Marantz has introduced its all-new wireless streaming amplifier – the Model M1. The ultra-compact Model M1 is a new generation of wireless streaming amplifier that has been carefully engineered to offer great sound from a wide range of streamed music services. Thanks to its analog and digital input sockets, it can also be connected to both physical music sources and your TV.
Model M1 has the power and quality to suit a wide range of loudspeakers, from compact designs to substantial towers, or, if preferred, ceiling or wall-mounted speakers. Its high-power amplification is highly efficient and offers 100 watts of stereo output with low distortion – just 0.005% THD via its digital inputs. If desired, you can add a subwoofer for a 2.1-channel experience, and Model M1’s advanced configuration options allow for full adjustment of both high-pass-filter and low-pass-filter frequencies independently, along +/-15 dB of subwoofer level trim.
The amplification is complemented by full high-resolution music support. Many compact digital amplifiers are limited to CD-quality 16-bit/44.1kHz resolution, but Model M1 supports the full high-resolution music experience over streamed services, your network, or even USB, including 24-bit/192 kHz PCM support and provision for DSD. To ensure these high-resolution signals are delivered in the best possible quality, Model M1 operates in the digital domain from end to end, which means all sources leverage the DSP technologies built in, including Marantz Music Digital Filtering (MMDF), first developed for the brand’s reference-grade audiophile CD players and designed to ensure the characteristic warmth and musicality of any Marantz product.
However you want to listen, Model M1 has you covered. 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, ensuring wide- ranging wireless music streaming for almost any content you may wish to access, and from almost any device. You can even play audio from a locally connected USB-A drive.
If you prefer the sound of vinyl, you can connect 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.
When you’re not listening to music, Model M1 is an alternative to a soundbar or to an AVR for high-quality TV watching. Its included eARC HDMI input means simple one-remote control over system volume levels and power management using your 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 and a range of useful adjustment functions provide for an optimized experience whatever and whenever you are watching. That includes a Dialogue Enhancer option to make voices more easily discernible when listening at low volume levels, plus a Virtual mode that utilizes Dolby processing to generate a large, three-dimensional sound field from stereo-only content.
Naturally, Model M1 can also share your HEOS music across your home with other HEOS-enabled products in the Marantz portfolio, including both stereo and AVR components, so whole-home Marantz sound quality (scalable to up to 32 discrete zones) is simplicity itself. It can also be partnered with other Model M1s and its compact design means two units can be installed side-by-side in a standard 19-inch equipment rack if desired. Its effective passive thermal management means no intrusive fan noise or issues with heat build-up in cabinets and a threaded mounting point on the bottom of the amplifier means you can even install the unit on a wall-mount bracket if required.
The HEOS app gives full control over Model M1’s functionality even when the amplifier is installed out of line-of-sight, but for more extensive integration in custom installation environments, Model M1 is also compatible with a broad range of third-party control systems, including Crestron, Control4, and URC. HEOS also provides for IR learning, so you can use other brands of remote control, too.
The Model M1 is now available for $1000.
For more information, visit www.marantz.com.
