In the February/March time frame, Marantz will add DTS:X support to four of its top-shelf AV processors. The first product to get the firmware update in February will be the AV8802A preamp, followed by the AV7702mkII preamp, SR7010 receiver, and SR6010 receiver in March. Other features of these advanced components are detailed below. Additional Marantz electronics will receive the DTS:X firmware update later in 2016.

From Marantz
Marantz has announced the availability of a free-of-charge DTS:X update for four Network A/V components from their 2015 home theater lineup. The SR7010 and SR6010 A/V Receivers, as well as the AV8802A (AV8802) and AV7702mkII Pre-Amplifiers, are already packed with the latest in audio and video processing technology, wireless connectivity and total ease-of-use. Now, Marantz delivers on its promise to upgrade the DTS:X-ready devices with full DTS:X capability, enabling them to run an Audyssey-equalized DTS:X setup with 9.2 or even 11.2 channels for a fully enveloping home theater experience.

DTS:X delivers truly captivating entertainment experiences in home theaters by accurately conveying the fluid movement of sound to create a richer entertainment soundscape than has previously been possible. DTS:X technology offers the ability to adapt the audio to the speaker layout that best fits the individual space by seamlessly transporting sound objects to and through specific locations within the viewing environment - in front of, behind, above and beside the audience - giving sound designers the freedom to place audio elements precisely where they need to be to deliver an incredibly immersive experience.

"DTS:X immersive audio technology is the perfect addition for Marantz customers who have come to expect the highest quality and landmark innovation from the company," said Brian Towne, executive vice president, DTS, president DTS Asia Pacific. "With the ability to simulate a real-world environment with sound above, behind and in front of the viewer, DTS:X truly makes the home entertainment viewer feel they are in the centre of the action."

"DTS:X is a great addition to Marantz A/V components; it allows our customers to enjoy the latest surround technology along with the brand's unique audio heritage and quality," said Yoshinori Yamada, global business team leader of the company's A/V receiver category. "This is another way for us to produce audio faithfully to the content producers' intent, regardless of room or speaker layout."

The AV8802(A) will get the firmware update starting February 4th, while the other three models' firmware will be delivered from March 3rd onwards. When connected to the Internet, the A/V components will give an update notification once the firmware becomes available. Final dates are subject to change until final release. If a user has turned off the "automatic update" feature on their AVR, they should manually check for the availability dates. Full instructions can be found at www.marantz.com/dtsx. Additional updates for current DTS:X-ready models will follow later in 2016.

At a glance
SR6010 7.2ch Network AV Receiver - Main Features
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth built in
• Dolby Atmos (up to 5.1.4 or 7.1.2 with additional amplifier)
• DTS:X up to 9.2 ch
• 110 watts x 7 channels (8 ohms, 20-20kHz, THD:0.08%) discrete power amplifier
• 13.2ch preout with 9.2ch processing
• Current Feedback circuitry with Marantz New HDAM
• Audyssey MultEQ XT32, LFC, Sub EQ HT, Pro ready
• Latest HDMI 2.0a with 4k 60Hz 4:4:4 resolution
• 7+1 HDMI in / 2 HDMI out (4k 60Hz, 3D, ARC, HDR, BT2020)
• Full HDCP 2.2 support on all inputs
• Advanced Video Processing with HDMI scaling up to 1080p, 4k 50/60 Hz
• MP3, WAV, AAC, WMA, AIFF
• High resolution audio streaming: FLAC 192/24, DSD, ALAC
• Gapless Playback
• Spotify Connect (where available), Internet Radio support, AirPlay on board, Pandora and SiriusXM
• Phono (MM) input
• Setup Assistant and Advanced GUI
• Small trapdoor design; Aluminum front panel
• Marantz Remote App for iOS and Android devices
• ECO mode

SR7010 9.2ch Network AV Receiver - Additional Features
• 125 watts x 9 channels (8 ohms, 20-20kHz, THD:0.05%) discrete power amplifier
• 13.2ch preout with 11.2ch processing
• Dolby Atmos (up to 7.1.4 or 9.1.2 with additional amplifier)
• DTS:X up to 11.2ch
• Auro-3D upgradeable (optional paid upgrade later in 2016)
• High quality 192kHz / 32bit D/A Converters for all channels
• 7+1 front HDMI in / 3 HDMI out (4k 60Hz, 3D, ARC, HDR, BT2020)
• Big trapdoor design; Aluminum front panel
• Blue LED Marantz porthole; additional 2-lines FL display behind the trap door
• Universal LCD remote control

AV7702mkII Multi-channel Network AV Pre-amplifier - Main features
• Same features as SR7010, but no power amplifier section
• 11.2ch XLR pre-out, 13.2ch RCA pre-out
• High quality dedicated pre-amplifier board with HDAM for high resolution audio reproduction
• Power supply for pre-amplifier stage with audiophile grade ELNA capacitors
• Extended shielding to minimize interference

AV8802A Multi-channel Network AV Pre-amplifier - Additional features against AV7702mkII
• 13.2ch XLR pre-out, 13.2ch RCA pre-out
• Toroidal transformer & Copper plated chassis
• Three piece top cover construction
• High performance power supply with 4x 10.000uF capacitors
• Auro-3D upgradeable (optional paid upgrade already available)

Additional Resources
• What Your System Needs to Enjoy Dolby Atmos Today at HomeTheaterReview.com.
• Marantz Announces SR6010 and SR7010 Network AV Receivers at HomeTheaterReview.com.