If you’re a separates-type of enthusiast, Marantz has released a solution that could befit your golden ears. The company has debuted its AV8003 networking A/V preamplifier as well as its MM8003 multi-channel power amp to drive your system.

The AV8003 is a multi-zone processor that lets you distribute audio and HD video via an Ethernet port from a networked PC, and gives it to you in upgraded style thanks to the built-in scaler that upconverts the video to 1080p.

The audio supports Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio so you’ll have the most pristine soundtracks on your Blu-ray discs. It’ll give you HD, XM and Sirius radio as well (if you have subscriptions for XM and Sirius, or both), plus the built-in digital media player with Ethernet capability to stream A/V content.

For the MM8003, power comes through in 140 watts by eight channels. Features include XLR input terminals, output channel relay on/off control, slow-start to power-on, audiophile-grade toroidal transformer, custom filter capacitors, hand-selected customized components and ultra-wide bandwidth current feedback technology.

Both the new preamplifier and amplifier come in spiffy new-design copper chassis. MSRP for the AV8003 preamp is $2,599 and for the MM8003 $2,399)—plenty of bang for your $5K bucks.

Arlen Schweiger - Editor of Electronic House Magazine

Arlen writes about home technology installations and product news and reviews for electronichouse.com and Electronic House magazine.