Marantz AV8003 Networking THX Ultra2 Certified Preamp / Processor

Marantz AV8003 Preamp Processor Overview

The new Marantz AV8003 premplifier processor represents the best in contemporary technology combined with traditional Marantz quality. The AV-8003 is 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 Marantz AV8003 does it in a single room or throughout your home. Enjoyment? You bet. But enjoyment raised to the level only Marantz can reach.

Let’s start with the basics. For a “net-friendly” AV 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 Marantz 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.

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 MM8003, 8 channel amplifier.

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 Marantz 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 Marantz 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 Marantz 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.

Marantz AV8003 Preamp / Processor Features

• Digital Media Player for Ethernet
  - Audio, Video and Photo (supporting DLNA)
• Video Scaler Up to 1080p
• HDMI V1.3a: 4-in/2-out
• Dolby TrueHD, dts HD, Deep Color
• DSD (SA-CD), Auto Lip Sync
• XLR Pre Output Terminals
• XLR Audio Inputs for SA-CD
• Multi Room Component Video Out
• RC2001 Main Remote(PC Programmable, Learning)
• RC101 Sub Remote(for Multi Room Control, Learning)
• HD Radio / XM Ready / Sirius Ready
• THX Ultra2 Certified
• Copper Plated Chassis
• Toroidal Power Transformer
• New Clean Front Panel

av8003manual.pdf

av8003brochure.pdf

Marantz AV8003 Preamp / Processor Specifications

FM TUNER SECTION

• Frequency Range ................................ 87.5 – 107.9 MHz
• Usable Sensitivity ............................IHF 1.8 μV/16.4 dBf
• Signal to Noise Ratio ................... Mono/Stereo 75/70 dB
• Distortion ......................................Mono/Stereo 0.2/0.3 %
• HD Radio .............................................................. 0.02 %
• Stereo Separation .........................................1 kHz 45 dB
• HD Radio ......................................................1 kHz 85 dB
• Alternate Channel Selectivity .................± 400 kHz 60 dB
• Image Rejection ......................................98.1 MHz 70 dB
• Tuner Output Level ........... 1 kHz, ± 75 kHz Dev 800 mV

AM TUNER SECTION

• Frequency Range ................................... 530 – 1710 kHz
• Signal to Noise Ratio .............................................. 50 dB
• Usable Sensitivity ......................................... Loop 500μV
• Distortion ...................................400Hz, 30 % Mod. 0.5 %
• Selectivity .................................................± 20 kHz 70 dB

AUDIO SECTION

• Input Sensitivity/Impedance
  (Unbalanced) .............................200 mV/ 47 k ohms
  (Balanced) ..................................400 mV/ 30 k ohms
• Output Level/Impedance
  (Unbalanced) .................................... 1 V/ 470 ohms
  (Balanced) ......................................... 2 V/ 470 ohms
• Signal to Noise Ratio(Analog Input / Pure Direct) .... 105 dB
• Frequency Response
  (Analog Input / Pure Direct) .... 8 Hz – 100 kHz (± 3 dB)
  (Digital Input / 96 kHz PCM) .... 8 Hz – 45 kHz (± 3 dB)

VIDEO

• Television Format ....................................................NTSC
• Input Level/Impedance ........................... 1 Vp-p/75 ohms
• Output Level/Impedance ......................... 1 Vp-p/75 ohms
• Video Frequency Response .......5 Hz to 8 MHz (– 1 dB)
• Video Frequency (Component) ..5 Hz to 100 MHz (– 3 dB)
• S/N ..........................................................................60 dB
• HDMI
  Version .........................................................1.3a [INPUT]
  ....................................................................1.3a [OUTPUT]
  

GENERAL

• Power Requirement ................................AC 120 V 60 Hz
• Power Consumption ................................................ 85 W
• Standby Power Consumption .................. (Normal) 1.0 W
  ......................................................(Economy) 0.7 W
• Dimensions.....17-5/16" W x 7-5/16" H x 15-3/16" D
• Weight ...................................................................11.6 kg

Marantz History

Saul Marantz founded the company that bore his name in the early 1950s to build high fidelity components. Working with such audio engineers as Sidney Smith and Richard Sequerra, Marantz constructed a series of vacuum-tube components that became yardsticks for the hi-fi industry. With the advent of transistor technology in the early 1960s, Marantz and his associates developed the landmark Model 18 receiver, the first example of a receiver combined with a preamplifier, power amplifier and tuner in one box. In 1964, he sold the company to Superscope, but remained with Marantz as president until 1968.

To continue the story, it is necessary to back track a bit, as it relates to Marantz' acquisition by Superscope. The Standard Radio Corporation was established in Setagaya, Tokyo, Japan in 1953 manufacturing portable radios. In 1959 the company started manufacturing tape recorders. A new factory was built in Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan in 1959 and this became the company's headquarters. In 1962 the company started manufacturing phonographs. With the acquisition of Marantz by Superscope in 1964, manufacturing of Marantz components gradually shifted to Japan, but design engineering remained in America for the time being.

In 1971, Standard Radio Corporation received third-party capitalization from Superscope of the U.S.A. In March of 1975, SRC changed its name to Marantz Japan, Inc. Superscope of the U.S.A. sold its shares of Marantz Japan to Philips of the Netherlands in 1980. Marantz manufactured its first Compact Disc player starting in 1982. Much if the Philips European design engineering made its way into the Marantz line of products, and the Marantz compact disc was one of the first proofs of this. Numerous improvements were made to the Sagamihara factory in the late 1980s. The magnificent PM-94 and PM-84 were manufactured at this time. These were a distinct break with the Philips-influenced integrated amplifiers of the mid-1980s, and a successful attempt at recapturing the legendary design and engineering that Marantz had become famous for.

In the late 1990s, Marantz reissued the legendary Model 7, 8 and 9 tube components and these were eagerly scooped up by audiophile collectors. These components were, in fact, engineered and manufactured by hand by the Valve Amplification Company of Durham, North Carolina. ( VAC is now located in Florida).

Then, in May of 2001, Marantz Japan, Inc. acquired the Marantz brand and its business in Europe and the USA from Philips. The company established Marantz divisions in the Netherlands, Germany, France and England. Marantz America, Inc. was organized in Los Angeles; the American division of Marantz had been headquartered in California for years. However, the offices were later moved to Itasca, Illinois. In 2002, Marantz merged with Denon and established a joint holding company, D & M Holdings, Inc. The Marantz and Denon product lines will remain separate and distinct.