@@Youthman buddy , you are the guru when it comes to this stuff , I had the sr6013 and thought it was great but wanted to get a processor since I dont use the amp on board anymore , I broke down and got me a xmc-2 emotiva and it sounds great BUT marantz spoiled me with the user interface and everything is just ergonomic , my new emo i paid over 3g is superior in sound but I cant live with the thing , you think I will be happy with the separation with the 7706 coming from a sr6013 you think its a huge improvement ?? , how far off from a xmc-2 , have you had a xmc-2 in yet? I did allot of homework and thought I would love this thing , I like being able make changes lower db per channel from movie to movie while watching the movie and not that you cant on a emotiva but if you want to lower the center sub because you have a amp for transducers you have to stop the movie to go into the system to play with that . I dont want to have to settle just because I want better HT sound or sound in general. im so frustrated right now cause I just came to the realization I have to return this thing for something else , once I think Im done with Marantz it pulls me back?
This pre/pro is by far the best for the money. I haven't bought it yet because I'm a few dollars short and I'm currently running a Marantz AV8801. Yeah, I bought it years ago real cheap but didn't consider it not having the latest 3D object surround formats, like Atmos for example. I was really pissed after finding out you couldn't get a downloadable upgrade either so I was stuck with it. For the money, this bad boy is the one to get for less than 3 grand. The last video I saw was the showing of your home theater. You were running an AVR 8012 with no separates and a pair of five thousand dollar Klipsch speakers. Glad to see you finally saw the light...lol Even with the so-called pre-amp mode, it's still not a separate and the sound makes a huge difference when hearing an AVR and pre/pro side by side. Years ago I was big Denon fanatic and I finally broke down and bought separates, starting with 8801. When I heard my first movie the sound was just simply phenomenal. I just wished I had a pair of those Klipsch Heresy, Forte's or La Scala's you own. I bet you're very happy with this pre/pro and your entire home theater.
Great video! I actually really like the Marantz “porthole”. It definitely gives them a distinctive look compared to other plain “black box” manufacturers. Plus Marantz provides a full digital display that can be used by simply leaving the door open. Best of both worlds to me. Thanks again for the great content YM.
Rocking the 7706 aswell. Love It. Huge upgrade from my sr8012. Had the SR8012 connected to the same Rotel Amp as my new 7706. And your review is spot on.
100% agree that reliability is paramount, for me at least. When I sit down to enjoy music or a movie the last thing I want is a problem. I am getting rid of my current pre/pro for this very reason, even though it is only about 6 months old. My new AV7706 will be here later this week.
That's interesting you heard a difference between the 8015 in pre-amp mode and the 7706. I also would've thought they would perform the same. Although you are gaining XLR out with the 7706.
Yea i read Somewhere Else that that the 8015 measure so much better in pre amp than the actual pre amp, then you have gene saying the yamaha rxa6a measure’s significantly better than his 25 thousand dollar storm audio processor, yeah ok whatever im really sure theyr not paid to say this crap to line their own pockets with dollars
I share my personal experiences from a consumer’s perspective. I’m not an engineer and I certainly do not claim to be an expert. When I do get paid from a company, I always state the video is sponsored or that it was made possible by that company. There are plenty of content creators in this space that have rarely, if ever, state a video was sponsored, even though sponsorships are a big portion of their income. At the end of the day, my recommendation is to do as much research as you can and make the best decision with the information provided.
I upgraded from the AV7702 to the AV7706 because I ordered the Sony 5000ES Projector and an XBOX Series X, coming from a Sony 65ES and XBOX One X. Waiting on the projector obviously, but from an audible standpoint, I was instantly impressed with the AV7706. I honestly did not expect to get that big of a lift.
Quick fact #1 Audyssey in Denon/Marantz processors/AVRs will downsmple anything to 48kHz Quick fact #2 Audyssey in Denon/Marantz processors/AVRs cannot compensate for speaker-to-speaker distance greater than 20ft. Quick fact #3 HEOS in Denon/Marantz processors/AVRs cannot load more than 300 songs into the playback queue. Should I continue?
Yay! So glad to hear Marantz has no plans to ever change the way their main line of electronics looks. What a crappy idea. Do you know there are third party companies that even model their own equipment after the Marantz design?
Another great video... Now that you're using a processor, any thoughts how the AV7706 would compare to the older AV8802A, and do you think you could ever go back to a receiver?
