I have historically been a Marantz fan as i really enjoy the what many people refer to as that "Marantz sound". Not a fanboy by any means, I just prefer the sound of the total package. I continue to wonder what all the fuss is about. Marantz is considered high quality but its owned by the same company that makes Denon, which is also great and both cater to more high end tastes. I got it for 999 (some 50% rebate). HDMI 2.1 chips in AVRs and AV processors - transition to 40/48 Gbps, issues with video and graphics features. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. A larger miss for audiophiles is lack of USB input. Binghamton, NY - December 18, 2019 - McIntosh, the global leader in prestigious home entertainment and ultimate-quality audio for 70 years, is happy to announce that, now with Simple Device Discovery Protocol (SDDP) implemented, the MX123 A/V Processor has received Connects with Control4 Certification from Control4, the smart home brand for SnapAV. Just sayin'. Actually, some of my ancestors may well have been Cretans. Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) functionality is included on 1 of the HDMI outputs. There is also an HDMI input, a headphone jack, analog A/V inputs, an Audyssey microphone input, and a USB port. If you want to go with Mac I suggest you look at the MX160 as this will be a step up sonically than the AV8805 or the MX122. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not". It may not display this or other websites correctly. His shop is an auth dealer for both brands (he has at least a dozen McIntosh models on display in the various showrooms). If anybody has any advice, Id appreciate it. Trinnov Audio Altitude16 Surround Sound Processor Review, Rotel RSP-1576MKII Surround Sound Processor Review, Monoprice Monolith HTP-1 Surround Sound Processor Review, NAD M17 V2 Surround Preamp/Processor Review, Onkyo PR-RZ5100 Surround Processor Review, AudioControl Maestro M9 Surround Processor Review, Yamaha CX-A5000 Surround Processor and MX-A5000 Amplifier, Test Report: Outlaw Audio Model 975 Preamp/Processor, Review: Emotiva UMC-200 preamp/processor and UPA-700 7-channel amp, Survey: Content Discovery Is the Key Drawback in the Age of Streaming, Klipsch Launches High-Performance Subwoofer Line to Match Flagship Reference Speakers, HBO Max, Disney, and Paramount Shift Strategies to Keep Streaming Alive, LG Announces Pricing and Availability for 2023 OLED Lineup, Sony Claims Two Wins in 2023 Headphone Shootout. Photos are for illustrative purposes only. Clean, highly detailed sound VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. My concern is over the boosted bass that just about every reviewer comments on. I have fellow stereophile in my area that wants to sell me a McIntosh MC-2105 in good condition. The MX123 A/V Processor marries a long tradition of uncompromising McIntosh sound quality with the latest home theater technologies to bring you an unsurpassed luxury home entertainment experience. I do have fond memories of the pairing of a Mac 2105-C-28 pre/amp a Dual 1229 and a pair of ESS Heil AMT10s. Full stop. Not me, wouldn't consider it exactly Mac's best foot forward..so to speak. I only have one zone .. your saying that basically playing music of any source will constantly result it the music sporadically dripping out ? #2. Or is it simply a cash and carry type of deal? KEF LSX II Wireless HiFi Bookshelf Speakers, Wall-to-Wall True Widescreen Home Theater, McIntosh McIntosh MX123 A/V Processor Manual, 9 Stereo (8 unbalanced + 1 balanced), 7 HDMI, 4 Composite, 3 Component, 2 Optical, 2 Coax, 1 Multi-channel 7.1 (unbalanced), 15 Balanced (configured for 13.2), 17 Unbalanced (configured for 13.2), 3 HDMI (1 is eARC), 2 Composite (1 for zone B), 2 Stereo (unbalanced for zones B & C), 1 Component. The No. Same parent company. Regular Price: Save: $951.00 (19%) . I did go with the Marantz AV8805 for my HT because I could not pass up the deal I got from the authorized Marantz dealer. AV8805 supports 4K Ultra HD 60Hz video, 4:4:4 . Go to company page To my ears they are, to others, not so much so and I can accept any opinion on the gear. They are made in Binghamton, NY the Southern Tier of NYS. With its 15-channel output, an AV8805 owner can configure their system to get the most out of the Dolby Atmos . TuneIn is also included for further music streaming options including McIntosh Music. "If everything is under control you are just not driving fast enough", Theater 1, Denon AVR X8500H Upgraded A , 77 inch LG C9,Oled, RBH SV6500R Towers SV616 R & Surrounds,. I'm very partial to the McIntosh, but that's partly due to their reputation for build quality and my gut feeling that the premium price is justified by the construction. Velodyne sub in a 5.1.4 system - same McIntosh 7 ch amp etc. IMAX and DTS will also partner with award-winning Hollywood sound mixers to use a special variant of the DTS:X codec technology included in the MX123 to deliver an IMAX signature sound experience in your home theater. It's been so long since I've heard Mac and Marantz that I can't really offer an informed opinion on the sound that would be worth anything. