In the grip of a significant transformation, the music sector is now welcoming a large product family, that of active speakers integrating a pre-amplifier/amplifier, network functions and loudspeakers within the same device.
Active speakers adopted by Hi-Fi££££
This design not only allows for optimized management of the loudspeakers, but also a simplified listening experience limited to a single speaker, even if use in pairs is always recommended for better sound reproduction.
The ergonomics of these particularly neat devices translates into an absence of cables, with the exception of the one connecting the speaker to a power source. In addition, their integration into various interiors is facilitated by contemporary and attractive designs, attracting a growing number of music lovers and [abc]Hi-Fi[/abc] enthusiasts. Marantz, with its Horizon and Grand Horizon models, the first of their kind in the brand's catalog, therefore meets this growing demand.
Marantz Grand Horizon: acoustic package and finish££££
The acoustic package of the Marantz Grand Horizon is based on eight speakers: three [abc]tweeters[/abc] of 25 mm with silk dome, four full-range speakers of 7.62 cm and a [abc]woofer[/abc] of 20 cm called Marantz Gravity (neodymium magnet), designed specifically for this model. The frequency response displays 28 Hz to 20 kilohertz.
The Marantz Grand Horizon is based on a Class D amplification using GaN FET transistors renowned for their responsiveness and their low sensitivity to heat. This configuration delivers a total power of 370 watts. On the finishing side, carefully selected high-quality materials operate, such as the custom-made Marantz Seamless Ecofiber Radiance 360 fabric embellished with gold lurex. In addition, the speaker is equipped with proximity sensors that activate a luminous halo made up of 100 [abc]LEDs[/abc] of the most beautiful effect, allowing to visualize the sound level and, thanks to the AuraControl mode, to create a harmony between light and sound.
The Marantz Grand Horizon supports [abc]Wav[/abc], [abc]Alac[/abc], [abc]Flac[/abc] audio codecs up to 192 kHz/24-bit, [abc]AAC[/abc] and [abc]MP3[/abc] up to 320 kbps, [abc]WMA[/abc] up to 192 kbps and [abc]DSD[/abc] at 2.8/5.6 megahertz. [abc]Hi-Res Audio[/abc] certification is present. In terms of connectivity, we note the presence of [abc]Bluetooth[/abc] 5.4, [abc]Wi-Fi[/abc] ax and [abc]AirPlay 2[/abc], not to mention the [abc]UPnP[/abc] ([abc]DLNA[/abc]) audio gateway function. Music streaming services such as Amazon Music, Deezer, Deezer HiFi, Tidal and Spotify Connect, as well as [abc]web radios[/abc] via TuneIn, are also integrated.
The Heos multiroom function allows the Marantz Grand Horizon to be integrated into a larger Heos audio system, including for example the Denon Home active speakers for a complete sound system for a home or space. It is of course possible to combine two Marantz Grand Horizon units to create a stereo configuration ([abc]2.0[/abc]). The connectivity includes an [abc]HDMI[/abc] [abc]eARC[/abc]/[abc]CEC[/abc] input, an [abc]optical[/abc] input, a stereo [abc]RCA[/abc] input, a [abc]USB[/abc]-C port and an [abc]Ethernet[/abc] port.
The [abc]eARC[/abc] function, combined with the circular arrangement of the speakers and the spatialization mode ([abc]DSP[/abc] integrated Marantz Mirage), allows for precise reproduction of [abc]Dolby Atmos[/abc] soundtracks. In addition, the Sound [abc]Master[/abc] mode, once activated, offers sound reproduction in line with the expectations of Yoshinori Ogata (Marantz golden ear), thus guaranteeing a listening experience faithful to the artist's original intention.
Namely, unlike the Marantz Horizon, the Marantz Grand Horizon (in the center in the photo below) does not offer an optional tripod. Immediate availability. Recommended price: 6,000 euros.
Reminder of the key characteristics of the Marantz Grand Horizon:
• Type: active speaker
• [abc]Tweeters[/abc]: 4 x 25 mm silk dome
• [abc]Boomer[/abc]: 20 cm
• Full-range speaker: 3 x 7.62 cm
• Power: 370 W
• Bandwidth: 28-20,000 Hz
• Sensitivity: 111 dB
• Connectivity: 1 [abc]HDMI[/abc] [abc]eARC[/abc]/[abc]CEC[/abc] input, 1 [abc]optical[/abc] input, 1 stereo [abc]RCA[/abc] input, 1 [abc]USB[/abc]-C port and 1 [abc]Ethernet[/abc]
• Other(s): Class D Amplification
• Certification: [abc]Hi-Res Audio[/abc]
• Audio file compatibility [abc]MP3[/abc], [abc]WMA[/abc], [abc]AAC[/abc], [abc]Alac[/abc], [abc]Flac[/abc]
• Compatibility audio files [abc]DSD[/abc] 2.8/5.6 MHz
• Audio gateway function [abc]UPnP[/abc] ([abc]DLNA[/abc])
• Spotify Connect compatibility
• [abc]Airplay 2[/abc] compatibility
• Tidal Connect compatibility
• [abc]Wi-Fi[/abc] ax Dual compatibility Band
• Compatibility [abc]Webradios[/abc] (TuneIn)
• Compatibility [abc]Bluetooth[/abc] 5.4
• Dac 192 kHz/24 bits
• Multiroom: yes
• Dimensions (L x D x H): 493 x 529.2 x 255 mm
• Weight: 21.3 kg (pair)