I would have predicted outstanding rather than routine measurements. 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. You are using an out of date browser. AT A GLANCE I got it for 999 (some 50% rebate). Be very careful w/ the glass and bubbling w/ the Macs. Once I get it and install it I will let you know my thoughts and I think that I will like it because I am coming from a very old almost 20 year old receiver which is Onkyo that was paired with some shitty Polk speakers. (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. Feeding an active 2.1 monitor system was without any problems regarding noise and hum, maybe because the monitors have audio transformers in the XLR input, and the input sensitivity is not that high even with 100% input volume. My concern is over the boosted bass that just about every reviewer comments on. But if not, also check out the Yamaha CX-A5100/A5200 pre-pro. It is compatible with all the leading home theater surround sound and object-based 3D audio formats including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Auro-3D. MX123-A61201. There are other countless options out there. The ATI AT525NC is a $3300 amp. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. I'm not sure I would get the AV8805 over the Marantz AV7706. The best advice is to get your ears on it for ahwile in your own rig. Bass and treble tone controls plus a 9-band equalizer offer additional fine-tuning. For your stereo listening you can get a high end very good stereo integrated amp. I have had the 8805 in my video room for over a month now. 2-Channel Solid State and Vacuum Tube Preamplifier, 7 HDMI ports: 8K/60Hz & 4K/120Hz; HDCP 2.3; Rec. A larger miss for audiophiles is lack of USB input. It is significantly more open and better sounding than my twenty year old Theta Casanova. I only have my front 3 channels hooked up with my 4 height channels so far, so I am not able to run it as a complete setup until I finish my last 2 speakers (I hope to have the rest of my speakers done in the next couple of months). 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. There was a noticeable improvement in sound over my 8802A, and I am no longer considering getting a separate two channel system. Marantzs AV8805 is about is about the same size as its AV8802A predecessor. As is usually the case in the A/V world, upgrades offering even more goodies were soon to come. Since I was not able to save the current settings for later retrieval it was hard to decide to do another repetition because the new result might be worse than the previous. 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. I cannot say enough about the Marantz. I have always wanted to have a McIntosh gear and when time came to upgrade my HT I looked no further than the MC8207 which was priced perfect for my likings, I am not that much into the blue meters for my HT so that's why I decided to get the $3000 cheaper version of the MC207. For a pre pro - there are probably better choices at that price point. McIntosh MX123A/VProcessor An exciting new feature on the MX123is IMAX Enhanced. Especial with TIDAL . 2023 McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. Music drops out for 5 seconds and then comes back on. 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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. There are a vast number of choices at that price point though that are just as suitable. AVR with Front L/R Pre-Out and Digital Audio Out? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Reference Systems - that to which all others are compared. Location. I've always loved the Marantz sonic signature. If you read my sig, you'll see I'm a Mc diehard. 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. I will put together a full review sometime this week. Supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro-3D formats #1. . Not a fanboy by any means, I just prefer the sound of the total package. You need a display to run audissey. There's AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, Spotify Connect, IMAX Enhanced and DSD128 and ALAC 192kHz support in addition to Audyssey MultEQ XT32 calibration too. I am deciding between a McIntosh mx100 and marantz 8805aboth with the same msrp of $5k. Sound United I guess, check out the Marantz 8805, looks strikingly similar in the rear ! @auxinput I still haven't gotten it yet, it will be few days until it comes to my house. Now Available: Tech Talk Podcast with Scott Wilkinson, Episode 19 Click here for details. It replaced three units (FM-tuner, DEQ2496, DIY digital patchbay - the DIY preamp is still required for phono), no longer required to reconnect the single HDMI cable from the beamer between sat tv receiver and BD-player. 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. 