David, do you find that the AT IC-6 speakers blend well with the MK system?
Thanks.
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Marantz AV8802 Surround Processor Review Page 2
Whether you’re a fan of Audyssey or not, I love how the company’s auto calibration simply nails the speaker distances down to a tenth of a foot, at least in my space. The AV8802 has the Platinum Suite of Audyssey technologies, including MultEQ XT32, Sub EQ HT, and LFC (Low Frequency Containment). Additionally, the unit is Audyssey Pro–ready for even more acoustical calibration accuracy when implemented by a qualified professional using Audyssey’s Pro Installation Kit. My colleague Kris Deering has opined that Audyssey should allow more flexibility (such as only equalizing the subs or telling the software to only measure below 200 hertz for further customization), which I agree with completely. That said, I think Audyssey and their implementation partners are trying to keep things as simple and automated as possible to make standard calibration a plug-and-play solution for their customers.
Another Format War?
Dolby isn’t the only company out there promoting new audio formats that make use of overhead height channels. Along with Atmos, Auro-3D was also well received at last September’s CEDIA Expo, and as I write this, DTS’s answer to the object-based Atmos system, DTS:X, is said to be nearing introduction. Marantz, in an unusually thorough commitment to future-proofness, has you covered on all three fronts. The AV8802 ships with Atmos capabilities, and an Auro-3D firmware upgrade costs $199. The company also told us that, before the end of 2015, a DTS:X update will be available (no decision has been made about whether this will be free or incur a nominal charge). What’s more, while Atmos and Auro-3D, at least, normally require you to commit in advance to different speaker locations for some of the surround channels, Marantz plans to mitigate this by allowing a unified speaker layout for all three formats, letting you switch easily among them to accommodate different software. Format war? Not with the AV8802.
Look Out Above!
My audio system consists of three M&K S150 speakers across the front, four SS150 surround speakers mounted approximately 6.5 feet from the floor (not conforming to Dolby’s recommendations for Atmos, but I own them and there’s no other way to place them in my living space), four Atlantic Technology IC-6-OBA in-ceiling speakers for Atmos height duties, and dual subwoofers—a Hsu Research VTF-15 MK2 and an SVS PC-Ultra. Amplification is provided by a Parasound Halo A 51 for the three front speakers and L/R surrounds, with a Parasound ZoneMaster 1250 bridged to six channels for the rear surrounds and four Atmos overhead speakers.
When I finally got to audition Atmos-enabled discs at home, I found that they really help draw you into the film much more than I had anticipated. In The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1, the Capitol has grown tired of District 13’s rebellious ways and decides to bomb its citizens into submission. We’re taken into the command center of the district as the explosions begin, and wowza!—your fight-or-flight instincts will have you ducking for cover as the roof seems ready to cave in. This is just one of many scenes that make great use of the additional channels.
Unfortunately, the number of Atmos-enabled titles on Blu-ray can still be counted on two hands—and the number of really high-caliber movies for the moment is limited to a couple of fingers. But thankfully, Dolby has a new derived-surround algorithm—Dolby Surround Upmixer (DSU)—which allows you to take full advantage of your Atmos-enabled system with traditional channel-based audio tracks. The additional speakers definitely add to the atmosphere of movies. For example, there’s a scene in Captain Phillips where pirates storm a container ship. The only way the ship can defend itself is with fire hoses (talk about taking a knife to a gun fight!), and when the camera switches to the perspective of the pirates, the Atmos overhead speakers come into play and add to that feeling of the water coming down on you—a fact I verified by manually turning off the amp supplying power to the overhead speakers to gauge the effect. My only gripe with the upmixing was that there was some occasional score bleed to the front ceiling speakers that could overpower the dialogue, but this might have been because the front overhead speakers were set a tad hot by Audyssey. (Dolby needs to release test tones on their demo discs.)
While I was wowed and amazed by Atmos and DSU on movies, the two-channel performance of the AV8802 is what really blew me away. The hardware upgrades done by the Marantz engineers revealed themselves in critical listening tests. The soundstage is deeper and wider, and voices are crisper and clearer when compared with my AV8801. I recently had a Krell Foundation pre/pro in my rack, which was head and shoulders better than the AV8801 on two-channel listening, but the AV8802 has closed the gap considerably in this regard (at only two-thirds the price of the $6,500 Krell).
