I think Outlaw will be happy to sell this to anyone that wants one.

A successor to the AV7005 would be something that I am very interested in. This will not go well for the 978 BUT it may go well with Outlaw anyway. The 978 is taking too much time to fix bugs and perhaps an AV7007 has already surpassed it in technology....quite past what Outlaw can muster on the 978. If it doesn't make any business sense to release a 978 then why bother.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a67twBEJDZ0

The video is called "Marantz Sr 7007 First Look Munich High End.

I disagree that any "mass market" type offering is going to hurt any Outlaw "one of a kind" pre-pro.

I doubt the Outlaw's are so buried in work that they'd have stated the "sneak peek" is of the SRx007 receivers. The audioholics "preview" laid out the similarities / differences very well both between the 5000,6000, 7000 upgrades as well as those of sister Denon offerings. While nice looking I am not jumping for any superior AQ in these products, though I can see lots of folks who would like the new boxen sitting on their A/V racks...

I also agree that price point wise the Marantz pre pro may be a whole other category, and it is always fun to try to filter the completely made up silliness from the plausible (and the probable...) as transmitted via AVS and other enthusiast forum / news sites...

Preview updated June 01 2012

Folks the google machine translated Dutch looks like the new Top O' Line Marantz processor is AV8801 -- Some Dutch Tweakers.net Audio Forum (hope they aren't cooking crystal meth...)

The "form factor" looks like it supplants the Denon AVP-A1HDA. Makes sense. I doubt Outlaw will sell these... $7000.

Hey renov8r

I do like to see what exactly the difference is between the 7005 and 7007. If the newer unit is good with added relevant features then how much better can the audio quality be in the 978. I hope the 7007 comes in at no extra price over it's predecessor. Don't forget that quality looks is important as well. I hope the 978 does have a front face revision because the Marantz products are gorgeous.

The MArantz faceplate continue with the "porthole" design that they've had for a few years. It is more stylish than those of many competitors.

Details of the AV7007 are much harder to find than the SR7007, though the differences will likely be minor.

The 978 March update mentioned no changes to the feature set / cosmetics of the unit.

AV7007 - Needs to have XT32 or why bother.

978 - the fascia isn't as nice looking as the 990 by a long shot. It looks like it's out of the 80's unfortunately - specifically an 80's art deco revival. The quarter circle around the volume knob has to go, along with the fins on the top left. I also can't think of any reason it should be deeper than 16" (and 15" would be even better). And how about a headphone jack on the back of the box for people who like to keep their gear plugged in all the time. It surprises me that no one pays any attention whatsoever to usability in this industry.

Hey twistybox

I agree with the quarter circle. That's the main thing that kills that kitschy look of the 978. Next those fins are just silly. Definitely 80s cheap. Their amplifiers look classy and sweet. I have the 7500 and the 978 does not match is complement with the 7500/7700/7900 line.


P.S. Marantz should put in x-32 or why bother. I agree.

My Marantz XT32 "why bother" is of course in reference to the existing 7005. The 7007 will need to be a significant step up.