Marantz AV10 or AV8805A? Yet Another Home Theater Upgrade?

[@HiFinest343]

8805A user here. I am only running a 5.2.4 system with it, so there are no sonic benefits to be had with an upgrade to AV10. The one host on the Youthman podcast upgraded from the 6700 to the AV10 and he admitted it didn’t sound any different, and the only reason he got it was for the extra two channels. So knowing it sounds similar to a near flagship Denon AVR means it’d be a sidegrade at best. Even if you sell the 8805 for $2500 you’re out $4500 for the AV10. With $4500, I’d go with: a.) two more SB16’s so you have three of the same, b.) MultEQ X, and c.) some records. This $4500 spent will be a night and day difference, whereas the sidegrade will be a small marginal difference if any… this may just be a jealous version of me speaking tho lol.

[@magnoliamo]

Lol. Makes sense to me

[@treborreissul]

J'approuve aucune ostie de raison de changer pour un av 10 à 9000$ canadiens. Faut vraiment être cave et imbéciles.

[@MrElchav]

There's no way in the world a 6700h will sound the same as the AV10! I bet you whoever said that was is lying!

[@magnoliamo]

Most likely. I would bet they were using 6700h as a preamp and using external amps. Even then the DACs are different. DAC implementation with Marantz HDAM technology is different. Several factors at play and will lead to a different sound

[@glenncornwall4331]

I have read extensively on this new product AV 10 and is a definite real upgrade over the 8805, This processor is going after the big boys,the big guns Audio Control Macintosh,Trinnov etc. while being less than half the price in this case a third of the price of the top line Trinnov .Now I really don’t know Maybe it will be of the same sound quality but it should at least match the Audio Control or the Macintosh in Musicality.😂 just an ad cap they really are using superior parts in this new processor over the old 8805 processor. Although it is not a complete redesign in the sense of A complete circuit redesign,it definitely has upgraded parts With the new high end ESS DAC’s each for of the dual Channel operation. It looks like there’s a total of eight DAC’s if my memory serves right.😊. I really hope it matches the performance of the audio control or the Macintosh. After all, I do like to save money and not spend it just frivolously.😮

[@Corvetto1991]

better but miles away from Trinnov

[@p.laz.tattoo]

For the extra cost of the AV10 plus the cost involved to ad Dirac, I personally think that money would be better spent by buying a miniDSP HD. You can then add those 4 subs you spoke of and also properly time align them. The AV8805a is a great unit. Don’t let it go to waste. 😉

[@magnoliamo]

Yes, thank you. I’m keeping it for now.

[@Corvetto1991]

best choice i did that too

[@satii24]

Hey Mo, love your channel keep up the great videos! Did you decide whether you will be upgrading? I’m trying to decide between the av10, a1h, or the 8805a..

[@magnoliamo]

@@satii24 Thank you. I decided to hold off on the AV10. I have everything I need with the 8805A. If and when I upgrade to 4 subs from 2 subs, I will upgrade to the AV10. I love the A1H as an AVR but I prefer separates over all in one solution. AV10 makes most sense if you are interested in directional bass with 4 subs and more.

[@nonametofame]

Wait until Dirac is fully fleshed out, and included with a future unit without an upgrade cost. DLBC isn't arriving until late 2024, and no confirmation on DL Art, which could be a true game changer. I would upgrade when all those features are fully integrated.

[@leatherbear4059]

There’s nothing worse than processor envy. Mine isn’t big enough! Buy the new processor, ALWAYS buy the new processor. It means people like me can buy used products for far less.

[@magnoliamo]

lol

[@willworld3007]

That's how I feel too the 8805A fits my need perfect

[@ccfunkster]

I'm Upgrading from stock 8805. Will be adding 2 more height channels and bi amping fronts. Amp 10 will be in place of my 2 channel Vincent 331 and Marantz 8077. Less boxes on my rack 😊

[@magnoliamo]

Yes. That’s great. I want to consolidate the amps as well.