This superb audio quality came to light on the song “Second Choice,” from the Marti Jones album Live at Spirit Square. It features a bass guitar, some bongo drums, and Jones’ fabulous voice. The bass is tight, and the layered track transports you directly to the live performance. The Marantz picked up the subtle aspects of the recording, such as the bassist’s fingers sliding along the strings. This has become one of the first audio recordings I use to test out new gear, and the AV8802 definitely made it shine.
Conclusion
I could wax poetic about the prowess of the AV8802 for several more paragraphs, but alas, the dreaded word count has caught up with me. After experiencing Atmos in my home, I have to admit: There’s no way I can ever go back to a conventional five- or seven-channel system. Furthermore, when the considerable improvement in two-channel performance is factored in, this is an easy upgrade to consider. In fact, the AV8802 would be my first choice for our Top Pick of the Year, and it will be tough to knock off its perch as the rest of 2015 plays out. Highly recommended.
NEXT: Specs »
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COMMENTS
AT speakers and timbre
Submitted by etrochez on May 21, 2015 - 1:47pm
HDCP 2.2 Upgrade
Submitted by Cos on May 21, 2015 - 9:13pm
Not sure when this review was written, but the Upgrade for HDCP 2.2 starts June 1st the information and forms necessary to complete the process are online on their website.
February
Submitted by David Vaughn on May 21, 2015 - 11:30pm
i wrote the original article in February and it didn't hit the new stands until last week. Marantz didn't have the timetable set when we went to print, which was a while ago (lead time for print is much longer than online).
Help a friend in need
Submitted by Jonasandezekiel on May 22, 2015 - 7:52am
Hi David. Okay, please do me a favor and ease me off the ledge I'm ready to jump off...I just bought the previous generation 8801 processor. (haven't even unboxed it yet) Are the sonic upgrades enough that I should buy the new one? I'm not ready to go Atmos any time soon, but all the improvements you write about make me wonder if I should just grit my teeth and get the new one. What's your opinion?
Depends
Submitted by David Vaughn on May 22, 2015 - 10:34am
Jonas, if I wasn't upgrading to Atmos, I would have happily kept my 8801 since I rarely listen to 2-channel music unless I'm doing a review (I just don't have the time!). If you're big into 2-channel, then the 8802 is quite a bit better in this regard (if you can listen to the two right after another). For movies, the 8802 is slightly better with surround imaging placement (but that could be the Atmos-effect I'm hearing). Also a thing to consider, you probably bought the 8801 for a very good price (at or below $2k) and you'll pay substantially more for an 8802 (as much as 2x as much) and when you take that into consideration, the 8801 becomes a much better value. As you are probably aware, the law of diminishing returns definitely take hold when comparing AV gear! Let me know if you have any further questions...I'm happy to answer.
Thanks David. Yes, I bought
Submitted by Jonasandezekiel on May 22, 2015 - 8:15pm
Thanks David. Yes, I bought it for 1800.00, so I got a good deal for sure on a great piece. Its actually my first venture into separates, so I was quite excited. But when the new one came out, I turned a little green with envy at the thought of a radical overhaul. I was hoping the difference was going to be just a Dolby Atmos sticker slapped on the front of it, but they hit it out of the park.
DLNA Not DNLA
Submitted by hk2000 on May 22, 2015 - 3:16pm
I don't mind it when commentators make this mistake, but the reviewer should know better.
Typo
Submitted by David Vaughn on May 22, 2015 - 5:35pm
Sorry for the typo...I know it's DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance). I'll contact the webmaster and get it fixed. You should be a copy editor because it made it through 3 different people (maybe 4) before it hit the newsstands and web and no one caught that...first of all, ME!
It was a simple typo...
Submitted by Bob Ankosko on May 22, 2015 - 9:41pm
...that has now been fixed.
So can anyone point to me the
Submitted by hk2000 on May 22, 2015 - 3:33pm
So can anyone point to me the benefit of getting this instead of the Onkyo PR-SC5530? Comparing the 2, I was unable to find any thing that The Marantz offers that the Onkyo does not, quite the opposite. So why is this worth $1,500 more?
Reliability
Submitted by David Vaughn on May 22, 2015 - 5:33pm
Onkyo/Integra have had severe reliability issues the past five years with their HDMI boards. The good news is they've stood behind their products, the bad news is that end users have had to send their gear in for repair (sometimes multiple times).