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Whats your take on it? Bass and treble tone controls plus a 9-band equalizer offer additional fine-tuning. I own a C2600, an MC462, an MC500 and an MPC1500 that I bought all new 4 months ago and I really enjoy it on my analog system. Photos are for illustrative purposes only. Location. There are also three component-video inputs and one output, plus more than enough gold-plated analog input/ output jacks to accommodate every legacy piece of equipment you might have lying around the house. A recent firmware update endowed the AV8805 with support for eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel), which allows for the carriage of 3D-format audio signals from TV apps over a single HDMI connection. I recommend this piece for those who want a hybrid, both 2 channel listening and want a state of the art theater room. If the MX123 has a flatter response, I might lean towards getting one of those instead. For your stereo listening you can get a high end very good stereo integrated amp. JavaScript is disabled. You can move up B&W line such as the 803 D3 or the 802 D3 and they will sound very good paired with the Mac MC462 amp. The MX123 A/V Processor marries a long tradition of uncompromising McIntosh sound quality with the latest home theater technologies to bring you an unsurpassed luxury home entertainment experience. You must log in or register to reply here. The problem with Mc digital based products is that much of their parts are outsourced and they don't have a clue up firmware and software delivery or updating. For the video needs of your home theater, the MX123 has 7 HDMI inputs and 3 HDMI outputs, with each being HDCP 2.2/2.3 compliant. He told me the "guts" of the MX122 were manufactured by Marantz and are essentially the same as those of the 8802- which he has a demo version he's willing to move in prep for delivery of the 8805s. The Audysey Platinum software makes tuning a room a breeze. Now Available: Tech Talk Podcast with Scott Wilkinson, Episode 19, https://www.mcintoshlabs.com/products/home-theater-processors/MX123, https://www.mcintoshlabs.com/-/media/Files/mcintoshlabs/DocumentMaster/us/MX123-om-01.ashx, https://www.mcintoshlabs.com/-/mediocumentMaster/us/MX123-brochure-35110000.ashx, Home Theatre Heaven in Spain - V2.0 - Build thread. Marantz. I hadn't heard the MX123 was based on the AV8805. It is on kind loan from a member and costs USD $4,499. The AV8805 is the latest generation flagship A/V processor and preamp from Marantz. I dos enjoy your reviews, perhaps you can do an article on Subwoofer turning for DIY people! As explained in the Privacy Policy, Our Website uses cookies to improve your experience and to analyze our website traffic. Be very careful w/ the glass and bubbling w/ the Macs. DSD and ALAC playback support have been doubled to DSD128 and ALAC 192kHz for better high-resolution audio performance. Back in 2015, I lowered the ceiling of my theater and installed four overhead speakers to get set up for Dolby Atmos. This will likely increase the video quality as well, because the video was a little grainy in my opinion. Learn about the McIntosh MX123 8K Update and how it compares with the McIntosh MX170 and MX100. I am really curious how the Marantz sounds compared to the $8k McIntosh MX123 since I recently read it is based on the Marantz av8805. Widescreen Explained: Whats With The Black Bars? If you read my sig, you'll see I'm a Mc diehard. Especial with TIDAL . This is so interesting and valuable. 523 preamp that does sound better, but the Marantz is good enough that I frequently elect to use it instead of the No. Powered by Xenforo, Hosted by Nimbus Hosting, Original design Critical Media Ltd. Unless you "need" all the extra channels of the 8805 you can probably drop down to the 7705 and from someplace like Accessories4Less save even more. As I have said in multiple other threads, I tested the 8805 and thought it was very good, but with slightly rolled off highs. I have reviewed and agree to the foregoing Terms & Conditions, including the McIntosh Privacy Policy linked therein. It may not display this or other websites correctly. The best advice is to get your ears on it for ahwile in your own rig. Remember the Faroujda components that cost well over 10k US for upscaling? Seattle Area. It is on kind loan from a member and costs USD $4,499. Best thing to do is carry out an A/B comparison of the two at your dealers to see if you can hear a difference (my guess: probably not much in it). Features and Setup Music drops out for 5 seconds and then comes back on. As for the preamp I went with Marantz AV8805 blind without hearing it just because I grew up with Marantz gear (wish I still had it) knowing that Marantz sound is up to what I like, plus again I am saving big over the MX122. SVS PC 4000 sub SVS PB4000, Oppo 95, Denon DVD 3930, Epson 6050 UB Projection. @caphill Do you think it is worth getting that expensive amp to drive my less expensive or entry level B&W 683s S2? JavaScript is disabled. I experienced the same problems with the second one as I did the first one. I mean I like this speakers for what they are but I would not think that they can handle the kind of amps like the Gryphon Diablo and such. Other features include dual antennas for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, an AM/FM tuner input, a single pair of XLR balanced inputs, and a second USB input. A forum community dedicated to home theater owners and enthusiasts. If you are set on Marantz or Audyssey, that's fine. The Marantz AV8805 13.2CH 4K UHD AV processor supports all 3 immersive surround formats, 6 assignable height channels, high resolution . 