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Marantz AV7706 11.2Ch 8K Ultra HD AV Surround Pre-Amplifier with HEOS®

Anyone have one of these who would like to share their experience?

I am contemplating upgrading my, almost 10 year old Onkyo 838.

Though it still functions as it did out of the box, it is getting a little long in the tooth and missing some functionaliy (8k, 4k120, Imax, etc) with no updates in years.

Starting to do comparisons.  The Denon of the, seemingly, same “caliber” is a little less money.

Yet the Marantz offers XLR outs for those long cable runs.

I really don’t want to spend more than $3500 or so though.  HT is just not a really big part of life.

nevada_matt

Showing 4 responses by kota1

kota1
2,706 posts
 

I own the Marantz 7702 and would recommend the 7706 for both HT and 2 channel music. I have compared it to four different dedicated two channel preamps thinking I could improve two channel performance. The Marantz was my preferred two channel preamp as well. I use the XLR connections. If you want to get the best performance get the paid upgrade to Audyssey ($199) and the calibrated mic. Night and day difference and I prefer it over ARC room correction. You can see my 9.2.8 HT in my profile. I have a setup for both atmos and auro-3d.

 

I also have an Onkyo receiver in the man cave, I prefer separates for the best SQ.

kota1
2,706 posts
 

OK, the 7706 is a processor, not a receiver.

BTW, I have a Carver AV 505 powering my height channels that aren’t active, great amp! Same pedigree as the A series you have using trickle down tech from the Lighstar.

For a receiver I recommend the Marantz AV50 (with the Audyssey or Dirac upgrade), the Onkyo RZ50 with Dirac or the Sony 5000ES.

You can’t go wrong with any of them, I think the online dealer Audio Advice carries all 3 lines and you can call for details. Onkyo and Klipsch have the same corporate owner so that might be a plus.

kota1
2,706 posts
 

Are you looking for a receiver or separates?

kota1
2,706 posts
 

Of the 3 receivers Onkyo is on sale at 20% off on Amazon (which also has a 30 day return policy).

The Onkyo comes with Dirac, with the Marantz you have to pay for either the dirac upgrade or the audyssey upgrade so you save even more money with the Onkyo.

The Sony is a great piece but costs around $1000 more than the Onkyo.

Finally the Onkyo has homefield advantage with the Klipsch integration which is a big plus to have the room correction tuned to your speakers.

Joint video about Onkyo from klipsch:

https://www.youtube.com/live/FtBeI3e6NyY?feature=share

 

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