Yeah, I kind of agree based
Submitted by hk2000 on May 22, 2015 - 9:13pm
Yeah, I kind of agree based on what I've seen on forums and such but I've had their very first one (SC885) since 2011 w/o any issues. That and the price difference is just huge. I also missed the Audyssey aspect mentioned by another poster here. I for one would go for the Onkyo sc5509 with Audyssey MultEQ XT 32 /Dynamic EQ & Dynamic Volume, considering I'd never use more than 5 channel surround and to me Atmos and DTS equivalent are no more than gimmiks, but that's just me.
885
Submitted by David Vaughn on May 22, 2015 - 11:20pm
I had the 885 as well and it was great. My next Integra (80.2) wasn't so good. Went through three of them (thankfully Integra replaced them) in less than a year due to HDMI issues. I thought I was alone until the thread popped up at AVS and I was able to see how widespread the problem had become.
I'm actually hoping for mine
Submitted by hk2000 on May 23, 2015 - 7:00am
I'm actually hoping for mine to die,(I hate the hassle of selling). I'm researching all available options out there, I usually don't go for the luxury upgrade (Lexus over Toyota, Elite over Pioneer,..etc)but in this case that goes double, The Integras look awful.. this Marantz on the other hand looks gorgeous, but not $1500 worth of gorgeous to me.
Marantz 7702
Submitted by David Vaughn on May 23, 2015 - 10:52am
If you're looking to save some coin, check out the Marantz AV7702...I have a couple of friends who used it before the 8802 and they were very impressed with it for the price.
Onkyo...
Submitted by jnemesh on May 26, 2015 - 11:40am
I had a mid range TXNR609...very first piece of electronics where I said "YES! It's finally broken!". To say I was disappointed in the performance and operation of this unit would be an understatement. I upgraded to the Marantz SR7007, and haven't regretted it one bit. Now, I did jump up (quite a bit) in cost, but Marantz, in general, will ALWAYS sound better than Onkyo/Integra.
Multiple reasons, some
Submitted by Cos on May 22, 2015 - 7:48pm
Multiple reasons, some already stated
1. Reliability / Build Quality
2. Room Correction - Audyssey MultiEQ XT32 vs. Onkyo Accu-EQ
3. Onkyo's HDCP 2.2 solution is not full bandwidth and will not do 4:4:4 60hz 4k Video
4. Better User Interface
The forth may be personal opinion, but the rest are pretty substantial reasons to go with the Marantz IMO. I had a DHC 80.3 Integra, and it was a great pre pro, but I think Onkyo/Integra started to go downhill from there.
DSD Processing
Submitted by Douglas Kelly on May 23, 2015 - 5:43pm
I've become more interested in DSD recordings which are becoming more plentiful. I didn't see any information on the DACs used in the 8002 and whether the unit will play 64fs, 128fs and 256fs. Could you elaborate on the 8802's ability to play DSDs?
Power Use
Submitted by UltimateGuitar on May 25, 2015 - 12:59pm
I've got just a 2 (maybe 3) channel system, is a Receiver like this wasted on such a system ?
Any idea how much idle/active power it consumes ? I was attracted to the Pioneer Ice-Power for it's power efficiency. Just wondering how the Marantz compares in efficiency.
Not an AVR
Submitted by David Vaughn on May 25, 2015 - 4:42pm
This is a pre/pro, not an AVR, so there are no amps in the box, just processing power.
4 grand for a 2 year life cycle?
Submitted by harbir on May 25, 2015 - 6:22pm
4 grand for a unit that can't handle 2 discrete subwoofer channels and will be obsolete in 2 years?
No thanks.
I'm certain it can handle two
Submitted by Jonasandezekiel on May 26, 2015 - 6:57am
I'm certain it can handle two subs, my 7708 receiver can do that. The price is intimidating though.
No it can't handle 2 discrete subs
Submitted by harbir on May 26, 2015 - 10:31am
It has only one subwoofer channel that has two outputs individual level controls. So you can attach two subs and playback at different levels, but they'll play exactly the same signal. That's
very different from a unit that can set a discrete left and right channel to a pair of subs, band also different from adjusting EQ, distance And phase individually for each sub depending on the effects of the location of each.
It's tough to do because the subs interact with each other in complex ways, but a $4000 pre pro that can't handle this job just isn't acceptable to me.
