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Marantz AV7705 AV Receiver: HDMI out to external DAC

I’d like to bypass this receiver’s DAC & preamp and send its digital-audio output to an external DAC via HDMI (a T+A R 2500 R integrated amp). Unfortunately, doing so results in no sound.

I was told by Marantz support that this unit can't output analog & digital signals at the same time.  However, none of the AV7705's analog outputs are connected. 

I realize that I could always send analog FL & FR signals to the T+A, but then I’d lose the LFE channel & couldn’t take advantage of the T+A’s high-end DAC & preamp. The T+A hosts other sources (phono, disc player, etc.), so it’s hardwired to my powered sub.

Marantz support doesn’t know the answer to this question (!) and my manual doesn’t document the receiver’s HDMI output in much detail. Does anybody know if the AV7705’s "Monitor 2" and "Zone 2" HDMI outputs actually transmit digital audio that can be decoded by an external DAC?

 

cundare2

Showing 1 response by deep_333

deep_333
1,732 posts
 

Put the Marantz on a high quality power conditioner like the Audioquest Niagara (it can start to equalize things between some purist gear and prepros like the Marantz). Use the marantz for its intended purpose (streamer+DAC+preamp). Use high quality cables to an audiophile grade power amp (Luxman, Gryphon, etc) just like you would with your T+A.

I doubt your T+A would beat out that Marantz if you applied the same ethos with the latter.

In fact, the bass management, room correction (if your room is bad), EQ, etc extra useful features that the Marantz came with might just beat out the T+A in execution (if you understand it and tinkered with it enough).

What is great in 'theory' and what is great in 'execution' can be different things.

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