Marantz Introduces MODEL M1 Compact Wireless Streaming Amplifier

Marantz has introduced its all-new wireless streaming amplifier, the MODEL M1. The ultra-compact, high-performance MODEL M1 is a new generation of wireless streaming amplifier that has been 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 a TV.

The flexible design and features could appeal to either first-time hi-fi buyers our experienced audio enthusiasts, according to the company.

MODEL M1 ($1,000 US) has the power and quality to suit a wide range of loudspeakers, from compact designs to substantial towers, or ceiling- or wall-mounted speakers. Its high-power amplification is highly efficient and offers 100W of stereo output with phenomenally low distortion — just 0.005% THD via its digital inputs. If desired, a subwoofer can be added 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 +/-15dB of subwoofer level trim.

This powerful 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/192kHz 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. This simplifies the signal flow and eliminates errors caused by the inexpensive DACs typically found in traditional hi-fi. It also means all sources leverage the powerful 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 other Marantz products.

MODEL M1 uses 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, making this compact product a powerhouse of connected, streamed and network-served high-resolution audio. Vinyl enthusiasts can connect in 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 analog inputs.

MODEL M1 can serve as 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.

MODEL M1 can also share HEOS music across a 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. Of course, 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 19in 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 such as Crestron, Control4, and URC. HEOS also provides for IR learning to with other remote control brands.

MODEL M1 Wireless streaming amplifier stats:

• 2x 100W Amplification, 8-ohm, 20 Hz – 20kHz
• 192/24 High-Resolution music support
• 2.4 GHz, 5.6 GHz and 6 GHz wireless plus Gigabit wired network connectivity
• Stereo RCA in x1, HDMI eARC x1, USB-A x1
• HEOS Built-In including Bluetooth, Airplay 2, Spotify Connect and support for numerous streaming services
• Subwoofer output with full adjustment functionality