[@damianjackson5055]

I think that it's definately worth the upgrade!!! Just like what everybody wants in a new surround sound processor!!! Once I get enough reviews on it and my budget is right, then you bet that I'm eager to check the Marantz AV10 out. Marantz and Denon have finally stepped up their game this year to compete with AudioControl, Storm Audio, and Trinnov Audio, just to name the high-end brands.🙂👍🙏

[@lesterleonard8750]

I’m thinking about the same thing. I own the AV8805A and want to try out the 10. Do it and let us know what you think about it

[@mfkhometheater7742]

I'm thinking about the AV10, Audioholics measurements look really good. As for the four subwoofer outputs, I'm not sure you couldn't accomplish the same thing with one output and a miniDSP Flex. Another interesting thing about the AV10 that Audioholics pointed out is the ability to direct LFE to any channel output. If you have surrounds for example that can handle significant bass, you could direct LFE to those. Right now I have an old Anthem AVM60 so I'm overdue an upgrade. My amplifiers are all Emotiva so I'm also curious about the, "Plus" series of processors they are supposed to introduce this summer. I like Emotiva as a company but I'm not sure their new processor will be a match for the AV10. Should you upgrade? That's a tougher call, if I had a one year old 8805 I would probably hold off a year to see if an upgrade to the AV10 comes along.

[@magnoliamo]

Thanks for the comment. The 4 sub outs is intriguing because of the LFE redirect. That would give me the ability to redirect bass for surrounds that are in the back or sides to the subs that are closest to them in the back. I have only had the 8805A for less than a year and that’s what’s making this decision tough.

[@therealshanelee]

Sounds like you worked at Magnolia from your channel name? I’m guessing you got that accommodation pricing on the 8805 if so. If you did you’d make a little money on reselling but not worth the extra for the “upgrade” for the few extra features and new look. I’ve heard them both and had them in my possession. Your better off saving and getting an Altitude 16/20 and not having to worry about a new model every one or two years. I know it’s a lot but you’ll save money in the long run. Plus I’m sure you could score a small discount on one. You’re already playing with some high end gear this would be the next logical step up to end your processor journey.

[@magnoliamo]

@therealshanelee thanks for the comment. Sadly I don’t work at Best Buy any more. Bill, who was on your channel started working at the same store when I left. He is quite familiar with my reputation, lol. It’s been 5 years. In my 15 years there I did buy quite a bit of gear on accommodations and it was great. I’m going to save up for the Trinnov and go with your suggestion. Btw, I would love to come on your channel and share some of the craziness that defines MagnoliaMo!

[@ericshutter5305]

I got a Marantz Cinema receiver as pre-processor with seperate power amps, with Dirac Live + Multisub and 4 subs ... the sound has never been this good. highly recommended and the DL MS setup was easy ... Probably upgrading to AV10 or AV20 if released in 25/26 ...

[@magnoliamo]

Nice!

[@FURognar]

If I was in your position, I would not upgrade yet. Only having the 8805A for just over a year isnt long enough to get your money's worth from it. And the AV10 is the first generation of Marantz's 15.4 channel processors. I'm sure they'll only get better from here on out. My current reciever is coming up on 6 years old and I am just now getting ready to upgrade to a Denon X6700H. Its gonna be another 5 to 7 years before I upgrade after that. Thats how long I tend to keep my components.

[@magnoliamo]

That’s a great point!

[@mezzup1]

I Agree with you but the. FOMO is great in our passion. You could see he loves to upgrade a lot. I bet in a years time he would upgrade again after getting this. Upgradetitis is strong in this one.

[@magnoliamo]

@@mezzup1 thanks for the comment. Just for reference, there was a time when I literally tried out every flagship receiver from Pioneer Elite, Denon, Marantz, and Yamaha in less than a year. The wife had to step in and stop the madness lol

[@ts6640]

Largely agree, and to strengthen your argument even further let’s take the ‘sunk cost’ component out of the equation and focus on the following: (i) VERY little material is mixed to the wide channels as it currently stands (honestly virtually all Atmos material is mixed to just 11 channels); (ii) I am VERY suspect of this new ‘directional’ base mode (understanding I have not personally tested Marantz’s implementation as of yet), maybe Marantz has ‘cracked the code’ but rest assured it is EXTREMELY difficult to implement ‘directional bass’ in a manner that actually works as intended; (iii) the 4 independent subwoofer outputs is very appealing but, notwithstanding the additional delay an external DSP introduces and thus having to workaround such, the MiniDSP 2X4 HD is an adequate solution; and, (iv) Dirac is great but it is NO better than buying MULTEQ-X for a couple hundred bucks………MULTEQ-X does require a bit of a learning curve but it is well worth it!