Great video. I have the SR6013 now and am upgrading to separate amps and need a new processor. I looked at the Yamaha but after your review I'm sticking with Marantz. I have a 7.2.4 so this pairs perfectly. I do not think the 8805 does much more than add 2 more channels which I do not need.
am I the only one who prefers the look of the Denon x series to the Marantz AVR's. I did look at the Marantz before I decided to go with the Denon x4700h but the look of it put me off.
@@Youthman what do you think about running the Denon x4700 as a pure pre amp vs the 7706? I have the Denon with emotiva XLA D3 for fronts and basx 7 for surrounds and 4 Atmos heights. I’m not really sure I hear the difference with running the Denon in pre amp mode and using the internal amps lol
I had the same experience with Marantz SR8015 internal amps vs preamp mode with external amp. I did not expect to hear a difference between the SR8015 in preamp mode with external amp vs Marantz AV7706 with amp but we definitely did. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-xYACtM54_kc.html
Can you tell a difference between the Marantz AV7706 and the AV7705 in regards to sound? I’m in the market for a pre-amp and like Marantz, but don’t want to break the bank. I’m even willing to get a AV7704 as long as it can do ATMOS Another great video!
I run two Marantz AV7705’s in two different systems. I like the channel separation / aesthetically pleasing and clarity. As far as the porthole, who uses it as you use the onscreen menu? I am not planning on doing any upgrades.
My AV7700 is still going great after years of service. My only complaint is the flip down front door, you cannot read that small round screen from your seat. Right now I cannot run video thru the unit because the 4K is not up to date so I just use it for audio. Would I purchase a new version, yes.
I have been using the SR7012 for my surround sound and I do run external amps for LCR channels. Doubt I will move to a processor anytime soon but I have liked my Marantz and probably will stick with the brand for HT in the furtue.
Sorry, I read your comment too fast and didn’t see your question. My friend and I recently compared the SR8015 and AV7706 and both of us noticed a significant improvement in sound with the AV7706 - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-xYACtM54_kc.html
I agree with you on the porthole. While I do understand and appreciate heritage, it's definitely time for a refresh. For my money, Marantz would also have to ditch Audyssey in favor of a more robust solution such as Dirac Live. Audyssey might be fine for Denon but Marantz deserves better.
Thanks for the review! I have the SR6012 which I have loved and serves me well. As a lover of this tech, I am always looking for the next step up. The 7706 likely be a really big step for me. I currently run a 7.2.2 setup. I considered maybe the 8015 but wonder how much I would gain other than maybe power and a few more channels.
Hi, I too have the 7706. I bought it right after seeing you video with your neighbor. I love it. Please, keep making videos about the 7706. To me it's crazy $2,599 is low end.
Hey Youthman - love the videos. I'm torn between a Denon x6700h and the Marantz AV7706. I have 2 Adcom 5 channel 125wpc ext amplifiers, but with the Denon I get addition few channels and option to use internal amplification for a 2nd and 3rd zone. My 5.1.4 home theater will be completely run by my ext amps. Do you think there is a significant difference between AV7706 and X6700H with pre amp mode? I can always get a separate cheaper AVR for other zones but not sure if the differences will be enough to have to go through that. Thanks!
I am in the exact same situation - currently have the Denon 6700h, but really considering the Marantz AV 7706. Did you get a chance to try both of them? If so, what is your experience so far? Thank you
Big fan of your videos - I see many different AV channels and yours is by far my fav. Thank you! I just bought both this AV7706 and the Monolith 11x for my Klipsch Atmos setup (7.2.4) - literally yesterday watched the first 4k Blu-ray "Ready Player One". Watching it on my last Marantz AVR SR7011 was good, but watching it with this AV7706 and Monolith... OMG!!! It's exactly how you and your friend described it. My couch became very much in the center of the action with every speaker having its own voice, loud and clear. And the dialog in the center channel was much more clear. Stunning! Not cheap, but Atmos has been rather "Eh" for me for the past 6 years. Now I finally get it! Seems to only really make sense with separates, otherwise the Atmos effect is pretty rare to actually notice in movies. At least that's been my experience.
Hey brother. Good review! Did you ever get a change to test out the SR8015? Thinking about either this pared with a marantz mm8077 or the SR8015 a as all in one... Just found your other video 😁 thanks dude.
Great video Michael. And I'm with you, that porthole looking thing feels a bit tired to me. Used to like it but there're much more attractive looks nowadays... However, sounds like many people still like it! To each his/her own!
with my 7706 and Sony tv if after powering on the processor and the tv if i don't turn on the tv from the remote immediately no sound comes from my speakers. i have to hold down my tv power button and restart it. its only with marantz. if i put my old Sony avr in its place it doesn't happen.
