We tested the Marantz AV7706 8K Ultra HD AV Surround processor!

We tested the Marantz AV7706 8K Ultra HD AV Surround processor!

The Marantz brand is a guarantee of excellent sound and high quality. The engineering team of the company, which manufactures audio devices with a history of 68 years, has always considered it very important to meet the needs of both home theatre owners and music enthusiasts. The company’s motto also reflects this thinking: “Because music matters.”

The Marantz AV7706 11.2 channel preamplifier comes with XLR and RCA pre-outs, ELNA capacitors has 3 RCA components and 4 RCA composite video, as well as 2 optical Toslink and 2 digital coaxial connectors. There are 8 HDMI inputs (1 of which is located on the front panel) and 3 HDMI outputs on the processor. Features include USB connectivity as well as Bluetooth and built-in dual-band Wi-fi wireless connectivity, as well as FM / AM radio. The dedicated preamplifier card delivers true broadband performance and maximum dynamic range through Marantz Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Module (HDAM) technology. The AV7706 is also capable of transmitting 8K / 60 Hz and 4K / 120 Hz signals thanks to a dedicated 8K HDMI input.

The Enhanced Audio Return Channel also transmits surround and object-based audio formats. For fans of vinyl records, the device was also equipped with a Phono EQ input.

Audyssey room acoustic optimisation software corrects errors due to improper acoustics of the room. Of course, music streaming services such as Spotify, Amazon, Tidal and Internet radio are also available. Griffin Lite DSP was used for the 3 D sound, the processor is capable of processing Dolby Atmos, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization Technology, DTS: X, DTS Virtual: X, IMAX Enhanced and Auro-3D formats.

The 32-bit AKM D / A converters guarantee precision, wide dynamic range and minimal distortion. The stable housing significantly reduces resonances. The preamplifier has a clean, modern look with an illuminated display on the aluminium front panel.

The proof of the pudding ! We checked what the Marantz 7706 knows!

The condition for perfect acoustics is the acoustic treatment of the given room. On-site and online acoustic measuring shall take place to determine the appropriate type, quantity and ideal location of sound-absorbing and diffuser elements. If you really want to achieve perfect sound quality in your home cinema room or in your sound recording / mixing studio, you shall take care of the acoustic properties of the walls, ceiling, and glass or floor surfaces. The Marantz processor was tested in a home cinema room with excellent acoustics. We only recommended soundproof curtains in front of the windows. Special, high-density materials prevent unpleasant reflections, dampen noise from outside, and with these curtains, up to 99% darkening can be achieved, which is an important condition for a home cinema.

 We started our tests with our first test subject, the music film about Elton John’s life entitled Rocketman, released in 2019. Marantz produced a detailed, spacious and clear sound, and the vocals and dialogues were clear. The processor provided a noise-free and lifelike experience, combined with the Marantz MM8077 external amplifier and JBL speakers.

The 3D animation based sci-fi movie Avatar, directed by James Cameron, was released in cinemas in 2009 and soon became a worldwide success. Screening the movie we witnessed perfect sounds, fantastic effects and precision. The sound was sensational, we felt like being members of the blue avatar community while watching the movie.

We went on with our testing with the movie Rise of the Planet of the Apes. Each sound in the 2011 film sounded impeccable, and the excitement of the scenes was further enhanced by the realistic sound.

We selected vinyl records for listening to music. We first listened to Mozart’s Symphony No. 39, interpreted by the Berlin Philharmonic. The past and modern technologies were perfectly attuned, and the wonderful music reproduced on the turntable sounded flawless. The music surrounded us, it seemed as if the band was playing right in front of our eyes and next to our ears.

The iconic legend Frank Sinatra’s 1969 album pop in our hand. While listening to the song My Way, we were basically immersed in the musical performance of Sinatra’s humming and the rhythms of the soft, delicate music.

Summary

Made by manufacturers from quality parts, along with a careful and precise development process, the Marantz AV7706 preamp can be a worthy member of a home theatre system, paired with the right external amplifier and monitors. Intense depths, optimal and clear high and mid ranges characterise this fantastic device. Marantz has convinced us once again that their engineers really understand their business. We strongly recommend the AV7706 to anyone who values excellent sound and premium quality. If we were to score, we would give a maximum of 5 points out of 5 to this processor.

G.H.