JR with Gemstone (Sim Aurora Amp). I hope to receiver custom XLR cables in a week and review my progress.

[Bluemeanies]

I just received delivery of my Dynaudio Focus 110A speakers with stand3 stands. My intentions were to use my Chordette Gem as a Dac for a short time for the 110's however the Gem does not have a volume control. I wanted to purchase the Marantz 8801 processor a few months latter.
Here's my question. Can I use the 8801 in two modes? Home Theater and in two channel stereo. I have B&W 804S speakers that I will keep for my HT and I want to keep the 110's just for 2channel in the same room.
I am hoping to get an affirmative on this configuration.
If I can do this can you please give me a start on how too.

If however this is not possible I am thinking of the Bel Canto 1.5 or 2.5.
Any ideas are appreciated.

Thanks,
Frank

[Bluemeanies]

I figured out a way to use my existing processor with the Gem and 110's.
I have a second zone which I did not think about until a forum friend reminded me of Zone 2.
I should be able to accomplish want I want to do.

However I still would like to know if the 8801 has the same capabilities. That is the use of two zones. One for my Home Theater setup and the other for two channel stereo using my active speakers.

Thanks

[Kal Rubinson]

Why don't you download the 8801 manual from the Marantz site and read about the extra zones?

[Bluemeanies]

I have tried that Kal on my iPad but I was only getting the quick start manual.
I guess I will have to try again on my desktop.

[Toccata]

This is a little off topic, but I'd like to connect my iPad to my 8801 and use it as a monitor rather than having to turn on my big TV to playback some Blu-ray audio discs (so I can see the menu, select playback resolution select tracks, etc.). Is there anyway to do this? Perhaps some app that would work?