If it can, I think some clarification is required
Submitted by harbir on May 26, 2015 - 7:42pm
If it can handle 2 discrete subwoofer channels, then this in the text of the review needs to be clarified:
"This includes dual subwoofer outputs with XLR and RCA connections for each. These are on a single channel, but there are independent level settings for each subwoofer. "
Clarification
Submitted by David Vaughn on May 26, 2015 - 8:57pm
It's the .1 of a 5.1, 7.1, 7.4.1, etc. system. There are no discrete .2 signals that I know of for dual subwoofers. What the unit does is take the LFE information, split it in two for the two outputs (if you enable the second subwoofer in the setup menu), then allows for distance and volume level for each subwoofer. Additionally, if you engage Audyssey, it will calibrate each sub independently. Hopefully this clears things up for you.
Test Equipment
Submitted by acemt on May 27, 2015 - 7:21am
Thanks for the review David. Maybe I am missing it somewhere on the website, but can you please tell me what AMPS you used with your test setup and the Marantz. Thanks
I used a Parasound A51 for
Submitted by David Vaughn on May 27, 2015 - 8:35am
I used a Parasound A51 for the left, center, right, r & l surround. I used a Parasound Zonemaster 1250 (bridged to 6 channels) for the l & r rear surrounds and 4 overhead Atmos speakers. I usually list this in the review, but it was probably cut for space constraints.
Parasound
Submitted by David Vaughn on May 27, 2015 - 8:34am
I used a Parasound A51 for the left, center, right, r & l surround. I used a Parasound Zonemaster 1250 (bridged to 6 channels) for the l & r rear surrounds and 4 overhead Atmos speakers. I usually list this in the review, but it was probably cut for space constraints.
Really? More surrounds?
Submitted by tgkunz on June 5, 2015 - 7:16pm
I'm not forking over one more cent for additional surrounds. If the manufacturers want me to inve$t in more channels - then let them get me the two missing front channels that are between the left and center, and the right and center front channels. These front channels have been in most multichannel movies since "Oklahoma!" came out in 1955! No more surrounds! Now,get with it!
Marantz AV8802 Surround Processor
Submitted by Steveuno on June 9, 2015 - 8:51am
Hi David,
After reading the review on the Marantz AV8802 Surround Processor i need to ask a few questions for my next step.
we are building a "home theater" 6.0 m x 4.5m, the speakers are whatmough P series P31, P06, P11 and FX speakers, along a typhoon sub, so 7.1.
my budget had been a round 8k ( pre amp/power amp)+ 1k for cables and install costs for audio only.
Knowing the AV8802 will be around the $3.3k that leaves me $4.7K + install costs for the preamp/power amp.
i will be installing 2 more ceiling speakers to use some of the ATMOS technology, however this can be done a little later.
oh, i can hear the readers saying run the cables while you are doing the install/ Reno, and yes i will run all the wires for future speakers.
My question is if i go down the path of the what would you suggest would complement the 8802 preamp?
I have been steered to Rotel, parasound, then others have suggested Marantz.
Here is my conundrum, which brand will complement the above mentioned (5ch + 2ch,)Power amp giving me 7.1 ch.
or do i purchase 2 x 5 ch, with built in capacity for future speaker installs ( max 3) i know.
any help greatly appreciated.
Steve
Amps
Submitted by David Vaughn on June 15, 2015 - 2:27pm
I use Parasound amps and am partial to them. The ATI signature series is also very good for a similar price point. The most economical way to go is to buy the 10-channels now versus a 5 and a 2 and then having to sell the 2 channel when you upgrade. The other choice would be to get the 7 channel ATI and then in the future buy an additional amp for the number of channels you need. Another good choice would be a Krell Chorus amp...tons of power, but may be out of your price range.
Another thing to consider as well is looking on the used market. There are a ton of deals on Audiogon and you can really get a lot of bang for your buck buying used.
Matching an Amp with the AV8802
Submitted by Country Roads T... on August 2, 2015 - 1:45pm
David, I really enjoyed reading your review on the Marantz AV8802. In fact, you have helped me finalize my decision on purchasing such a high quality upgrade. Would you care to recommend a few amps that would match the quality of the 8802? I will be utilizing a seven channel system (no Atmos yet :( ). I know I can match the Marantz seven channel amp and get 150 W per channel with a perfectly matching appearance. I was also thinking about going with Emotiva's seven channel amp which I believe will give me 200 W per channel and cost significantly less. Can you help me find an amp of outstanding quality that does not completely break the bank?
