In the world of home audio, finding the perfect sound is a constant quest. Audiophiles are drawn to the Anthem AVM 90 and the Marantz AV7706. These top-notch AV processors are the latest in technology, designed for those who want the best in home theater.
The Anthem AVM 90 is a big step up from the D2v, with 15.4 channels of power. It’s seen as the best 15.4-channel pre-pro under $8,000. It has features that meet the needs of the most critical listeners. On the other hand, the Marantz AV7706 is an 11.2-channel 8K Ultra HD AV surround pre-amplifier. It comes with the latest immersive surround codecs and the HEOS music management system. This makes it a complete solution for today’s home theater fans.
Key Takeaways:
- The Anthem AVM 90 and Marantz AV7706 represent the pinnacle of modern AV processing technology.
- The AVM 90 offers 15.4 channels of processing power, making it a top choice for audiophiles under $8,000.
- The AV7706 is an 11.2-channel 8K Ultra HD AV surround pre-amplifier with the latest immersive surround codecs and HEOS music management.
- Both processors cater to audiophiles seeking premium audio performance for their home theater setups.
- These AV processors are designed to provide an exceptional, immersive home entertainment experience.
Understanding Modern AV Processing Technology
The world of home theater audio has changed a lot. New digital signal processing (DSP) and audio format support have come in. The Anthem AVM 90 and Marantz AV7706 use the latest tech for a better sound experience.
These processors have 32-bit/768kHz DACs and dual-core 64-bit DSP platforms. They support advanced audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
Evolution of Home Theater Processing
Home theater processing has grown from simple surround sound to complex immersive audio. New DSP algorithms and hardware have made Dolby Atmos and DTS:X possible. These technologies create a soundscape that feels like you’re right in the action.
Key Components of Modern AV Processors
- High-resolution DACs: The latest AV processors have audiophile-grade 32-bit/768kHz DACs. They ensure top-notch audio fidelity and dynamic range.
- Powerful DSP platforms: Dual-core 64-bit DSP chips are used. They provide the power needed for advanced audio processing and room correction.
- Immersive audio support: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and other immersive audio formats are integrated seamlessly. This creates a fully enveloping listening experience.
Digital Signal Processing Advances
DSP technology has greatly improved the audio capabilities of modern AV processors. New algorithms for room correction, channel upmixing, and dynamic range control have enhanced sound quality. This makes the home theater experience more realistic and engaging.
The mix of high-performance hardware and advanced DSP software has made AV processors like the Anthem AVM 90 and Marantz AV7706 very powerful. They offer a truly immersive and customizable audio experience. This meets the high standards of modern audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts.
Anthem AVM 90 and Marantz AV7706: Feature Comparison
The Anthem AVM 90 and Marantz AV7706 are top picks for those who want the best in home theater. They offer great features but are suited for different levels of enthusiasts.
The Anthem AVM 90 has 15.4 channels for processing. It supports both balanced and unbalanced pre-outs. This makes it perfect for a 9.4.6 channel setup for Dolby Atmos/DTS:X. It also has advanced room correction and a high-quality DAC for top-notch sound.
The Marantz AV7706 has 11.2 channels and supports 8K video. It also has HEOS for whole-home audio. While it doesn’t match the Anthem in channel count, it’s great for those who want 8K and multi-room audio.
| Feature | Anthem AVM 90 | Marantz AV7706 |
|---|---|---|
| Channels | 15.4 | 11.2 |
| Dolby Atmos/DTS:X Support | Up to 9.4.6 | Up to 7.2.4 |
| Video Passthrough | 4K HDR | 8K |
| Room Correction | ARC Genesis | Audyssey MultEQ XT32 |
| DAC | 32-bit/768kHz ESS Sabre | 32-bit/192kHz Cirrus Logic |
| Multi-Room Audio | Not Included | HEOS Integration |
Both the Anthem AVM 90 and Marantz AV7706 support HDMI 2.1. They’re great for anyone who wants a top-notch home theater. Whether you’re an audiophile or just love home theater, these processors are a solid choice.
Advanced Audio Capabilities and Formats
The Anthem AVM 90 and Marantz AV7706 are top-notch in immersive audio tech. They support the latest audio formats for an amazing home theater sound.
Dolby Atmos and DTS:X Implementation
These AV processors smoothly handle Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding. They bring you the most realistic surround sound. You’ll feel like you’re right in the action with their 3D audio.
