Marantz has just announced the offer of a hardware upgrade for their AV8802 flagship AV pre-amplifier. As promised by Marantz this January, current owners of their home cinema centre will now be able to upgrade it to support future-proof HDCP 2.2 copy protection protocol, needed to play back copy-protected 4k Ultra-HD content. The upgrade requires hardware modification at a Marantz certified Service Centre. Starting in June, this will be arranged on request by a local Marantz retailer for a cost price of EUR 199. At the same time, Marantz will start selling the factory-upgraded AV8802A model (SRP: EUR 3.999), gradually replacing the AV8802 (SRP: EUR 3.799).

On a separate note, Marantz announced a plan to offer a software update to add new DTS:X immersive surround sound format to the AV8802A and AV8802 later this year. Details will be revealed soon.

AV8802A Multi-channel AV Pre-amplifier with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth – Main Features

• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth built-in
• Current Feedback topology and new Marantz HDAM
• Toroidal transformer & Copper plated chassis
• Three piece top cover construction
• Power supply with 4x 000μF capacitors
• 32bit / 192kHz DA-Converters
• Auro-3D upgrade-ready (up to Auro 1)

    Dolby Atmos (5.1.2, 5.1.4, 7.1.2, 7.1.4 configuration)

• Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio
• Audyssey MultEQ XT32, LFC, Sub EQ HT, Pro ready
• Audyssey DSX; DTS Neo:X (11.1ch)
• 2ch pre-out (13.2ch XLR, 13.2ch RCA) and 11.2ch signal processing
• Latest HDMI version with 4k 50/60Hz 4:4:4 resolution
• Full HDCP 2 compatibility for all 8 inputs
• 7+1 front HDMI in / 3 HDMI out (2 + 1 zone) (4k 50/60Hz, 3D, ARC, Deep Color)
• HDMI scaling 1080p, 4k 50/60 Hz
• isf video calibration
• MP3, WAV, AAC, WMA, AIFF
• HD Audio streaming: FLAC 192/24, DSD, ALAC
• Gapless Playback
• USB port
• Spotify Connect* (* where available), Flickr, Internet Radio support
• Phono (MM) input
• Setup Assistant and Advanced GUI
• 4 Smart Select buttons for fast selection of listening presets
• Marantz Remote App for iOS and Android devices