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Marantz Unveils DV9600 flagship multi-format source component and SR9600 THX Ultra 2-specified 7.1 receiver (4/11/2005)

Marantz is proud to unveil the world's first source component capable of producing a 1080p video signal - the ultimate High Definition resolution. It takes the form of the company's majestic, new flagship DV9600 multi-format source component. The DV9600 is a statement product that produces a towering performance at the very pinnacle of audio and video reproduction.

The component delivers a 1080p video signal, the maximum High Definition resolution possible, providing the ultimate match for the latest HD-ready screens and projectors. This is comes via state-of-the-art video scaling circuitry, which also allows upsampling to 720p and 1080i.

Powering this spectacular design is a premium 216MHz/14-bit video processor from Analog Devices, comprising six Noise-Shaped Video DACs. The proprietary NSV technology ensures the most accurate signal representation possible. Meanwhile, an HDMI 1.1 interface ensures that digital video signals are fed directly to display devices without any degradation, in full bandwidth, completely uncompressed.

Finally, PAL and NTSC Progressive scan with chroma error correction from the component video output ensures the best-possible reproduction of DVDs.

A newly developed, proprietary, reference-quality mechanism on the DV9600 ensures near errorless retrieval of information from any disc. The ultra-rigid chassis, with its double layer bottom plate and thick metal front panel, only enhances this.

The DV9600's audio capabilities are every bit as impressive as its video prowess.

Key to the player's outstanding audio characteristics are Marantz's bespoke HDAM modules, a zero-impedance ground copper plate for the 6-channel audio outputs, while the audio board takes in symmetrical signal paths with customized components and separate power supplies.

Other high-performance audio technologies include two IEEE1394 digital audio connections for uncompressed, jitter-free digital data transfer of high-resolution formats such as Super Audio CD and DVD-Audio, along with Cirrus Logic 24-bit/192kHz DACs implemented on every channel. You'll also find full bass management for DVD-Video, DVD-Audio and SACD discs as well as built-in Dolby Digital and DTS surround sound decoding.

Like its DVD player sibling, the flagship SR9600 is an ultimate-quality component. The THX Ultra 2-specified multi-channel receiver features high-speed twin 32-bit DSP chipsets, audiophile-grade 24-bit/192kHz DACs on all channels, an innovative amplifier design, an ultra rigid, copper-plated chassis as well as a host of other advanced technologies.

At its heart, the SR9600 employs a massive toroidal transformer, capable of delivering nearly 1000 watts across its seven channels for authoritative, effortless reproduction of movie soundtracks and music. Using a newly developed all Discrete Current Feedback (SA-ready) amplifier design, the receiver delivers a minimum of 70 percent of its two-channel power rating when driving five channels simultaneously. In addition, you'll find the very latest version of Marantz's proprietary Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Modules, the HDAM-SA2, for dynamic, detailed and amazingly realistic sound.

To ensure the highest quality video images from all sources, the receiver's sophisticated video section features S-video/composite-to-component-video upconversion. Meanwhile, the SR9600 is compatible with today's most advanced source components, thanks to HDMI switching, with two HDMI inputs and one output as well as two IEEE1394 ports for further connectivity options.

If paired together, the performance of the DV9600 and SR9600 only improves thanks to an ingenious "flow rate control" technology, which controls the speed during transmission to avoid signal degradation due to jitter.

Price: DV9600 flagship multi-format source component /SR9600 THX Ultra 2-specified 7.1 receiver £1500/£2500.

www.marantz.com