Marantz Unveils AV 30 and AMP 30 Home Theater Separates With IMAX Enhanced and HEOS

AVRs make sense for a lot of people—they’re convenient, compact, and handle everything in one box. But convenience isn’t the goal for serious home theater enthusiasts. For 2026, Marantz reinforces that distinction with the new AV 30 11-channel AV preamp/processor ($4,000) and AMP 30 6-Channel power amplifier ($4,000), two new separates aimed squarely at listeners who want maximum control, system flexibility, and the highest possible surround sound performance, but at a more affordable price point.

Building on the AV 20 and AMP 20 from 2025, and the AV 10 and AMP 10 before them, Marantz is making a clear statement: when ultimate immersion and long-term scalability matter, separating processing from amplification still delivers results that all-in-one receivers can’t reliably match. And you don’t need to mortgage your home for a high performance home theater.

The AV30 pre/pro features 11 channels of audio processing with decoding for Dolby Atmos, DTS-X, MPEG-H, Auro-3D and 360 Reality Audio codecs. It includes four independent subwoofer outputs for full compatibility with DIRAC ART (Active Room Treatment) for optimized in-room speaker performance at all frequencies. We should note that DIRAC room correction requires an additional license purchase.

The AMP 30 features six channels of amplification rated at 200 Watts/Channel (2 channels driven). The Class D amplifiers feature the latest version of Marantz HDAM-SA2 (Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Module) technology. If you need more than six channels, you can stack two of the AMP 30s, or use an AMP 20 (12 channels) instead.

“The new AV 30 and AMP 30 perfectly represent Marantz’s unwavering commitment to excellence,” said Lyle Smith, President of Sound United at HARMAN. “With their outstanding performance, elegant design, and supreme versatility, the two models are exceptional additions to Marantz’s world class home theater portfolio.”

How Home Theater Separates Work — And Why Enthusiasts Still Use Them

In a preamp and power amp setup, also known as home theater separates, the AV preamp or preamp processor handles input switching, surround decoding, bass management, room EQ or room correction when included, and overall system control. It is the brain of the theater. The power amplifier is the muscle, taking the processed line level signal from the preamp processor and delivering the current and wattage required to drive passive speakers at realistic listening levels.

The key distinction is simple. An AV preamp processor like the Marantz AV 30 does not drive speakers directly because it does not include speaker level amplification. The only exception is when active or self powered speakers are used with analog inputs, which is not how most traditional multichannel home theater systems are designed.

AV preamp processors such as the AV 30 also include dedicated outputs for powered subwoofers, allowing full control over low frequency integration including level, crossover, and timing.

With that foundation established, we can now take a closer look at the features and specifications of the Marantz AV 30 and AMP 30.

Marantz AV 30 Preamp and Processor Overview

With Marantz signature industrial design that is elegant, restrained, and clearly positioned at the premium end of the market, the AV 30 is built as a comprehensive control center for high end home theater systems. It delivers 11.4 channels of audio decoding and processing, supporting 11 assignable channels along with output for up to four powered subwoofers, allowing for advanced bass management and system tuning.

Before diving into the full specifications, here are the key features worth highlighting.

HDAM: The AV 30 uses Marantz HDAM SA2 preamplifier modules to feed up to 11.4 channels through both RCA and XLR outputs, giving installers and enthusiasts flexibility when pairing the processor with a wide range of multichannel power amplifiers and speaker layouts.

DSP: Processing duties are handled by a dual core SHARC DSP platform working with 32 bit DACs, ensuring precise decoding and consistent audio quality across all supported digital sources and surround formats.

Surround Sound Support: The AV 30 supports a full slate of modern immersive audio formats, including Dolby Atmos, DTS: X, Auro 3D, and IMAX Enhanced, making it suitable for complex multichannel and height based speaker configurations.

HDR Support: The AV 30 supports HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG, and Dynamic HDR pass through, ensuring compatibility with current HDR video formats and modern displays.

HDMI 2.1: HDMI 2.1 connectivity includes eARC along with full support for advanced gaming features such as 4K at 120Hz, 8K at 60Hz, Variable Refresh Rate, Auto Low Latency Mode, and Quick Frame Transport, allowing the AV 30 to integrate cleanly into high performance gaming and home theater systems.

Hi Resolution Audio: The AV 30 supports high resolution audio playback up to 24 bit 192kHz. Compatible digital formats include MP3, WMA, WAV, MPEG 4 AAC, FLAC, ALAC, and DSD at 2.8 MHz and 5.6 MHz.

HEOS: The AV 30 supports the HEOS multi room wireless streaming platform, enabling audio playback throughout a compatible HEOS ecosystem. Support for Qobuz Connect is expected via a future update.

Wireless Music Streaming: The AV 30 supports a broad range of music streaming services, including Amazon Music, TIDAL, Deezer, Napster, and SoundCloud, with Qobuz Connect planned. It is also Roon Ready, allowing seamless integration into Roon based music systems for high quality network playback.