Great video. I’m debating whether to purchase this or bite the bullet on an Anthem AVM 70. I currently use a DenonX4400H as a processor on my 7.1.4 setup.
I finally went for separates after owning Denon Receivers for over 15 years and so glad I bought the Marantz AV7706 for the past 3 months now. Extremely happy with it with better separation and detail. I also have a 7.2.4 set up and using a NAD M28 7 channel amp to run my Def tech Mythos speakers and Outlaw 5 channel amp for my Atmos speakers.
@@raphaelmeillat8527 NADM28-It's got lots of power on all 7 channels, quality and a truly devastating dynamic. IMO, it's got a balanced signature after calibration and some tweaking. It is expensive but I believe it's worth it. It could really make a big difference especially if you have large rooms. I initially purchased the Denon X6700H 8K Receiver but returned it after 2 weeks since it's lacking power and details. Good luck!
@@Bullybeef972 thanks a lot for your response. Very much tempted by it. The thing is, my room is rather modest for a home cinema (4.5m x 4.25m, or about 15 ft x 14 ft, that's slightly less than 200 squared feet, 7ft high ceiling) so I guess I'm wondering whether such strong and clean power will be noticeable vs traditional integrated receiver. That's my big question! Any thoughts?
@@raphaelmeillat8527 With your room size, you can still hear a big difference in separation and quality of the sound. I believe once you go separates, you can't go back to a traditional integrated receiver. You can buy less expensive amps like Emotiva, etc...just depends on the type of speakers you're using as well. Just check their return policy that way if you're not happy, you can easily return them and try a different one that suits your needs. You won't regret going separates, that's your ultimate goal if you've been using receivers for awhile. If you have the money, I'd definitely invest in it. Like they say, Buy once, cry once, lol. Cheers!
Mark Nelson , it is worth it I got one Hook up with 2 marantz 8077 power amps using only XLR‘s even my 2 svs pb400 subwoofers , are connected through XLR‘s , and the sound is out of this world
@@2081calin Sounds like we have similar systems and yes they sound amazing. I have a friend who has the 8805 and there is a noticeable difference in quality. Granted he did pay for it but it is better.
Hey guys...I will help you with BASIC setup (remember everyone's setup/system is diff but this worked for me). I was about to return it cuz it wasnt working until... 1st Make sure your amp is set up to your kind of cables. My Monolith Amp has a selector switch on each input. RCA or XLR. I had to switch to XLR cuz I originally had my old AVR setup with RCA converters but then went to XLR with the 7706. Next, you have to put your HDMI cable to ARC(preferably)on your TV and the other end to the Marantz "HDMI OUT MONITOR 1"(top right in the middle of your facing the back of the unit). That will enable your Av7706 to talk to your TV. It sounds counterintuitive cuz a noob like me thinks a TV should plug into one of the 7706's HDMI inputs but its the only HDMI cable/connection you need to get started for the above mentioned ports. Now power on your TV and 7706. Your TV should prompt you to the Marantz setup screen on your TV(its ps2 quality unfortunately). Go through the Setup wizard if your a noob like me. There will be a speaker test so if you dont hear sound out of each channel when prompted, something is wrong with your wiring setup. If setup is done correctly you might not still have results like me. You might have to select your TVs input to AV receiver. Then, it finally worked for me. I'm a noob but this worked for me. Final thoughts.... you cant just plug everything in and have it work. You have to go through the setup software on your TV and 7706. Hope this helps.
is there a BLUETOOTH button on this AV 7706?? (or is it like the old one with a bluetooth ONLY on the remote control?? my huge concern is = if something goes wrong with your remote control you wont be able to use your system with a pair bluetooth source, PERIOD. )
Hi ! Now that you have had this processor for over a year how would you compare it to Anthem room correction and Arcam room correction Dirac live I did see a pod cast where you guys were talking about room correction and TD placed Dirac Live as #1 Anthem room correction #2 and probably Marantz room correction #3 ...now Mac Intosh also uses Audyssey .... ? I live in Canada and was thinking Marantz ...now my cost with tax will be about $4700 for the Marantz and Anthem $5000 with tax and the Arcam av41 about $7600 tax in...now the Marantz is the only one that is offering a phono input and a Tuner both items are a need for me...and to spend more money on the Anthem and Arcam and not getting what i need is fruitless for me... So do the Anthem and Arcam sound that much better to justify the cost with their room correction systems? ...
