A/V format beast
Bertram from San Diego, CA on 12/27/2024
I was quite happy with my AV7705 until I really really wanted to have a 3rd HDMI out. That was also helped by the major upgrade in video performance and decode support. It doesn't hurt that I can also now use XLR in for my Transporter. I don't know how quickly I'll move to 8K, but it does feel good to be ready when I make that change in the future.
Pros: format support, XLR pre-outs, three HDMI outs
Cons: none for me
2 of 2 found this helpful
Marantz AV8805A
Julia from Thornton, CO on 10/14/2022
Plays wonderfully. Does all it should and more at a very high level. Channel separation and sound quality fantastic. Wish it would allow sources to assigned to multiple inputs instead of having to go into menu and change each time you wish to use hdmi for picture and switch from hdmi and multichannel analogue audio or digital audio. My old Krell processor did that and it was very convenient. Shame a flagship level Marantz can't do it. I use my oppo for music and movies including Sacd and dvd audio and Marantz forces me to use menu to switch audio inputs because it won't let you use the same hdmi input for multiple sources. Wi-Fi receiver will not work with hot - spot. Must have real internet service. Sad in todays world!
Pros: Next level sound and channel separation.
Cons: No multi audio input source ability with single source thru same hdmi video input without changing input each time in menu setup. Does not recognize hot spot for Wi-Fi.
8 of 8 found this helpful
Marantz AV8805A
Michael from Cary, NC on 8/31/2022
I'm using this processor to drive a Rotel RMB-1555 amp, previously coming from a ~4 year old (integrated) Yamaha Aventage. Audyssey is the largest upgrade here, I recommend getting the Audyssey phone app since it allows more control, there is fair amount to test and tweak (I liked the flat curve vs reference, midrange compensation off, 60 or 80Hz crossover to sub). The video chip runs hot, but it made much cooler by turning off HDMI outputs 2 and 3 (instantly 3x cooler) and leaving off any HDMI upscaling (even 4k) and let video be unconverted. Heat is probably even better if turning off the onscreen display, but it's useful so I added a AC Infinity Cloudplate above it on my rack and left lots of space. I appreciate the lack of Yamaha-style reverb modes you just have to scroll past and the easy remote buttons for changing sound modes for music/movies. I don't think the sound (HRAM, etc) is immediately different than using the Yamaha to drive the same amp, but the room correction seems to be a win from the impressive graphs from the phone app, and it's easy to use. I didn't want to risk some reported bugs of some of the less common brands, plus liked that this particular Marantz was a made in Japan model. Build quality is very good. Is it a sonic upgrade? Well, only for the room correction if you had something older, but that's a really big part of things, and I did. It's made the sub and all the speakers completely flat with basically no dips, so that's pretty cool.
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16 of 16 found this helpful
Loving it all and all the way
Horace from Douglasville, GA on 8/22/2022
Love it. Everything I wanted for the price point. I was using the flagship Denon AVR and I wanted upgrade to XLR connections instead of RCA. The Marantz is an excellent option for the upgrade. I can hear the differences in the surround sound. I'm using a 9.2 setup with two height speakers and now I can really hear airplanes and helicopters flying over me. My surrounds has more punch. "Scottie, we need more power". "If we push Her any harder Captain, the crystal will surely melt and She'll blow for sure". I hear the fans cheering all around when watching sports events. I am hearing small nuances that are very clear. 60 Minutes even sounds great now. I'm a happy customer. Crutchfield is Johnny on the spot with their shipping department. Fast service and easy returns too. I can't say enough good about them. They are always easy to contact too. No waiting on hold for 30 to 45 minutes to get someone on the phone. One more thing. I have Wharfedale Linton 85th Anniversary and the Adcom amp that easily pushes 450 watts per channel for front speaker stereo. Music has a whole new sound. Really crisp and clear. Artists sound like they are right in front of you. The fornt row seat sensation... Voices really shine through like I want to hear. The Marantz AV8805A is an excellent choice. Wharfledale speakers are a step above that won't break the bank. The Brits got it right with this one. No tea taxes...
Pros: Easy setup and the same as Denon. A fifth grader can do it.
Cons: I got some bad intel from a competitor. I was told I needed to pay $10,000 to get a processor for true surround. I got a much better deal for half the price. Don't listen to reviews. Make your own decisions because you can spend big bucks, get ?? disappionted and eat at Mic's. It's all about listenimg to different AVP's and choose the sound you can feel and hear. The sound YOU like. It takes a while to get it, but it's worth the time. You feel me?
11 of 13 found this helpful
Easiest UI
Michael from Los Altos Hls, CA on 8/5/2022
Big improvements with the 8k system. User interface for setup is still the easiest around; no laptops etc. to configure the system...seemless
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5 of 7 found this helpful
High End
Robert from Highland, NY on 8/5/2022
After having AV7706 a month, the urge arose to go top of the line. AV7706 was not wanting in performance, but as a retirement gift to myself, the higher end AV8805a beckoned. Living with it the past few weeks, I appreciate the sound quality improvements. It has more channels and 8K ready (just in case), a learning remote, better DACs, the "sub display" below the porthole, and better onscreen instructions. I use an Emotiva XPA Gen 3, 11 channel amp, and with my Focal Arias, the system sounds wonderful. Finally ran Audyssey using the optional phone app (worked fine) and it now sounds even better. Movies envelope, and stereo sound via CD is excellent. My Oppo BD105 sends the signal via HDMI or digital (coax) and I prefer HDMI. Some of my test pieces, i.e., vocals by Basia and Diana Krall, are silky smooth and melodious. Classical and opera are equally terrific; the horns now soar, the kettle drums thunder in Also sprach Zarathustra (think 2001, A Space Odyssey). Puccini's Turandot is a joy. The Who and Talking Heads sound pretty darn good too. I stream music from Amazon Music via HDMI from the TV app, and it sounds quite good, better than via Heos. I see no need to invest in a standalone DAC for stereo, given what Marantz does on its own. One big change was to migrate from 5.2.6 to 7.2.4, re-purposing surrounds. The side surrounds are a major improvement, providing details heretofore lost. AV8805a handles streaming soundtracks (Netflix, HBO Max) with aplomb. It's a keeper.
