Marantz AV8003 Networking A/V Preamp

The best contemporary technology combined with traditional Marantz quality. That’s what the Marantz AV8003 is all about. It’s more than just an outstanding A/V processor. It unites all the entertainment possibilities you want: Movies, music, photos, streaming audio and video. And the AV8003 does it in a single room or throughout your home. Enjoyment? You bet. But enjoyment raised to the level only Marantz panache can reach.

Let’s start with the basics. For a “net-friendly” A/V pre/pro/tuner, or for any home entertainment component, that means a high capacity and well shielded power supply so each circuit has all the current it needs and stray leakage from the transformer doesn’t interfere with data signals. To that end, Marantz engineers specified a low-flux toroid transformer and encased it in an anti-magnetic steel shield for even greater stray flux control.

And because interference can come from outside as well as inside, they gifted the AV8003 with a heavy copper-plated steel chassis to lock out electromagnetic and radio frequency noise as well as external vibrations. On the practical side, the chassis is shallower than conventional designs, too, so the AV8003 fits where others don’t.

Inside the chassis, you’ll find premium parts carefully arranged in a short-signal-trace configuration so that entertainment signals don’t suffer corrupting influences. And analog audio outputs include balanced connections via XLRs (configured to the “pin 2 = hot” standard) to insure noise-free data transmission from the AV8003 to a multichannel power amplifier such as Marantz’ new eight-channel MM8003.

As you would expect from a Marantz pre/pro/tuner, the AV8003 handles all the latest audio sources, even Dolby TrueHD and dts-HD Master Audio, for the best no-compromise sound from today’s advanced media. Connections abound for both contemporary and heritage sources, too, so you’ll have no trouble connecting even tape or CD recorders. Audyssey’s MultEQ automatically creates a surround soundfield that’s best matched to your main listening/viewing room.

Worried about the sound quality of compressed audio formats like MP3 or WMA? Or maybe concerned that you won’t enjoy FM or AM as much as you used to because they just don’t hold up to Blu-ray’s high def audio tracks? Relax and enjoy! M-DAX (Marantz Dynamic Audio Expander) recreates the missing high frequency spectrum so well that you might mistake even a low bit rate MP3 file for a CD!

The AV8003 gives you extensive radio capabilities too. In addition to tuners for FM, AM, and HD Radio terrestrial broadcasts, it’s also XM and Sirius satellite radio-ready! Just add an XM Mini-Tuner and dock or a Sirius Connect home tuner kit and you’re ready to go. Of course, you’ll need a subscription to enjoy these broadcasts but having easy connectivity is the major step. And the AV8003 has done that for you already.

Just to reinforce the AV8003’s audio capability, it’s earned a THX Ultra 2 certificate! So you can rest assured that this pre/pro/tuner is at the top of the performance scale.

Four HDMI inputs and two HDMI outputs (all adhering to the newest version 1.3 specs) complement composite, S-, and component capability. The AV8003 supports Deep Color and xvYCC Color Space for even better video performance when these technologies finally make an appearance.

Speaking of video, the AV8003 incorporates the latest processing and scaling (up to 1080p) capability from Anchor Bay Technologies. So the video image you’ll see with be mountain-air clear.

As impressive as these capabilities are, the real story behind the AV8003 is its networking prowess. The rear panel Ethernet port brings the world of streaming audio and video from your computer, NAS (network-attached storage) device, or Escient Fireball, etc., to your home theater system. And that includes photos – JPEG or BMP format – so you can display your vacation shots on the big screen with musical accompaniment!

As far as compressed audio formats go, the AV8003 handles MP3, AAC, WMA, and WAV files. Video formats include MPEG2 and MPEG4, as well as WMV.

Three zone audio and video distribution means you won’t be restricted to one-room enjoyment either. With the AV8003, you can watch or listen to movies, music, and other entertainment files wherever it’s most convenient.

Obviously, the AV8003 belongs in advanced A/V/Network systems. So installation ease and connectivity are paramount. We’ve already mentioned the rack-friendly chassis size. And there’s an RS232 port for control, internal IR repeater functions (input and output), two 12-volt DC “trigger” outputs, a detachable AC cord, and an easy front panel “key lock” so younger family members or guests can’t accidentally change your system’s setup parameters. You’ll also find two remotes, one computer-programmable full-function hand held, and a simpler “zone” remote for a secondary room.

Last but not least is the face the AV8003 presents to everyone who sees it. Rather than the flat surfaces common to lesser home entertainment components, the AV8003’s radiused corners, three-dimensional front panel, and simplified control layout add a touch of designer elegance that complements any décor. This new look is inviting in itself and is a reflection of the Marantz heritage of outstanding industrial design begun by Saul B. Marantz himself.

Both internally and externally, the AV8003 is the newest expression of our continual quest for excellence in performance and aesthetics. Marantz tradition and today’s technology in harmony for your enjoyment.