Hai Hello, should i buy Marantz 7706 pre or Avr 7015 ,one more dought is there is the 7015 pre out Rca output will equal to 7706 pre outputs.. both pre sound outs will give same or no?? Pls ls reply.
I’m thinking of adding the av7706 to my system, I’m using the denon x4700 as a pre amp. Would I notice a difference in clarity and separation with the marantz over the denon
I have the AV7706, and ever since they have done updates, now I have audio dropouts and now video dropout and lag, which I didn't have before. I had better luck with my Denon AVR-3500. I am with you the porthole needs to go, put a nice huge display on the front that you can dim or turn it off! Give up the decade look! ;)
Captain James can you elaborate on the video drop out you are experiencing? Over the past month I have begun to have the video go blank, then come back. Sometimes it won’t come on at all until I reboot everything. I was thinking it was my HDMI cables failing but never considered it could be an update with the Marantz. Is this what you’re experiencing as well?
@@Youthman Thanks for the quick response, video goes out when switching on a movie via mostly my Apple TV 4K unit. Never did it before but now it goes blank and I loose audio. Audio starts to go then video, I have Ethernet hooked up via 1gig so streaming isn't an issue. Now using my Panasonic 9000 I don' t get the issue. Using Sony Laser VPL-915ES, Apple TV 4K and Panasonic 9000 4K player.
It sounds very familiar to what I’m experiencing. Mine did not happen until recently after reviewing the Zidoo player. I thought maybe my HDMI cable was the culprit. It’s intermittent so it’s difficult to troubleshoot.
I just startet my "new and improved" journey. Bought a Marantz 8805, 13.2 pre-amp along with a Marantz 8077, 7 channel power-amp. No Atmos power or speakers yet. The upgrade from my previous Onkyo integrated amp is huge. And that´s even with my old speakers.
The “balanced” outputs are not truly balanced. They are just in the XLR form as a convenience factor. Even the AV8805a is not truly balanced. You need to step up in price considerably to get a truly balanced processor.
Really enjoy and appreciate your reviews. Any chance you’ll be reviewing the Anthem AVM-70 in the future? Would love to hear your thoughts on how it compares to your Marantz AV7706. Thanks again for all the work you put into your videos!!
Shane put it well in this event video, we’ve alll requested to review them from Anthem but Anthem isn’t communicating with reviewers. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-MAVg7wHjDZ8.html
I was actually in communication with Anthem many months ago when they first announced their new processors. Their PR guy said he would be glad to send me the AVM70 to review once he had one in stock. Then crickets….No emails, no replies, nada.
@@Youthman Thanks for the reply and link! I understand their prioritization on fulfilling customer orders first, especially when supply is constrained. Hopefully, as the semiconductor shortage gets resolved, they’ll be more open to sending out review units. Hard to say no to free marketing!
As you said I also have only one issue which is when I boot up everything (Epson 4k projector + 7706 + Monolith amplifiers), I don't get sound. I have to turn it off and on to get the sound. Do you know how to fix that issue?
hello Pal. can you review a high end processor? im ready for a new processor .i have the yamaha preamp cx 5200 at present. they have just released their new high ends stuff.but im thinking id like to move up to maybe a 10 grand processor.my query is much better does a 10 grand processor sound more than the " normal stuff " marantz , yamaha ,denon etc. can you review one? cheers
@@Youthman only by about 1/2 inch. Been Denon since day 1 and don’t really trust anything else. They are very reliable. If you talk to Phil from Sound United, let him know, we are waiting.
9:48 - surely the idea (especially with e.g. Atmos) is for the speakers to disappear, such that you hear the content in the "space" not in each speaker?
They could do a flip down panel, where the panel has the porthole, but when you flip it down, it not only gives access to extra ports and buttons, it also reveal an entire full size (perhaps touch) screen! If I’m not mistaken, certain samsung smart phones had foldable wallet like cases where it had a cutout to display time/caller id, so something like that could be used to keep the icon porthole, but also keep it fresh and up to date
I love my Monolith 11X. PLENTY of power for an 11Ch system. Check out my review here - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-4pSsEtoutJc.html
Hey Michael, have you had the chance to peek at any of the new Yamaha receivers - RX-A8A, RX-A6A, RX-A4A, and RX-A2A. The higher models have all HDMI input channels in 8K!