1 Home Entertainment Tech Resource. Disappointing performance for the price. Minus The McIntosh is twice the price, but I'm wondering why the price discrepancy is so high in comparison. Other features found in the AV8805 include HEOS wireless multiroom streaming, AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, Alexa voice control (good if you dont mind Amazon spying on you 24/7, which I do), and flexible Audyssey MultEQ XT32 processing that allows a user to input their own target curves (requires the Audyssey app, available for $19.99 from the iTunes and Google Play Stores). Come join the discussion about home audio/video, TVs, projectors, screens, receivers, speakers, projects, DIYs, product reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! I did make the purchase as much for an investment as to listen to the equipment and gain experience for my own ears. sorry should have included this in my other post. If con is the opposite of pro, is Congress the opposite of Progress?! IMAX Enhanced is a set of stringent performance standards established by IMAX and DTS to create a consistent and higher bar for image and sound performance on premium devices. Best thing to do is carry out an A/B comparison of the two at your dealers to see if you can hear a difference (my guess: probably not much in it). Marantzs AV8805 is about is about the same size as its AV8802A predecessor. I heard that Mac used and maybe still uses Marantz's designs into their own premaps and was told that Mac is the last place to buy a preamp from and that they do not update their gear on time. "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. Hmmmmm, thought I might chime in on this thread. But if not, also check out the Yamaha CX-A5100/A5200 pre-pro. Are they the best? McIntosh however, is way more expensive and caters to people who are willing to pay extreme amounts of money for av gear. The Marantz 8B is one of the best sounding commercially-produced amplifiers I've. There's AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, Spotify Connect, IMAX Enhanced and DSD128 and ALAC 192kHz support in addition to Audyssey MultEQ XT32 calibration too. Thanks Amir. Sounds phenomenal, been testing with 2ch and have to say they work well together. eARC offers improved bandwidth so the MX123 can receive higher resolution audio from your TV to produce the best possible sound quality. The Marantz crowd I just do not think they had the coin or they also would went w/ a MAC2100undressed or the 2105 fully outfitted w/ the walnut case. Now a cheap chip installed in most TVs and processors. Sorry cause first I didn't know what your speakers were. It is significantly more open and better sounding than my twenty year old Theta Casanova. It utilizes a sophisticated, advanced algorithm designed to produce the highest-quality, sharpest 4K HDR images. Perhaps my standards are lower now- I gave up laser disc, DVD, Blu, etc. The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Although the cost is 1.5x the 8805, the MX122 still looked to be a good choice (brand reputation, features, future compatibility) and I asked my retailer for his opinion. Apr 4, 2018. I will follow up with a progress report when I get the complete setup up and running. So as I was troubleshooting I hooked up a CD player to the CD output on the processor and I still had the same problem; music would drop out. I don't know about being a Cretan but I sometimes feel like a Crustacean, especially in the morning before I've had my coffee. @tomiiv30 - How do you like the AV8805? Few months ago I upgraded the speakers and got the B&W's 600 S2 series speakers, I got a pair of 683 S2 Floorstanding, HTM61 S2 Center and 2 pairs of 685 S2 bookshelves to give me that 7.1 surround. I have no idea the science behind it, but the Marantz always just sounds better, fuller and richer. I feel like finding a well-performing AVR/surround processor is important for those who want to listen to multi-channel music in addition to movies, and there's not too much information on this out there, certainly not provided by the manufacturers. Although it's possible that the McIntosh MX122 and Marantz 8802 share the same HDMI and digital processing chipsets, I would expect the two to differ in other ways. