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Marantz AV 30 & AMP 30
Marantz is expanding its portfolio of reference class home theatre components with two new models aimed at demanding users who build their systems around separate AV electronics. The AV 30 is an 11.4 channel AV preamplifier and the AMP 30 is a 6 channel power amplifier that can be tailored to a wide variety of loudspeaker layouts, from compact media rooms to substantial dedicated home theatres. The new units slot in beneath the flagship AV 10/AMP 10 and AV 20/AMP 20 combinations and support a modular approach in which customers can grow their systems over time without abandoning existing components. As with the higher tier models, all key elements of the audio path have been tuned by the Marantz Sound Master and both products are designed and manufactured at the Shirakawa Audio Works facility in Japan.
In terms of design language the AV 30 and AMP 30 follow the aesthetic of the latest Marantz separates. Both feature the brand’s iconic round porthole display set into a symmetrical front panel with a clean, architectural look. The fascia can be highlighted with selectable side illumination that subtly traces the outline of the chassis and improves usability in dimly lit rooms. The AV 30 adds a fold down front panel which hides less frequently used controls when they are not needed and gives the preamplifier an unusually uncluttered appearance for a piece of AV electronics. Even the remote control has been carefully considered and includes backlighting to make operation straightforward during fully darkened film sessions.
At the heart of the AV 30 is the latest dual core SHARC DSP chipset from Analog Devices working with high quality 32 bit digital to analogue converters. This platform provides the processing power required to decode and manage all common audio formats from high resolution stereo to the most recent immersive sound standards including Dolby Atmos, IMAX Enhanced, DTS:X and AURO 3D. To help the system perform at its best in real rooms with real loudspeaker setups the AV 30 includes Audyssey MultEQ XT32 advanced room optimisation, using an included measurement microphone to automate calibration of speaker sizes, distances, level matching and other parameters. For users who want to go further, optional Dirac Live, Dirac Bass Control and Dirac Active Room Treatment packages are available, allowing more advanced correction of multiple speakers and up to four independent subwoofers.
The AV 30 has been specified with a broad range of current and future sources in mind. Each of its seven HDMI inputs accepts video signals up to 8K at 60 Hz or 4K at 120 Hz which covers the latest players, consoles and gaming PCs. Three HDMI outputs and a high resolution on screen interface simplify setup, routing and assigning of inputs to different zones or displays. Alongside HDMI there is a comprehensive selection of analogue and digital audio connections and a set of features aimed at custom installers so the processor can form the basis of simple living room systems or complex, fully built home theatres. The discrete HDAM SA 2 preamplifier stage offers both RCA and XLR outputs for up to 11.4 channels, which gives system designers plenty of freedom in choosing and placing power amplifiers.
Networking and streaming are handled by the Powered by HEOS platform which integrates access to popular streaming services into one unified control environment. The AV 30 is Roon Ready and supports Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect and Qobuz Connect, as well as AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth, so music can be played from local network libraries or directly from mobile devices. Within a wider HEOS multiroom installation the AV 30 can act as the central hub for both home theatre and high fidelity music listening, feeding other compatible devices in different rooms.
The AMP 30 has been developed as a slim, cool running 6 channel power amplifier delivering 200 watts per channel into 8 ohms at 1 kHz with total harmonic distortion of 0.05 percent with two channels driven. This specification allows it to drive a wide variety of loudspeakers and configurations while leaving headroom for future system growth. If required the user can reconfigure pairs of channels into bridged tied load outputs to provide up to three channels of 400 watts, which can be particularly useful for demanding front speakers or less efficient designs. Alternatively the AMP 30 can be used to bi amp up to three speakers and offers both XLR and RCA inputs to accommodate different preamplifiers and AV processors.
The new power amplifier is intended as a flexible partner not only for the AV 30 but also for other Marantz components. It can serve as a substantial upgrade for the front three channels in a system built around the CINEMA 30 AVR, expand an existing AV 10 or AV 20 based setup or form part of a larger array of amplifiers together with the 16 channel AMP 10 or 12 channel AMP 20. According to Marantz this approach allows customers to build out home theatre systems in stages and to match amplifier power and channel count precisely to their room and loudspeakers rather than replacing entire electronics stacks.
The Marantz AV 30 and AMP 30 will be available from selected retailers from January. The AV 30 AV preamplifier and the 6 channel AMP 30 power amplifier each carry a suggested retail price of $4000/€4000/£3500 depending on region, with exact local pricing set by individual markets. Both products are covered by a five year Marantz warranty and full technical details, including complete connection layouts and supported formats, can be obtained from authorised dealers. Info and photos by Marantz.