I wish companies would hold off on releasing a product before it’s been properly tested. Unfortunately the consumers have to discover the bugs and wait for them to patch them. With that said, I would be interested in reviewing one
@@keepingupwiththejones2933 thanks man. Its ok. Can't enjoy it till I move and build out the new theater in August anyway, so haven't really missed it. I just wanna test it so its preventing me from packing a lot of things
Good review! I have a question ... you have Monolith 11x but here in Europe it's not easy to find it. What amplifier do you recommend to replace the Monolith 11x other than Marantz? Last question... Would be this AV7706 a good/perfect option for music in stereo/surround? Thanks in advance
I’m not sure what amps you have available in your area. Monica XPA 11 is another solid amp. I have a review of it on my channel. Parasound are fantastic but you would need several and they are much more expensive.
Hi I had a SR 8012 and had the same issue when I turned it on, half the screen was red and I tuned it off and on then it was ok. Now I have upgraded to the 8805 prepro it been ok 👍 so far, I think it’s the it a Marantz issue. As I tried several new HDMI cable’s with the same results
FYI I'm a Marantz fan. I generally like their products, especially compared to Denon but the DIRAC centred processors IMO put it into a different league. Marantz and especially Audgyssey always made my speakers feel artificial and a bit like tin headphones.. obviously not like tin headphones but that kind of presentation. I also find it wasn't great with speaker timings etc and generally subpar for music compared to other processors I've used (but still far better than Denon).
Im Marantz fan too.. had AV7706 and also SR7010 before. Im also had JBL Synthesis SDP55. Compare them, i more love what JBL Synthesis offer, its was new experience when i listen to the JBL processor offer. Marantz sound good, but JBL with dirac sound more quality and transparent. And yes the JBL had few bug which had been fix with firmware upgrade.
@@Youthman my experience with processor that using Dirac had several bug, i still do love Marantz and keep them for my second setup. Thnks for ur reply.. hope u can make some demo test and gave us some ur valuable opinion about JBL.
Hello Mr.YouthMasta!! I bought the 7706 and yet to set it up. Now my situation is that I had 4 Atmos speakers installed up on my 20’ ceilings and 2 more up above the Tv to like height speakers. With 7 speakers ground level that’s 13 and not 11 should I sell the 7706 and get me a 8805? Or is there a way to set up close enough to make it sound “Awesome?!” Apréciate your response and keep doing what you do!!
Thank you for the kind words Eddie. Unfortunately, the 7706 can only process 11 channels so your front heights would not be in use. If you want to use 13 speakers, you would need a 13ch AVR or Processor. If it were me, I would not connect the front in ceiling speakers that you have above your TV and see how it sounds. Without seeing your room, those speakers may not be able to be heard because they’re not aimed at your listening position and could be too far forward in your room. Front height channels are typically wall mounted and angled down at your listening position. Hope that helps
I saw on the back of your marantz receiver you had two different sets of inputs for height speakers one of them being RCA I was wondering if you tried using them and how? I have a entry level Denon receiver and it has the regular 5 banana plug/speaker terminals and right above the subwoofer preout is a red and white RCA ports with height/ rear surround above them. I'd appreciate any tips to using them for front height speakers thanks in advance.
Those channels can be configured in a variety of ways. I use them for height 1 (my front Atmos speakers) and height 2 (rear Atmos). You can use them for Zone 2 speakers and even for bi-amping. You select that under “Amp Assign” in the settings
Thanks for the review. You are fair in your qualification, but using pre outs on a Denon AVR is a better option, especially because Denon is cheaper and objectively performs better.
A few years ago I reviewed the Denon 6400 and also the Marantz SR8012. I didn’t hear any difference between the two for movies. I did recently compare the Marantz SR8015 and the AV7706 and both my friend and I heard a significant improvement with the AV7706 - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-xYACtM54_kc.html
What's the type (optic fiber, active with repeater, regular) and length of your HDMI cable from processor to projector? I am having trouble sending stable 4K/HDR/60fps due to the distance. Thanks.
I have a 40’ or 50’ Monoprice Fiber HDMI cable. No issues other than a few times. My guess is it was an issue with the PS5 that has been fixed with a firmware update as I haven’t seen it happen in several months.
Cheap promo? As a full-time content creator, reviewing home theater products is what I do. I haven’t looked at any other reviews. I’m sharing my experience over the past 5 months with the AV7706. I have other videos on the SR8012, SR8015 and AV7705.