Home Audio/Video Marantz Intros 8K Ultra HD Slim AV Receiver

Marantz Intros 8K Ultra HD Slim AV Receiver

Marantz has announced the introduction of its latest slimline 8K Ultra HD AV receiver (AVR), the low-profile Model NR1711 (August availability; $799).

“The NR1711 is nearly half the height of a standard AV receiver,” said Jake Mendel, global brand manager, in the announcement statement, “so it doesn’t overcrowd your existing home entertainment system, but it still offers Marantz’s acclaimed warm amplification, immersive surround sound, high-resolution streaming, and the latest 8K specifications.”

A high-current discrete power amplifier section is a feature, and identical power is provided on all channels (50W per channel: 8-ohm, 20Hz – 20kHz, THD: 0.08%, 2ch. drive) with low-impedance driver capability.

The NR1711 offers support of multidimensional object-oriented audio formats including Dolby Atmos, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization Technology, DTS:X and DTS Virtual:X. Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization Technology and DTS:X Virtual provide users with a 3D listening experience without the need for dedicated height or surround speakers.

The NR1711 includes six HDMI inputs with one output to cover all users’ favorite sources.

In addition to 8K upscaling, all six HDMI inputs support Dolby Vision, HLG, Dynamic HDR, HDR10+, 4:4:4 Pure Color sub-sampling, BT.2020 pass-through, as well as the latest HDMI features VRR, QFT, ALLM, QMS and current HDCP 2.3 copy-protection standard.

One dedicated 8K HDMI input delivers the latest HDMI specifications. Movies can be viewed in 8K with 8K/60Hz pass-through or upscaling; and the AVR features the latest in HDMI technology like Dynamic HDR for best contrast and colors and Quick Media Switching (QMS), which is used to avoid blank screens while switching sources. The new Marantz NR1711 also provides a lag-free gaming experience with 4K/120Hz pass-through, as well as Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Quick Frame Transport (QFT), and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), which reduces or eliminates lag and frame tearing for smoother performance and perfect sync between audio and video.

By supporting eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel), which allows lossless and object-based audio transmission like DTS:X and Dolby Atmos from TV apps or to the TV connected sources, the NR1711 allows users to enjoy better, more immersive surround experiences for TV audio easily.

Multi-Room Listening and Connectivity

Leveraging HEOS Built-in multi-room streaming or AirPlay 2 technology, users can enjoy their favorite music in any room of the home for a wireless, whole-home audio experience. They can play the same song in every room or select a different song in each connected room from a variety of popular streaming services like TIDAL, Spotify, Amazon Music HD, Pandora, and many others.

As an optional configuration, listeners can enjoy 5.2- or 7.2-channel surround sound in the home theater and simultaneously play stereo sound from the same or another source in a separate room by connecting a pair of speakers to the multi-room amplified outputs or hooking up an additional stereo amp and speakers to the Zone 2 preouts.

For listeners who favor Bluetooth headphones, the NR1711 supports Bluetooth audio transmission. It also allows users to play audio on Bluetooth headphones and connected speakers simultaneously. This is especially helpful for family members or friends with hearing impairments, Marantz points out, as the overall volume level does not have to be raised to uncomfortable volumes.

The NR1711 also works with leading voice agents—Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Siri and high-end smart home automation assistant, Josh.ai. Using the HEOS app, users can employ their voice to stream music from various popular services. Other commands include the ability to switch between connected components, adjust volume, pause, mute, play a previous or next track, and more.

The NR1711 features premium loudspeaker terminals with a set of matching cable-labels supplied to ensure easy and correct hookup. The included Setup Assistant offers clear, graphical on-screen direction, and the Quick Start Guide ensures optimal setup for any configuration.