The Marantz AV7705 Surround Processor/Pre-Amplifier Giveaway is Here!

[Wayde Robson]

The Marantz AV7705 Surround Processor/Pre-Amplifier Giveaway is Here!

Contest CLOSED
Winner to be contacted soon, good luck!


NOTE: We were unable to offer the Denon AVR-X3700H receiver giveaway as announced in last June's Denon X-Series Virtual Press Event, our sincerest apologies for the inconvenience. However, we've got something even more incredible in store for our last giveaway of the year!

Say Good-Bye to 2020 with Our Final Giveaway of the Year!

Experts agree, 2020 has been a TERRIBLE year. But for one lucky Audioholic, 2021 is going to start with a dual powered-sub BOOM! Audioholics has partnered with Marantz to give away a new Marantz AV7705 11.2CH 4K Ultra HD AV Surround Pre-Amplifier ($2199.00 Value)

Start the New Year With a BOOM
Register Now to WIN!​

PRIZE DESCRIPTION:

2021 is looking better already!
Enjoy audio playback with exceptional quality thanks to Marantz-proprietary HDAM modules and stream from Pandora, Spotify, TIDAL, Deezer and more with HEOS built-in. Ideal for custom integrations, the AV7705 features Creston Control and RS-232C serial port for third-party remote monitoring. Calibrate your listening environment with the full suite of Audyssey EQ tools and control the pre-amplifier with your voice and Amazon Alexa voice compatibility. See Marantz Full Product Description.

Ultimate Team-Up:

The AV7705 offers flexibility that adds a stunning array of up-to-date features to your old receiver (with pre-ins), or you can put it in charge of one or more of your own amplifiers for up to 11-channels of power, including two subwoofers. The AV7705 makes a stylish control-center at the head of any system with its clean design that crackles with pure black brushed-aluminum power, but the ultimate esthetic team-up is when you add a Marantz power amplifier... Marantz Assemble!

Marantz AV7705 paired with Marantz MM8077​

Features:

• 11.2 channel XLR pre-out; 11.2 channel RCA pre-out
• 8 HDMI inputs (incl. 1 front) with full HDCP 2.2 support; 3 HDMI outputs (incl. Zone 2)
• 4K/60 Hz full-rate pass-through, Dolby Vision compatibility, HDR, HLG and BT.2020
• Advanced video processing with analog to HDMI conversion; SD to HD/4K upscaling
• Dolby Atmos, DTS:X (up to 7.1.4 with an external 2ch amplifier), Auro-3D and DTS Virtual:X for height virtualization effects
• eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) support via firmware update supports the most advanced surround and object-based audio formats via single HDMI connection between AVRs and compatible TVs
• Stream music from Internet Radio, Spotify Connect, Pandora, SiriusXM, Amazon Music, TIDAL, Deezer and more with Bluetooth, Airplay2 or HEOS built-in
• Built-in Wi-Fi with 2.4GHz/5GHz dual band support

Manufacturer Information:
Marantz AV7705 Pre-amp Processor Box Includes:

• 11.2ch AV surround preamplifier
• Marantz AV7705 owner's manual & Warranty Information
• 6' AC power cord
• Remote control (RC037SR)
• Two "AAA" batteries
• Sound calibration microphone (ACM1HB), microphone stand & assembly Instructions
• 2 WLAN/Bluetooth antennas
• FM wire antenna & AM loop antenna
• Quick Start Guide

Please Read Before Entering: Contest Rules, Terms and Regulations

Entry must be received BEFORE 12/31/20 at 11:59 PM EST
PLEASE NOTE: By registering for the contest, you are agreeing to receive both the Audioholics and Marantz email newsletters. Contest open to the Continental US only.

To enter the Giveaway, simply:
1. Register to receive the Audioholics and Marantz email newsletters.
2. Respond using that same address if you are contacted as the winner.
3. Leave a comment below why you want to go the separates route for your home theater.

