Marantz AV 20 we're waiting for AV Processor to replace AV7706, AV8805A

[@josephtompkins5479]

Absolutely agree- we need an upper mid range processor from Marantz in the 4 to 5 k range!

[@ripewave]

Thanks for the added feedback. I am hoping they don’t push the price higher. -Jon

[@carlosmoran2432]

Hi John love your videos. Curious. I currently own a Marantz 7705 Processor. Looking to up grade. I was wondering on your thoughts? I am considering McIntosh MX 122. Do you feel as it would be a substantial upgrade? I was also looking at an MX 123. But it seems that the biggest difference is the 8K capability Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. Keep on tubing😀!!!

[@HiFinest343]

The McIntosh MX12x series is a shared platform with the Marantz 8805. The hardware is the same, even the interface/menus are the same. Just paying for the McIntosh styling. The McIntosh MX18x series is a shared platform with Lyngdorf I think, with RoomPerfect room correction. If you have a 7705, the next upgrade would be to the forthcoming AV20 which it should be replacing the 8805, and less capable than the AV10. Hopefully it has more shared technology with the AV10 than the 7705 did with the 8805… just wait, if you like Marantz it makes sense to wait for the AV20, or spring for the AV10. Really nothing bad to say about the AV10…

[@ripewave]

I believe the McIntosh models are an upgrade over equivalent Marantz models. I have the following video which may help: McIntosh vs Marantz kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6G2c5igd9WheNksi=3YiRvLtxNWgaVRPh Also McIntosh New 2020 Processors - MX123, MX100 + Entire range kzbin.info/www/bejne/jWWpioljeriAfas I haven’t looked as the prior generation as much which included the MX122. I feel McIntosh is due for another upgrade, perhaps the MX124, to include Dirac Live and 4 independent subwoofer capability. My guess is that will be a more significant upgrade than the MX122 to MX123 enhancements which focused mainly on HDMI 2.1.

[@auburn2031]

That's going to be a lot of money

[@ripewave]

Yes - separates are sold at a premium. Our aim is to learn if they are worth spending more. -Jon

[@Tonyplat98]

I have the 7706 and even though the power supply is not the upgraded one it does the job very well for what it is. I was able to pick it up from fleabay at 1400 brand new which is less than half the price Marantz is selling this unit for and honestly that's enough for me or 90% of people with home theater setups. The only issue with the 7706 is that it doesn't come with Dirac setup. I upgraded from the Pioneer VSX-LX505 because wanted to go separates but even my pioneer 505 had dirac =/ Not sure if it's an upgrade that makes sense.

[@Hasjwandje]

I don't understand what is taking them so long. You take a Cinema 30, delete the amplification, replace the toroidal transformer with a smaller one, add XLR out, and you are basically done. As for pricing, 4,000 euro including a full Dirac Live license would make this thing sell like hotcakes. Now, I'm hoping they are taking the extra time to make the chassis a bit lower, sort of a slimline, so to speak. They could do this by deleting all the (analog) legacy connections. It's time we go full digital, in my opinion. However, if they price this at 5,000 euro or more, I don't see them selling a lot. It will be too close to the AV10, and there will be better alternatives from the likes of Anthem, Arcam, Emotiva, etc.

[@ripewave]

Thanks for adding your perspective. Making a slim version would be interesting and could be achieved with legacy removal - similar to the McIntosh MX100 but with more channels. -Jon

[@OctopusPrime138]

Since the days of TV VCR combos I've hated when a single piece of technology tries to do it all. I'm finding AV receivers to be going down that path. All I want is a pre amp with just really good home theater decoding DV and Atmos DTS-X support and dirac. With balanced out and HDMI as the only input. I don't need analogue stuff on my home theater. I have a traditional hi-fi set up for that.

[@Statulos_Vacceo]

Considering the good quality of the DAC´s Marantz uses in their AV lineup, I think a CD transport that could save us a bit from a player would be quite interesting.

[@ripewave]

I believe you are saying not to spend money on the DAC within the CD player itself, just send the digital signal to the AV Processes direct. Let me know. -Jon

[@Statulos_Vacceo]

@@ripewave That´s my point, Jon. The dac´s in the Cinema and particularly the AV10 series are excellent, so no point on having a cd player with yet another dac. Send the digital signal straight and the result will be perfectly fine. I undestand part of the love for these devices is in aesthetics, and Marantz has, IMHO, moved towards the right direction. They could, I think, easily produce something akin to a CD60 without the DAC (and the RCA´s) with only coax and spdif outs with a couple hundred bucks in price reduction.

[@ripewave]

I agree. That is why I struggle justifying expansive streamers which do not support multi-channel to your processor. Why should I pay for expensive DACs in a streamer, if the AVR is going to convert back to Digital anyways or if I am unable to experience immersive audio? -Jon

[@scruffy8861]

I'f i was in the market for a processor i'd wait till CEDIA to see new model offerings from competing brands as well as whatever Marantz shows.