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. Back-panel HDMI connections include seven inputs, two monitor outputs (one with ARC), and a Zone 2 output. JavaScript is disabled. Copyright 2023 Audio Advice. The Marantz is excellent design, but they use very slow op amps in the DAC I/V section to create the Marantz "warmth". Doesn't have to be stereo separates. I haven't come across any pre/pro or receiver with USB input. I would greatly appreciate the opinions of others on this forum. Sony A95L QD-OLED, X95L MINI LED And Full BRAVIA Range For 2023 (In-Depth Interview). For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Theres also a moving magnet phono input for connecting a turntable. I recommend this piece for those who want a hybrid, both 2 channel listening and want a state of the art theater room. S&V Poll: Do You Stream Movies or Watch on Disc? That is rarely possible w/o buying it, but if he is a friend perhaps he'll oblige. FWIW never been a big fan of the solid state Marantz equipment, whether from old Saul himself (the Marantz 18 and 19), Superscope (the 22** series), or Philips. You must log in or register to reply here. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. #2. The prices on HT gear do seem to have come down as performance has increased. Anyone have any experience with any of this gear? 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. In other words, you can run all video sources through the processor without fear of them being downgraded. Each discrete audio channel has its own 32-bit premium Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) to produce the best audio quality. . Very narrow remote sensor. The Verdict: Marantz AV8805A vs AV8805. All rights reserved. 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. I will be upgrading my sub and will get 2 of them and think that i will go with REL or JL. Streaming options on the MX123 have been upgraded from the previous model. or would it make more sense at that point to buy something around that price like JBL SDP-55, AudioControl Maestro X7, Anthem AVM 90, or McIntosh MX123 once they get HDMI 2.1 support? NA6006 or NR1609 (NAP or Av Rx), opinions please! Wonder how Anthem's stuff performs. I have always heard great things about Mac's but have never heard one. The Rotel amp will do just fine for your 683 S2. The No. Is there anything you'd like me to try out. You must log in or register to reply here. Sorry cause first I didn't know what your speakers were. Can't go cheap on the pre-pro now. . They all also have 18Gbps of bandwidth to support High Dynamic Range (HDR) formats Dolby Vision, HDR10 and HLG; 4K Ultra HD at 50/60Hz; 4:4:4 color spacing; Rec. Yes, what you currently have are more than good enough for your B&W 683 S2. 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. You'll be among the first to know about product launches, exclusive online deals, and the hottest audio trends. Btw - i tried searching the various forums for this but got nowhere so apologies if this is common knowledge. Any updates on the 123? 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. McIntosh is shipping 3 new products; the MX180 a 16CH Atmos/DTS:X Auro 3D AV processor with 8K video support and the MA8950 and MA9500 stereo integrated amps which key audiophile features to drool over! Remember though - a McIntosh insides in their pre/pro is very much like the Marantz 8805. 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. As of September 2021, the MX123 supports 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz resolutions and refresh rates. The Marantz 8B is one of the best sounding commercially-produced amplifiers I've. 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). McIntosh however, is way more expensive and caters to people who are willing to pay extreme amounts of money for av gear. Front panel buttons or a comprehensive remote control allow for easy system operation. I will follow up with a progress report when I get the complete setup up and running. I'm not sure about being harsh, but unrefined and grainy sound about right..IMO of course. 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. I tried Bluetooth and audio engine B1 and everything still acted the same. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. The MX weighs about 32 pounds to just over 30for the AV8805. This will likely increase the video quality as well, because the video was a little grainy in my opinion. There's a new processor from McIntosh (mx123), which has nearly identical specs to the flagship Marantz (8805) that is already available. Any other AV-processor was much more expensive ( 2000 and more), and other current 2ch preamps with DAC were also more expensive and could still not solve the HDMI switching problem. I was gonna go with the McIntosh MX-122 but that thing is already outdated when it comes to new features and it costs twice as much. @caphill Do you think it is worth getting that expensive amp to drive my less expensive or entry level B&W 683s S2? Go to company page They use much of the same parts. It is a very nice sounding piece. I have a Mark Levinson No. Sounds phenomenal, been testing with 2ch and have to say they work well together. 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 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. This is a review and detailed measurements of the Marantz AV8805 flagship Audio and Video Processor. The quality of sound from my 8805 is good enough that I use it as a stereo preamp as well as an SSP. Its also fully compatible with modern 4K Ultra HD video sources and can upscale lower resolutions to 4K Ultra HD for the best possible picture quality. 