Channel Configuration Options
- The Anthem AVM 90 supports up to 15.4 channels for top-notch spatial audio.
- The Marantz AV7706 offers a 11.2 channel setup for great surround sound.
Room Correction Technologies
These AV processors aim to improve your audio experience. The Anthem AVM 90 uses ARC Genesis room correction. The Marantz AV7706 has Audyssey MultEQ XT32 technology. Both adjust to your room’s acoustics for the best 4K HDR sound.
“Moving from an integrated receiver to separating amps from processing is said to enhance sound quality.”
The Anthem AVM 90 and Marantz AV7706 are perfect for audiophiles. They offer top-notch audio and format support for the best home theater experience.
Video Processing and HDMI Connectivity
The Anthem AVM 90 and Marantz AV7706 have top-notch video processing. They support 4K HDR and have HDMI 2.1 for 8K video. This means they can handle the latest video formats like Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
They also have enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) support. This lets you send high-quality audio from your smart TV back to the processor. It makes your audio and video systems work together smoothly.
These processors are ready for today’s home entertainment needs. They ensure your video and audio are of the highest quality. This gives you an amazing experience in your home theater.
Build Quality and Design Architecture
Creating an immersive home theater experience depends on the build quality and design of your audio-visual components. The Anthem AVM 90 and Marantz AV7706 stand out with their exceptional build quality. They ensure your investment in audiophile-grade components meets and exceeds your expectations.
Power Supply and Circuit Design
The Anthem AVM 90 has a strong toroidal power supply, known for its reliability and precision. It also has premium 6-layer circuit boards with isolating ground planes to reduce noise and interference. The Marantz AV7706 also focuses on high-quality construction, with a detailed power supply design and component selection.
Component Quality and Layout
Both processors use ultra-low noise, ultra-low distortion high output op-amps and 0.1% high-precision resistors for top-notch audio fidelity. Their internal layout is carefully planned to improve signal paths and reduce electromagnetic interference. This boosts the audiophile-grade performance.
Chassis Construction
The Anthem AVM 90 and Marantz AV7706 have sturdy chassis constructions. They are designed to reduce vibrations and electromagnetic interference, protecting the sensitive internal components. This focus on detail ensures these audiophile-grade audio processors perform consistently over time.
“The build quality and design architecture of these processors are truly exceptional, setting a new benchmark for home theater enthusiasts who demand the best.”
Network Integration and Streaming Features
Modern AV processors need to integrate well with networks and stream audio smoothly. The Marantz AV7706 and Anthem AVM 90 are top choices. They provide a rich and flexible audio experience.
The Marantz AV7706 shines with its HEOS multi-room audio system. It lets you stream music everywhere in your home. This makes your favorite songs available in any room, creating a unified audio space.
The Anthem AVM 90 also streams audio well, even if it’s not as multi-room as the Marantz. It connects to many streaming services. This means you can access a huge library of high-quality music easily.
Both AV processors support high-resolution audio streaming. They handle formats like lossless FLAC and DSD. This means your music sounds better than ever, taking your listening to new levels.
In short, the Marantz AV7706 and Anthem AVM 90 are great for those who want a seamless audio experience. They offer strong connectivity and support for high-quality formats. These AV processors are perfect for your home entertainment system.
“The HEOS integration on the Marantz AV7706 is a game-changer, allowing me to create a truly connected and immersive audio experience throughout my home.”
Setup and Calibration Process
The setup and calibration for the Anthem AVM 90 and Marantz AV7706 AV processors are easy to use. They offer deep customization options. The Anthem AVM 90 uses the ARC Genesis room calibration system. It needs a Windows PC or Mac for setup.
This advanced tool compares the room’s sound to a lab standard. It helps optimize the audio performance accurately.
Initial Configuration Steps
Both processors guide users through an initial setup. They help set up basic parameters like speaker assignments and channel levels. This is the first step towards more detailed room correction and speaker calibration.
Room Correction Setup
The Marantz AV7706 uses Audyssey MultEQ XT32 room correction technology. It analyzes the room’s acoustics with multiple microphone positions. It then applies digital filters to optimize the sound.
The Anthem AVM 90’s ARC Genesis system offers a more detailed and customizable room calibration. It provides a more precise audio experience.
Speaker Configuration Options
Both the Anthem AVM 90 and Marantz AV7706 offer many speaker configuration options. Users can tailor the setup to fit their room sizes and layouts. This ensures an immersive and balanced audio experience for all.
