Marantz AV8801

The Marantz AV8801 11.2 channel A/V pre-amp/processor is packed with the latest audio and video technologies, all designed to provide you with the ultimate music and movie surround sound experience. Equipped with our advanced multi-DSP audio processor, the AV8801 features a broad range of surround sound decoding modes, including support for high resolution audio formats including Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio. For the ultimate surround sound experience, the AV8801 also features expanded multi-channel decoding, including Audyssey DSX and DTS Neo:X, giving you the ability to add additional front height and width channels for a truly expansive and immersive surround sound experience. The AV8801 further enhances audio quality by delicately handling all signals via the Marantz-own HDAMs in Current Feedback topology before being passed to the XLR outputs and separate power amp.
Audyssey MultEQ XT32 automatic room measurement and correction provides easy setup, via the included microphone, and custom generates high resolution digital filters for each speaker and subwoofer, providing smooth tailored acoustic response with correction in both frequency and time domains (conventional equalization only provides frequency tailoring). The AV8801 is also equipped with Audyssey’s LFC (low frequency containment) option, which custom tailors deep bass response to minimize deep bass leakage into adjacent rooms or apartments, while still providing a satisfying wide range listening experience. Audyssey Dynamic Volume monitors and corrects for annoying jumps in signal levels, providing a satisfying listening experience at any volume setting, and Audyssey Dynamic EQ provides precision frequency contouring that delivers enjoyable wide range sound quality even at reduced listening levels, ideal for late-night listening. Audyssey Sub EQ HT processing optimizes dual subwoofer setups, providing custom deep bass tailoring for the smoothest and most dynamic deep bass response from both subs.
The video section features advanced high resolution video processing and decoding, and is equipped with video upscaling that upconverts standard definition (SD) video sources from legacy components to high definition. For compatibility with the latest Ultra High Definition (4K) displays, the AV8801 features the ability to upconvert SD and HD to Ultra High Definition (4K), and it can also accept and pass-through 4K content.
A full suite of video connectivity options includes multiple assignable composite and component video inputs, along with no less than 7 HDMI inputs, including a front panel HDMI input that lets you easily connect an HDMI enabled portable device. There are 3 HDMI outputs, including dual outputs for the main zone, which lets you connect two HD displays, such as a flat panel HDTV and an HD front projector. The third HDMI output let’s you enjoy a different program in another room, and the InstaPrevue function let’s you preview video from connected HDMI sources in multiple picture-in-picture windows.

To handle today’s wideband high dynamic range content, the audio section is equipped with the latest high resolution 192 kHz/32-bit DACs on all channels. The AV8801 can decode WAV, FLAC and ALAC audio files, and includes gapless audio playback. For maximum system configuration capability, the AV8801 is equipped with both unbalanced (RCA) and balanced (XLR) audio outputs. Vinyl fans will surely appreciate the inclusion of a phono input, and there’s no need for a separate tuner, as the AV8801 features a built-in HD Radio tuner. With HD Radio, AM sounds like FM, and FM sounds like CD.

The AV8801 includes full networking capabilities, including a 4-port Ethernet switch that lets you make one connection to your home LAN with three additional connections available so you can connect other source components, such as a network-capable Blu-ray player. AirPlay lets you stream your favorite content from a variety of Apple devices, such as an iPod touch, iPhone or iPad, and the AV8801 includes network streaming functions such as Pandora and SiriusXM internet radio as well as Spotify, along with the ability to stream music and photos over the home network.