IF...the Marantz has pre-outs for the FR & FL channels, you should be able to connect them to the AV input on the Saxon thus bypassing the Saxons preamp/volume control and utilizing only its amplifiers. I am assuming this is what the AV inputs on the Saxon are for, you need to verify this. Thus, depending which input you select on the Saxon, either the Marantz or Saxon will control the front speakers and related source connected to that particular unit.

HMMM....I understand it. Not sure I described it so that someone else could understand it.

RG