MARANTZ SR7007 AV RECEIVER

Top of the current Marantz range of AV receivers which include the SR-5007 and SR-6007 the SR7007 replaces the popular SR7006 which due to its amplification prowess in both multichannel and 2channel  modes had a good run for over two years,  unusual for a mainstream AV manufacturer.

But to those who know, Marantz is no ordinary mainstream AV manufacturer with the pedigree of its amplifier designs going back more than five decades.

The SR7007 share and retains many of the popular features found on the SR7006 which includes  Apple Airplay, a comprehensive suite of Internet sourced audio programme in addition to FM, control apps for the various i and Android devices and the Audyssey format auto room acoustics  equalization system.

New,  however, is the SR7007's ability to scale video signals to the newly emerging  4K display resolution format.  Not that  there is at the moment, a proliferation of 4K display devices out there but its good to know that the ability to pass through 4K signal with the SR7007 is there when you want it.

Rated at 125watts x 7 channel into a nominal 8 ohms impedance the SR7007 comes with up to seven HDMI 1.4 inputs that will handle all high resolution lossless bitstream signals such as Dolby Tru-HD, DTS HD Master  Audio and all its variants.

In addition to the new established, HDAM (Hyper-Dynamic Amplifier Module ) used in the pre-amplifier section of the SR7007, Marantz also utilizes its high and amplifier technology, Current Feedback to reduce distortion at low output levels.

The SR7007 for all its high end flagship AVR status is pleasantly compact  measuring 17.33" x 7.36" x 15" and weighing no more than 30lbs.  It is both physically more compact and lighter then the SR7006.  Retail price RM8,190.00

For those with a less extended pocket the new Marantz AVR range include the SR6007 at 110 watts per channel and the SR5007 at 100 watts per channel. Retail price is RM4,990.00 and RM4,290.00 respectively.

LG 84 LM9600 4K RESOLUTION ULTRA HD TV

It has to happen.  At  first, earlier this year, with a couple of high end home theatre projectors and now with top of the range high performance digital display systems that virtually most of the 'big boys' of the consumer digital TV industry seem to be fielding.

One of the earliest off the block is LG with its 84" 84LM9600.

With a native resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels the 84LM9600 is described as an Ultra HD display with a resolution that is approximately 4 times that of the Full HD of 1920 x 1080p that we are so familiar with today.

An LCD design featuring LED backlight technology with local dimming capability the 84LM9600, as one would expect of premium digital TV is extensively 'smart' allowing comprehensive access to internet programmes.  It is also, needless to say, 3D compatible.  Inspite of its tremendous width  (for a TV that is ) the 84LM9600 is still unbelievably thin measuring only 1.57" thick.  Yet the whole display is no  lightweight, weighing in at almost 175 lbs, inclusive of stand.

To keep pace with what must surely be a stunning picture LG engineers have incorporated a 10 speaker audio system driven by a built-in 50 watts amplification system.  LG describes the built-in sound as a 2.2 system which probably means that it's a stereo format with up to 2 built-in woofers for extended bass performance.  That is commendable but chances are anyone lucky or rich enough to own such a display will likely not bat an eye-lid in accompanying it with an equally super duper external surround system.

Four HDMI inputs are provided with other digital video sources covered with up to three USB 2.0 ports, an Ethernet port, component video sockets, PC audio and video  input, digital audio output and composite video input.  The last, the composite video input is a mind-boggler. 

Sending in lowly, low resolution video into a 4K display device is like sending dual channel analogue audio from a high resolution BD player into  the latest generation digital AV receiver.

Who would own such an Ultra High Definition display?  Rich videophiles who want and appreciate the best.  For the rest of us we will just have to wait for the price to drop.

Retail price RM70,000.00