AVRs (aka Home Theater Receivers) are the heart of most home theater setups, serving as a preamp, amplifier, radio tuner, input switcher, audio processor, video processor, media streamer, and multi-room audio hub. The Marantz newly announced CINEMA Series AVRs are examples of this type of home theater solution.
However, there are also many home theater fans that would rather not have all those functions in one component. The alternative is to use a separate AV Preamp/Processor and Power Amplifier. For those users, Marantz has announced its flagship AV 10 Preamp/Processor and 16-channel AMP 10 power amplifier for 2022.
The Preamp/Power Amp Configuration
In a preamplifier-to-power amplifier configuration (referred to as separates), the preamp takes care of the input sources and signal processing, and the power amplifier is the component that supplies the signal and power needed for the loudspeakers to produce sound.
This means you can’t connect speakers directly to a preamplifier unless the speakers are self-powered speakers that have RCA input connections. It’s also important to note that AV preamp/processors provide outputs that can be connected to a powered subwoofer(s).
With the above points in mind, let’s check out what the Marantz AV 10 and AMP 10 offer.
Tip: For this article, we will only touch on the major highlights. If you tap the product name (AV10, AMP10), you will be able to access all the details features, and specifications of both components.
AV 10 Preamp/Processor
Behind its trademark Marantz styling the AV 10 incorporates 15.4 channels (15 assignable plus support for 4 subwoofers) of audio decoding/processing. On the video side, the AV 10 is 8K compatible with several support features.
However, that is just a tease as to what else is included. Here are some highlights.
Surround Sound Support: The AV 10 supports most surround sound formats including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X/DTS:X Pro, Auro 3D, IMAX Enhanced, and Sony360 Reality Audio.
HDR Support: HDR10/10+, Dolby Vision, HLG, and Dynamic HDR pass-through
HDMI 2.1: Includes HDMI-eARC and Gaming Support (4K/120Hz, 8K/60Hz, VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), and Quick Frame Transport (QFT).
Hi-Res Audio: Support is provided 24-bit/192kHz audio playback. Digital audio format support includes MP3, WMA, WAV, MPEG-4/AAC, FLAC, ALAC, and DSD (2.8/5.6MHz).
HEOS: Multi-room wireless streaming
Wireless Music Streaming: Amazon HD, Spotify Connect, Pandora, TuneIn, and more… Roon Tested.
M-DAX 2 Compressed Audio Enhancer: This feature improves the quality of compressed audio formats such as MP3, Windows Media™ Audio, or AAC. The M-DAX2 recalculates the frequency range to provide a more detailed and clearer sound.
Wireless Connectivity: Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Wi-Fi (Wired Ethernet is also included if needed).
Wired Connectivity (Inputs): The AV 10 provides both analog (5 total including one balanced XLR) and digital optical/coaxial (2 each) audio inputs as well as one MM (moving magnet) phono input.
Wired Connectivity (Outputs): The AV 10 provides 3 HDMI outputs for connection to video displays (TVs, monitors, projectors) and both RCA and XLR audio outputs for all channels for connection to compatible power amplifiers and subwoofers.
Voice Control: Alexa Built-in, Google Assistant
Smartphone App Control: iOS, Android
Audyssey Room Correction Built-in: MultiEQ XT32, Dynamic EQ, Dynamic Volume (connection to a power amplifier required).
Finish: Black
Price: $7,000
Tip: The AV 10 will support Dirac Live room correction via a future firmware update (expected to be available in March 2023, a fee may be charged). The inclusion of Dirac Live will allow users to fine-tune speakers connected to a receiver to more accurately match the acoustic environment of the room they are placed in, providing a more well-rounded music listening experience with better accuracy, larger sweet spot, more precise voice intelligibility, as well as deeper, but less boomy bass.
Update 3/18/2023: The Dirac Live Room Correction option is now available for the Marantz AV 10. Details and License Purchase information. In addition to the software update, Mini DSP’s UMIK-1 or Umik-2 microphone is recommended for use with Dirac Live (The Audyssey Mic will not work).
Update 10/1/2025: Dirac has announced the availability of Dirac Live Active Room Treatment for the AV 10 which goes beyond Dirac Live Room Correction, Check out the details.
Tip: Audyssey Room Correction still remains an option even if Dirac Live is installed. You just can’t use both systems at the same time.
AMP 10 Power Amplifier
As a complement to the AV 10 discussed above, Marantz has also announced a new 16-channel power amplifier named AMP 10.
As mentioned above, the purpose of a power amplifier is to supply power and transfer audio signals provided by a preamp/processor to one or more speakers. The only control you might find on a power amplifier is volume/gain, but in some cases, volume is completely under the control of the preamp/processor. This is the case with Marantz AMP 10
The AMP 10 has the same exterior styling as the AV10 and the CINEMA series AVRs, but the porthole front panel display is a Level Meter.
Here is a listing of some of the features and specs.
- Amplifier Type: Class D with Marantz HDAM-SA2 (Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Module) Technology
- Number of power amps: 16
- Power Output: (8 ohms @ 1 kHz, 0.05% THD, 2ch Driven) 200W
- Power Output: (4 ohms @ 1 kHz, 0.7% THD, 2ch Driven) 400W
- Power Output (8 ohms @ 1 kHz, 0.7% THD, 5ch Driven) 200W
- Inputs: 16ch (RCA and XLR switchable)
- Speaker Terminal Type: Brass (same as MODEL 40n Integrated Amplifier)
- Number of Speaker Terminals: 16
- Bi-Amp Support: Yes
- Chassis: Copper Plated
- Control Options: RS232, IR Flasher (In), DC Trigger (1 in/1 out), Marantz Remote Bus
- Auto Power Off: Yes
- Operational Power Consumption: 500W
- Standby Power Consumption: 0.2 Watts
- Finish: Black
- Price: $7,000
Tip: You can use any power amplifier(s) with the AV 10 Preamp/Processor, and, likewise you can use the AMP 10 with other branded AV Preamp/Processors but the AV10 and AMP10 have matching exterior designs and look great together.
Price & Availability
The Marantz AV 10 and AMP 10 are coming soon to Authorized Marantz Dealers near you.
- AV 10: $7,000 at Crutchfield and Value Electronics
- AMP 10: $7,000 at Crutchfield and Value Electronics
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Albert Baskerville
October 4, 2022 at 10:05 pm
Wow 😳