“The ARC Genesis room calibration system in the Anthem AVM 90 is a game-changer, providing unparalleled accuracy and flexibility in optimizing the audio performance to my space.”
Real-World Performance Analysis
Both the Anthem AVM 90 and Marantz AV7706 excel in real-world audio performance. The AVM 90 is highly praised for its sound quality. Many experts call it the best-sounding Anthem preamp processor.
The AVM 90 uses a 32-bit/768kHz Sabre ESS DAC and a dual-core 64-bit DSP platform. It has premium components like high-output op-amps and a toroidal power supply. This ensures low noise and high reliability in its audio performance.
The Marantz AV7706 is also known for its high-quality audio. Both processors can create immersive soundstages in home theater setups. They handle complex audio mixes and deliver clear sound across all channels.
| Feature | Anthem AVM 90 | Marantz AV7706 |
|---|---|---|
| Audio Performance | Exceptional, considered the best-sounding Anthem preamp to date | High-quality audio reproduction, typical of Marantz brand |
| Immersive Soundstage | Capable of creating lifelike, high-fidelity audio experiences | Capable of creating lifelike, high-fidelity audio experiences |
| Audio Formats Supported | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced, Dolby Surround, DTS Neural:X, DTS Virtual:X | Not specified |
| Room Correction | ARC Genesis for optimizing acoustic signature | Not specified |
The Anthem AVM 90 and Marantz AV7706 show their top-notch audio performance. They offer immersive home theater experiences. They are great options for audiophiles looking for quality and features in their home theater setups.
Conclusion
The Anthem AVM 90 and Marantz AV7706 are top-notch home theater receivers. They have all the latest features and top-notch build quality. This makes them perfect for those who love home theater.
Choosing the AVM 90 or AV7706 means you’re in for a great sound and picture experience. They support the newest audio formats and have advanced room correction. This means you get the best sound and picture quality.
In short, the Anthem AVM 90 and Marantz AV7706 are the best in home theater. They offer advanced features, top-quality components, and are easy to set up. They are the top choice for anyone wanting to improve their home entertainment.
FAQ
What are the key features of the Anthem AVM 90 and Marantz AV7706 home theater processors?
The Anthem AVM 90 has 15.4 channels of processing. It supports up to a 9.4.6 channel Dolby Atmos/DTS:X setup. The Marantz AV7706 offers 11.2 channels and supports 8K video passthrough. It also has HEOS multi-room audio.
Both processors have advanced HDMI 2.1 connectivity. They also come with room correction technologies.
How do these processors handle advanced audio formats?
Both support Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and other immersive audio formats. The AVM 90 can handle up to 15.4 channels. The AV7706 supports 11.2 channels.
They use advanced room correction technologies. Anthem’s ARC Genesis and Marantz’s Audyssey MultEQ XT32 optimize audio for different rooms.
What are the video processing capabilities of these AV processors?
Both support 4K HDR pass-through and HDMI 2.1 inputs and outputs. They enable 8K video compatibility. They also support enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) for high-quality audio from smart TVs.
How do the Anthem AVM 90 and Marantz AV7706 differ in terms of build quality and design?
Both processors are built with high-quality materials. The Anthem AVM 90 has a toroidal power supply and premium circuit boards. It uses low-noise, low-distortion components.
The Marantz AV7706 also focuses on power supply design and component selection. It aims to minimize vibrations and electromagnetic interference.
What are the networking and streaming capabilities of these AV processors?
The Marantz AV7706 has the HEOS multi-room audio system. It allows for seamless music streaming across zones. The Anthem AVM 90 also offers network streaming, but details on its multi-room audio features are not provided.
How do the setup and calibration processes differ between the Anthem AVM 90 and Marantz AV7706?
The Anthem AVM 90 uses Anthem’s ARC Genesis room correction system. It requires a Windows PC or Mac for setup. The Marantz AV7706 likely uses Audyssey MultEQ XT32, but specific details are not provided.
Both processors offer extensive speaker configuration options. They cater to various room sizes and layouts.
How do these AV processors perform in real-world home theater setups?
The Anthem AVM 90 is known for its exceptional audio performance. It might be the best-sounding Anthem preamp processor. The Marantz AV7706 is also known for its high-quality audio reproduction.
Both processors can create immersive, high-fidelity soundstages in home theater setups.