[@Corvetto1991]

I donT upgrade because i use a miniDspHD for my 4 subwoofer and that was the best investment for me. And the second Marantz told 2 years in media this 5 would be longtime upgradeable.so i did after bying upgrade to 5A. And then thre was silence and then oh soorry no upgrades more we have new Flagship by a new one. I don*t do it. And it it takes many days to mesure my room and hearings but now its fantastic. next level shoulö be Storm Audio, and Trinnov if money is no problem. Have 8 Heights 7 ups and 2 front and 2 back Subs. 2 MM8077 and 2 Cannel H&H for the Fronts.

[@movieman247]

Have you heard anybodys system to justiffy an upgrade, if your going to keep upgrading on fomo, you might as well save for a trinov which will save you on the long run.

[@magnoliamo]

Thanks for the comment. I haven’t heard the AV10 in anyone else’s system. I typically try out new gear in my own system.

[@mezzup1]

You, sir, are suffering from upgradetitis, dint worry it happens to the best of us. But your reasoning for getting one is not justified. Remember, it's over $7000. Ask yourself, is it that much in sound difference? Wait a bit, man, at least wait till Dirac is released for it.

[@justchilling4491]

Did you get the AV10 my son has just bought the AV10 and AMP10 with audioquest Yokon XLR cables

[@magnoliamo]

Wow nice! How does he like the combo. I haven’t gotten the AV10 yet. The AV8805A is still going strong. Maybe later this year

[@jimhamlin6551]

Does the AV 10 have a different DAC ? Or is it the same DAC as the AV 8805A ....if they both sound the same using the same DAC ...why upgrade ...unless you just want to keep up with the newer features ...like the bass management and Diract with the added cost...So if money is not a problem ...then you are getting into the MacIntosh price range eg MR 123 A/V processor ...its a little more money but might be worth it...I live in Canada and the AV 10 will cost me 10 grand and like I said that cost is getting closer to the Mac Intosh ...I Just watched Gene from Audioholics who did a bench test on the AV 10 processor and he was GA GA over it with all its measurements ...these are all good measurements but nothing you can hear... the AV 8805A has good measuremnts also ..low distortion ....but for me if it doesnt sound any better the AV 10 than the 8805a i wouldnt do an upgrade ...thats just me and my opinion.... And Gene didnt mention any new upgrade to the DAC in the AV 10 just mentioned the new features and how well it measured.

[@magnoliamo]

DACs are the same, same ESS Sabre DACs. You are correct about the price approaching the McIntosh processor. O am still on the fence. All of this feedback is helping me stay with the 8805A. Thanks for the comment.

[@jimhamlin6551]

@@magnoliamo I sure like the look of the new Marantz ...but when the lights go off...and if they have the same DAC ...same sound ...I have decided not to do an upgrade right now to a processor and will wait to see If Marantz can come up with a different DAC ...but will it sound any better? only time will time But for that kind of money I would like to hear for myself the Mac Intosh MR 123 and then you will know which way to go

[@magnoliamo]

@@jimhamlin6551 my buddy has the MX123. Even that to me doesn’t sound any better. It’s more his B&W 802 D3, HTM1 D3, and 805 D3 setup that sounds amazing. I don’t know if the Mac alone would make that much of a difference in my setup. I need the right speakers and amps to gain any differences in sound.

[@jimhamlin6551]

@@magnoliamo Good point ….I have all Linn speakers in my set up and was told by the professionals if I wanted to hear better sound with my speakers before getting a newer processor I would have to get better amps …so that when I went out and bought a convertible sports car…lol …summer is coming! Lol

[@mauriciob8260]

both have AURO 3D for future proof

[@johnlira3316]

8805 or the 7706 ??

[@magnoliamo]

I used to have the original 8805 then switched to 7706 and then back to 8805A. For 4 height speakers and primarily movie and TV watching 7706 is great. If you listen to music or need additional height speakers or wides with 4 height speakers then 8805A is the way to go. 8805 is more musical than 7706 because of the Sabre DACs.

[@andrethegiant2877]

What's up, you work for Magnolia? What market? I just got hired back in MN.