Pros: Sound is excellent; discovering details in familiar movies that I never heard before. The onscreen interface is detailed and easy to use. The PDF manual is detailed and extremely helpful. Video processes 8K if/ when I upgrade my TV. Drop-down door under the porthole provides info about current sound parameter and active speakers.
Cons: Small buttons (and many of them) on the remote, which are challenging to read in the dark. My Sony Bravia TV does a better job streaming all sorts of video and audio (Atmos) than my Amazon 4K Fire TV stick, but I need to switch inputs to see the Setup, Smart Menus and Info. Marantz needs to tweak the software to enable the menus when the TV Audio input is active (that input is set automatically with eARC).
11 of 11 found this helpful
Not Worth it!
Crutchfield customer from Turlock, CA on 6/17/2022
I purchased this unite and already returned it. this unit loses power of processing on Dolby Atmos movies. sound starting stuttering and going in and out. first, I thought it is because I'm streaming however when I have used my Oppo 4k player got the same result. I gave a one star because when I pay $5000 to the unit my expectation is based on $5000 and it should deliver luxury sound, but it couldn't deliver. I would not suggest this unit unless Marantz start using more quality components that can handle the audio processing.
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26 of 41 found this helpful
Marantz AV8805A
Carlos from Antioch, Ca. on 5/10/2022
I never thought that running separates would make such a difference in sound. Upgrading from the Marantz SR7010 receiver to the Marantz AV8805A pre/pro was a great investment. I connected it to my Yamaha Aventage MX-A5000 11 channel power amplifier, Oppo UDP-205 4k player, Onkyo double cassette player and Technics 1200 turntable. My current setup is 9.2 but I'm planning to run it as 9.2.4. I highly recommend this pre/pro. Your speakers will sound better than ever and your powered subwoofers will definitely give you tighter bass. If you are planning to buy this preamplifier please use XLR cables instead of RCA's. Balanced cables make the biggest difference in the world.
Pros: Very easy to setup. Impressive sound for both music and movies.
Cons: None that I can think of.
14 of 14 found this helpful
Marantz AV8805A
Crutchfield customer from Pittsburgh, PA on 12/28/2021
Marantz AV8805A is an excellent AVR. It's design and features are way above the so called price range. I am very impressed with the pre-amp's sound quality and accuracy of the Audyssey calibration system. Marantz AVR and DeRemote apps that can be found in the Apple App Store provide an adequate remote interface and truly enhance user experience.
Pros: Design, features, ease of installation and setup, user interface. Impressive sound quality.
Cons: So far have not noticed and shortcomings. I've been using this unit for about a month.
8 of 8 found this helpful
Marantz AV8805A
Crutchfield customer from Atlanta, GA on 12/27/2021
Definite stepup in both build quality and performance from the 7000 series piece I was previously using. Obviously, lots of the latest features, but it's the clarity of the video and richness of the sound that really separate this unit from the pack. The setup assistant is really well done and makes setup easy as long as you don't need to tweak. If you do, you just need to know this is a pretty complex piece of technology, and you have to be comfortable navigating a 380 page online manual. But, I guess if you buy from Crutchfield, their support people are also there to help. If you can swing this price for a pre/pro, and that makes sense in your system, highly recommended.
Pros: Quality of construction and performance
Cons: Inherent complexity - honestly, just comes with the territory
5 of 5 found this helpful
Well made and no issues
Mark from South Jordan, UT on 12/5/2021
I upgraded from the 7704 processor and I am glad I did. The details and frequency range seem to be on a higher level. Channel separation is much better and my Atmos channels are better integrated with my floor speakers. I have a 5.2.4 system and calibration is a snap. I feel you should pay the extra for the Audyssey app. Correction is easier and fine tuning is a snap. You can also save all you different calibrations for all your Marantz gear. Easy to reload settings. I considered the Emotiva and Anthem units but decided they had too many issues that keep coming up with owners. Marantz just works and there aren't any quality control issues. The build quality is a step up from the 7704 too. It does come out of the Marantz top factory in Japan. I am also glad it still has connections for my Laser Disc player. The price is high but worth it for me.
Pros: High level build quality, A step up in detail from the 7700 series, easy setup and calibration.
Cons: Price
10 of 11 found this helpful
Great unit
Crutchfield customer from Montgomery, TX on 8/14/2021
Great piece of equipment. easy to setup. lots of versatility.
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4 of 7 found this helpful
The best
Lyle from Virginia Beach, VA on 7/7/2021
I have tried many brands of preamps in the last few years, and never got the results that I wanted. Finally, in spite of the cost, I decided to try an 8805. It is excellent in every respect, superior to anything else that I have tried. It produces a large and detailed sound field that is a pleasure to experience. This one is a keeper.
Pros: 1. Every available surround program 2. Beautiful design 3. Well built 4. Great GUI 5. Easy to set up
Cons: High cost
17 of 19 found this helpful
