Amplifiers/Processors

Marantz’s new flagship AV amplifier/processor duo sets sail on the HCC test bench with the new UD7007 universal player at the helm. While other brands, such as Pioneer and even Marantz’s sibling Denon, have opted for an integrated battleship AV receiver to top their range, Marantz is going for a fleet approach; the AV8801 AV processor frigate and the MM8807 amp destroyer. It’s all about performance. The system has been designed to deliver the sonic goods with more accuracy and firepower than a standard player/AVR combo can achieve.

Those who admired NAD's M10 two-channel, do-it-all streaming amplifier but were put off by the £2,200 price tag (see HCC #304) are clearly the target audience for the Canadian manufacturer's new C 700. Like the costlier Masters Series model, this compact component promises to drag your music playback into the 21st century via its hi-res capable BluOS streaming module, while chucking in a range of physical inputs for good measure, and then giving connected speakers a healthy punch of Class D amplification. Unlike the M10, however, it sells for £1,300.

Eight channels? When I first saw the spec sheet for Primare's new power amplifier I did wonder if I'd read it wrong, because in the home cinema arena we're used to odd numbers. Yet the A35.8, thanks to flexible internal engineering, considers eight to be just the right amount, whether you're interested in movies or music.

We’ve waited a heck of a long time for Yamaha to launch a new home cinema hero to replace the venerable DSP-Z11. But rather than update that integrated design, the brand has opted to birth a pre/power combination as part of its premium Aventage line – and it’s a formidable creation.