With the simultaneous launch of the Marantz AV 20 AV preamplifier and the Marantz AMP 20 power amplifier, the manufacturer offers a pair of electronics designed for the most ambitious installations. UHD 8K compatibility, 13.4-channel decoding, Dirac Live calibration, 200W per channel, RCA/XLR connectors… they have all the necessary features to provide an experience that’s as cinematographic as it is musical. Here is a look at this high-end duo designed for discerning movie buffs.
An ultra high-end pair
The new Marantz 20 Series follows in the footsteps of the Marantz AV 10 processor and Marantz Amp 10 amplifier. Like the latter, the Marantz AV 20 preamplifier and Marantz AMP 20 power amplifier are designed to work as a pair, but can both be added to separate installations. They represent the pinnacle of Marantz’s expertise, combining audiophile high-fidelity and the most advanced video processing. This is reflected in the rigorously selected components, including a toroidal transformer in both devices. The chassis are reinforced and benefit from a copper plate to effectively block external interference.
Marantz’s style is immediately evident, with textured lateral panels on the front of the devices that recall the brand’s iconic electronics from the 1950s to the 1970s. A backlit circular VU meter takes pride of place in the center of the AMP 20’s front panel. These electronics will look just as good installed in a dedicated home theater rack as they will placed on a piece of furniture.
Marantz AV 20: sound and image mastery
13.4-channel processing
The Marantz AV 20 processor forms the heart of this new home theater system. It supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Auro-3D immersive audio formats, with a sound reproduction across 13.4 channels. This allows you to create 9.4.4 or even 11.4.2 configurations for a truly enveloping sound. Each channel benefits from proprietary HDAM processing to limit distortion and ensure a wide bandwidth.
UHD 4K and 8K compatibility
Created for the latest content, the Marantz AV 20 is equipped with seven HDMI 2.1 inputs, all of which are UHD 8K/60Hz and UHD 4K/120Hz compatible. Two of its three HDMI outputs also enable 8K streaming. The most advanced HD standards are supported: Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG… without forgetting 8K upscaling to enhance Full HD and 4K content.
Gamers haven’t been left out, as the Marantz AV 20 includes all the essential features for a latency-free gaming experience: VRR for a dynamic refresh rate, QFT for a more responsive display, and ALLM to automatically detect low latency games. This processor will be the perfect ally for the latest game consoles.
Ultra-comprehensive connectivity
The Marantz AV 20 processor is designed to centralize all the audio and video sources of a modern installation. In addition to its seven HDMI inputs, there are three HDMI outputs (one eARC), seven analog RCA inputs (one phono) and four digital inputs (two optical and two coaxial), as well as 15.4 RCA outputs and 15.4 XLR outputs to connect to external amplifiers (decoding up to 13.4 channels). This provides maximum flexibility for building a tailor-made system.
Thanks to its network connectivity, the Marantz AV 20 can access streaming services via Heos (Spotify, Tidal, Deezer…), as well as Qobuz Connect, which is now available on all Marantz and Denon Heos equipment. It also supports AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, DLNA and web radios. For multi-room streaming, it is compatible with the Heos ecosystem as well as AirPlay 2 speakers.
Optional Dirac Live calibration
The Marantz AV 20 is equipped with the brand’s Audyssey MultEQ XT32 calibration technology to adjust the response of each speaker to match the room’s acoustics. You simply have to connect the included microphone and launch the process for the processor to analyze the room and apply precise adjustments to the entire sound spectrum. For the most discerning users, the Marantz AV 20 is compatible with Dirac Live via an optional license. This state-of-the-art acoustic correction system goes even further than Audyssey, with precise control of phase, impulse and frequency behavior.
Marantz AMP 20: 12 channels of power
200W into 8 ohms, 400W in bridge mode
The natural match for the Marantz AV 20 preamplifier, the Marantz AMP 20 power amplifier offers 12-channel amplification. Each channel can develop up to 200W into 8 ohms and up to 400W into 4 ohms. This is enough to effortlessly power an immersive setup of up to 11.2 channels, or to bi-amp a 5.1.2 system with impressive dynamism.
This amplifier uses wide bandwidth Marantz HDAM modules, combined with a huge toroidal power supply and made-to-measure capacitors. The result is very low distortion and a natural reproduction, even with the most complex audio tracks. Thanks to these advanced features, the AMP 20 allows you to bi-amp compatible speakers by separating low and high frequency channels for better control. The bridge mode makes it possible to combine two channels to bring the power to 400W into 8 ohms for a demanding speaker.
With the Marantz AV 20 and AMP 20, the Japanese brand delivers an advanced duo, designed for those who want the very best in home theater, without compromising on musicality. 8K compatible, multi-room, precise calibration, capable of powering up to 13.4 channels… These electronics combine power and refinement. At €5,490 each, these two models are aimed at those who want to experience cinema like they would at the movie theater, with musicality to boot.
