Marantz AV7701?

unc2701

Anyone have experience with these? I haven't used anything with MultiEQ correction, so it only having XT (vs XT32) isn't really a concern. Moving to a new house and the layout is more conducive to HDMI runs, so I'm thinking it's about time for an upgrade.

My real technical concerns are how well it handles the HDMI switching and zone 2 output. I will likely use this as a 4 by 2 HDMI matrix which in my experience can be a little twitchy. As for audio, I'd like it to be respectable, but this is going to be 100% HT (or my wife playing crap music via Airplay). So ease of use and the HDMI not bombing once configured for WAF is probably my most critical concerns.

mantis

I have not used that exact model but have Installed many Marantz receivers over the years.
Honestly IMO and it's very strong that Audyssey is not that good. Every single time I have run it except one time I felt it hindered more then improved. I have calibrated many systems both ways and made comparisons and I always find my calibrations to be a much more enjoyable listening experince.
I currently have NAD which runs Audyssey and I'll be honest, same results. I find a manual calibration to retain the beauty of my speakers. What I find Audyssey to do is suck the life out of them and make them sound dull.
I also found this to be true with ARC from Anthem , YPAO from Yamaha and even many times with MCACC with Pioneer. But to be frank, I have found MCACC from Pioneer to work the best overall.

Sound quality matching or synergy will heavily depend on your speakers , where they are placed , correct speaker wire , and the amount of power thats going to be required to power your HT. Marantz I can tell you have a very nice warm inviting sound to them. Yes sonic signature if you will. They are very pleasing to the ear. Nicely dynamic and can go with many different speaker brands well.
I would buy a Pioneer Elite SC model over all the current Marantz models which according to your needs so far, they would be a better choice. I also think the sound quality of the Elites are more natural. I also own a SC-68 and think it's the overall best AVR on the market Bar None. It's something to consider when looking at Marantz.

As far as HDMI issues , I have not seen Marantz have any issues here with their newer stuff. Even the older models back to HDMI 1.1 I have not seen hardly any issues. Now lets be real here, HDMI is a terrible technology and trying to use it to run video into another zone will always be a risk. I don't care who or what is sending it there as I have used $16000.00 switchers that had issues from time to time. Nature of the beast if you will.

So I would concentrate on the things you want out of a AVR to make the correct decision, not HDMI. You can't go wrong with Marantz but you have to cross your fingers with HDMI, thats anything you buy.

unc2701

Probably should have mentioned that I'm looking for a pre/pro and it'll be feeding a Bryston 9b SST, with Gallo's for the front soundstage. For the rears, I'm debating just using Polk LC60i's since I have a spare pair... but could eventually swap in more Gallo's.

Anyhow, I hate HDMI with a passion, but it's getting to the point where I just need to suck it up. Roku, Apple TV, Raspberry Pi, bluray, etc all lack component outputs (or cripple them), so going HDMI is the the big leap for me.

Thanks for the input, though... I also like tailoring my system rather than what the auto corrections do and I think this confirms that I don't need to be worried about it not having XT32.