Marantz is expanding its line of Blu-ray players to include four Profile 2.0 models, all with Ethernet connectivity and features to increase flexibility in both playback and installation. Leading the new lineup is the company's highly anticipated flagship player, the ultimate-quality UD9004 (MSRP: $5,999.99), joined by the high-end universal UD8004 (MSRP: $2,199.99) and two high-value, high-performance players, the BD7004 (MSRP: $799.99) and BD5004 (MSRP: $549.99).

Noted Kevin Zarow, Vice President, Marketing and Product Development, Marantz America, Inc: "Marantz engineered every detail of our new Blu-ray players with both audio and video purists in mind. Whether a customer is looking to add to an existing Marantz home theater system or just looking for an ultimate-quality single-source component, Marantz now offers best-in-class performance at several price levels. With these introductions, we have clearly established our leadership in the growing Blu-ray arena. In fact, we are confident that the superior construction and circuitry of the UD9004 will quickly earn it the reputation as one of the world's most sought-after Blu-ray players by home entertainment aficionados."

Marantz UD9004
The Marantz flagship UD9004 represents the best Mrantz can do with audio and video reproduction - a single source component that features universal compatibility and world-class performance from virtually all of today's most advanced video and audio formats. Built using high quality materials and craftsmanship to virtually eliminate mechanical distortion, the UD9004's extensively braced chassis features a thick bottom plate with machine milled copper feet, sustaining mechanical stability and therefore sound quality.

The Profile 2.0 UD9004 will play virtually any 12cm digital audio or digital video disc ever created, including CD, SACD, DVD-Audio and of course Blu-ray. The unit's dedicated audio section, which is based on the award-winning Marantz SA-7S1 SACD player, ensures superior audio playback at all times and from all sources. Notably, two Sharc Digital Signal Processors (DSPs) are included for the ultimate in HD Audio decoding, and SACD playback is enhanced through the use of Marantz's HDAM technology, Hyper Dynamic Amp module. Audiophiles will also appreciate the 32-bit floating point type Analog Devices DSP with four separate circuit boards and a pure direct mode that even shuts down the video playing elements to deliver focused audio output when desired.