The Marantz AV8805A Steps Up Our 8K Preparedness

The Marantz AV8805A surround pre-amplifier is breaking ground in audio visual and home cinema entertainment. Released as an upgrade to the Marantz AV8805, this system has a ton of audio processing power, and uses HDMI 2.1 giving it 8K capability.

Let’s delve into some of the main features.

Audio

Processing

Firstly, we have 13.2 channel processing and 15.2 channel XLR and RCA outputs which make the Marantz AV8805A compatible with advanced home theater speaker setups. Likewise, full 3D audio capability keeps it in line with the latest in surround sound formats.

As well as this, the AV8805A supports high-resolution audio with extreme fidelity. Not only can it play lossless FLAC, WAV and ALAC files up to 24-bit/192-kHz, but it also decodes DSD audio at 2.8MHz and 5.6MHz! DSD audio deals in incredibly high sample rates, said to produce tones that are both natural and sweet.

Standard TVs compress audio signals before sending them through HDMI cables. Conversely, the AV8805A achieves lossless and object-based sound with the use of an enhanced audio return channel (eARC). This makes it ideal for use with surround formats such as DTS and Dolby Atmos.

Audyssey XT32 Multi EQ

Another stand out feature is the Audyssey XT32 Platinum Suite Multi EQ. This is a valuable tool that carries out room specific acoustic correction on speaker output using a Marantz supplied microphone. You can use this feature to tune your speakers to your home movie theater room.

Not to mention Dynamic Volume, which smooths out sudden changes in velocity, and Dynamic EQ that can adjust equalization in real-time.

Audyssey have also developed psycho-acoustic algorithms thast allow you to experience a full range of audio (including sub-bass) even at lower levels.

Marantz Innovative Circuitry

The AV8805A uses Marantz’ own circuit design to deliver sound quality that distinguishes it from its competitors. Specifically, Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Modules (HDAM) placed between volume controls and power amplifiers.

Theoretically, these modules achieve high output with improved slew rate, while eliminating background noise almost entirely. In essence, achieving loud audio both rich and expansive.

That being said, testing has shown that this unit outputs a signal-to-noise and distortion (SINAD) ratio that underperforms when compared with competing systems such as the Denon AVR-X3600. Perhaps Marantz still have some tinkering to do in this area.

Marantz Av8805A Functionality

Multi-Source, Multi-Room

Multi-source and multi-room capability allow for integration into whole-home audio systems. In other words, you could be enjoying a cinematic release with full 3D audio in your home cinema, while family members stream content from a separate source in another room.

What’s more, voice activation makes the Marantz AV8805A compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Josh.ai. This means you can use this system to enhance your day-to-day home environment.

To illustrate, you could use it to control thermostats, appliances and lights. Likewise, you could manage your appointments, create playlists and access the internet all with the sound of your voice.

Remote Control Integration

Using HDMI-CEC, you can link this system to a smart TV. This allows you to control your TV and the Marantz pre-amplifier with a single remote. In effect, avoiding over-complicated setups and easing the transition to use.

Similarly, Marantz have produced an AVR remote app for iOS and Android. With this app you can control some of the basic functions of the AV8805A from you phone.

What’s new with the Marantz AV8805A?

HDMI 2.1

When compared with the previous model, the Marantz AV8805A features a few changes that step up visual performance and enrich home viewing. The headline being the introduction of HDMI 2.1 chipsets.

HDMI 2.1 compatibility means the AV8805A supports 8K/60Hz passthrough, despite not a lot of 8K content existing at present. However, this will surely change as time goes on. HDMI 2.1 doesn’t just bring your home theater up-to-date – it future proofs it.

In the meantime, you can take advantage of the 8K upscaling to make 1080p and 4k content work with your 8K TV.

Game Focused Upgrades

With the older Marantz AV8805 model, some users complained of problems implementing 4k/120Hz when gaming on new Xbox consoles. However, the Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) and Quick Frame Transport (QFT) in the updated model helps to reduce lag, making sure online gaming goes smoothly.

The AV8805A also has Quick Media Switching (QMS). This allows the pre-amp to eliminate video delay and screen blackout when switching between frame rates.

DAC Chips

The Marantz AV8805 model used digital-to-analog converter (DAC) chips made by AKM. However, due to the fire at the AKM factory in 2020, these are now difficult to come by.

A recent tear down found that these AKM chips have been switched out for ESS DACs. Fortunately, these are still high-performing low-consumption chips capable of up to 124dB in dynamic range and -110dB total harmonic distortion.

Even audiophiles and conscious listeners won’t notice the difference!

Summary

The Marantz AV8805A is undoubtedly a powerful and versatile surround pre-amplifier.

As you can see with its extensive audio processing, this unit delivers on acoustic clarity. Access to the Audyssey XT32 Platinum Suite bears the burden of tuning your speakers to your home theater room. Not to mention DSD audio decoding, which leaves the AV8805A open to future advances in audio quality at sky-high sample rates.

Despite SINAD ratio tests leaving a little to be desired, even the most acclaimed audio technicians would struggle to pick up on the minute levels we are talking about here.

Above all, there is no doubt that new HDMI 2.1 chipsets step up your 8K preparedness. Although we’re currently left wanting when it comes to content at this resolution, this will surely come with time. By which point we’ll all be rushing for our 8K/60Hz passthrough in a frenzy!