MARANTZ RELEASES FIRST EVER 11.2-CHANNEL AV AMP

Marantz has launched the new SR8012, its first-ever 11.2-channel AV amplifier, its flagship model.

Maranz says the new model boasts advanced facilities including HEOS wireless multiroom integration. The new model also features copper plated chassis and toroidal transformer design usually only found in the company’s top-end stereo components.

The SR8012 uses identical symmetrical monolithic amplifier modules to deliver 205W to each of its 11 channels, ensuring the power to drive even demanding speaker loads and perfect channel-matching for a truly integrated sound. This is all made possible by an oversized power supply designed to ensure the SR8012 always has plenty in reserve for even the most demanding soundtracks: it uses a shielded custom-built toroidal transformer, and highcurrent main capacitors also made to exacting Marantz specifications.

Maranz says the SR8012 is designed to deliver with music, too: network music streaming is integrated along with HEOS wireless multiroom, enabling it to become the hub of a complete whole-house sound system when used with HEOS speakers. Controlled by the HEOS app, it allows you to explore, browse and play music from your own network library, online streaming services and Internet radio, and the SR8012 can also play music from Bluetooth and AirPlay portable devices, USB storage and of course analogue and digital sources.

As well as being compatible with Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Auro 3D immersive soundtracks, the SR8012 is designed for all current and future video formats. Its eight HDMI inputs and three outputs conform to the latest HDMI and HDCP standards, with 4K Ultra HD 60Hz video, 4:4:4 Pure Colour sub-sampling, High Dynamic Range (HDR), 21:9 video, 3D, BT.2020 pass-through and Dolby Vision pass-through support. That makes it ready for 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray disc players, p set-top boxes and other modern 4K Ultra HD sources, while HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) pass-through is supported for coming HDR broadcasting contents, and eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) will be supported via a firmware update. In addition, the SR8012 can upscale standard and high definition analogue and digital video content to 4K Ultra HD, breathing new life into legacy sources.

The audio section is similarly advanced, being able to decode up to 24-bit/192-kHz ALAC, FLAC and WAV lossless files as well as DSD 2.8MHz and 5.6MHz tracks via the front panel USB port and network sources. That means you can experience everything hi-res audio has to offer, with sound quality way beyond CD, and the SR8012 also has both Apple AirPlay and Bluetooth to play music from portable devices.