Marantz AV10 AV Processor Review

[Lavocat]

I hope I dare to ask you a question, as you already own a Marantz. So that you understand the context, I've owned several Emotiva preamps for a very long time (UMC-200)... but I'm considering becoming a deserter. This is due to the numerous problems persisting with the new range that Emotiva Audio Corp has just released (RMC-1+ & XMC-2+). But the question for me is, is it paradise with other brands?
Consequently, I'm seriously considering purchasing a Marantz AV 10 or 20. There are so many good reviews!
Can you, the happy owners of a Marantz, confirm that there are no major problems known to you to date?

1. Are you having problems or the video signal is struggling to connect (black screen)? Do you have to switch inputs to return to the previous input to get both video and audio?

2. A more specific question for all owners of both a television AND a video projector: do you have audio and/or video dropout issues when one device is on and the other is on standby? I have this problem when my projector is on standby with the Apple TV 4K. I also had this problem with all other sources, such as a set-top box, TV, and Blu-ray player, but it was resolved by using a Swissair HDMI Firestorm. Well, it's almost resolved. When I watch a movie on the projector screen, my Sony TV has to stay on with Picture Off. Otherwise, there are image drops and blood every 20 seconds or so; this is apparently called the Sony HDMI issue…

3. And what about you? Is everything OK?

Sorry for being a bit complicated in my explanations, thank you in advance to everyone for any answers. This will be an excellent aid to my decision-making process.

 

[alvigg]

With only the Marantz in the chain, I have no problems. I also have a lumagen radiance pro. My setup is source (AppleTV or Panasonic 4K player) to Marantz which acts as a switcher, the audio goes to Amps, Video to LRP then to a Sony projector. There is always a long handshake and occasionally I have to switch inputs or turn something off. LRP does such a good job at tone mapping, I am willing to put up with the issues.

Otherwise Marantz is flawless. I have a 7.4.6 setup with Dirac and have the sound I have been craving since 1972.

 

[alvigg]

Follow up. I use Atmos for Atmos encoding, DTSX for DTSX encoding and Auro 3D for everything else. Does superb job.

 

[Oddball]

Never any issues but for the most part it's only Apple TV and single TV display. On occasion play HD BluRays from old Pio player which also works well. HDMI cables are 2 and 3 meters and 8K certified.

Almost sounds too good to be true, but luckily is.

 

[Sal1950]

Almost sounds too good to be true, but luckily is.

STOP IT, I can't afford an upgrade right now.
BUT I might just be tempted when the AV30 comes along pending measurements.

 

[Oddball]

STOP IT, I can't afford an upgrade right now.
BUT I might just be tempted when the AV30 comes along pending measurements.

AV 30 will for sure be a great unit as built on AV 10/20 foundations.

These AVPs will last for mighty long time, and probably no need to upgrade to the next Atmos generation that might require in floor speakers or such. Not sure what else could be coming up, as it seems like we have it all.

BTW, my Cary 5.1 processor still works after 15 years, even though that one was running pretty hot. Lost the remote though, so kind of difficult to use it.

 

[levimax]

Not sure what else could be coming up, as it seems like we have it all.

Miniature speakers mounted in drones that fly into position in the room where needed based on content?

 

[Sal1950]

These AVPs will last for mighty long time, and probably no need to upgrade to the next Atmos generation that might require in floor speakers or such. Not sure what else could be coming up, as it seems like we have it all.

I imagine they'll come up with something but with Atmos / Auro being scale-able for speaker it may be a while.
I've had great luck with Marantz gear, I only lost my AV7703 when I got hit by lightning, along with my computer and more, I cried.
AFAIK my AV7701 is still being used by another of our members.

 

[MKR]

STOP IT, I can't afford an upgrade right now.
BUT I might just be tempted when the AV30 comes along pending measurements.

You know you want an AV10/20 @Sal1950 … stop fighting it, give in to the dark side

 

[Oddball]

At least would wait for ART implementation. If not good then the dark side might be calling names like Trinnov or Storm .

 

[MKR]

At least would wait for ART implementation. If not good then the dark side might be calling names like Trinnov or Storm .

