Marantz SR8002 Surround Receiver
Intro
Marantz SR8002 Surround Receiver Front
The SR8002 currently represents the top of Marantz’s model line for A/V receivers. Ross Jones previously reviewed the SR8001 receiver which has been replaced by this newer unit. The SR8002 has added HDMI 1.3a support, providing on-board decoding of Dolby TrueHD and dts-HD multi-channel audio signals deeper and broader color space through Deep Color and xvYCC, as well as the ability to receive multi-channel SACD signals over the HDMI connection. It also featuresan HD radio receiver and support for XM Satellite radio signals.
The SR8002 is a high-powered THX Select2-certified receiver whose Crystal 192kHz/24-bit DACs and output-stage amplification utilizing discrete components certainly contribute to its superb sound. Build quality is likewise exemplary°I was immediately impressed with the copper-plated chassis intended to block spurious RF radiation from itself or other nearby equipment. The receiver uses premium output capacitors, a monster toroidal transformer, and high-efficiency cast-aluminum heat sinks to develop 125 watts for each of its seven channels. All of this could be viewed as so much marketing bunting, were it not for the fact that the SR8002 really delivers.
The SR8002 is a high-powered THX Select2-certified receiver whose Crystal 192kHz/24-bit DACs and output-stage amplification utilizing discrete components certainly contribute to its superb sound. Build quality is likewise exemplary°I was immediately impressed with the copper-plated chassis intended to block spurious RF radiation from itself or other nearby equipment. The receiver uses premium output capacitors, a monster toroidal transformer, and high-efficiency cast-aluminum heat sinks to develop 125 watts for each of its seven channels. All of this could be viewed as so much marketing bunting, were it not for the fact that the SR8002 really delivers.
Setup
Marantz SR8002 Surround Receiver Back
In setting up the SR8002, the flexibility of the receiver is immediately and abundantly apparent both in handling video and audio. It has four in / two out HDMI switching, four in / two out component video, conversion of video signals to HDMI (HD signals from component passed thru, 480i signals upconverted to 480p), seven digital audio inputs (includingone on front panel) and two outputs, 7.1 analog input, and 7.1 pre-outs. The amplification section offers similar flexibility, with seven channels rated at 125W each and a THX Select2 rating. The channels can be utilized in a 7.1 configuration, a 5.1 setup with two channels for a 2nd zone, or a 5.1 setup with bi-amping for two of the channels.
The SR8002 utilizes Audyssey MultiEQ software for equalization and room correction. My reference Denon also incorporates Audyssey technology, and I’ve generally been pleased with the actual in-room performance it provides. While it’s not a panacea for poor room acoustics or mismatched equipment, it can improve most environments and certainly aids in the initial chore of configuring speakers and setting channel levels.
The SR8002 utilizes Audyssey MultiEQ software for equalization and room correction. My reference Denon also incorporates Audyssey technology, and I’ve generally been pleased with the actual in-room performance it provides. While it’s not a panacea for poor room acoustics or mismatched equipment, it can improve most environments and certainly aids in the initial chore of configuring speakers and setting channel levels.
Specifications
- Codecs:Codecs: DD, DD TrueHD, DD Plus, DD-EX, DPL-IIx, DTS, DTS-ES, DTS HD Master Audio, DTS Discrete 6.1, DTS Matrix 6.1, DTS Neo:6, Circle Surround, HDCD, HD Radio, XM Radio (subscription required)
- Power: 7 x 125 Watts RMS
- Inputs:S-Video, Component Video, Composite Video, Analog RCA Audio, Toslink Audio, Digital Coaxial, Audio, Pre-Ins
- Outputs:HDMI, S-Video, Component Video, Composite Video, Analog RCA, Toslink Audio, Coaxial Digital Audio, Pre-Outs
- MFR: 8 Hz - 100 kHz ± 3 dB
- Audyssey Room EQ
- THX Select2
- Inputs: (2) HDMI, (1) Component, (1) S-Video, (1) Composite
- Second and Third Zones
- Dimensions: 7.3" H x 17.4" W x 15.6" D
- Weight: 31.1 Pounds
