Speakers Review
Marantz AV8805A Review: 13.2 Channel Processor
The Marantz AV8805A is a 13.2 channel pre-amplifier and processor with 8 HDMI inputs, a dedicated 8K input, broad HDR support, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, HEOS streaming and Audyssey MultEQ XT32. It has no internal amplification and does not publish dimensions or weight.
Our Verdict
Research Score 88/100On paper, the Marantz AV8805A is a thoroughly specified flagship processor for buyers who already plan on running separate power amplifiers. Its HDMI section is unusually detailed, eight inputs, three outputs and a dedicated 8K input, with a wide range of HDR formats passed through cleanly. Audyssey MultEQ XT32, Dynamic EQ and LFC give it serious room calibration credentials, and the combination of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2 and HEOS covers nearly every common streaming scenario. The listing does not confirm dimensions, weight, included accessories or whether the turntable input is a true phono stage, which are reasonable questions for a buyer to raise before purchase. For a separates based 13.2 channel system, though, the AV8805A's documented strengths make a strong case at its premium tier.
Editorial research score based on published specifications and documented features, not a customer rating or lab test.
Marantz
Marantz AV8805A AV
Best for: Home theater enthusiasts building a separates based 13.2 channel system who want extensive HDMI and HDR support plus Audyssey calibration in the processor.
Skip it if: Avoid this model if you want a single box with its own amplification, since the AV8805A is strictly a pre-amplifier and processor requiring external power amps.
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Listing verified: October 2026
Who Should Buy It
Buy it if
- Separates based home theater builders who need a flagship 13.2 channel processor
- Buyers who want extensive 8K and HDR pass-through across many HDMI sources
- HEOS and AirPlay 2 households who want streaming built into the processor
- Owners who value Audyssey MultEQ XT32 room calibration included as standard
Skip it if
- You need a single unit that includes its own power amplification
- You require a confirmed, dedicated phono preamp stage rather than a general turntable connection
- You want published dimensions and weight before planning an installation
Key Specifications
| Drive type | Not published in listing |
| Cartridge | Not published in listing |
| Platter | Not published in listing |
| Tonearm | Not published in listing |
| Speeds | Not published in listing |
| Built-in preamp | Not specified; listing mentions connecting a turntable but does not confirm a phono preamp |
| Bluetooth and USB | Bluetooth and USB (listing mentions wireless streaming and USB input) |
| Outputs | 3 HDMI outputs, subwoofer and speaker outputs (listing mentions connecting subwoofer and speakers) |
| Dimensions and weight | Not published in listing |
| Included accessories | Not published in listing |
| Type | 13.2 channel AV pre-amplifier and processor, no internal power amplification |
| Power output | Not published in listing. As a pre-amplifier and processor, this model has no internal power amp stage and relies on separate power amplifiers for every channel |
| Channels | 13.2 channel processing, supporting speaker layouts up to 7.2.6 or 9.2.4 |
| Inputs and outputs | 8 HDMI inputs and 3 HDMI outputs, plus a dedicated 8K HDMI input, along with turntable, subwoofer, speaker and disc player connections and USB |
| HDMI and video | Advanced 8K HDMI upscaling, with support for HLG, Dynamic HDR, HDR10, HDR10 plus, QFT, QMS, VRR and ALLM |
| Wireless and streaming | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2 and built in HEOS multi-room streaming, with Spotify, TuneIn, Deezer, TIDAL and other major services |
| Phono input | A turntable connection is listed. Whether this is a dedicated phono preamp stage or a line level input is not specified |
| Remote and app | Voice control integration is listed through Google Assistant, Apple Siri and Josh.ai smart home platforms. A specific remote model is not named |
Overview
The Marantz AV8805A is a 13.2 channel AV pre-amplifier and processor, which means it handles surround decoding, video switching and room calibration without including any internal power amplification. The published listing is unusually detailed for this category, naming specific HDMI counts, HDR format support and streaming protocols rather than relying on broad descriptive language.
Buyers approaching this model need to understand from the outset that it is a processor, not a receiver, and that separate power amplifiers are a required additional purchase before any speaker will produce sound. For enthusiasts already planning or running a separates based system, though, the level of documented detail in this listing is a genuine advantage over sparser competing listings.
That level of detail extends across video, audio and streaming sections alike, which makes the AV8805A easier to evaluate on paper than many flagship processors whose listings lean mainly on general claims. Buyers comparing several reference level units will likely find this listing useful specifically because it names actual HDMI counts, format names and calibration tools rather than vague marketing phrases.