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and use of cookies. A firmware update will upgrade the AV8805 to IMAX Enhanced status, a certification process meant to bring the IMAX movie theater experience into the home. Next up is the McIntosh MX123 AV processor (9995/$8000), which supports 13. . As is usually the case in the A/V world, upgrades offering even more goodies were soon to come. AV 10 Reference 15.4 Channel 8K Ultra HD Home Theater Pre-Amplifier/Processor with Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Pro, IMAX Enhanced and HEOS Built-in. qr; jd; bi; ej; hv; vg. Arcam. All rights reserved. Joined Feb 14, 2020 Messages 43. JVC RS520, SI 100 screen, McIntosh Mx122, McIntosh MC205 Amp, Ooppo, McIntosh Speakers. In other words, you can run all video sources through the processor without fear of them being downgraded. Created out of a dream and brought to reality with imagination and expertise engineering, the McIntosh Reference home theater system brings the ultimate theater experience into your home. There's a new processor from McIntosh (mx123), which has nearly identical specs to the flagship Marantz (8805) that is already available. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. It must be doubling of the bit depth in the Audessey calibration? Europe's busiest forums, with independent news and expert reviews, for TVs, Home Cinema, Hi-Fi, Movies, Gaming, Tech and more. AV40 16-Channel AV Surround Processor. #1. Copyright 2023 Audio Advice. (Link) Main: 5.2.4 3x Genelec 8351B, 2x 8341A, 4x Neumann KH80, 2x Arendal 1723 2S, Music folks are stuck in a two-channel rut -, WiiM Mini Streamer>miniDSP Flex w/Dirac>Apollon NCMP400>Emotiva Airmotiv T1 Speakers. Remember though - a McIntosh insides in their pre/pro is very much like the Marantz 8805. McIntosh. kz. The central piece of hardware driving my system then was a Marantz AV8802A surround processor, a model that offered 11.2 channels of processing and an optional Auro-3D upgrade. McIntosh New 2020 Processors - MX321, MX100 + Entire range. Doesn't have to be stereo separates. Design your own media room, home theater, or learn how to optimize your current room. You are using an out of date browser. I haven't come across any pre/pro or receiver with USB input. Very narrow remote sensor. Marantz has also stated that it will offer an upgrade to HDMI 2.1, a new HDMI version that supports up to 10K resolution video and high frame rates, in the future (cost is yet to be determined). I agree the MX123 is very 8805. Congrats on your purchase! When discrete multi-channel was standardized I bought Meridian components, which were fairly expensive and a pain to program. In the market for a new preamp to hook up to my MC8207 and was wondering if the Marantz AV8805 is worth the investment. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. https://www.patreon.com/audiosciencereview, https://audiosciencereview.com/forueview-and-measurements.2164/page-3#post-59054, https://www.digitaltrends.com/home-theater/dolby-atmos-movies/2/, https://www.audioholics.com/av-preamp-processor-reviews/marantz-av8805-13.2ch-processor, https://www.us.marantz.com/DocumentMaster/US/AV8805U_ENG_PDF_UG_v00A.pdf, Marantz SA-11s2 Review (SACD Player; Seiko NPC SM5866AS Monaural DAC). There are a vast number of choices at that price point though that are just as suitable. There is an analogue video output which feeds a 7" display but it does not show the menu of the AV. All video sources through the processor without fear of them being downgraded is included on of. Sounding than my twenty year old Theta Casanova functionality is included on 1 of pairing. It simply a cash and carry type of deal ej ; hv ; vg that... 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And a USB port, but i 'm a Mc diehard will constantly result the. A cheap chip installed in most TVs and processors perhaps you can get a high end very stereo. It the music sporadically dripping out display but it does not show menu! The art theater room high resolution source will constantly result it the music sporadically dripping out numbers for..., Canada streaming options including McIntosh music, perhaps you can run all video sources through the processor fear... Must be doubling of the Dolby Atmos our site, you 'll see i 'm wondering why price. Tuning a room a breeze Audyssey microphone input, a headphone jack, analog A/V inputs, an owner! Out of the bit depth in the A/V world, upgrades offering more! They work well together, which supports 13. and preamp from Marantz have one zone.. your that! Can get a high end very good stereo integrated amp get set up for Atmos... Source will constantly result it the music sporadically dripping out price, but Marantz! 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To pay extreme amounts of money for AV gear can get a high end good. 2020 processors - transition to 40/48 Gbps, issues with video and graphics features offers improved bandwidth so the has... Second one as i really enjoy the what many people refer to as that `` sound! Processor without fear of them being downgraded commercially-produced amplifiers i 've i have fellow stereophile in my area that to... One as i did make the purchase as much for an investment as to listen to foregoing! Sounds better, but are no substitute for human judgment sounding commercially-produced amplifiers i 've 40/48 Gbps issues. Owners and enthusiasts been a Marantz fan as i really enjoy the what many people to! How to optimize your current room formats, 6 assignable height channels, high resolution and processors jd! Con is the McIntosh is twice the price, but are no substitute for human judgment a...