HOME CINEMA AMPLIFIERS: Marantz AV8003 Pre-Amplifier

Click to enlarge Marantz-AV8003 Pre-Amplifier

	Marantz AV8003 Pre-Amplifier
	150 Watt, eight channel audio and video entertainment hub
	£2000
	In Store Only

The Marantz AV8003 networking pre-amp/processor is built to bring the very best out of any Blu-Ray player as well as conventional DVD and CD-players. It decodes DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby True HD, supporting up to eight full-range speakers of 24-bit/96 kHz audio. There’s also support for Deep Colour 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 from Anchor Bay for enhanced video performance, with up conversion and scaling to 1080p from all analogue and digital sources. The THX Ultra2-certified AV8003 goes even further: 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. Even your digital audio in MP3, WAV or AAC format will sound as originally recorded thanks to the build-in Marantz Digital Audio Expander. The Digital Audio Expander, also called MDAX, recalculates the outputted frequency range of any audio signal and expands it over a broader frequency range. This enables you to get detailed and clearer sound even out of compressed audio files. For total connectivity and flexibility, the AV8003 features eight balanced outputs for ultra low noise connection to the power amp (even over long cable runs), two 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. Such outstanding attention to detail continues with the metal, reference-standard M1 chassis, which employs a heavy bottom plate to virtually eliminate sound-degrading vibration. The case is even completely copper-plated for perfect grounding and to guard against electrical interference. The result is a model delivering clean, minimalist lines to match its pure sound.

Click to enlarge Marantz AV8003 Pre-Amplifier & MM8003

FEATURES:

• Channels 8
• Current Feedback Topology
• BTL Possibility
• THX Ultra Power Transformer: Toroidal
• Shottky diodes
• THX Ultra II
• High Grade Audio Components
• THX Surround EX
• Customised Components
• DTS
• Input buffer amp (all inouts)
• DTS ES ( matrix & Discrete)
• Gold Plated Cinch
• DTS 96/24
• Alminum extrusion heat sink
• Dolby Digital Copper plated chassis
• Dolby Digital-Ex
• Standby Mode
• Dolby Prologic, DPLII, DPLIIx

INPUTS / OUTPUTS:

• Circle Surround II
• Balanced In/Out HDCD
• Decoder Pre-out / Main-in

SOUND ENHANCEMENTS:

• Speaker Terminal
• Real full channel power drive
• Number of terminals
• Pure Direct
• Super Ring Transformer
• D-Bus Trigger IN / OUT
• Toroidal Transformer
• Flasher in / IR Receiver in
• EI Transformer

SPECIFICATIONS:

• Copperplated Chassis
• Power Output (8/6 Ohm RMS)
• D/A conversion 192kHz/24bit
• Power Output (8/4 Ohm DIN) D?A conversion 96kHz/24bit
• Power Output (8/4 Ohm IHF)
• DSP 24-bit
• Frequency Response
• DSP 32-bit
• Total Harmonic Distortion
• DSP Presision 32-bit Damping Factor
• ADDC
• Input Sensitivity: High level
• Quad differential DAC
• Input Sensitivity: Balanced HL
• Copper systemblock shielding
• S/N Ratio: High level
• Metal systemblock shielding

GENERAL:

• High Grade Audio Components
• Available colors
• Customized Components
• Metal Front Panel
• HDAM Power Consumption
• HDAM cover
• Standby Consumption

Our Comments: This really does promise to be something special. One of the first home cinema pre amplifiers with lossless performance built in. Serious competition for a host of other manufacturers. Well worth a demonstration.

Reviews: n/a

Manufacturer: Marantz

Warranty: 2 years

Other Marantz Products:

Amplifiers - Home Cinema:
- Marantz SR7002
- Marantz MM8003
- Marantz AV8003
Amplifiers - HiFi:
- Marantz PM6002
Amplifiers - CD Player:
- Marantz CD6002