M-DAX 2 Compressed Audio Enhancer: This feature enhances compressed audio formats like MP3, Windows Media Audio, and AAC by recalculating the frequency range to deliver clearer, more detailed sound through M-DAX2 processing.

Wireless Connectivity: Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2, Wi-Fi (Wired Ethernet is also included if needed).

Wired Connectivity Inputs: The AV 30 provides a flexible selection of wired inputs, including six analog inputs with one balanced XLR, two optical digital inputs, two coaxial digital audio inputs, and a dedicated moving magnet phono input for turntable use.

Wired Connectivity Outputs: The AV 30 includes three HDMI outputs for connection to televisions, monitors, or projectors. It also offers RCA and XLR audio outputs for all channels, allowing straightforward integration with multichannel power amplifiers and powered subwoofers.

Room Correction: The AV 30 includes built in Audyssey room correction with MultiEQ XT32, Dynamic EQ, Dynamic Volume, and Low Frequency Containment. A connected power amplifier is required to run the calibration measurements since the AV 30 does not include onboard amplification.

The AV 30 is also upgradable to Dirac Live and Dirac Bass Control with the purchase of the appropriate license. Support for Dirac Live Active Room Treatment is planned for a future update, further expanding system tuning options for advanced home theater installations.

Marantz AV 30, 20 and 10 Comparison

Marantz AMP 30 Power Amplifier Overview

Serving as the natural partner to the AV 30 preamp and processor, Marantz new AMP 30 is a slimline, cool running six channel power amplifier designed to deliver clean, stable output of up to 200 watts per channel. It supports bi amp and BTL bridge tied load modes, offering flexible configuration options for a wide range of speaker layouts. Both XLR and RCA inputs are provided for straightforward system matching.

Like most dedicated power amplifiers, the AMP 30 has a focused role. It takes the line level signal from the preamp and processor and provides the current and power required to drive passive speakers. Volume and gain are controlled entirely by the connected preamp and processor, allowing for tight system integration and simple, predictable operation without redundant controls.

The AMP 30 carries the same clean, restrained exterior design language seen on the AV 20 and Marantz CINEMA Series AVRs, though in a slimmer chassis. Its signature front panel porthole display is more than cosmetic, doubling as a level meter that provides real time visual feedback on output levels during operation.

Marantz AMP 30, 20, and 10 Comparison Chart

Marantz AV 30 and AMP 30 System Compatibility Explained

The AV 30 preamp and processor is compatible with virtually any standalone power amplifier, and the AMP 30 will operate with other AV preamp and processor models, giving system builders a high degree of flexibility when upgrading or expanding an existing home theater. You can also mix and match components across Marantz current and previous generations, including the 30, 20, and 10 Series. For example, pairing the AV 30 with an AMP 20 or AMP 10 is fully supported.

One practical consideration is channel count. The AMP 30 provides six channels of amplification, which means that when it is used with processors such as the AV 30, AV 20, or AV 10, multiple amplifiers may be required depending on how many speaker channels are being powered in the system.

Regardless of configuration, speaker selection remains critical to overall performance. With this level of cross compatibility, users can build a system incrementally or commit to a full separates setup from the start, tailoring amplification and processing to match their room, speaker layout, and performance goals.

The Bottom Line

The AV 30 and AMP 30 are purpose built separates aimed at home theater systems where control, flexibility, and predictable performance matter more than all in one convenience. The AV 30 covers the full spread of modern surround formats, including Dolby Atmos, DTS X, Auro 3D, and IMAX Enhanced, ensuring compatibility with today’s immersive mixes and complex speaker layouts.

There are clear tradeoffs. Channel counts are more limited than some buyers may expect at this level, and the financial math is not trivial. A single Marantz AMP 20 delivers twelve channels of amplification at a similar power level for $6,000, while achieving the same channel count with the AMP 30 requires two units at a combined cost of $8,000. For larger systems, that difference matters.

Taken together, the AV 30 and AMP 30 are best suited for home theater enthusiasts who want modern surround format support and a true separates architecture, but who do not need maximum channel density. They are not value driven components, but they offer a controlled, scalable approach to building a high performance surround system without unnecessary excess.

Price & Availability

The Marantz AV 30 and AMP 30 are coming soon to Authorized Marantz Dealers near you.

AV 30: $4,000 

AMP 30: $4,000 

If you are interested in getting the previously released AV 20,  AV 10 and AMP 20, and AMP 10.

AV 20: $6,000 at Crutchfield

AMP 20: $6,000 at Crutchfield

AV 10: $8,000 at Crutchfield

AMP 10: $8,000 at Crutchfield

Related Reading:

• Which Marantz AVR Should You Buy? Our Guide to the Best Marantz A/V Receivers in 2025
• Qobuz Connect Comes to HEOS: Denon and Marantz Users Get a Real Hi-Res Streaming Option
• The Marantz SACD 10 Takes SACD and CD Playback to the Next Level
• Marantz’s Link 10n Offers A lot More Than Just Hi-Res Streaming