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Marantz av7005 vs av8801 vs Theta Casablanca

So I recently started upgrading some of my system starting with the speakers. I used to have a full Polk lsim 7 series 7.2 system. I have replaced most the Polk speakers with Legacy Audio, Focus se for the front, Marquis center and the new foundation subwoofer. My current pre amp is the Marantz av7005 with Emotiva xpa-1 gen 2 monoblocks for the front 3 channels, marantz mm7055 for the rears and surround. With the new setup I have found a limitation with the av7005, pro version of Audyssey no longer available. The av7005 does not let me run the front 3 channels, along with surround and back, in full range. I recently came across a deal on both a Theta Casablanca and a av8801, decided to buy both and give them a try. I have several questions. Will the av8801 allow me to run full range with the all of the channels? I believe that the Theta is a gen 1, would it be worth bringing this thing up to a newer configuration? I am still in need of better surround speakers and rears, should I try to keep going on the full range thing, legacy line, or dose anyone have suggestions for these speakers that would match with what I have. And last question, should I add width and or height. Thanks guys.

I should add that I watch lots of movies but also listen two channel. 
paullk
auxinput
2,920 posts
 
Ah sorry, I mistyped.  I see you got the av8801.  This still has the older Marantz circuits that are a bit slower/warmer than the newer AV8802A or AV7702 processors.  But if you like the sound, I would keep it for now.  :)
paullk OP
17 posts
 
Thanks for all the info aux. I'll definitely try the fuse upgrade for the Emotivas, anything else while I'm in there? I have read about the compromise with the class A A/B mode. I'm OK with these amps for now, there are not as black background as the marantz they have replaced but the additional power is worth it so far with dynamic range.

As far as the bi-amp goes, I was going to try an Ashley analog Crossover rather than messing with the processor. Not there yet nor sure if I will yet.

Just got the av8801 hooked up, having some trouble with audyssey, keeping giving me a phase error for the rear surround speakers. I tried flipping the polarity but still no luck. I did a quick manual setup just to try it out. It is giving me a full range center option and surround in certain configurations. So far I can the center channel is much better than the av7005. Full range makes the voices sound much better and the center effects now have improved impact. I'm going to try and get Audyssey working again tomorrow, I'll update my thoughts if I can get it to work.

Also did a brief analog session, first impressions is a bit more dynamic however the subwoofer output is not functional in 2 channel mode currently. 
paullk OP
17 posts
 
One question along the line with replacing the fuses. Should I plug the amplifiers into my Furman power conditioner? It's the 20a version. Thanks 
auxinput
2,920 posts
 
One of the things I really like about the av8801 and av8802 is that Marantz put in a very large power supply for this processor, so the sound will be very full and have a lot of muscle in the bass and midbass.  
paullk OP
17 posts
 
I definitely agree with you on the full sound, I'm just watching Netflix movies right now and I can tell a difference between the av7005 and av8801 in the low frequency content. It just seems smoother than the av7005. I plan to use the av8801 at least through the weekend, providing I can get Audyssey to set up correctly, then I'll try out the Theta. 
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