Matching an Amp
Submitted by Country Roads T... on August 2, 2015 - 2:13pm
My apologies, I overlooked your post about how you're partial to Parasound. I do want to clarify that I'm probably going to be looking for a seven channel amp mainly to conserve shelf space - if I ever decide to go Atmos I would purchase another amp. I don't believe Parasound offers a seven channel amp. That's why I was really thinking about Marantz for the matching looks or Emotiva for the extra power and excellent price. Thoughts?
Amps
Submitted by David Vaughn on December 18, 2015 - 11:52am
So sorry for the late reply, I think our notifications system is broken. Anyway, the Marantz amp would be fine for movies, not so much for music. I haven't listened to any Emotiva with my own setup, but my colleague, Kris Deering, has some in his system and they sounded great at his house.
need your help
Submitted by Mike_OConnor on August 5, 2015 - 4:27pm
hello David i've decided to buy a Atoms sound system . i read this well written review and after that i'm in doubt now between Marantz 8802 and Denon AVR-X7200WA with Hdcp 2.2 integrated please tell me which one is more suitable with my TV Samsung UN65JS9500 and Blu-ray Player Pioneer Elite BDP-88FD ? do I also need to buy another Amplifier ? I also need a 7.1 channel speakers ? what are your recommendations ?
Depends
Submitted by David Vaughn on December 18, 2015 - 11:54am
Mike, I love the 8802 and a dealer in Minnesota did a listener test with a group of customers and determined that the 8802 was "better" than the AVR-7200. That being said, the 8802 will cost you a lot more when you add in amplifiers and depending on your listening habits, you may not notice a significant different between the two.
AV8802 DSU vs DTS Neural
Submitted by HYDANIL on August 27, 2015 - 9:13am
David.. Review is very useful.. Currently I have Onkyo NR3030 and enjoying every bit of it.. the show stealer is Dolby Surround Mixer for non Atmos discs.. Have you tested DSU in AV8802? Also, did you experience the DTS Neural surround? An up-mixer solution like DSU
Amplifier suitable for 8802a
Submitted by George p.g on December 30, 2015 - 2:41am
Which amplifier can preferable for klipsch rp280,rp260,rp450..speakers with marantz for 11 channel setup.
Chroma resolution FAIL?
Submitted by Flash on February 4, 2016 - 10:39pm
Can Some one please elaborate a bit on the Chroma resolution fail? Does this mean that an AV8802 cant pass HDMI video without degrading it?
Marantz AV8802 vs Classe SSP 800 vs Sigma SSP vs Meridian 861v8
Submitted by bauhaus on June 1, 2016 - 6:05pm
This post is intended for David Vaughn.
Hi David, I've enjoyed your review on the Marantz AV8802 pre pro that you did last year. Thank you for that. I'm curious how the Marantz AV8802 would compare against the Classe SSP 800, Classe Sigma SSP and the Meridian 861 v8 reference pre pros.
Can you comment on their two-channel performances as well as surround sound performances for movies? I did demo the Meridian 861 v8 reference pre pro, the Classe SSP 800 & the Classe Sigma SSP at my local dealer but not the Marantz. My local dealer does not sell Marantz. They carry the Meridian, Classe, McIntosh, NAD, Rotel, Audio Research, Dan D'Agostino, Linn, Datasat, Theta Digital, etc.
Anyways, the Meridian and both Classe performed fantastic in both two-channel and home theater. The Meridian 861 v8 was superior to both Classe in both two-channel and home theater. It was expected though due to massive price differences between the Meridian 861 v8 and the Classe. I'm not sure if the Marantz AV8802 could compare to the Meridian 861 v8 and the Classe (SSP 800 & Sigma) sonically.
I'm willing to pay for whatever price as long as I can get the best fidelity in both two-channel performance for music and home theater. And I'm not interested in Dolby Atoms, Aura 3D, hdcp 2.2. I don't care about the feature set or bells and whistles. All I care is about the audio fidelity or performances in both two-channel for music and home theater. I currently have the Ayre universal bluray disc player and the Linn Klimax DS digital streamer/DAC as my stereo source for music.
Fyi, I've been using the Linn Kisto pre pro with all Linn amplification and all Linn speaker system for the last 10 years but the Kisto got really outdated. Linn Kisto was Linn's flagship av preamp surround processor but it isn't equipped with hdmi connections because the Kisto was first released before bluray came out.
I had the Ayre bluray player connected to the Linn Kisto via multi-channel analog audio and hdmi out of the Ayre bluray player directly to the TV. Previously I used to have the Linn Unidisk 1.1 universal disc player connected to the Linn Kisto.
Your advise will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
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