Marantz AV 8003 preprocessor

This is the very highly regarded AV processor which has nearly endless features with two remotes, and functions with multichannels or stereo, and HDMI, Blue Ray, and more.  I purchased new from a dealer, original owner.
High Points
• The AV8003's audio/video performance rivals units costing several times its price.
• The ability to receive network media, HD, XM and Sirius radio all in one unit is really sweet. Seemingly every receiver would be able to receive these sources but oddly they don't when the Marantzdoes.
• The ability to decode every surround sound codec (even the new advanced ones).

Low Points
• The glass fiber rounded front panel pieces feel like inexpensive plastic.
• The AV8003 can only handle seven external sources, not nearly enough for my main theater system.
• Setup of networking capabilities can be complex for the non-IT oriented consumer.

Conclusion
The Marantz AV8003 is easy to recommend for one seeking better performance than what a receiver can offer but who is not yet ready to invest $10,000 in a single component. The Marantz AV8003 has all the bells and whistles that today's buyer is conditioned to look for plus the features necessary to easily integrate it into a complex system. That, coupled with its solid performance across the board, from stereo to DTS HD Master Audio make this piece an easy recommendation for anyone who needs today's feature set but demands superior performance. 

The networking capabilities are a nice touch and I would like to see them expanded. As they are now, one can use the Marantz to view family photos and video stored on a computer and as a music server. Even with all of these features the AV8003 doesn't forget its main purpose, while watching movies or listening to music, it has been able to reproduce an involving and convincing sound field.
Additional Resources

• Learn about other A/V Preamps at HomeTheaterReview.com


• Discuss A/V Preamps at HomeTheaterSpot.com


• Find your nearest Marantz dealer