Marantz expands reference home cinema line with AV 30 and AMP 30 preamp/power combo

Marantz has introduced two new audio components aimed squarely at the high end of the market. The AV 30 11.4-channel AV preamplifier and the AMP 30 multi-channel power amplifier build on a line that already includes the AV 10/AMP 10 and AV 20/AMP 20 combinations.

The new duo are positioned to support a wide variety of installations, from advanced media rooms to large-scale dedicated theatres. Both components have been designed and manufactured at Marantz’s Shirakawa Audio Works facility in Japan, with final tuning overseen by the brand’s Sound Master.

The AV 30 is an 11.4-channel AV preamp design built around a dual-core Analog Devices SHARC DSP and high-quality 32-bit DACs. There’s support for Dolby Atmos, IMAX Enhanced, DTS:X and AURO-3D, as well as high-resolution stereo playback.

All seven HDMI inputs are specified for up to 8K/60Hz or 4K/120Hz sources.

In keeping with Marantz’s current design language, the AV 30 features an updated porthole display and a fold-down front panel that hides less frequently used controls. Selectable side illumination and a backlit remote control are intended to support use in darkened cinema rooms while maintaining a clean, discreet aesthetic.

Room correction and system optimisation form a key part of the AV 30’s appeal. Audyssey MultEQ XT32 is included as standard, using microphone-based calibration to set speaker sizes, distances and levels. For projects requiring deeper control, the AV 30 also supports Dirac Live, Dirac Bass Control and Dirac Active Room Treatment (ART) as optional upgrades, enabling more advanced optimisation across multiple speakers and up to four independent subwoofers.

Connectivity is extensive, with a full complement of analogue and digital inputs and both RCA and balanced XLR outputs. The discrete HDAM SA-2 preamplifier stage feeds up to 11.4 channels, giving considerable flexibility when it comes to amplification and speaker layouts.

The AV 30 is also Powered by HEOS, integrating streaming services and network playback directly into the platform. Support includes Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Roon Ready, AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth, allowing clients to access streaming and local content without additional hardware.

The partnering AMP 30 is designed as a compact, cool-running six-channel power amplifier, delivering 200 watts per channel into 8 ohms with two channels driven. Its modular approach to power delivery is intended to suit a range of system roles. Channels can be bridged into three 400W outputs using a bridged-tied-load configuration, or configured for bi-amping up to three speakers. Both XLR and RCA inputs are provided, ensuring straightforward integration with Marantz preamplifiers and third-party processors.

Marantz positions the AMP 30 not only as a partner for the AV 30, but also as a system-building component within the wider range. It can be used to upgrade front-channel amplification in a CINEMA 30-based system, or combined with existing AV 10 or AV 20 installations. Similarly, the AV 30 can be paired with higher-channel-count amplifiers such as the AMP 20 or AMP 10 to meet the demands of larger theatres.

Commenting on the launch, Lyle Smith, President of Sound United at HARMAN, said the new models reflect Marantz’s “unwavering commitment to excellence”, highlighting their performance, design and system flexibility.

The Marantz AV 30 and AMP 30 will be available from selected retailers from this month. Pricing is set at £3,500 (€4,000 / $4,000) for each component.