Marantz MM8077 7-Channel Power Amplifier - New

Seven Channels Built From Marantz’s Reference Amplifier Circuit

The MM8077 gives each of its seven channels 150 watts into 8 ohms, or 180 watts into 6 ohms, measured continuously from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. Every channel uses the same output topology, so no channel is the compromise.

Marantz builds it around the same amplifier stage it uses in its reference hi-fi gear. The circuit is discrete and uses current feedback. Each channel takes a balanced XLR or an unbalanced RCA input, and a switch beside the jacks picks which one that channel hears.

A Chassis That Fights Interference

The chassis is copper plated, which keeps stray noise out of the signal. Speaker terminals are gold plated. On the front, the ringed porthole display carries a blue illumination accent that you can switch off if the room should stay dark.

Where Seven Channels Find Their Current

A massive toroidal transformer feeds the whole amplifier. Behind it sit 71 WVDC reservoir capacitors holding 100,000µF. That store covers a short, violent transient without the supply sagging under it.

Heat leaves through chimney-shaped heat sinks, one per channel. Cooling fans take the rest. A temperature sensor sets their speed to match the heat, so they never simply run flat out.

The Numbers Marantz Publishes

Total harmonic distortion is 0.03 percent from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. Signal-to-noise ratio is 105 dB and damping factor is 100. Frequency response runs from 10 Hz to 100 kHz within 3 dB.

Input sensitivity is 1.2 volts unbalanced and 2.4 volts balanced. Input impedance is 22 kilohms and 30 kilohms. The amplifier draws 880 watts at full tilt and under 0.4 watts in standby. It weighs 18 kg, just under 40 pounds.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Stereophile named the MM8077 to its 2013 Recommended Components list, in the surround-sound category, and called it "An excellent multichannel amplifier" — the review ran in Vol.36 No.3.

Who Is This Seven-Channel Amplifier Best For?

• You run a full 7.1 or 5.1.2 layout — seven channels come from one box with identical output stages, so the height and surround channels are built to the same standard as the center
• Your amplifier sits away from the processor — balanced XLR inputs on all seven channels carry the signal down a long run, and you can mix XLR and RCA channel by channel as your processor requires
• You want the rack to power itself up — DC trigger in and out, a remote control loop and a flasher input let the amplifier follow a control system instead of needing a hand on the front panel
• Quiet matters more than convenience — a temperature sensor holds the fans at the lowest speed the heat allows, and the display light switches off, so neither one intrudes on a dark, quiet room
• Check your speakers first — Marantz rates the MM8077 for speakers of 6 to 8 ohms, so look up the nominal impedance before you order; if your speakers are 4 ohm designs, choose one of our multi-channel amplifiers rated to drive that load instead

How Does It Connect to Your System?

Run seven preamp outputs from your processor into the amplifier. Set each channel’s input selector to XLR or RCA to match the cable you used. Then run speaker cable to the gold-plated terminals and check every channel indicator lights.

For control, connect the DC trigger to a compatible Marantz processor and the two will switch on together. There is a trigger output to pass the signal along, plus a flasher input for an external control box.

Pairs Well With

A power amplifier needs a few things around it. These are the categories most MM8077 owners shop next.

• Home theater receivers — the preamp outputs that feed all seven channels
• Interconnect cables — seven balanced XLR or unbalanced RCA runs from the processor
• Speaker cables — heavier wire for seven sets of terminals
• Power conditioners — a clean feed for an amplifier that draws 880 watts

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a receiver or processor with this amplifier?

Yes. The MM8077 supplies power and nothing else. Feed it from the preamp outputs of an AV receiver or a surround processor.

How much power does it make?

150 watts per channel into 8 ohms, and 180 watts per channel into 6 ohms. Marantz quotes both as continuous RMS power from 20 Hz to 20 kHz.

Can I use XLR on some channels and RCA on others?

You can. Each of the seven channels has its own input selector, so a processor with a mix of outputs is no obstacle.

Why does it switch itself to standby?

The auto standby function does that after 15 minutes with no signal and no activity. Hold the standby button for five seconds to change the setting. Marantz asks you to switch it off when a device is connected to the DC control jack.

Are the cooling fans audible?

Marantz calls them exceptionally quiet and a temperature sensor keeps their speed as low as the heat allows. Install the amplifier somewhere well ventilated and they have less work to do.

How big is it and what finish is available?

It measures 440 by 185 by 384 mm and weighs 18 kg. Marantz offers the MM8077 in black.

See It in Action

Dreamedia Home Theater unboxes the MM8077:

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