[@magnoliamo]

@andrethegiant2877 How’s it going? I used to many years ago here in CT. As a part time associate I was top 10 in sales in the district which included the big design centers from NYC and Norwalk, CT. It was a lot of fun. That’s where I got the name and a badge lol.

[@andrethegiant2877]

@@magnoliamo Ha, nice. I made president’s club from 13 to 17 then got laid off, then started again this week. Good luck man.

[@magnoliamo]

@@andrethegiant2877 That’s awesome.

[@magnoliamo]

@@andrethegiant2877 Good luck to you as well.

[@francescoesposito1398]

simple and direct question, does the marantz AV 10 compared to the Marantz AV 8805\A have a better sound?, by better sound I mean more precision, greater details, more spatiality, more channel separation, more three-dimensional stereophony and better than the 8805A? It's more musical and has a cinematic timbre like trinnov or storm audio thanks

[@magnoliamo]

Thanks for the comment. Did you have the 8805A and upgraded to the AV 10?

[@francescoesposito1398]

@@magnoliamo no

[@bobobaca7117]

I thought that the AV10 had better DACs, is that not the case?

[@magnoliamo]

You are right. AV10 has the Sabre ES9018K2M. These aren’t the ones used in OPPO 205. I believe the OPPO had 9038. I am not sure if it will change the sound signature other than raise the DNR from the current DACs

[@taheralikhan5771]

@@magnoliamo 8805a also ess it’s amazing man

[@magnoliamo]

@@taheralikhan5771 i did not know that. Lol and I own it. I thought it had Wolfson DACs

[@taheralikhan5771]

@@magnoliamo once see in google I have 8805a Previous model use akm 8805a ESS

[@taheralikhan5771]

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Marantz AV8805A Audio/Video Processor (no amplifier). It is on kind loan from a member to see how the switch to ESS DAC has impacted the performance of this processor. AV8805A costs US $4999. I previously tested the AV8805 version. Even though the cardboard box says AV8805A, there is no such designation on the unit itself, front or back:

[@dadevastator24_77]

The AV10 sure looks better than the 8805. I like the new look. The AV10 actually lets you connect 17 speakers, so that you can use auro 3D without having to sacrifice certain channels. Which means that you will always be able to use 15 channels. That’s not including the 4 sub outputs. If you are looking to add more subs I would simply purchase a mini dsp 2x4 hd. Yes the AV10 will be able to have Dirac room calibration, but it will cost $800 for the full version (bass management). Dirac sure is a better room calibration then audessey, but it still won’t be able to calibrate multiple subs properly. The mini dsp 2x4 hd does a better job at calibrating multiple subs. The upgrade bug always hits everyone, If the money is right. I would upgrade. I’m interested in there direct bass.

[@magnoliamo]

Thanks for the comment. I agree

[@dadevastator24_77]

@@magnoliamo what will you be doing?

[@magnoliamo]

@@dadevastator24_77 still debating lol. Need to sell the AV8805A first

[@mohammedisaa9952]

Did you know that if you spend the 500$ it takes to get the "direc live full bandwidth" program, you cant transfir that licence to a new avr ????..... so not only are you selling the avr, but you have to sell your laptop with it aswell (as the licence stays with laptop and particular avr, plus you have to share your log in details to new owner)...... its ridicules

[@magnoliamo]

I didn’t know that lol. That’s horrible

[@Corvetto1991]

it stays in the receiver not the Laptop. You cant use it for an other AV10 and after install dirac EQ works only over dirac an not over remote.

[@johnlira3316]

Do u leave ur marantz on all day every day? Do u use it for regular tv content such as cable box?

[@magnoliamo]

I use it for cable, Apple TV, music listening etc. I turn it on when I use it. I don’t leave it on all day. I don’t think anyone should leave it on all day.

[@con6164]

Stick to the 8805. You wont hear that much of a difference. A Marantz sounds like a Marantz. If you want an extra 2 channels then upgrade. If not stay as you are and save your money. You can include a mini dsp hd for your subwoofer solution. It is very cheap in the US. You can upgrade your 8805 with multi eqX which will be a big improvement on the onboard audyssey. Seems you are trying to convince yourself to upgrade

[@magnoliamo]

Lol, yes I’m trying to convince myself to upgrade but you are right. Thanks for the advise!

[@bobslave7063]

Thanks for a nice review.

[@magnoliamo]

My pleasure!