The Marantz AV20 adopts the new design introduced on the manufacturer's audiophile products, the Marantz Model 40n network player, the Marantz CD 60 audio CD player or the Marantz SACD 30n player.
Marantz AV20, main differences with the Marantz AV10££££
The Marantz AV20 is therefore the worthy little brother of the Marantz AV10. In terms of differences, we note 13.4 processing (compared to 15.4) and richer connectivity with two additional Composite inputs, the same for a YUV input and two stereo RCA inputs.
For the rest, we find the full specifications of the AV10, the first of which is an [abc]OSD[/abc], [abc]1 080p[/abc] color. A lot of information is now available on the screen, in particular on the nature of the input and output signals with, for example, the channels actually active. We also note the support of the [abc]Dolby Atmos[/abc] 9.1.4 function, of the [abc]DTS:X Pro[/abc] and the HDMI connectors (7 inputs, 3 outputs) fully 2.1 obedience. Similarly, the Dirac Live calibration process is planned via a future [abc]Firmware[/abc] update and it will be possible to connect up to four subwoofers via as many independent outputs.
Marantz AV20, main specifications££££
For the rest, we note a 15.4 Pre-Out output but 13.4 processing, management of [abc]HDR[/abc]10, [abc]HDR10+[/abc], [abc]HDR[/abc] [abc]HLG[/abc] and [abc]HDR Dolby Vision[/abc] technologies, an [abc]Upscaling[/abc] UHD 8K up to 60 Hz and the possibility of applying the audio processing available on a Dolby signal, for example engaging DTS Virtual:X on a [abc]Dolby Digital[/abc] [abc]5.1[/abc] signal. Of course, Auro 3D decoding is still present. To return to the HDMI 2.1 inputs/outputs, these support all the features of the standard: [abc]VRR[/abc], [abc]ALLM[/abc], [abc]eARC[/abc], QMS, QFT, [abc]Ultra HD[/abc] [abc]4K[/abc] 120 fps up to [abc]Upscaling[/abc] in Ultra HD [abc]8K[/abc] 60 Hz (see our news HDMI 2.1 standard, welcome official additions, technical and ergonomic).
As expected, the pre-amplification stages are HDAM SA3 type (Current Feedback type circuit), the torroidal transformer and compatibility with Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization audio processing (to simulate height speakers in the absence of these), [abc]DTS:X[/abc] and DTS Virtual:X (to simulate height speakers in the absence of these) is in place. Plus the availability of the Bluetooth TX function to broadcast the audio signal to suitable headphones in addition to the speakers. It is thus possible to enjoy your music on the living room speakers but also in the kitchen or bedroom via wireless headphones. Clarification, the Marantz AV20 is Roon Ready certified.
Marantz AV20, Heos multiroom function and connectivity££££
For the rest, we find on the Marantz AV20 pre-amplifier the Works with Hey Google, Works with Alexa and the Siri assistant functions. The same goes for the Heos multiroom functionality. This equipment can therefore easily be transformed into a link in a larger audio chain including real Heos HS2 speakers, to provide sound for a home.
Marantz AV20, specifications in bulk…££££
We also note the [abc]Bluetooth[/abc] and [abc]Wi-Fi[/abc] dual band (2.4 GHz/5 GHz) compatibility, the Spotify Connect and Qobuz Connect functions in addition to access to the [abc]streaming[/abc] services Amazon Music, Soundcloud, Tidal and Deezer. The same goes for the [abc]UPnP[/abc] ([abc]DLNA[/abc]) audio/photo gateway function associated with access to [abc]TuneIn web radios[/abc], the [abc]AirPlay 2[/abc] certification, a front-end [abc]USB[/abc] Host port, and the ability to control the Marantz AV20 with an Android/iOS smartphone/tablet, after downloading a specific application called the Marantz AVR App for free. We also note the [abc]Gapless[/abc] function and the [abc]MP3[/abc], [abc]WMA[/abc], [abc]AAC[/abc], [abc]Flac[/abc], [abc]Alac[/abc] and [abc]Wav[/abc] compatibility (up to 192 kHz/24 bits). Likewise, [abc]DSD[/abc] 2.8/5.6 MHz format management and 4 ohm speakers are included. The same goes for the 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.
Always present, automatic system calibration by microphone [abc]Audyssey MultEQ XT 32[/abc]. Not to mention [abc]Audyssey Dynamic Volume[/abc], [abc]Audyssey Dynamic EQ[/abc] and [abc]Audyssey LFC[/abc] processing, 192 kHz/24-bit converters and a Source Direct mode. Plus MDAX2 processing to improve the rendering of compressed music.
