For the rest, it retains all the specifications of the AV20, most notably an OSD and 1080p color resolution. A wealth of information is now displayed on the screen, including details of the input and output signals, such as the active channels. It also supports Dolby Atmos 7.1.4, DTS:X Pro, and HDMI connectors (7 inputs, 3 outputs) that are all 2.1. Similarly, the Dirac Live calibration process is planned via a future firmware update, and it will be possible to connect up to four subwoofers via as many independent outputs.
Marantz AV30, main specifications££££
For the rest, we note an 11.4 Pre-Out output, support for HDR10, HDR10+, HDR HLG and HDR Dolby Vision technologies, UHD 8K upscaling up to 60 Hz, and the ability to apply available audio processing to a Dolby signal, for example, enabling DTS Virtual:X on a Dolby Digital 5.1 signal. Of course, Auro 3D decoding is still present.
Returning to the HDMI 2.1 inputs/outputs, these support all the features of the standard: VRR, ALLM, eARC, QMS, QFT, Ultra HD, 4K 120 fps up to Ultra HD 8K 60 Hz (see our news article HDMI 2.1 Standard: Welcome Official Additions, Technical and Ergonomic).
As previously mentioned, the HDAM SA2 pre-amplification stages (Current Feedback circuit), the toroidal transformer, and compatibility with Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization (to simulate height speakers when they are unavailable), DTS:X, and DTS Virtual:X (also to simulate height speakers when they are unavailable) are all included. Furthermore, Bluetooth TX functionality is available to stream the audio signal to compatible headphones in addition to the speakers. This allows you to enjoy your music on the living room speakers, but also in the kitchen or bedroom via wireless headphones. The Marantz AV30 is Roon Ready certified.
Marantz AV30, Heos multiroom functionality and connectivity££££
For the rest, the Marantz AV30 pre-amplifier features Works with Hey Google, Works with Alexa, and Siri. It also includes Heos multiroom functionality. This device can therefore easily become part of a larger audio chain that includes true Heos HS2 speakers, to fill a home with sound.
Marantz AV30, specifications in brief…££££
We also note the dual-band (2.4 GHz/5 GHz) Bluetooth and Wi-Fi compatibility, Spotify Connect and Qobuz Connect functionality, in addition to access to the streaming services Amazon Music, SoundCloud, Tidal Connect, Qobuz, and Deezer. The same applies to the audio/photo gateway function [abc]UPnP[/abc] ([abc]DLNA[/abc]) associated with access to TuneIn internet radios, [abc]AirPlay 2[/abc] certification, a front USB Host port, and the ability to control the Marantz AV30 with an Android/iOS smartphone/tablet after downloading a free application called the Marantz AVR App. The [abc]Gapless[/abc] function and compatibility with [abc]MP3[/abc], [abc]WMA[/abc], [abc]AAC[/abc], [abc]Flac[/abc], [abc]Alac[/abc] and [abc]Wav[/abc] formats (up to 192 kHz/24 bits for the latter three) are also present. Similarly, support for 2.8/5.6 MHz DSD formats and 4-ohm speakers is included. Also present is a third HDMI output (allowing you to enjoy a different source in another room than the one assigned to the main room) and IMAX Enhanced compatibility. Automatic system calibration via Audyssey MultEQ XT 32 microphone is also included, along with Audyssey Dynamic Volume, Audyssey Dynamic EQ, and Audyssey LFC processing, 192 kHz/24-bit converters, and a Source Direct mode. MDAX2 processing is also included to improve the rendering of compressed music.
Marantz AV30, connectors galore££££
Connectivity includes seven certified [abc]HDMI[/abc] 2.1 [abc]CEC[/abc] inputs, plus three outputs transparent to [abc]Deep Color[/abc], [abc]xvYCC[/abc], [abc]1080p/24[/abc] and 3D, [abc]Ultra HD[/abc] [abc]4K[/abc] or [abc]8K[/abc] signals. In addition, there are two composite inputs, one component input, two optical inputs, two coaxial inputs, six stereo RCA inputs, one phono input, two USB host ports (one on the front panel), one Ethernet port, and one RS-232 port. Plus, of course, there are the 2.0 Pre-Outs (zones 2 and 3), 11.4 RCA Pre-Outs, and balanced 15.2 XLR Pre-Outs, all already mentioned. An Eco mode is also included, significantly improved to consume much less power at reasonable listening levels. Finally, after retrieving the product's IP address, it's even possible to control and configure it via a web browser from a PC. Available immediately in black finish only. Suggested retail price: €4,000. Key features of the Marantz AV30: • Model: 11.4 • Inputs: 7 HDMI 2.1 CEC 2.3 certified inputs, 2 optical inputs, 2 coaxial inputs, 6 stereo RCA inputs (one on the front panel), 1 phono input, 2 USB host ports (one on the front panel), 1 Ethernet port, and 1 RS-232 port • Outputs: 3 HDMI 2.1 outputs (one with eARC), 1 stereo RCA Zone 2 output, 1 stereo RCA Zone 3 output stereo, 1 Pre-Out 11.4 RCA/1 Pre-Out 11.4
• [abc]VRR[/abc]
functions• QFT functions
• QMS functions
• [abc]Ultra HD[/abc] functions [abc]4K[/abc]/120 fps
• Ultra HD functions [abc]8K[/abc]/60 fps
• Spotify Connect functions
• Amazon Music functions
• Tidal Functions
• Deezer Features • FLAC/HD Compatibility • DSD 2.8/5.6 MHz Compatibility • WAV Compatibility • ALAC Compatibility • MP3 Compatibility • WMA Compatibility • AAC Compatibility • ALAC HD Compatibility • Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer • DTS Virtual:X • eARC • Audyssey Dynamic Volume Processing • Audio Processing [abc]Audyssey Dynamic EQ[/abc] • Audio Auto Calibration [abc]Audyssey MultEQ XT 32[/abc] • Audio Processing [abc]Audyssey LFC[/abc] • Audio [abc]DTS:X[/abc] 11.1 • Audio Auro 3D • Audio 192 kHz/24-bit Digital-to-Analog Converter • Audio [abc]Dolby Atmos[/abc] 7.1.4 • Video [abc]HDR10[/abc] • Video [abc]HDR10+[/abc] • Video [abc]HDR HLG[/abc] • Video [abc]HDR Dolby Vision[/abc] • Video Compatibility BT.2020; • Ultra HD Pass-Through Video; • 3D Ready Video; • Ultra HD/8K Upscaling Video (24/25/30/60); • IMAX Enhanced Certification; • IP Controlled Network; • Dual Band Wi-Fi (2.4/5 GHz); • AirPlay 2 Compatibility; • Bluetooth TX Network; • Heos App Network; • Roon Ready Multimedia; • Hi-Res Audio Streaming via USB/Network: Yes; • Internet Radio: TuneIn; • Hi-Res Audio Certification; • HDCP 2.3 Certification Works with Alexa certification; Works with Google Assistant certification; HDCP 2.3 certification; Headphone output: yes; Other: integrated Heos multiroom module; Dimensions (W x H x D, mm): 442 x 254 x 414 mm (vertical antenna); Power consumption: 80 W (0.2 W in standby); Weight: 11.1 kg