[@ripewave]

Yes - I think it is likely that Marantz will show the AV 20 or whatever they end up calling the model below the AV 10 at Cedia early September (5-7 Denver). They are a few other products we would like to see from other brands, but this one seems to be the likely release this coming Fall. -Jon

[@marc2055]

I think a future AV20 will be a 13 or 15 channel receiver

[@ripewave]

Including the subwoofers or not? I was thinking 13-15 plus 4 subwoofer channels making 17-19 total. Similar to Cinema 30 and AV10. -Jon

[@macho9556]

The AV10 is already 15.4 channels. I see the AV20 as having 11 or 13 channels with 4 subwoofers. All the bells and whistles that the AV10 has. Only difference is less channels and maybe smaller Torodial since its less channels to help bring the price down

[@marc2055]

@@macho9556 If someone wants 13 or 15 channels in one unit, the only option is the Denon AVR-A1H. Marantz has no equivalent to Denon yet.

[@ripewave]

For onboard amplifier count there is nothing like the Denon A1H. Otherwise, you purchase external amplifiers to make up the difference. -Jon

[@dragonstone6594]

I would say lets go two steps further and get a AV40 with 9.4 channels with the same DAC quality as the AV10 and the size of Cinema 70s for under $2K.

[@ripewave]

I like the way you think. Lower cost options - compete with Emotiva and ToneWinner but more feature rich. -Jon

[@kman9387]

I would suggest the Sony's ES line. So much channel separation and very customizable ❤ Marantz and Denon are becoming unreliable, glitchy and stale.

[@ripewave]

I like the Sony ES line’s ability to support speaker layouts up to 13.2 along with unique sound modes to widen the sound stage not possible with any other brands. If you have configurations beyond 13.2, Sony isn’t there yet. Sony room calibration is very quick but not as configurable as others. I feel Sony serve a unique market very well. I am curious to hear if others are experiencing glitches with Marantz and Denon. I did have my issues, but have not seen a universal upswell of concerns published. Is there a real issue there? -Jon

[@martinfarinha]

3500 or bust! Going too far above that price bracket makes no sense as it's nipping at the heels of their own flagship product.

[@PreteshPatel-hv9rq]

Cinema 30 is flagship model. Av 10 is flagship processor only difference xlr. To many models. If marantz brings out a cinema20 ill be surprised. Cant remember watched a video saying they have no plans because of cost and putting all the xlr connections on back with higher pre out voltage and more channels more power required. Cost be same as av10. My error av20. Pointless just keep one flagship model av10.

[@ripewave]

Take a look at the interior photos I provided of the Cinema 30, AV 10 and prior models. The approach taken with the inside components within the AV 10 is much different then all the rest (receivers or processors) in the Marantz portfolio. I believe that difference accounts for the cost to build increase you mention. We know that cost to add XLR outputs doesn’t add that much as we still have the AV7706 at $3,200 and Emotiva builds 16 channel processor like their XMC-2 with XLR outputs for under $3,000 (now $2,200). The higher voltage output is one upgrade that can translate to the higher cost, if included in a model. I do feel that there is a market for AV Processors for those who have 100% amplifiers - that market is just much smaller than the AV Receiver market. The question I see is whether or not that market today is large enough to justify multiple processors within the Marantz lineup. For the consumer, we like processor choices at different price points and don’t want to be forced the $7,000 flagship if we don’t have the means. I am open to this discussion as you may be right. Marantz may divide not to provide another processor model. We have seen a lot of other brands drop processors entirely - Sony, Yamaha to name two. -Jon

[@PreteshPatel-hv9rq]

@@ripewave thanks I have the cinema 30. I would have preferred a 5.4 flagship with XLR with all the bells and whistles. But only the av10 and 30 come with all the extras. Meaning dac etc etc. I am set at 5.2 only stayed away from Atmos. I do have emotiva power amp but my cable is 0.75cm into power anp. But I tuned it with audessy in a certain way that it gives me so much depth and deep vocals at low volume without overpowering everything else. And yes dynamic eq on and volume on heavy mode. It all works if set correctly. And increasing the volume still balances. I used no mic just ears. Your a nice guy watching your videos. Also XLR is mainly for long runs. I don't even go above volume 35 I don't use dB volume setting. XLR is not necessary for me I know my voltage drop is zilch. Also the some of best audio systems are car systems they don't use XLR.

[@ripewave]

Based on my direct experience, I feel the Cinema 30 is very good. Hard to imagine the AV 10 offering more sonically - but I will test someday and know for certain. I really wish they would make a premium 5.4 or 7.4 processor and receiver - would serve you very well. -Jon