These days, many of us have left physical media behind when it comes to music. Sure, there’s been a renaissance of vinyl and even CDs and cassettes are seeing a modest upturn in sales, but most of us now stream. Whether it is Spotify, Tidal, Amazon, Qobuz or Deezer, we consume audio with an online subscription
Now audio brand Marantz has announced its latest network streamer in the form of the new MODEL M1. Launching today, this new generation wireless streamer is a compact device that just needs speakers. It’s being aimed at first-time hi-fi buyers as well as seasoned audio buffs.
The Marantz MODEL M1 has enough power to drive a wide range of speakers, whether that’s a pair of compact bookshelf models or big floor-standing designs. The M1 has a highly efficient 100W of stereo output with distortion of just 0.005% THD via its digital inputs.
Marantz claims those kinds of figures are only typically found in amplifiers costing a lot more. There is even an option to add a subwoofer for a 2.1-channel setup. The sub can have a full adjustment of both high-pass-filter and low-pass-filter frequencies independently, along with +/-15dB of subwoofer level trim.
As well as powerful amplification, the Marantz MODEL M1 also has support for high-resolution audio including 24-bit/192kHz PCM support and provision for DSD. To ensure these high-res signals are delivered in the best possible quality, the MODEL M1 is digital from end to end. This design simplifies the signal flow and Marantz says it eliminates errors caused by the inexpensive DACs found in some traditional hi-fi.
The all-digital design also means all audio sources can access the M1’s powerful DSP technologies, including Marantz Music Digital Filtering (MMDF), first developed for the company’s reference-grade audiophile CD players.
The new 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, enabling streaming of almost any content. Audio files can even be played from a USB-A drive, turning the M1 into a digital jukebox.
For those who do want to access physical media, the MODEL M1 offers a connection to legacy analog devices like a vinyl turntable, cassette deck or FM tuner. There is no phono stage included but there are line-level RCA analog inputs.
The MODEL M1 is also being touted as an alternative to a TV soundbar. The M1 has an eARC HDMI input offering control over the system using the TV remote for adjusting volume levels, muting and power functions. Onboard Dolby Digital+ decoding supports the latest audio codecs used by broadcast and streamed TV services in high quality and there are a range of useful adjustment functions, including a Dialogue Enhancer option
that makes voices easier to hear at lower volume levels. There is also a Virtual mode that uses Dolby processing to generate a three-dimensional sound field from stereo-only content.
The MODEL M1 can also share music around the home with other HEOS-compatible devices, including both stereo and AVR components. The HEOS app provides full control over MODEL M1’s functionality even when the amplifier is installed out of line of sight. However, for more extensive integration in custom installation systems, MODEL M1 is compatible with a range of third-party control systems, including Crestron, Control4 and URC. HEOS also offers IR learning so you can use other brands of remote-control handsets.
Pricing & Availability: The new Marantz MODEL M1 is available from today and costs $1,000 / £900 /€1,000
More info: marantz.com
Tech Specs:
- Amplification: 2 x 100W / 8Ω.
- Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20kHz.
- Digital audio support: 192kHz / 24-bit.
- Wi-Fi: 2.4GHz, 5GHz and 6GHz wireless plus Gigabit Ethernet.
- Inputs: Stereo RCA x 1, HDMI eARC x 1, USB-A x 1, Optical.
- Streaming: HEOS Built-In, Bluetooth, Apple Airplay 2, Spotify Connect and support for other streaming services.
- Subwoofer output with full adjustment functionality.
