Marantz’s 70-year track record of innovation in the world of high-end audio is second to none. The storied manufacturer has offered almost everything to consumers over those 7 decades and you can find its products in homes around the globe. 2024 has seen a rather ambitious campaign of new product introductions including the Model 10 Integrated Amplifier that we are able to experience at CEDIA 2024. There was something else at CEDIA that we were not able to discuss until today. Enter the new Marantz Horizon and Grand Horizon Wireless Speakers.
Design Elements
With a stylish circular cabinet design incorporating a powerful speaker system and both wired and wireless connectivity, the Horizon series is designed to deliver an exceptional music-listening experience.
The Horizon and Grand Horizon integrate the elements of Marantz’s design ethos with instantly recognizable elements such as the brand’s iconic circular porthole motif. For the Horizon, the porthole is reimagined as the core element of each speaker’s unique circular form. Combined with functional lighting and trim materials that highlight Marantz’s characteristic architectural symmetry, the result is a tactile audio experience that users can see, hear, and feel.
Each Horizon model is wrapped in Marantz Radiance 360° Seamless Ecofiber, a sustainable fabric made from recycled ocean plastics. The three-color fabrics have a glowing, luxurious feel thanks to embedded gold lurex elements.
Three finishes are available: Dark Midnight Sky, Bright Moon Ray, and Marantz Champagne (which is used on other select Marantz audio components). The Horizon series is also complemented by a natural marble base that is color-matched to accentuate each design.
For users who prefer alternative solutions to incorporate wireless speakers into their home, Marantz also offers a finished American walnut tripod floor stand as an optional accessory for Horizon, while wall brackets will also be available for both models if desired.
The unboxing experience includes a protective case that wraps each product in its box.
Speakers and Amplification
The Horizon and Grand Horizon are also powerful single-speaker wireless solutions that are able to fill large rooms with full-range sound. Each model is designed around a unique configuration of high-frequency and midrange drive units that radiate outward from a single central subwoofer to support a spacious listening experience.
The speaker drivers incorporate Marantz Gravity technology.. Each driver has neodymium magnets for optimal accuracy, responsiveness, and low distortion.
To support the speakers in the Horizon line, proprietary Marantz Rise amplification, based on highly responsive and thermally efficient GaN FET technology is included. The Horizon provides 310 watts of output, while the Grand Horizon outputs 370 watts.
DSP
The sound characteristics of the Horizon series can be optimized to suit listening needs via onboard Marantz Mirage DSP. Accessible via the HEOS app. Mirage digital signal processing provides selectable options that can optimize sound clarity, spaciousness, and warmth for each listener. There is also an option to select Sound Master mode.
This allows listeners to experience the sound of Horizon or Grand Horizon as Yoshinori Ogata, the Marantz Sound Master, intended it to be heard.
HEOS
The Horizon and Grand Horizon incorporate the HEOS wireless music streaming platform. This means the Horizon can access music content from a wide range of supported streaming providers including Amazon Music, Deezer, Spotify, and TIDAL, with more services planned to follow. For added convenience with mobile devices, Apple AirPlay2 and Bluetooth are also included.
As part of the HEOS ecosystem, Horizon and Grand Horizon can join other HEOS-enabled products to create an extensive whole-home multi-room music system. Listeners can also choose to pair Horizons and Grand Horizons together to create a substantial two-speaker system for the ultimate music-listening experience in very large spaces.
Wired Connectivity
In addition to wireless connectivity the Horizon and Grand Horizon also include analog, optical, and HDMI input (eARC enabled with Dolby Atmos support), and can also access music from locally connected USB-C music drives.
User Experience
Horizon and Grand Horizon are designed to provide a unique user experience.
When approaching a Horizon unit, their unique onboard proximity sensors will bring the speaker to life.
Marantz AuraControl user interaction combines 100 carefully concealed LEDs with proximity and ambient light sensors to create a seamless symphony of light and sound. Just touch the illuminated ring around the central subwoofer to adjust the volume and AuraControl will instantly bring the speaker up to the point you have chosen, clearly indicating the volume level with markings that reference the classic Marantz Star logo.
Comparison
| Grand Horizon | Horizon | |
| Price | $5,500 | $3,500 |
| Product Type | Wireless Speaker | Wireless Speaker |
| Amplifier Output (Total System) | 370W (FTC) 860W peak (This rating was not tested under the FTC standard) | 310W (FTC) 745W peak (This rating was not tested under the FTC standard) |
| Tweeters | 3x 25mm (1in) | 2x 25mm (1in) |
| Full Range Drivers | 4x 76mm (3in) | 3x 50mm (2in) |
| Subwoofer | 1x 200mm (8in) | 1x 165mm (6.5in) |
| Wired Inputs | 1 x Stereo RCA in 1 x Optical in 1 x HDMI eARC 1 x USB-C x1 | 1 x Stereo RCA in 1 x Optical in 1 x HDMI eARC 1 x USB-C x1 |
| HEOS | HEOS Built-in including Bluetooth, AirPlay2, Spotify Connect, and support for numerous streaming services | HEOS Built-in including Bluetooth, AirPlay2, Spotify Connect, and support for numerous streaming services |
| Dimensions (HWD) | 493 x 255 x 529.2 mm 19.41 x 10.04 x 20.83 in | 364 x 210 x 387.5 mm 14.33 x 8.27 x 15.26 in |
The Bottom Line
The Marantz Horizon and Horizon Grand should be great performers in the high-end wireless speaker category, but will music listeners be attracted to the product design?
There are not many round shaped luxury wireless speakers on the market, but they do remind us a little of Bang & Olufsen’s A9 which aren’t inexpensive either at $3,999.
Pricing & Availability
The Marantz Horizon and Grand Horizon will be available from January 14th, 2025 from select retailers and the official Marantz website in Dark Midnight Sky, Bright Moon Ray, or Marantz Champagne.
- Marantz Horizon: $3500 / £3250 / €3800
- Marantz Grand Horizon: $5500 / £5250 / €6000
- Marantz Horizon Tripod Stand: $700 / £650 /€750
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