As with the Marantz Cinema 70s, Cinema 60 DAB, Cinema 50 and Cinema 40 amps, the most notable change about the Marantz AV10 preamp (successor to the Marantz AV8805A which remains in the catalog, like the AV7706, both replaced around summer 2023), concerns the superb new design inaugurated on the manufacturer's audiophile products, the Marantz Model 40n network player, the Marantz CD 60 audio CD player or the Marantz SACD 30n player.
Marantz AV10, main developments
The Marantz AV10 is therefore the worthy big brother of the Marantz AV8805A. Of course, it benefits from all of the latter's specifications, but in addition to its new aesthetics, it also has some notable new features, first and foremost an OSD, 1080p color (and not 480p). A lot of information is now available on the screen, in particular on the nature of the input signals and those of the output with, for example, the channels actually active. We also note the support for the Dolby Atmos 9.1.6 function, DTS: X Pro and HDMI connectors (7 inputs, 3 outputs) entirely of obedience 2.1 (compared to a single input / output on the AV8805A). Likewise, the Dirac Live calibration process is planned via an upcoming Firmware update and it will be possible to connect up to four subwoofers via as many independent outputs.
Marantz AV10, Main Specifications
For the rest, we note a Pre-Out 17.4 output but a 15.4 processing, the management of HDR10, HDR10+, HDR HLG and HDR Dolby Vision technologies, an 8K UHD Upscaling up to 60 Hz and the possibility of applying the audio processing available on a Dolby signal, for example triggering DTS Virtual:X on a Dolby Digital 5.1 signal. Of course, the Auro 3D decoding always responds. To come back to the HDMI 2.1 inputs/outputs, these support all the features of the standard: VRR, ALLM, eARC, QMS, QFT, Ultra HD 4K 120 fps up to Upscaling in Ultra HD 8K 60 Hz ( see our news HDMI 2.1 standard, official additions welcome, technical and ergonomic).
As expected, the pre-amplification stages are of the HDAM type (Curent Feedback type circuit), the toroidal transformer and compatibility with Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization audio processing (to simulate height speakers in the absence of of these), DTS:X and DTS Virtual:X (to simulate the height speakers in the absence of these) is in order. Plus the availability of the Bluetooth TX function to broadcast the audio signal to suitable headphones in addition to the speakers. It is thus possible to enjoy your music on the speakers in the living room but also in the kitchen or the bedroom via wireless headphones. Precision, the Marantz AV10 is certified Roon Tested.
Marantz AV10, Heos multiroom function and connectivity
For the rest, the Marantz AV10 pre-amplifier features Works with Hey Google, Works with Alexa and the Siri assistant. Ditto for the Heos multiroom functionality. This equipment can therefore easily be transformed into a link in a larger audio chain including real Heos HS2 speakers, to add sound to a home.
Marantz AV10, bulk specs…
We also note the Bluetooth and dual-band Wi-Fi compatibility (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz), the Spotify Connect function in addition to access to Amazon Music, Soundcloud, Tidal and Deezer streaming services. Ditto for the UPnP (DLNA) audio/photo gateway function associated with access to TuneIn web radios, AirPlay 2 certification, a front USB Host port or the possibility of controlling the Marantz AV10 with an Android/iOS smartphone/tablet, after free download of a specific application called Marantz AVR App. We still note the Gapless function and MP3, WMA, AAC, Flac, Alac and Wav compatibility (up to 192 kHz/24 bits). Similarly, the management of DSD 2.8 / 5.6 MHz formats and 4 ohm speakers are included. Ditto for the third HDMI output (allowing you to enjoy a source different from that assigned to the main room in another room) and Imax Enhanced compatibility.
Present, always, an automatic calibration of the system by micro Audyssey MultEQ XT 32. Not to mention Audyssey Dynamic Volume, Audyssey Dynamic EQ and Audyssey LFC processing, 192 kHz/24-bit converters and a Source Direct mode. Plus MDAX2 processing to improve rendering of compressed music.
Marantz AV10, larigot connectors
The connection therefore has seven certified HDMI 2.1 CEC inputs, plus three outputs transparent to Deep Color, xvYCC, 1080p/24 and 3D, Ultra HD 4K or 8K signals. There are also two optical inputs, two coaxial, six stereo RCA, a Phono input, two USB Host ports (including one on the front), an Ethernet port and an RS-232 socket. Plus, of course, Pre-Out 2.0 outputs (zone 2 and 3), stereo XLR input, 17.2 RCA and balanced output on XLR 17.2, all already mentioned.
An Eco mode is on the menu, greatly improved to consume much less energy with reasonable listening. Finally, after having retrieved the product's IP address, it is even possible to control and configure it via an internet browser from a PC computer.
Available, in black finish only, in March 2023. Indicative price: 6,999 euros.
Reminder of the key features of the Marantz AV10:
• Model: 15.4
• Inputs: 7 HDCP 2.3 certified HDMI CEC 2.1 inputs, 2 optical inputs, 2 coaxial, 6 stereo RCA (including one in front), 1 Phono input, 1 stereo XLR input, 2 USB Host ports (including one on the front), 1 Ethernet port and 1 RS-232 port
• Outputs: 3 HDMI outputs (eARC function) 1 2.1, 1 zone 2 stereo RCA, 1 zone 3 stereo RCA, 1 Pre-Out 17.4 RCA/1 Pre-Out 17.4 XLR, 1 RS-232
• OSD functions
• UPnP (DLNA) audio gateway functions
• ALLM functions
• VRR functions
• QFT functions
• QMS functions
• Video Upscaling Ultra HD/8K (24/25/30/60) function
• Video Upscaling Ultra HD/4K function (24/25/30/60/120)• Spotify Connect functions
• Amazon Music functions
• Tidal functions
• Deezer functions
• Soundcloud functions
• Flac HD compatibility
• DSD 2.8/5.6 MHz compatibility
• Wav compatibility
• Alac compatibility
• MP3
• Comp WMA compatibility
• AAC compatibility
• Audio DTS:X
• Audio Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer function
• Audio DTS Virtual:X
• Audio eARC function
• Audio Audyssey Dynamic Volume Processing• Audio Audyssey Dynamic EQ Processing
• Audio Audyssey MultEQ XT 32 Auto Calibration
• Audio Audyssey LFC Processing
• Audio DTS:X 11.1
• Auro 3D audio
• DTS:X Pro audio
• Audio 192kHz/24-bit digital-to-analog converter (AK4490)
• Dolby Atmos 9.1.6 audio
• Video HDR10
• Video HDR10+
• Video HDR HLG
• Video HDR Dolby Vision
• Video BT.2020 compatibility
• Video Ultra HD Pass-Trought function
• 3D Video Ready
• Imax Enhanced certification
• Network Control by IP
• Dual Band Wi-Fi network (2.4/5 GHz)
• AirPlay 2 compatibility
• Bluetooth TX network
• Heos Application network
• Multimedia Roon Tested
• Hi-Res Audio streaming via USB/network: yes
• Web radio: TuneIn
• Certificate ation Hi-Res Audio
• HDCP 2.3 certification
• Works with Alexa certification
• Works with Google Assistant certification
• Roon Tested
• Headphone output: yes
• Other(s): integrated Heos multiroom module
• Dimensions (W x H x D, mm): 431 x 177 x 482 mm
• Consumption: 90 W (0.2 W in standby )
• Weight: 16.7 kg