Power and Sound Quality
Because the AV8805A has no internal power amplification, there is no wattage figure in the listing, and this review will not estimate one. Sound quality in a dedicated processor comes from the quality of its digital to analog conversion, preamp stage and room calibration, with actual output power determined entirely by whichever external amplifiers the owner pairs with it.
The listing emphasizes multi-dimensional, lifelike audio through its format support and Audyssey calibration rather than through any power specification, which is consistent with how processors in this category are typically marketed. Buyers report that pairing a well specified processor like this with suitably powerful external amplification is the standard path to reference level sound in a large multichannel room.
Because the final sound depends so heavily on the chosen amplifiers and speakers, no two AV8805A based systems will perform identically, even with the same processor settings. This flexibility can be an advantage for enthusiasts who enjoy tuning a system over time, but it also means this review cannot promise a specific sonic character without knowing the rest of the system it will be paired with.
Connectivity and Inputs
The HDMI section is one of the most completely documented parts of this listing. Eight HDMI inputs and three outputs are stated, along with a dedicated 8K HDMI input set apart from the general input bank, likely intended for a primary 8K source such as a next generation game console or a high end disc player.
Beyond HDMI, the listing confirms turntable, subwoofer, speaker, USB and disc player connections, covering a wide range of source types for a large home theater setup. What remains unconfirmed is whether the turntable connection includes a dedicated phono preamp stage or expects a line level signal from an external phono preamp, a distinction that matters for vinyl listeners deciding whether extra hardware is needed.
USB connectivity is also listed, which typically allows direct playback from a flash drive or a wired connection to a computer for digital audio, though the listing does not describe supported file formats or sample rates for that input. Buyers relying heavily on USB playback should treat this as an unconfirmed detail rather than a guaranteed feature set.
Formats, Processing and Room Correction
Surround format support here is extensive, covering Dolby Atmos, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization, DTS:X, DTS Virtual:X, DTS:X Pro, IMAX Enhanced and Auro 3D. That breadth allows the AV8805A to decode and virtualize object based audio across speaker layouts up to 7.2.6 or 9.2.4, giving buyers real flexibility in how they configure height and surround channels.
On the video side, the listing lists HLG, Dynamic HDR, HDR10, HDR10 plus, QFT, QMS, VRR and ALLM support for 8K sources, a genuinely thorough set of modern HDR and gaming friendly formats. Audyssey MultEQ XT32 is named for room calibration, along with Dynamic EQ for listening level optimization and LFC for full range clarity and bass impact, giving the processor a complete calibration suite rather than a single basic tool.
- Dolby Atmos and Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
- DTS:X, DTS Virtual:X and DTS:X Pro
- IMAX Enhanced and Auro 3D
- Audyssey MultEQ XT32, Dynamic EQ and LFC
- HDR10 plus and Dynamic HDR pass-through
Features, Streaming and Apps
Wireless streaming is covered through Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2 and built in HEOS multi-room audio, with the listing naming Spotify, TuneIn, Deezer, TIDAL, Netflix and other major services as compatible. That range gives the AV8805A genuine flexibility for both music streaming around the home and audio from video streaming platforms.
Voice control integration is also listed, naming Google Assistant, Apple Siri and Josh.ai smart home compatibility, which lets the processor fit into a variety of existing voice ecosystems rather than locking a buyer into one platform. Commands described include play, pause, skip, volume adjustment and control of connected thermostats, lights and other home appliances through compatible smart home setups.
This breadth of voice and smart home integration is a genuine feature for buyers already invested in a particular ecosystem, since it removes the usual concern about picking a processor that only works with one assistant. The listing does not specify whether all three integrations offer identical functionality, so buyers with a strong platform preference should confirm the depth of control before assuming full feature parity.
Build, Design and Controls
The listing does not publish dimensions or weight for the AV8805A, which is a gap worth noting given how substantial a 13.2 channel processor with eight HDMI inputs is likely to be. Buyers planning a rack installation should confirm these figures independently before finalizing cabinet or shelf space.
No specific chassis materials, finish options or front panel layout details are given either. General knowledge of flagship processors in this category suggests a rigid chassis intended to isolate sensitive circuitry, but this review treats that as context rather than a confirmed fact, since the listing itself does not describe construction details.
A processor supporting thirteen channels of decoding, eight HDMI inputs and a dedicated 8K input is unlikely to be a small unit, even without internal amplification taking up chassis space. Buyers should assume a full width component footprint similar to other flagship separates and plan shelf or rack space accordingly, even though exact figures are not confirmed in the listing.
