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Marantz introduces the AV8003 networking pre-amp/processor and MM8003 eight-channel power amplifier (28/7/2008)

Marantz introduces the perfect playmate for Blu-Ray players with incredibly powerful flagship networking AV processor/power amp combo

The AV8003 and MM8003 pairing is an ultimate-quality audio and video entertainment hub, providing every one of today's most advanced audio and video processing technologies. Incorporating a plethora of cunning features this flagship design also aims to expand the horizons of home entertainment with its audio and video streaming capability.

Not only is this THX Ultra2-certified system the perfect partner for a Blu-Ray player - thanks to Dolby True HD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding, as well as HDMI 1.3a connectivity (four in, two out) with 36-bit Deep Color support - but the design can also, via its built-in digital media player, access and stream music and movie content you have stored on a home network, whether it be on a PC or NAS drive.

Oh, and lest we forget, this surprisingly compact home cinema brute delivers a humongous 1.2kW across its eight channels. It also provides de-interlacing and up-conversion to 1080p from any source, and comes with full Audyssey Room equalisation auto set-up. For multi-room fans, the pairing includes the ability to fire audio or video into three different rooms.

The icing on this especially fine cake is the system's tank-like build quality - thanks to the brand new, reference-standard M1 chassis - and the deluge of audiophile-grade components employed throughout.

Talking tech - AV8003 - Pre-amplifier; multi-zone processor and controller; media streamer

The Marantz AV8003 networking pre-amp/processor is built to bring the very best out of any Blu-Ray player. It decodes DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby True HD. The latter offers, for example, 100 percent lossless coding, supporting up to eight full-range speakers of 24-bit/96 kHz audio. There's also support for Deep Color and 24fps with four HDMI version 1.3a inputs and two outputs.

Legacy designs get the High Definition treatment too, with the AV8003 incorporating Marantz's first built-in video scaler for enhanced video performance, with upconversion and scaling to 1080p from all analogue and digital sources.

And the THX Ultra2-certified AV8003 goes further still: movie and music files stored on a PC or network get the same HD treatment thanks to a built-in digital media player which streams audio and video content throughout a networked home. The AV8003 can then fire this all over the home, including high definition video via HDMI for the main viewing room, component video to the second room, with third room independent audio capability.

For total connectivity and flexibility, the AV8003 features balanced outputs for ultra low noise connection to the power amp (even over long cable runs), balanced inputs to connect a high-end CD source, RS-232c, direct IR inputs and DC triggers.

Completing the package is a programmable, backlit LCD remote control, as well as an additional handset for second room use.

For ease of setup and enhanced performance, the AV8003 features HDMI 1.3 repeating capability, eliminating signal loss and allowing it to repeat 1080p video signals from HDMI input to HDMI output, as well as decode a variety of audio signals via HDMI.

To wring the very best audio from the marvellous new Blu-Ray format the AV8003 employs a segmented power structure, with separate power supplies for each key audio section, and extensive internal shielding of key components to avoid electrical interference. There's also a Pure Direct mode that closes down all superfluous circuits and features, such as the display.

Such outstanding attention to detail continues with the full-metal, reference-standard M1 chassis, which employs a double-layer bottom plate and substantial shock-absorbing feet to eliminate sound-degrading vibration. The case is even completely copper-plated to guard against electrical interference. The result is a model delivering clean, minimalist lines to match its pure sound.

Talking tech - MM8003 - Eight channel, 1.2kW power amplifier

At the heart of the MM8003 is a massive high-current, audiophile-grade, oversized toroidal power transformer, which delivers a conservatively estimated 150 watts to each of the eight channels. This works alongside custom filter capacitors, hand-selected customized components throughout, extensive shielding of key components, and ultra-wide bandwidth current feedback technology. The latter amplification system - the impedance at the current feedback point is kept very low, which means there is very little phase shift - was originally developed for Super Audio CD signals and is ideal for the new DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby True HD formats.

The result of all this technology is an unerringly accurate tonal and image balance, allied to speed and dynamics with very low distortion.

Combining with this great sound is outstanding flexibility, such as eight channels, balanced input terminals, output channel relay on/off control and a slow start to power-on function.

And, like the pre-amp, you'll find a full-metal chassis employing a double-layer bottom plate and substantial shock-absorbing feet to virtually eliminate sound-degrading vibration. Again, this is completely copper-plated to guard against electrical interference.

The Marantz AV8003 at £1999.99 and MM8003 at £1299.99 will be available from July 2008.

www.marantz.com