Marantz, has just introduced its all-new wireless streaming amplifier–the MODEL M1–with the company stating that the new compact, versatile and high-performance model represents a new generation of wireless streaming amplifier that has been engineered to offer great sound from a wide range of streamed music services. The company also emphasizes that in addition to its streaming capabilities, the new amp includes analog and digital inputs to support its connections to physical music sources and TVs.
According to Marantz, the MODEL M1 has the power and quality to suit a wide range of loudspeakers, from compact designs to substantial towers, or ceiling or wall-mounted speakers. The amplifier is rated to produce 100 watts of stereo output with just 0.005% THD via its digital inputs. Integrators can add a subwoofer for a 2.1-channel experience, and with the MODEL M1’s advanced configuration options allowing for full adjustment of both high-pass-filter and low-pass-filter frequencies independently, along +/-15dB of subwoofer level trim.
The unit’s amplification section is further complemented by full high-resolution music support, which Marantz claims can support high-resolution streaming services, high-resolution files stored on a network, as well as high-resolution content stored on USB-enabled devices, including 24-bit/192kHz PCM support and provisions for DSD audio files.
Marantz even boasts that the MODEL M1 operates in the digital domain from end to end, which is said to simplify the signal flow while eliminating errors caused by the inexpensive DACs typically found in traditional stereo components. All sources, the company continues, leverage the MODEL M1 Amp’s DSP technologies that include Marantz Music Digital Filtering (MMDF).
In addition to its stereo capabilities, the MODEL M1 incorporates the HEOS while-house audio platform and companion HEOS app to access their music services, including the soon-to-be-released updates for TIDAL and Roon Ready support.
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The MODEL M1 also supports Bluetooth, Spotify Connect and AirPlay2 to help ensure a wide range of wireless music streaming for almost any content users may wish to access, and from almost any device. Homeowners can even play audio from a locally connected USB-A drive, making the compact product a powerhouse of connected, streamed and network-served high-resolution audio Marantz asserts.
The amp even supports vinyl, according to Marantz, when using a turntable with a built-in phono stage or through the addition of a separate, external phono preamplifier connected to the MODEL M1’s line-level RCA analog inputs.
The popular home audio company comments the MODEL M1 can also serve as an alternative to a soundbar or to an AVR (audio/video receiver) for high-quality TV watching. The streaming amp’s included eARC HDMI offers one-remote control over system volume levels and power management using a TV’s supplied handset.
The onboard Dolby Digital+ decoding supports the latest audio codecs typically used by broadcast and streamed TV services, and the amp provides a range of adjustments to help integrators provide an optimized experience whenever homeowners are watching. Some of the audio options include 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.
Elaborating on the MODEL M1’s whole-house audio capabilities, Marantz adds that homeowners can also share their HEOS music across their homes with other HEOS-enabled products in the company’s product portfolio, including both stereo and AVR components, so integrators can offer up to 32 discrete zones.
The amp 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. Marantz asserts the amp’s 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 allows integrators to install the unit on a wall-mount bracket if required.
Moreover, the companion HEOS app gives users full control over the MODEL M1’s functions even when the amplifier is installed out of line-of-sight within complex custom installation environments. Marantz also emphasizes the MODEL M1 is also compatible with a broad range of third-party control systems, including Crestron, Control4 and URC.
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