Marantz SR-14EX And SR-18EX THXÆ Surround EXô Receivers

2-Oct-00

At CEDIA EXPO 2000, Marantz America announced it is now shipping its new top-of-the-line SR-14EX THXÆ Surround EXô Digital Surround Receiver to Marantz America dealers nationwide. The most advanced receiver in Marantz history, the THX Ultra-certified SR-14EX includes THX Surround EX decoding and 24-bit/192kHz D/A conversion for heightened surround sound realism, along with a host of high-end features that take home theatre receiver performance to a dramatic new level.In addition, Marantz announced the introduction of its new SR-18EX Digital Surround Receiver, upgraded from the company's award-winning SR-18 with THX Surround EX decoding and a host of additional enhancements.The SR-14EXThe Marantz SR-14EX builds upon the company's long-standing heritage of leadership in high-end receiver design, adding new performance and convenience features and incorporating the very latest leading-edge digital audio and video technologies. The SR-14EX redefines the state-of-the-art in receiver design, and takes home theatre surround sound to a spectacular new level of sonic realism.In addition to unparalleled DolbyÆ Digital and DTSÆ Digital Surroundô performance, the SR-14EX includes THX Surround EX capability, utilizing the latest-generation Zoran THX Surround EX processor. The THX Surround EX format is an enhancement to digital sound that decodes an additional back surround channel from THX Surround EX-encoded DVDs, providing a more realistic surround sound environment by allowing smoother 360-degree surround effects with more precise localization behind and beside the viewer.Complementing its surround sound versatility, the SR-14EX includes THX post-processing, for the most accurate possible reproduction of movie soundtracks in the home, as well as Dolby Pro LogicÆ decoding, plus a variety of additional surround modes including a five-channel stereo mode that reproduces two-channel program material through all five channels in a multi-channel system.To achieve its unparalleled sonic performance, the SR-14EX incorporates the most advanced digital circuitry ever included in a Marantz receiver. The SR-14EX utilizes latest-generation 24-bit/192kHz D/A converters on all five main channels, plus a separate DSP chip and 24-bit A/D converter to provide the highest resolution playback of multi-channel movie soundtracks and 96kHz/24-bit DVD-Audio discs. The SR-14EX also includes HDCD decoding and processing to deliver the highest-possible sound quality from HDCDÆ-encoded compact discs, which offer greater resolution and a more natural musical presentation than standard CDs. Thanks to its precision filtering, HDCD also provides improved sound quality from standard CDs.The SR-14EX delivers a massive 140 watts (into 8 ohms) of high-current amplification into each of its five main channels, for clear, powerful reproduction of even the most demanding program material. The amplifier section features high-storage premium-quality power supply capacitors and Marantz's exclusive HDAM (High Definition Amplifier Module) output stage, incorporating a fully discrete copper-shielded output stage for wide bandwidth, low noise and exceptional dynamic range.The Marantz SR-14EX is constructed utilizing the highest-quality internal components, including massive power capacitors, custom-wound toroidal power transformers, extensive internal copper shielding and audiophile-grade capacitors and resistors. The receiver's chassis features a heavy-duty bottom plate to minimize internal resonances, along with machined aluminum alloy front, side and top panels for added strength and rigidity.The SR-14EX offers an unmatched complement of high-end features and exceptional control flexibility. Highlights include three sets of component video inputs, an extensive array of digital and analog inputs, outputs and switching facilities, front-panel A/V inputs, and an RF input for use with Dolby Digital-encoded laser discs. The Marantz SR-14EX functions as a complete multi-room entertainment system, thanks to its independent second-zone audio and video outputs; viewers in both the main and second-room systems can enjoy two different programs simultaneously. Other advanced features include a precision AM/FM tuner with weighted and balanced Gyro-Touch horizontal tuning wheel, advanced bass management facilities, an icon-based multi-lingual on-screen display, tone controls that operate in the digital domain for all five main channels and much more. The SR-14EX also includes a six-channel direct input to accommodate future surround sound formats or outboard digital decoders, plus 7.1-channel preamp outputs for connection to a subwoofer and external power amplifiers.For the ultimate in ease of operation, the SR-14EX is supplied with the ultimate remote-the Marantz RC5000 Programmable Universal Remote Control. The RC5000 can be programmed to provide total control of every component in a home entertainment system, utilizing an illuminated LCD touch-screen panel display with ""virtual"" buttons and graphics. The Marantz SR-14EX features the Reference Series styling and carries a suggested retail price of $4,700.The SR-18EXThe new Marantz SR-18EX Digital Surround Receiver incorporates a host of significant performance and operational upgrades from the SR-18, for even greater flexibility and superlative high-end sonic performance. The SR-18EX now includes THX Surround EX decoding, to achieve the highest level of surround sound home theatre realism attainable. Its leading edge 24-bit, 192kHz D/A conversion circuitry provides state-of-the-art sonic performance. The SR-18EX incorporates additional upgrades such as three sets of component video inputs, HDCD processing, an improved on-screen display for both main room and multi-room operation and much more. The SR-18EX also offers 140 watts x 5 power output, Gyro-Touch Tuning, Dolby Digital and DTS Digital Surround decoding, a six-channel input to accommodate future surround sound formats and many additional advanced features.The Marantz SR-18EX carries a suggested retail price of $3,099.99 and is currently shipping.Visit Marantz America on the World Wide Web at www.marantz.com. 

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