Marantz AV20, connectors galore££££
The connectivity therefore includes seven [abc]HDMI[/abc] 2.1 [abc]CEC[/abc] certified 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. Added to this are two [abc]optical[/abc] inputs, two [abc]coaxial[/abc] inputs, seven stereo [abc]RCA[/abc] inputs, a Phono input, two [abc]USB[/abc] Host ports (one on the front), an [abc]Ethernet[/abc] port and an [abc]RS-232[/abc] socket. Plus, of course, Pre-Out 2.0 outputs (zone 2 and 3), a stereo [abc]XLR[/abc] input, a 15.2 RCA and a balanced output on [abc]XLR[/abc] 15.2, all already mentioned.
An Eco mode is on the menu, much improved to consume much less energy at reasonable listening. Finally, after retrieving the [abc]IP[/abc] address of the product, it is even possible to control and configure it via an internet browser from a PC computer.
Availability, in black finish only, immediate. Indicative price: 5,500 euros.
Reminder of the key features of the Marantz AV20:
• Model: 13.4
• Inputs: 7 [abc]HDMI[/abc] [abc]CEC[/abc] 2.1 certified [abc]HDCP[/abc] 2.3, 2 [abc]optical[/abc] inputs, 2 [abc]coaxial[/abc] inputs, 7 stereo [abc]RCA[/abc] (including one on the front), 1 Phono input, 1 stereo XLR input, 2 [abc]USB[/abc] Host ports (including one on the front), 1 [abc]Ethernet[/abc] port and 1 [abc]RS-232[/abc] socket
• Outputs: 3 HDMI outputs ([abc]eARC[/abc] function) 1 2.1, 1 zone 2 RCA stereo, 1 zone 3 RCA stereo, 1 Pre-Out 15.4 RCA/1 Pre-Out 15.4 [abc]ALLM[/abc]
• Functions [abc]VRR[/abc]
• QFT functions
• QMS functions
• Functions [abc]Ultra HD[/abc] [abc]4K[/abc]/120 fps
• Ultra HD functions [abc]8K[/abc]/60 fps
• Functions Spotify Connect
• Amazon Music Features
• Tidal Features
• Deezer Features
• Soundcloud Features
• [abc]Flac[/abc] [abc]HD[/abc] Compatibility
• [abc]DSD[/abc] 2.8/5.6 MHz Compatibility
• [abc]Wav[/abc] Compatibility
• [abc]Alac[/abc] Compatibility
• [abc]MP3[/abc] Compatibility
• [abc]WMA[/abc] Compatibility
• [abc]AAC[/abc] Compatibility
• [abc]Alac[/abc] HD Compatibility
• Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer Audio Feature
• DTS Virtual:X Audio
• eARC[/abc] Audio Feature
• Audio Processing [abc]Audyssey Dynamic Volume[/abc]
• Audio Processing [abc]Audyssey Dynamic EQ[/abc]
• Audio Auto Calibration [abc]Audyssey MultEQ 11.1
• Auro 3D Audio
• Audio [abc]DTS:X Pro[/abc]
• Audio 192kHz/24-bit digital-to-analog converter
• Audio [abc]Dolby Atmos[/abc] 9.1.4/7.4.6
• Video [abc]HDR10[/abc]
• Video [abc]HDR10+[/abc]
• Video [abc]HDR HLG[/abc]
• Video [abc]HDR Dolby Vision[/abc]
• Video BT.2020 Compatibility
• Video Ultra HD Pass-Throught Function
• Video [abc]3D Ready[/abc]
• Video Ultra HD/8K Upscaling Function (24/25/30/60)
• Imax Enhanced Certification
• Network IP Control
• Network [abc]Wi-Fi[/abc] Dual Band (2.4/5 GHz)
• Compatibility [abc]AirPlay 2[/abc]
• Network [abc]Bluetooth[/abc] TX
• Network Heos Application
• Roon Ready Multimedia
• Hi-Res Audio Streaming via USB/Network: Yes
• Web Radios : TuneIn
• [abc]Hi-Res Audio[/abc] Certification
• HDCP 2.3 Certification
• Works with Alexa Certification
• Works with Google Assistant Certification
• [abc]HDCP[/abc] 2.3 Certification
• Roon Tested
• Headphone output: yes
• Other: Integrated Heos multiroom module
• Dimensions (W x H x D, mm): 442 x 191 x 437 mm
• Power consumption: 90 W (0.2 W in standby)
• Weight: 15 kg
