Marantz SR8002 7.1 A/V Receiver

Introduction

Marantz has long been known for its focus on producing great sound. I’ve listened to several of their receivers in the past and have owned two receivers from Marantz’s sister company Denon (both owned by D&M Holdings), including the Denon AVR-4806 currently in my home theater. Marantz markets the SR8002 as both an “Audiophile’s Receiver” and a “Videophile’s Receiver” so I was eager to try it out in my home theater, which like many rooms these days sees a broad range of usage for movies, music, and games.

Features & Setup

The SR8002 currently represents the top of Marantz’s model line for A/V receivers. Ross Jones previously reviewed the SR8001 receiver which has been replaced by this newer unit. The SR8002 has added HDMI 1.3a support, providing on-board decoding of Dolby TrueHD and dts-HD multi-channel audio signals deeper and broader color space through Deep Color and xvYCC, as well as the ability to receive multi-channel SACD signals over the HDMI connection. It also featuresan HD radio receiver and support for XM Satellite radio signals.

Specifications

  • Codecs:Codecs: DD, DD TrueHD, DD Plus, DD-EX, DPL-IIx, DTS, DTS-ES, DTS HD Master Audio, DTS Discrete 6.1, DTS Matrix 6.1, DTS Neo:6, Circle Surround, HDCD, HD Radio, XM Radio (subscription required)
  • Power: 7 x 125 Watts RMS
  • Inputs:S-Video, Component Video, Composite Video, Analog RCA Audio, Toslink Audio, Digital Coaxial, Audio, Pre-Ins
  • Outputs:HDMI, S-Video, Component Video, Composite Video, Analog RCA, Toslink Audio, Coaxial Digital Audio, Pre-Outs
  • MFR: 8 Hz – 100 kHz ± 3 dB
  • Audyssey Room EQ
  • THX Select2
  • Inputs: (2) HDMI, (1) Component, (1) S-Video, (1) Composite
  • Second and Third Zones
  • Dimensions: 7.3″ H x 17.4″ W x 15.6″ D
  • Weight: 31.1 Pounds
  • MSRP: $1,999 USA

In setting up the SR8002, the flexibility of the receiver is immediately and abundantly apparent both in handling video and audio. It has four in / two out HDMI switching, four in / two out component video, conversion of video signals to HDMI (HD signals from component passed thru, 480i signals upconverted to 480p), seven digital audio inputs (includingone on front panel) and two outputs, 7.1 analog input, and 7.1 pre-outs. The amplification section offers similar flexibility, with seven channels rated at 125W each and a THX Select2 rating. The channels can be utilized in a 7.1 configuration, a 5.1 setup with two channels for a 2nd zone, or a 5.1 setup with bi-amping for two of the channels.

The SR8002 utilizes Audyssey MultiEQ software for equalization and room correction. My reference Denon also incorporates Audyssey technology, and I’ve generally been pleased with the actual in-room performance it provides. While it’s not a panacea for poor room acoustics or mismatched equipment, it can improve most environments and certainly aids in the initial chore of configuring speakers and setting channel levels.

The flexibility of this unit includes customization of input names and pairing virtually any incoming video signal with any audio input. My only nit with the setup menus is that with the exception of a few icons, the user interface remains mostly text driven. I realize that there are limitations when doing setup on the front-panel LCD, but given that the vast majority of receivers provide on-screen display menus, I wish that the user interfaces were a little more graphically oriented to make things easier for the non-power users.

marantz-sr8002-receiver-menu-screen-shot.jpgWith a black front panel and a well laid out rear panel, the SR8002 slots easily into an equipment cabinet or equipment rack. The front panel display and indicator lights can be dimmed to suit your listening environment. Moving the unit about on your own is certainly manageable, as it weighs in at 33 pounds. Construction is sturdy with a black metal chassis and a large torroidal transformer in plain view alongside all the digital and analog circuitry held inside.

 

 

 

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