Marantz unveiled the Model M1, its new ultra-compact, versatile, high-performance wireless streaming amplifier.
Carefully engineered to offer great sound from a wide range of streamed music services, the Model M1 also features analogue and digital input sockets to connect to physical music sources and a TV.
The amplifier has both the power and quality to be paired with a range of loudspeakers, from compact designs to substantial towers, and even ceiling or wall-mounted speakers. It features highly efficient high-power amplification and offers 100W of stereo output with extremely low distortion of just 0.005% THD via digital inputs.
A 2.1 channel experience can be had by adding a subwoofer and Model M1’s advanced configuration options allow for full adjustment of both high-pass-filter and low-pass-filter frequencies independently, along +/-15dB of subwoofer level trim.
Model M1 supports the full high-resolution music experience over streamed services, the network, or USB, including 24-bit/192kHz PCM support and provision for DSD. To ensure these high-resolutions signals are delivered in the best possible quality, Model M1 operates in the digital domain from end to end.
Users can use the HEOS app to access all the music services available on the HEOS platform, including the soon-to-be-released updates for TIDAL and Roon Ready support. In addition to HEOS, Model M1 supports Bluetooth, Spotify Connect and AirPlay2. Users can even play audio from a locally connected USB-A drive. Vinyl can also be played via a connection to a compatible record player (a model with an included phono stage or a separate, external phono amplifier) via the Model M1’s line-level RCA Analogue inputs.
The Model M1 can also be used as an alternative to a soundbar or an AVR when watching TV. Its included eARC HDMI input means simple one-remote control over system volume levels and power management using the TV’s supplied handset.
The onboard Dolby Digital+ decoding supports the latest audio codecs typically used by broadcast and streamed TV services in high quality. A range of useful adjustment functions provides an optimised experience. That includes a Dialogue Enhancer option to make voices more discernible when listening at low volumes, plus a Virtual mode that utilises Dolby processing to generate a large, 3D sound field from stereo-only content.
The new wireless streaming amplifier can share HEOS music across the home with other HEOS-enabled products in the Marantz portfolio, including both stereo and AVR components. It can also be partnered with other Model M1s and its compact design means that two units can be installed side by side in a standard 19” equipment rack.
The HEOS app gives users full control over the Model M1’s functionality even when the amplifier is installed out of sight. It is also compatible with a broad range of third-party control systems, including Crestron, Control4, and URC. HEOS also provides for IR learning so other brands of remote-control handsets can be used.
For More Information: www.marantz.com
