AV8801 vs. AV7701

I have a Balanced Audio Technology VK-500 amp for the mains, Marantz MM8077 amp for surround sound and for two other rooms, and Dynaudio Contour S3.4 speakers for the mains. Nordost Frey XLR Interconnects, along with Nordost Frey Speaker Cable, connect the main 2 channels. The other two rooms are inconsequential for me, and will play the same music as the main room.

I have not yet been able to compare the sound between the AV8801 vs. AV7701, and am further interested in your observations and recommendations regarding their In/Out connections, as well as other subjects which are of significance. The AV7701 does not list XLR In/Out though the picture appears to show them.

Thanks much in advance.