Marantz MODEL M1 And M4 Streaming Amplifiers – Quick Look

All Image Credit: Marantz

Marantz has announced two new streaming amplifiers, the stereo MODEL M1 with Wi-Fi and the 4 zone, 8-channel MODEL M4 sans Wi-Fi.

The Japanese company’s newly announced Model M1 an ultra-compact and versatile new generation streaming amplifier that appears to be aimed at both home installers and home listeners who who are looking for a visually unobtrusive all-in-one to which they just add loudspeakers and hit ‘play’.

Its Class D amplifier can deliver 100wpc into 8 Ohms or 125wpc into 4 ohms, both with a THD of 0.05%. This is not a traditional Class D amplifier in that it’s ‘direct digital’ design has the streaming signal arriving over wifi or Ethernet remaining in the digital domain (no DAC) before directly switching the output stage that drives the loudspeakers. The topology supports full high-resolution music over streamed services, your network and USB, including 24-bit/192kHz PCM and DSD. There is no mention of the ADC used to support the RCA stereo line input.

This HEOS based platform uses its app to give access to the many music services available on the HEOS platform. It also supports; Bluetooth, Spotify Connect, AirPlay2 and a locally connected USB-A drive, with Tidal Connect and Roon Readiness being reportedly on the software development roadmap.

Rear panel hard-wired connectivity includes; TOSLINK and HDMI eARC sockets for TV hook-ups, including Dolby Digital+ decoding, plus a USB-A socket for direct playback from a USB storage device. A stereo RCA line level input supports stereo analog connectivity from the users vinyl phono stage, with all signals being converted to the digital domain for DSP processing and application to the Class D power amplifier. Additional connectors include; RCA subwoofer out, IR in and an RJ45 network connection.

Finally, the the included DSP drives the “Marantz Music Digital Filtering” (MMDF) that is used to voice the amplifier, provide EQ, and control the subwoofer output’s bass management system allowing the independent adjustment of the subwoofer low-pass filter and stereo loudspeakers high-pass filter (40-250 Hz / 40-120 Hz), together with an optional adjustment of +/-15dB trim.

The MODEL M4 is the perfect complement to a whole-home HEOS-based multi-room audio system. It comes with all the functionality of the M1 in a rack mountable amplifier. The package includes a robust installation-optimized amplifier system equipped with 8 x 100wpc of output and 4 x independent HEOS modules that can support up to four rooms. Hard-wired connectivity is broadly the same as the M1 but missing the HDMI eARC connection. With its built-in Dolby Digital decoder various encoded sources may also be shared throughout your home.

Finally, with its fan cooling, stable operation is guaranteed even in enclosed spaces or rack mounted, with the included ears.