Marantz 5-Channel Power Amplifier (MM7055)

Marantz's new MM7055 is the five-channel option in this year’s extended line-up of main amplifiers.

Based on the technology used in the MM8003 and using the exact same chassis, it delivers a thumping 140W RMS into 8 ohm to each of the channels, while the ultra-wide bandwidth current feedback technology easily handles the highest SACD frequencies – this also makes it ideal for the high definition DTS Master Audio and Dolby TrueHD formats too.

The result? Totally precise tonal and image balance, speed and dynamics. And on top of all that, you also get XLR audio inputs, DC triggers and a Marantz control bus system for remote on/off. There’s even a stylish new display screen showing the actual output power. This is power and convenience to take your breath away.

Main features are:

• 5x 140W RMS 8 ohm
• Current Feedback circuitry
• Balanced inputs
• Gold plated speaker terminals
• DC trigger control inputs
• Marantz remote bus

Marantz 5-Channel Power Amplifier (MM7055) Reviews

Audio Visual Revolution by Andre Marc - December 2010  (reviewed with the AV7005)

Absolute killer performance ... offered a clarity and definition I have not experienced before ... These are keepers.

The list of features and the connectivity capabilities of the AV7005 are mind boggling. And that may be an understatement.
 
Setting up the Marantz pair was pretty straight forward. I would estimate that someone who is moderately knowledgeable about home theater components could have these up and running in under an hour.

... sound quality and ease of use was off the charts good. I judge that by how crystal clear dialogue was when watching movies and digital cable. Surround mixes were remarkable in their life-like spread of ambient sounds while watching TV shows and DVDs.

For the first time, I saw the value in 5.1 mixes on some classic albums ... It was quite an experience to feel surrounded by the instruments while listening to songs I have only heard in stereo for decades. I admit to being hooked on the way the Marantz pair allowed me to enjoy fatigue free listening for extended periods at fairly lifelike volumes.

The 7005 also provides fast and reliable HDMI video switching ... The picture quality was actually better when using the 7005 for video switching than routing HDMI cables from the various sources into the HDTV directly. This could be due to the inclusion of the latest Anchor Bay 10-bit Video Processor/Scaler. It was easy to tell the difference.
 
The 7005 processor is way more than a home theater hub. It also accepts an Ethernet connection so you may use it with several online services like Rhapsody and Flickr. I was able to go on to Flickr and browse through picture galleries with great ease and speed.
 
The 7005 is Bluetooth compatible, and allows for digital iPod connectivity. The 7005 also allows for multi zone operation. In case you thought they forgot something, there is an on board Moving Magnet Phono input. Vinyl and iPods can live happily together.

I plugged my iPod Nano into the USB slot and scrolled through the folders, enjoying excellent sound. I also plugged in a thumb drive loaded with JPEG files from a recent Hawaii vacation, blown away by the ability to see my pictures in high definition on a big screen, instead of the usual computer or laptop screen. I did a bit of listening to CDs to get a grip on the combo’s 2 channel performance. What I got was excellent musicality, typical of the Marantz product line. You can also create “surround stereo” which means it will take a stereo source and route it to all your speakers.

The long list of on board features are not just parlor tricks, they all work and work well. Not only was there gobs of power from the 7055, but crystal clear dialogue and vocals from the center channel speaker, a real clarity and presence from every other channel, floor shaking bass, and an overall quality of sound that belies the price tag.
 
The 7005 processor and preamp is a true marvel ... It offers a multitude of surround sound modes, endless connectivity options, HDMI switching, USB inputs, networking, and excellent set up flexibility. The inclusion of Audyssey is a huge plus, and I found it to be a valuable asset.
 
The 7005 and 7055 were very impressive across the board, and across all the functions packed into these two boxes that would have taken up an entire room years ago at a cost unaffordable to all but the most fortunate. I believe Marantz has hit it out of the park on their new line of AV products. They are future proof, offer endless flexibility and connectivity even to older components, and make use of technology from Marantz’s high end Reference Series, all in a highly attractive, distinguished looking package. Beware, for if you decide to jump in, you may find yourself upgrading your speakers, cables, and accessories to make them commensurate with the performance of the 7005 and 7055.

These are keepers.