https://www.avcesar.com/marantz-av30-composant-home-cinema-de-reference-pre-ampli-11-4-8k-dirac-live-46609

Marantz Launches New Preamp AV30: 11.4 8K Dirac Live Equipped

Marantz has launched the AV30 preamp, expanding its hi-fi/home cinema separate product line a little over two years after the AV10 launch and less than a year after the AV20 launch. The goal is simple: to deliver Marantz's premium audio-video experience at a more accessible price point.

The Marantz AV30 adopts the new design first introduced in the manufacturer's audiophile products such as the 2022 network player Marantz Model 40n, the audio CD player Marantz CD 60, or the Marantz SACD 30n.

Key Differences Between the Marantz AV30 and Marantz AV20

Therefore, the Marantz AV30 is a solid younger sibling to the Marantz AV20. Looking at the differences, it supports 11.4 channel processing instead of 13.4 channels, while the connection terminals are almost identical but with one less RCA stereo input. The AM/FM tuner has been removed and the HDAM SA2 module is incorporated (the AV20 uses HDAM-S3). Power consumption has been reduced (90W for the AV20 compared to 80W), and the weight is also lighter (15.5kg for the AV20 compared to 11.1kg). And to be precise, the remote control is not the same model.

Otherwise, it inherits all the specifications of the AV20, including a 1,080p color OSD. You can now check numerous information on the screen, such as the nature of input and output signals, for example, the actual activated channels. It also features Dolby Atmos 7.1.4 functionality, DTS:X Pro support, and all HDMI terminals (7 inputs, 3 outputs) fully comply with the 2.1 specification. Dirac Live calibration process will be supported through future firmware updates, and you can connect up to four subwoofers via four independent outputs.

Key Specifications of the Marantz AV30

In addition to 11.4 Pre-Out outputs, HDR10, HDR10+, HDR HLG and HDR Dolby Vision technology management, it is capable of upscaling up to 8K UHD at a maximum of 60Hz. You can also apply audio processing available for Dolby signals (e.g., applying DTS Virtual:X to a Dolby Digital 5.1 signal). Of course, Auro 3D decoding functionality is still included.

Returning to HDMI 2.1 input/output, it supports all features of the specification, including VRR, ALLM, eARC, QMS, QFT, and upscaling from 120fps 4K Ultra HD to 60Hz 8K Ultra HD.

As previously mentioned, the Marantz AV30 features an HDAM SA2 preamp stage (current feedback circuit), a toroidal transformer, and Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization for virtually creating height speakers when they are not present. It also supports DTS:X and DTS Virtual:X audio processing. In addition to speakers, it offers Bluetooth TX functionality that transmits audio signals to compatible headphones. This allows you to enjoy music in your living room through the speakers while simultaneously listening through wireless headphones in the kitchen or bedroom.

Marantz AV30, Heos Multiroom Functionality and Connectivity

The Marantz AV30 preamplifier also features Works with Hey Google, Works with Alexa, and Siri assistant functionality. It also includes Heos multiroom functionality. Therefore, this device can easily transform into a component of a larger audio chain, including actual Heos HS2 speakers, to fill your entire home with sound.

Marantz AV30, Key Specifications

In addition to Bluetooth and dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHz) compatibility, Spotify Connect and Qobuz Connect functionality, the Marantz AV30 also offers access to streaming services such as Amazon Music, Soundcloud, Tidal Connect, Qobuz, and Deezer. Combined with TuneIn internet radio access and UPnP (DLNA) audio/photo gateway functionality, AirPlay 2 certification, a front USB host port, and a dedicated app called Marantz AVR App that can be downloaded for free on Android/iOS smartphones or tablets to control the Marantz AV30.

Gapless playback functionality is also retained, along with compatibility for MP3, WMA, AAC, Flac, Alac, and Wav (the latter three up to 192kHz/24bit). DSD 2.8/5.6MHz format handling and 4-ohm speaker support are included as well. A third HDMI output allows you to assign the sound in the main room to a different source in another room, and Imax Enhanced compatibility is not forgotten.