After I sell a kidney and half my liver

 

[Sal1950]

You know you want an AV10/20 @Sal1950 … stop fighting it, give in to the dark side

After I sell a kidney and half my liver

Sounds good. Paypal me a couple grand and I'll put it the order.

 

[Sal1950]

Almost sounds too good to be true, but luckily is.

You know you want an AV10/20 @Sal1950 … stop fighting it, give in to the dark side

Dang it, I think you guys set a curse on me. My Denon 4700 seems to have wet the bed and I'm talking now with them about a warranty repair.
I may just be pissed enough to grab a AV20 and sell the Denon when it returns..
Maybe my good buddies here could help me with a Go Fund Me deal ???

 

[Ssss]

Dang it, I think you guys set a curse on me. My Denon 4700 seems to have wet the bed and I'm talking now with them about a warranty repair.
I may just be pissed enough to grab a AV20 and sell the Denon when it returns..
Maybe my good buddies here could help me with a Go Fund Me deal ???

It’s a sign!
I recently moved from a 4700 to a processor, it hurt financially but the uplift in sound quality is significant, even my wife comments daily on how much better it sounds.

 

[MKR]

Dang it, I think you guys set a curse on me. My Denon 4700 seems to have wet the bed and I'm talking now with them about a warranty repair.
I may just be pissed enough to grab a AV20 and sell the Denon when it returns..
Maybe my good buddies here could help me with a Go Fund Me deal ???

LOL … sorry, not sorry, blessing in disguise ;-)

Actually, I now have my eye on the Monoprice HTP1. After a lot of reading and research, even though it has its quirks, the performance/measurements and features make it the “audiophiles” processor as far as I am concerned. And the cost of entry is lower! Hope to acquire one in the next 1-2 weeks.

 

[dlaloum]

LOL … sorry, not sorry, blessing in disguise ;-)

Actually, I now have my eye on the Monoprice HTP1. After a lot of reading and research, even though it has its quirks, the performance/measurements and features make it the “audiophiles” processor as far as I am concerned. And the cost of entry is lower! Hope to acquire one in the next 1-2 weeks.

The one caution, in the HTP1 forums there is talk about lack of support... and the question has been raised as to whether the product has been abandoned...

The guy heading the efforts around the HTP1 was reassigned to other projects, and it is unclear whether this product has anyone looking after it, planning a way forward, etc... (including potentially preparing it for Dirac ART, etc...) - This seems to be a common disease in the AVR world... look at JBL, Arcam, etc...
It is unclear how much attention the AV range are getting from Onkyo/Integra...
At least D&M have been giving this part of their range some high profile attention!

 

[Sal1950]

The Monoprice unit is a very attractive option also.
The fact that it's much less expensive could play a big part.
So far I'm getting lucky with my 4700, it's 6 days short of it's warranty expiring but the folks I talked to on the phone never mentioned it.
Time will tell about the HTP1, it is getting a bit long in the tooth, specially for a Dirac processor that the rumor says that it's not ART update-able.
When ART does get released I would think that would ring the death bell for it until that's changed
Thanks @dlaloum

 

[TimoJ]

The one caution, in the HTP1 forums there is talk about lack of support... and the question has been raised as to whether the product has been abandoned...

The guy heading the efforts around the HTP1 was reassigned to other projects, and it is unclear whether this product has anyone looking after it, planning a way forward, etc... (including potentially preparing it for Dirac ART, etc...) - This seems to be a common disease in the AVR world... look at JBL, Arcam, etc...
It is unclear how much attention the AV range are getting from Onkyo/Integra...
At least D&M have been giving this part of their range some high profile attention!

Dirac ART is coming to the HTP-1. And the same guy is still responsible of HTP-1 development/looking after it.

 

[TimoJ]

Time will tell about the HTP1, it is getting a bit long in the tooth, specially for a Dirac processor that the rumor says that it's not ART update-able.

I have used HTP-1 with Dirac ART since 2024. So hardware wise it certainly can do it.

 

[dlaloum]

Dirac ART is coming to the HTP-1. And the same guy is still responsible of HTP-1 development/looking after it.

I certainly hope you are right - but that wasn't what the rumours were saying