<<< Click Here to Register for the Giveaway! >>>
Entry must be received BEFORE 12/31/20 at 11:59 PM EST​

Setup and Control

​

Marantz Setup Info: "The AV7705 Quick Start Guide provides simple, direct instructions to get started. Once you connect your TV to the AV7705 via HDMI, the Marantz Setup Assistant appears on your TV screen and guides you through setup. The Setup Assistant helps you establish crucial settings for the best possible sound quality, whatever your configuration."

Marantz Voice Controls: “Enjoy effortless voice control and total flexibility from the leading voice agents. Speak commands with Amazon Alexa , Google Assistant, Apple Siri and high-end smart home automation, Josh.ai. Ask to play your favorite music, turn the volume up, skip to the next track, switch inputs and more. Switch between voice agents, or pick a favorite to use — the choice is yours. Functionality varies by voice agent.”

External Control Capabilities: “Ideal for custom installs and remote troubleshooting. The AV7705 has a range of features to provide enhanced control and compatibility with third-party and custom integration solutions, including IP control, either via wired LAN connection or Wi-Fi. For compatibility with other components, use the remote-control input and output on the rear panel, along with a flasher input and a 12V trigger output. For direct connection to external home automation and control equipment, an RS-232C serial port provides remote monitoring. The AV7705 also features Crestron Connected for quick and easy integration with home automation equipment.”

Multi-Features From Marantz:

PRIZE: One Marantz AV7705 Pre-amp Processor
(Retail value: $2199.00)

Audiohoics Info: The Marantz AV7705 is virtually identical to the AV7706, the ONLY difference is that the AV7706 supports 8K-passthrough while the AV7705 supports 4K-passthrough. Otherwise, both offer the same deep feature sets for your audio/video needs.

Read Audioholics AV7706 Preview by our man Tony gone fishin' Leotta! A full review is on the way!

Entry is Easy, Why Wait?

Good Luck, Audioholics!​

PLEASE NOTE: Contest ends December 31 2020 11:59 EST. Prize to be shipped January 2021.

CONTEST RULES: To enter, simply provide email address and follow confirmation to sign up for the Audioholics and Marantz newsletters. Read the complete Contest Rules, Terms and Regulations before entering. One new subscriber who joins between now to 12/31/20 will be chosen at random as the system winner. Only one entry is accepted for the contest. The system will know if you already entered and will prevent you from multiple entries. * Don’t wait, the entry period ends December 31, 2020 at 11:59 PM EST! Contest open for Continental US only.

 

[STRONGBADF1]

Come on, Make me buy an amplifier!

 

[jmmathe]

Id want to go the separates route because typically you end up with more amp!

 

[Gmoney]

I'm in!

 

[ryanosaur]

Wheeeeee!

 

[Wayde Robson]

This is definitely one I'd love to win... but I can't enter. I love the look of the new Marantz gear. I have an older Marantz receiver that I absolutely love.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Time to update aging Onkyo TX-SR805 with all HDMI2 and Atmos goodies

 

[TLS Guy]

The 7705 is a really great pre/pro. It was somewhat buggy at first, but now a series of firmware updates seem to have totally debugged it and I could not be happier with it. It is strongly recommended. Mine has now been on line 13 months.

 

[Mack4477]

The 7705 will be the perfect brains to my PSA theater room

 

[Baff]

Why go with separates? Because I don't like to share my power.

 

[allargon]

Actually, I prefer receivers. That said, I would use my old HK AVR 247 as an amp if I were to win this sweet, sweet gear.

 

[Kalum]

I would love to try separates since I have only owned a Onkyo tx rx810. I also wold like to get to 7.2.4.

 

[_Mithrandir_]

It’s time to go with separates in my theatre because my power hungry speakers demand it! They scream, “Please, we need more juice!” Who are we to deny them?

 

[Audiosaur]

I'd love to have the features the 7705 offers!

 

[laurelkurt]

Separates are the way to go! Already have 9 channels of power amps!

