This fully featured pre is a good choice for those looking for a new analog preamplifier, coming as it does with Marantz’s Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Modules (HDAM) circuitry in the preamp output sections (and phono pre-amp) plus analog bypass capability. This HDAM circuitry is said by Marantz to “provide ultra-fast slew rate, true wideband performance, and maximum dynamic range for optimum sound quality”.

HDMI connectivity is supported with eight HDMI inputs and three outputs. One dedicated 8K input supports 8K/60Hz or 4K/120Hz pass-through capability, 4:4:4 Pure Color sub-sampling, Dolby Vision, HLG, HDR10, 21:9 video, 3D, and BT.2020 pass-through while the latest HDCP 2.3 copy protection is supported on all HDMI inputs. Additional video processing includes; HDR10+, Dynamic HDR and for gamers; auto low latency mode (ALLM), variable refresh rate (VRR), quick media switching (QMS), and quick frame transport (QFT) support plus the ability to upscale any native video source to 8K quality.

Audio processing features and standards include: HDMI eARC which supports 3D audio formats including Dolby Atmos, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization, DTS:X, DTS Virtual:X, IMAX Enhanced, and Auro-3D. Also included is decoding for ALAC, FLAC and WAV lossless up to 24-bit/192-kHz; DSD 2.8MHz and 5.6MHz music tracks.

Completing the audio processing is a suite of Audyssey room correction software: Audyssey MultEQ XT32, Dynamic Volume and Dynamic EQ, LFC, and Sub EQ HT.

Stream music form many sources by either network or the built in 2.4GHz/5GHz dual band Wi-Fi to include; Internet Radio, Spotify Connect, Pandora, SiriusXM, Amazon Music HD, TIDAL, Deezer and more with Bluetooth and AirPlay 2, and with HEOS® technology built-in, enjoy multi-room whole-home audio streaming.

Control is simplified through one of many wired or voice activated systems to include; Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Siri and Josh.ai. Included on the rear panel are Serial (RS232), IP (Internet Protocol) and IR (Infrared) control for simple integration into third party devices, with IP connectivity supporting Control4 SDDP (Simple Device Detection Protocol) certification for seamless integration with Control4 home automation equipment and IR remote control input and output for remote control compatibility with other components in your HT system.

Additionally systems integration is simplified for customized installations with support for OvrC and Domotz Pro, two major remote monitoring and management technologies. Together with the receivers dedicated web interface these technologies allow installers to both control the AV7706 from a network attached computer and provide remote fault finding and control.

NOTE: Marantz has NOT (yet) announced DTS:X Pro support on this model, even though their flagship SR8015 receiver will be getting that update in the near future.

Technical Specification Overview:

Channels:      11.2 channel XLR pre-out; 11.2 channel RCA pre-out

Inputs:     8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz pass-through support: 8 HDMI inputs (incl. 1 front) with full HDCP 2.3 support; 3 HDMI outputs (incl. Zone 2)

Video:

• HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, Dolby Vision, 4:4:4 color resolution and BT.2020, Dynamic HDR (New in 2020)
• Advanced video processing with analog to HDMI conversion; SD to HD/8K upscaling
• 3D Sound: Dolby Atmos, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization Technology, DTS:X, DTS Virtual:X, IMAX Enhanced, and Auro-3D

Other features:

• eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) supports the most advanced surround and object-based audio formats via single HDMI connection between AVRs and compatible TVs
• 32-bit AKM AK4588 D/A converters on all channels
• Analog power supply for the analog pre-amps (switched mode for DSP)
• Audiophile grade ELNA capacitors

Price: MSRP $2,499.00, £2,199.00, €2,399.00