Setup and Daily Use
Initial setup of a 13.2 channel processor involves connecting it to separate power amplifiers, running speaker wiring for up to 9.2.4 layouts, and completing an Audyssey MultEQ XT32 calibration pass to optimize each channel for the room. The listing does not describe a specific guided setup wizard, though Audyssey calibration itself automates much of the tuning work once wiring is complete.
Day to day, voice control through Google Assistant, Apple Siri or Josh.ai, combined with HEOS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and AirPlay 2 streaming, should make routine operation straightforward once the system is configured. Switching between movie soundtracks, music streaming and a turntable source should all be manageable through the processor's front panel or a connected control app.
Because several HDMI inputs, including the dedicated 8K input, are available, adding new sources over time such as a future game console or streaming device should not require rewiring the entire system. This kind of headroom is a practical daily use benefit that only shows its value months or years after the initial installation is complete.
Who Should Buy It
The Marantz AV8805A suits home theater enthusiasts who are either already running separate power amplifiers or are specifically building a separates based system from scratch. Its detailed HDMI, HDR and surround format specifications make it easier to evaluate against other flagship processors than listings that rely mostly on broad marketing language.
Buyers who want voice control flexibility across multiple ecosystems, along with Audyssey's most advanced calibration suite, will find clear value here. This is not the right choice for anyone who wants a single all in one box, since the processor architecture requires a separate amplification investment before it can drive any speakers at all.
Alternatives Worth Considering
Buyers who want built in amplification without managing separate amps should consider a full AV receiver such as the Denon AVR-S760H for a smaller system, or a more powerful flagship receiver for a larger one, trading some of the AV8805A's processor only flexibility for a simpler single box setup.
For stereo only listening without any surround processing, a compact integrated amplifier like the Cambridge Audio AXA35 or a streaming amplifier such as the WiiM Amp covers a completely different, much smaller use case, and neither approaches the AV8805A's 13.2 channel processing or HDR pass-through capability.
Verdict
On paper, the Marantz AV8805A is a thoroughly specified flagship processor for buyers who already plan on running separate power amplifiers. Its HDMI section is unusually detailed, eight inputs, three outputs and a dedicated 8K input, with a wide range of HDR formats passed through cleanly. Audyssey MultEQ XT32, Dynamic EQ and LFC give it serious room calibration credentials.
The combination of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2 and HEOS covers nearly every common streaming scenario. The listing does not confirm dimensions, weight, included accessories or whether the turntable input is a true phono stage, which are reasonable questions for a buyer to raise before purchase. For a separates based 13.2 channel system, though, the AV8805A's documented strengths make a strong case at its premium tier.
Strengths and Limitations
Strengths
- 13.2 channel pre-amplifier and processor with support for up to 9.2.4 speaker layouts
- 8 HDMI inputs, 3 outputs and a dedicated 8K HDMI input
- Broad HDR format support including HDR10 plus and Dynamic HDR
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2 and built in HEOS multi-room streaming
- Audyssey MultEQ XT32 with Dynamic EQ and LFC for room calibration
- Multiple voice assistant integrations for hands free control
Limitations
- No internal power amplification, so separate amplifiers are required
- Power output is not applicable and therefore not published
- Dimensions, weight and included accessories are not stated
- Whether the turntable connection is a true phono stage is not confirmed
- No specific remote model is named in the listing
How We Scored It
Scores reflect published specifications, documented features and value against the alternatives below. They are editorial research scores, not laboratory measurements.
Alternatives to Consider
Denon AVR-A10H 13.4-Ch 8K
Buyers who want a flagship 13.4 channel receiver with next generation gaming support and strong build details, without needing a phono input.
Read the Denon AVR-A10H 13.4-Ch 8K review →
Sony STRAZ7000ES ES CH 8K A/V
Buyers who want a flagship Sony ES receiver with HDMI 2.1, SONOS compatibility and transparent, stated power measurement conditions.
Read the Sony STRAZ7000ES ES CH 8K A/V review →
Marantz Cinema 30
Buyers who want a reference level 11.4 channel receiver with a built in phono input, strong HDMI count and Audyssey calibration in one box.
Read the Marantz Cinema 30 review →Questions Buyers Ask
Marantz AV8805A AV
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About This Review
Mandrillis Team
The Mandrillis editorial team researches and compares audio and music gear using manufacturer documentation, verified specs and real buyer feedback, so you can make a confident purchase without wading through marketing claims.
Read our full research methodology.