 

[TLS Guy]

The 7705 is a really great pre/pro. It was somewhat buggy at first, but now a series of firmware updates seem to have totally debugged it and I could not be happier with it. It is strongly recommended. Mine has now been on line 13 months.

I had a firmware update come through for my Marantz 7705 this evening. That included center spread. Personally I think Dolby were correct to discontinue it. I did a careful A/B comparison this evening and activating center spread is a definite quality spoiler. It cancelled the wonderful depth of field I have on my rig. I have an excellent sound stage using the Dolby upmixer, with excellent spread and imaging across the whole sound stage. I do not have to increase the center channel at all for excellent dialog and the sound from the front three speakers sounds identical, so I have a seamless front stage. It may work for some rigs, but for me it is a quite definite downgrade.

 

[gene]

I had a firmware update come through for my Marantz 7705 this evening. That included center spread. Personally I think Dolby were correct to discontinue it. I did a careful A/B comparison this evening and activating center spread is a definite quality spoiler. It cancelled the wonderful depth of field I have on my rig. I have an excellent sound stage using the Dolby upmixer, with excellent spread and imaging across the whole sound stage. I do not have to increase the center channel at all for excellent dialog and the sound from the front three speakers sounds identical, so I have a seamless front stage. It may work for some rigs, but for me it is a quite definite downgrade.

Center Spread is for 2CH Music upmixing, not movies. I prefer it off for upmixed movies but NEVER prefer it on for 2CH music in any system I've heard or installed.

 

[zepaholic]

Always been on the fence about going with separates winning this would push me over for sure.
Excellent prize thanks for the chance.

 

[TLS Guy]

Center Spread is for 2CH Music upmixing, not movies. I prefer it off for upmixed movies but NEVER prefer it on for 2CH music in any system I've heard or installed.

The Firmware update was ready, just before I went to connect to the BBC for Choral evensong, which yesterday came from Ely Cathedral (known as the Ship O' the Fens). It was an Armistice Day service. So I took time to download the update first (12 min). So that was the source I A/B it on. It was obviously 2 channel stereo. I have to say the Dolby up mixer continues to astonish. You really are in the cathedral. You hear the two rows of choristers and lay clerks, stretching beyond the end wall, and the organ positioned above the choir stalls. The reverberations of the space recreated perfectly. I find it incredible. Now if center spread is engaged, the whole sound field compressed and everything comes forward, and localization is ruined. Center spread seems to muck up this new upmixer more than the last. I think Dolby should have stood their ground and not brought it back.

Another example of how good this new Dolby upmixer is, is a YouTube of Jonathan Scott, playing Bach's Wachet Auf chorale at St. Mary's Petworth. This organ has a division to the right and a division ahead. The flutes are in the division to the right, and the reed playing the melody ahead. Now from a two channel source, puts the right division firmly between the front right speaker and the right surround, actually a little toward the right surround. The reed is firmly ahead. The ambiance all perfectly recreated.

I find this all perfectly dumbfounding, that this can be so precisely recreated from a two channel source. You would insist it was a multichannel recording unless presented with incontrovertible evidence to the contrary.

So I guess the days of advising you can use less able and accurate speakers for surrounds, rear backs and ceiling speakers are over. Talking of the latter, I have replaced my four JW ceiling speakers with their Mark Audio descendants. They are in optimal 0.25 cu.ft sealed enclosures. I needed more power. The huge echo from the dome of an empty RAH with Johnathan Scott, pulling out all the stops of the "Voice of Jupiter" in his Organ Prom of August 29, determined that!

 

[tylertheklipschaholic]

Personally, I’d like to win to take my theater to the next level. I’ve meticulously squeezed every last drop of performance out of my current equipment by optimizing speaker placement, tweaking my room EQ with the Audyssey editor app, using reliable interconnects, and treating my room’s acoustics as best I can. The next step for me is either to upgrade my speakers or replace my Denon X4500H with separates so that the speakers aren’t fighting for power at those near-reference levels. I’m excited for this opportunity and wish everyone luck in winning!