Audio Video News

Denon and Marantz have introduced factory-upgraded “A” versions of two prized flagship components, both Sound & Vision Top Picks: the Denon AVR-X8500H AV receiver and Marantz AV8805 preamp/processor.

Both models have been updated with 8K/60Hz upscaling and passthrough via a dedicated 8K input, 4K/120Hz passthrough, HDR10+ and Dynamic HDR high-dynamic-range capabilities and HDCP 2.3 copy protection on all inputs, and several HDMI 2.1 features gamers will appreciate: Quick Media Switching (QMS), which allows a source to instantly switch frame rate to eliminate screen blackout, plus Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) for more fluid gameplay.

The factory-upgraded Denon AVR-X8500H will sell for $4,499 and the upgraded Marantz AV8805 for $4,999.

In making the announcement, parent company Sound United said the upgraded units will replace the existing units over time and announced a hardware upgrade program for current owners of the Denon AVR-X8500H and Marantz AV8805. Beginning June 15, owners of these components can make arrangements at denon.com and marantz.com to have the HDMI/digital board modified to accommodate the upgrades. The upgrade costs $599.

Owners who opt to upgrade existing models will receive a prepaid shipping label and box with instructions for shipping the unit to United Radio, which will perform the upgrade within 48 hours of receiving the product and ship it back with tracking.

In light of widely reported HDMI 2.1 compatbility problems with the Xbox gaming console, Sound United said both the factory-upgraded “A” products and forthcoming upgrade kits for existing receivers and processors will be “capable of passing a 4K/120Hz signal from all of the latest gaming consoles without issue.”

The upgrades will also enable all inputs on the Denon AVR-X8500H and Marantz AV8805 to upscale HD and 4K content to 8K resolution for playback on 8K-ready TVs.

For complete details on the upgraded Denon AVR-X8500HA AV receiver, click here. For complete details on the upgraded Marantz AV8805A AV preamp/processor, click here. Sound United also owns Bowers & Wilkins, Polk Audio, Definitive Technology, Classé, and Boston Acoustics.