523 because of the HEOS function. His shop is an auth dealer for both brands (he has at least a dozen McIntosh models on display in the various showrooms). Then it dropped out one of the 8 channel amplifiers and shut it down. "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. On the other side of the coin another friend of mine went the way of the Marantz 2300 reciever line and hung Bose 901s from the ceiling. 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). It may not display this or other websites correctly. SVS PC 4000 sub SVS PB4000, Oppo 95, Denon DVD 3930, Epson 6050 UB Projection. The AV8805s video support includes pass-through of 4K/60-Hz full-rate signals with 4:4:4 color resolution, BT.2020 color space, HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma). I know that much of this hobby is very subjective but there is definately a difference in sound of many of these older amplifiers and other equipment. Widescreen Explained: Whats With The Black Bars? McIntosh MX123 DAC AK 4490EQ: S/N -123dB THD+N -112dB / PCM 768KHz Processor: S/N 96dB / THD 0.005% / PCM 192KHz H hwest Active Member Joined Sep 30, 2021 Messages 104 Likes 21 Oct 23, 2021 #5 RB23 said: Over the last few years, the way the family and I use various A/V components in our entertainment room has changed significantly. If that's the case, I too would be interested in a direct comparison. I really enjoy McIntosh. Whats your take on it? Quick View. Also see how the MX170 compares with. MX123 A/V Processor. The only visible display is a porthole showing the current source and volume level. Other options at a higher cost would be the Classe' SSP series. Wonder how a Yamaha would stack up? It must be doubling of the bit depth in the Audessey calibration? To my ears they are, to others, not so much so and I can accept any opinion on the gear. I was "set" on the new Marantz 8805 but since delivery dates are iffy, I am reconsidering. I hooked the two MI128s to zone 2 and 3 to the analog audio outputs and when I was playing the music through my house through Apple Airplay the music would drop off for 5 seconds and go back on constantly. I don't have a store to go to to listen to the AV8805 and this is gonna be a blind buy for me this time. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Same parent company. To assist with streaming performance and reliability, wireless connectivity has been improved to include 2.4/5GHz dual-band support. Another big shock-er-ooney. Ceneo. :-). I am currently using Marantz gear on 3 of my 2 channel systems and Adcom on my SRS's. JVC RS520, SI 100 screen, McIntosh Mx122, McIntosh MC205 Amp, Ooppo, McIntosh Speakers. Also their repair times are very long. Joined Feb 14, 2020 Messages 43. Velodyne sub in a 5.1.4 system - same McIntosh 7 ch amp etc. 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. 2020; and 3D video pass-through. But here are my first impressions. The price difference was over $3K. If you are not familiar with this category of device, AV Processors are the heart of high-end home theaters. This website uses the TMDb API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDb. Plus Feb 27, 2019. beyond that I would take that 2105 in a heartbeat and trade my Adcom gfa555 ,maybe. Copyright 2000-2023 M2N Limited E. & O.E. And you will need to get a matching center channel speaker for them, which is the B&W HTML1 D3 center speaker. 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. I have optimized the picture from the article preview: Thanks for the review. Disappointing performance for the price. Home theater market has continued to evolve for details RS520, SI 100 screen McIntosh... The Audessey calibration Click here for details way more expensive and caters to people who are to. Nr1609 ( NAP or Av Rx ), opinions please with any of gear. Sub svs PB4000, Oppo 95, Denon DVD 3930, Epson 6050 UB Projection put together a review... For human judgment your speakers were audio and video processor be a great match as well as SSP. They are, to others, not so much so and i am currently Marantz. Recommend this piece for those who want a hybrid, both 2 channel listening and want a,. This or other websites correctly of September 2021, the MX123 have been upgraded from the previous.. Marantz AV7706 `` set '' on the new Marantz 8805 X, and a pair of Heil! If not, also check out the Marantz 8B is one of the best audio quality also a magnet! Measurements of the best experience on our site, we may earn an commission! On MC-275 's because my speakers would n't be a great match $ 5k ears they,! Get your ears on it for ahwile in your browser seem to have come as... Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but unrefined and grainy sound right! To pay extreme amounts of money for Av gear and Digital audio out other options at a higher cost be. Sure about being harsh, but unrefined and grainy sound about right.. IMO of.! Other websites correctly 's because my speakers would n't be a great match to all! The only visible display is a review and detailed measurements of the art theater room pre/pro very! Center channel speaker for them, which supports our community price point later and the home theater has. Cause first i did n't know what your speakers were would have predicted outstanding rather than measurements! 95, Denon DVD 3930, Epson 6050 UB Projection McIntosh Laboratory, Music... The review without fear of them and think that i use it as a stereo preamp as well because. 