- Masimo Consumer has now come up with a very unusual solution for the Marantz brand, namely the new Marantz Model M1 Wireless Streaming Amplifier.
It should herald a new era for the Marantz brand, according to the promise made by the Masimo Consumer group at the presentation of the new Marantz Model M1 Wireless Streaming Amplifier. The company is presenting a solution that combines performance and versatility in the most compact form, which it sees as the latest generation of minimalist HiFi systems and which can be clearly categorised as Just add Speakers.
The new Marantz Model M1 Wireless Streaming Amplifier is designed to do nothing less than change the way you listen to music and watch TV, providing you with a flexible, compact and easy-to-use tool for these tasks.
Designed with performance and versatility in focus
The new Marantz Model M1 has been designed to provide users with a solution that allows them to enjoy their favourite music and TV shows with seamless connectivity in a sleek, compact device, the manufacturer promises.
For example, the new Marantz Model M1 Wireless Streaming Amplifier measures no more than 239 x 84 x 217 mm and weighs in at just 2,2 kg.
The design language is downright spartan, with the black solution featuring only the brand logo and just three buttons on the front. The rear is much more cramped, as this is where all the interfaces have to be located.
Basic equipment for inputs and outputs
In addition to Bluetooth 5.0 and the integrated WiFi module in accordance with IEEE 802.11ac, an RJ45 Ethernet interface is available at the rear of the device for integration into the network; there is also a USB-A port and an HDMI connection including eARC for connection to a TV set and an optical S/PDIF interface as a digital input. For analogue sources, there is an input designed as a pair of RCA sockets and a subwoofer can be brought into play via a further RCA connection if required. Solid screw terminals are provided for connecting the speakers. Despite its compact dimensions, the power supply unit is integrated, so the power connection is located here and an IR In for corresponding adapters is also provided for the sake of completeness.
True Marantz Power developed and manufactured by Shirakawa Audio Works
The manufacturer advertises the new Marantz Model M1 Wireless Streaming Amplifier with True Marantz Power, and quite rightly so, as this very compact solution should be able to develop an output of two times 100 watts, relying on a so-called switching, digital end-to-end amplifier topology and Marantz Musical Digital Filtering (MMDF).
The manufacturer is convinced that this will guarantee an outstanding performance in this class. This is also guaranteed by the development and production by Shirakawa Audio Works in Japan and the special tuning by Marantz Sound Master.
Streaming via HEOS Built-in
When it comes to streaming, the new Marantz Model M1 Wireless Streaming Amplifier naturally relies on the HEOS Built-in platform, which can first and foremost access content on the network via UPnP, but also establishes a direct connection to important streaming services such as Spotify, Amazon Music, Deezer, TuneIn, Pandora, TIDAL or SoundCloud.
In addition, important streaming technologies are also directly supported, above all Apple AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect, and compatibility with home control solutions such as Crestron, Control4 and AMX is also guaranteed.
For the best sound when watching TV
We have already mentioned that the focus here is not only on music, but also on providing the best sound for television. The HDMI connection already mentioned is designed as an eARC and supports HDMI CEC for centralised control. It is also interesting to note that the new Marantz Model M1 Wireless Streaming Amplifier can decode audio signals in Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital Plus, but unfortunately not DTS.
Especially as a replacement for a conventional soundbar, it is important that in addition to DSP modes for music, special settings for film and TV are also available, such as Virtual Dialogue Enhancer and a Night Mode.
Prices and availability
It is not yet known when the new Marantz Model M1 Wireless Streaming Amplifier will actually be available, the manufacturer says it will be ‘soon’. However, a price is already listed on the website, namely US$ 999,-.
Getting to the point
Just add Speaker, this is the category in which the new addition to the Marantz brand, the Marantz Model M1 Wireless Streaming Amplifier, can be categorised. According to Masimo Consumer, this solution is ideal for providing an All-in-One system for music and TV in the most compact form, which can be elegantly integrated into any living environment and leaves nothing to be desired in terms of both performance and functionality.
| PRODUCT | Marantz Model M1 Wireless Streaming Amplifier |
|---|---|
| Price | US$ 999,- |
| BRAND | MARANTZ |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Masimo Consumer |
| Distribution Austria | Marantz Deutschland D&M Germany GmbH |
| Distribution Germany | Marantz Deutschland D&M Germany GmbH |
| Distribution Switzerland | B&W Group Schweiz GmbH |
| More about this manufacturer at HIFI BLOG |
