Marantz is set to launch an upgraded component audio range that will handle the latest in Ultra HD video technology and object-based surround formats.
The top end 199 7702MkII A/V network processor (AVP) is due later this year.
Added is HDMI 2.0a with HDCP 2.2 copy protection on all HDMI inputs compared with its predecessor. It also adds DTS: X object-based surround decoding when a firmware upgrade is available.
The timing of DTS: X firmware upgrades from Marantz and sister brand Denon has not been announced.
Like its predecessor, the AVP features Dolby Atmos object-based surround decoding, built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and compatibility with an upgrade to add Auro-3D surround decoding up to 10.1 channels.
With HDMI 2.0a, the AVP adds ability to pass through high dynamic range video from future 4K Blu-ray players and set-top video streamers. The AVP’s HDMI 2.0 capability also supports the ITU’s Rec. 2020 wide colour gamut. With HDCP 2.2, the AVP will pass through copy-protected 4K content from 4K Blu-ray players and set-top boxes.
The AVP can be used with Marantz’s multichannel amps: the $2,399 7×150-watt MM8077 and $1,199 5×140-watt MM7055.
The new AVP is a step below the flagship 8802A AVP, which adds such features as better DACs, much more robust HDAM (Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Module) components for high dynamic range and frequency response to 100kHz, and ” much better build and components,” said product manager Paul Belanger.
Like its predecessor, the 7702MkII offers seven HDMI rear inputs, one front HDMI input, Dolby Atmos support for 7.1.4 and 9.1.2 speaker configurations, three-zone audio, 11.2-channel XLR pre-out, 13.2-channel RCA pre-outs, and high-resolution audio playback of FLAC 192/24, DSD, and ALAC files. It also features ISF certification, Audyssey MultEQ XT32 room correction, Spotify Connect, Pandora, SiriusXM, Internet radio and on board AirPlay.