Audyssey MultEQ XT 32 automatic system calibration functionality via microphone is still present. It also offers Audyssey Dynamic Volume, Audyssey Dynamic EQ, and Audyssey LFC processing, a 192kHz/24bit converter, and Source Direct mode. MDAX2 processing has been added to improve the expressiveness of compressed music.

Marantz AV30, Rich Connectors

Connection terminals include seven certified HDMI 2.1 CEC inputs with Deep Color, xvYCC, 1,080p/24 and 3D support, and three outputs that pass through 4K Ultra HD or 8K signals. In addition to these, there are two composite, one component, two optical, two coaxial inputs, six RCA stereo, one phono input, two USB host ports (one on the front), one Ethernet port, and one RS-232 terminal. As previously mentioned, it also features Pre-Out 2.0 (Zones 2 & 3), Pre-Out 11.4 RCA, and XLR 15.2 balanced Pre-Out outputs.

Eco mode is included in the menu, which has been significantly improved to greatly reduce energy consumption when listening at an appropriate volume. Finally, after checking the product's IP address, it is also possible to control and configure the product through an internet browser on a PC.

The launch color is black only and is immediately available for purchase.

The recommended price is 4,000 euros.

Marantz AV30 Key Features Summary:

• Model: 11.4

• Inputs: HDMI CEC 2.1 inputs (7), Optical inputs (2), Coaxial inputs (2), Stereo RCA inputs (6 on front panel), Phono input (1), USB host ports (2, 1 on front panel), Ethernet port (1), RS-232 port (1)

• Outputs: HDMI 2.1 outputs (3, including 1 eARC function), Zone 2 Stereo RCA output (1), Zone 3 Stereo RCA output (1), 11.4 RCA preamp outputs / 11.4 XLR preamp outputs (1), RS-232 port (1)

• OSD functionality

• UPnP (DLNA) audio gateway functionality

• ALLM functionality

• VRR functionality

• QFT functionality

• Quality Management System (QMS) functionality

• Ultra HD 4K / 120fps functionality

• Ultra HD 8K / 60fps functionality

• Spotify Connect functionality

• Amazon Music functionality

• Tidal functionality

• Deezer functionality

• FLAC HD compatibility

• DSD 2.8/5.6MHz compatibility

• WAV compatibility

• ALAC compatibility

• MP3 compatibility

• WMA compatibility

• AAC compatibility

• ALAC HD compatibility

• Audio Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer functionality

• DTS Virtual:X audio

• Audio eARC functionality

• Odyssey Dynamic Volume audio processing

• Audyssey Dynamic EQ audio processing

• Audyssey MultEQ XT 32 automatic audio calibration

• Audyssey LFC audio processing

• DTS:X 11.1 audio

• Auro 3D audio

• Audio 192kHz/24-bit digital-to-analog converter

• Dolby Atmos 7.1.4 audio

• HDR10 video

• HDR10+ video

• HDR HLG video

• Dolby Vision HDR video

• Video BT.2020 compatibility

• Ultra HD Passthrough video functionality

• 3D support video

• Video upscaling functionality: Ultra HD/8K (24/25/30/60)

• IMAX Enhanced certified

• IP control network

• Dual-band Wi-Fi network (2.4/5GHz)

• AirPlay 2 compatibility

• Bluetooth TX network

• Heos application network

• Roon Ready multimedia

• High-resolution audio streaming via USB/network: Yes

• Web radio: TuneIn

• High-Resolution Audio certified

• HDCP 2.3 certified

• Alexa voice control compatible

• Google Assistant voice control compatible

• HDCP 2.3 certified

• Headphone output: Yes

• Other: Heos multiroom module integrated

• Dimensions (length x height x depth, mm): 442 x 254 x 414 mm (vertical antenna)

• Power consumption: 80W (0.2W in standby mode)

• Weight: 11.1kg

▶ Source: https://www.avcesar.com/marantz-av30-composant-home-cinema-de-reference-pre-ampli-11-4-8k-dirac-live-46609