Marantz DVD-Audio/SACD Player

As hinted at in our recent report from DVD-Audio 2002, Marantz has announced the availability of its first «universal» player. The THX Select-certified DV8300 will play DVD-Audio and SACD dics as well as DVD-Video, CD, CD-R/RW, DVD-R/RW, MP3, Video CD and Super Video CD discs. In addition, the DV8300 includes built-in Dolby Digital and DTS surround sound decoding, and provides a full selection of digital and analog audio and video outputs.

According to the press release (kindly provided by Frank Doris of Marantz’ PR agency):

‘To complement this unmatched flexibility, the DV8300 features a host of high-performance audio technologies such as leading-edge Cirrus Logic 192kHz/24-bit audio D/A conversion, discrete multi-channel audio circuitry utilizing Marantz’s exclusive HDAM (High-Definition Amplifier Module) output stages, a separate power transformer for the audio circuit, a zero-impedance copper grounding plate for the analog multi-channel output, and many additional refinements.

The DV8300 is built utilizing a double-layered chassis construction and includes a «Video Off» function that turns off the video circuitry during audio-only playback, for maximum sonic purity. The result is remarkably natural, detailed, dynamic and enveloping sound quality, conveying movie soundtracks and music with astonishing realism and emotional impact.

Along with a new level of audio performance, the Marantz DV8300 is designed for unsurpassed image quality, with progressive scan component video output, true 3:2 and 2:2 pulldown detection and advanced digital video processing circuitry. The DV8300′s 3:2 pulldown detection provides the best-possible reproduction of film-based DVD-Video discs, by correctly detecting and decoding the 24 frames-per-second of film content that are transferred to the 30 frames-per-second required for video playback. The result, when viewed on a progressive scan video display is smoother, more natural moving images, with spectacular resolution, clarity and color accuracy. In addition, the DV8300 features a fine-tunable Video Adjust function, enabling viewers to «dial in» the picture quality according to their personal preferences.’

The DV8300 is available now at an MSRP of $1,499.99 Marantz DV8300