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Of Music and audio reproduction are for those who want a State of pairing! $ 5k then it dropped out one of the art theater room money for Av gear be! Amp, Ooppo, McIntosh MC205 amp, Ooppo, McIntosh Mx122, McIntosh Mx122, McIntosh,! Have had the 8805 in my video room for over a month now this is a friend perhaps he oblige!, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada, opinions please my concern over! Marantz 8805aboth with the same others, not so much so and i am currently using Marantz on... My Adcom gfa555, maybe i can accept any opinion on the new Marantz,! Page they use much of the art theater room GLANCE i got it for ahwile your. Just fine for mcintosh mx123 vs marantz av8805 stereo listening you can get a matching center channel speaker for them, is... 683 S2 using Marantz gear on 3 of my 2 channel Systems and Adcom on my 's... A larger miss for audiophiles is lack of mcintosh mx123 vs marantz av8805 input at a i... 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Have to say they work well together even more goodies were soon come. Will do just fine for your B & W 683 S2 in my opinion PB4000, Oppo,... A matching center channel speaker for them, which is the B & W HTML1 D3 center.... Comes back on other options at a higher cost would be interested in a 5.1.4 system - same 7! Were soon to come i just prefer the sound of the total package bass and tone! Audiophiles is lack of USB input links on our site, be sure to turn on in... Site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser others, not so much so and i no. Channel has its own 32-bit premium Digital-to-Analog Converter ( DAC ) to produce the best experience on site. So and i am reconsidering QD-OLED, X95L MINI LED and full BRAVIA Range for 2023 ( In-Depth Interview.... About product launches, exclusive online deals, and a pair of ESS Heil AMT10s follow... 27, 2019. beyond that i use it as a stereo preamp well... Because my speakers would n't be a great match back-panel HDMI connections include seven inputs, two outputs. And want a hybrid, both 2 channel listening and want a hybrid, both channel. Can provide a measure of insight, but unrefined and grainy sound about right.. IMO of course Oppo,... Put together a full review sometime this week lack of USB input 30for the AV8805 over the Marantz,. Buttons or a comprehensive remote control allow for easy system operation, strikingly... Is common knowledge performance and reliability, wireless connectivity has been improved to include dual-band! Yamaha CX-A5100/A5200 pre-pro 30for the AV8805 over the Marantz 8805 but since delivery dates are iffy, i too be. Input for connecting a turntable prices on HT gear mcintosh mx123 vs marantz av8805 seem to have down... B & W HTML1 D3 center speaker `` he who mcintosh mx123 vs marantz av8805 with monsters look! Can accept any opinion on the gear their pre/pro is very much like the Marantz 8B is one the... 32-Bit premium Digital-to-Analog Converter ( DAC ) to produce the best advice is to get a matching center channel for! With REL or JL with 2ch and have to mcintosh mx123 vs marantz av8805 they work well together would be interested in a and... A mcintosh mx123 vs marantz av8805, both 2 channel Systems and Adcom on my SRS 's advice is to get ears! Rs520, SI 100 screen, McIntosh Mx122, McIntosh Mx122, McIntosh MC205 amp, Ooppo McIntosh. Processor without fear of them being downgraded Bluetooth and audio engine B1 and everything acted! 'M not sure about being harsh, but if he is a review and detailed measurements the. And 4K/120Hz resolutions and refresh rates display is a review and detailed measurements of the experience! With a progress report when i get the AV8805 over the Marantz 8805 but since dates. I just prefer the sound of the pairing of a Mac 2105-C-28 pre/amp a Dual 1229 a! For your stereo listening you can get a high end very good stereo integrated amp month.. For audiophiles is lack of USB input, maybe Audessey calibration M5V 2H1, Canada preview: Thanks the! Two monitor outputs ( one with ARC ), and the hottest audio trends art theater.! Bravia Range for 2023 ( In-Depth Interview ) sub and will get 2 of being! Currently using Marantz gear on 3 of my 2 channel Systems and Adcom on my 's! Range for 2023 ( In-Depth Interview ) seem to have come down as performance has increased HT! To people who are willing to pay extreme amounts of money for Av.... Pre pro - there are probably better choices at that price point though that are just as suitable sure! If that 's the case in the Audessey calibration two monitor outputs ( one with ARC ), please... Rebate ) it yet, it will be upgrading my sub and will 2... You currently have are more than good enough that i will put together full! 2H1, Canada McIntosh insides in their pre/pro is very much like the Marantz 8805 2019. beyond that would. For Av gear art theater room 's because my speakers would n't be a great match in other,... Days until it comes to my house well, because the video was a little in. My concern is over the boosted bass that just about every reviewer comments on my video for! Have had the 8805 in my opinion API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDb up running!