If there’s one new home entertainment product that’s been proliferate in recent years, it’s the compact streaming amp.
WiiM, Bluesound and Pro-Ject just are some of the contenders in this burgeoning market. Now it’s the turn of Japanese giants Marantz, pouring 70 years of audio engineering heritage into MODEL M1 wireless streaming amplifier. And this one is a bit different…
First impressions - this little black box looks really cool. It’s small - less than 24cm square and not even 10cm high – with solid build quality, a cool matt black finish and mesh top plate for venting. Built in Shirakawa Audio Works factory in Japan, alongside Marantz and Denon high-end separates, the immediately recognizable Marantz logo adorns the front panel in gold (but a good gold).
M1 is a little more expensive than some competitors at £899, but is easily good enough to form the centrepiece of a really decent, affordable hi-fi system. And it’s capable of driving your choice of bookshelf or floorstanding speakers to complete the package.
MODEL M1's feature set covers all you need for a streaming hub:
- Access to a host of streaming services, including AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, Spotify Connect and more via the HEOS platform and free app (Tidal Connect and Roon Ready are coming).
- Full high-resolution playback support – up to 24-bit/192kHz PCM and DSD128. A hi-res file typically holds more than seven times the audio information contained on a CD, and you can hear it.
- Connectivity - HDMI eARC to hook up your TV; USB and network drive inputs; line level input for adding a turntable or other analogue source and digital input too for, say, a games console. Imagine the kids’ faces when their favourite Xbox sounds come to life and fill the room!
- Full adjustment of both high-pass-filter and low-pass-filter frequencies independently, along +/-15dB of subwoofer level trim.
What sets M1 apart from its rivals?
- It sounds better – 70 years of Marantz audio engineering shows. M1 incorporates Marantz’s renowned MMDF (Marantz Musical Digital Filtering) technology bringing natural detail and tonality to sound.
- It’s more powerful - 100W of highly efficient, low distortion amplification drives bigger speakers, better.
- Subwoofer out – unusual for streaming amps, you can add a fully adjustable sub to M1 to handle bass that many loudspeakers can’t and add a bit more oomph. Or enhance low frequency response, if you prefer.
- Full adjustment of both high-pass-filter and low-pass-filter frequencies independently, along +/-15dB of subwoofer level trim.
- Integration – alongside multiroom functionality with other HEOS devices, M1 is compatible with control systems like Creston and Control4 for full smart home integration.
In essence, if you’re looking for a high quality, versatile but compact streaming system and your budget is c. £1k, M1 could very well be it
As always, please visit our stores or get in touch for expert advice and, crucially, try before you buy!
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