Marantz AV10 AV Processor Review

[Russ_L]

I thought about it, but I remember the RMC-1 did not measure too good on ASR, though the RMC-1L may be better. Given that a few years has past since ASR measured the RMC-1 and the XMC-1 measured okay on ASR, I added both the RMC-1L and XMC-2 to the list regardless, thinking that the newer versions are likely better, and hopefully with fewer bugs.

After consulting with Amir the updated RMC-1 measured quite nicely with a SINAD of 100. I expect the G4P processors from Emotiva to do a little better. Maybe match the AV10.

Russ

 

[Lsc]

I thought about it, but I remember the RMC-1 did not measure too good on ASR, though the RMC-1L may be better. Given that a few years has past since ASR measured the RMC-1 and the XMC-1 measured okay on ASR, I added both the RMC-1L and XMC-2 to the list regardless, thinking that the newer versions are likely better, and hopefully with fewer bugs.

The RMC-1 was the highest measured processor for several years and is still one of the highest. The XMC2 had very mediocre measurements in comparison but Emotiva says 2 channel performance of the two processors should be identical so who knows? The RMC-1L was never measured.

My XMC2 sounds very good although it doesn’t compare to a dedicated 2 channel preamp and outboard DAC.

Hopefully that’ll be the case with the + models ie XMC-2+. 10x better processing power and fully balanced AKM dacs in mono mode all around. But im not concerned with reliability…need DLBC and ART. If Emotiva can deliver on this they may be able to get back in the game. That’s up in the air with as much goodwill they have lost over the years- deservingly so quite frankly.

 

[TimoJ]

The issue with the HTP-1 as I see it is, who in 2024 has a 16-channel immersive home cinema application with outboard amplification but doesn't care about 4K120, 8K60, or eARC?

HTP-1 has eARC and I don't care about 4K120 or 8K60.

 

[squared80]

The Denon A1H should be right up there with it.

 

[drioannis]

Things are getting better with time...Hope price of such good designed products will be better in the future.

 

[alvigg]

Has anybody measured in a surround mode? I understand Amir has clearly indicated it would be better than previous Marantz products for two channel but how about for a theater processor.

 

[jhaider]

The issue with the HTP-1 as I see it is, who in 2024 has a 16-channel immersive home cinema application with outboard amplification but doesn't care about 4K120, 8K60, or eARC?

People who are grounded in reality instead of mindlessly chasing specs.

But I think it has eARC. I wouldn’t know because it’s not relevant to my use.

 

[ban25]

People who are grounded in reality instead of mindlessly chasing specs.

But I think it has eARC. I wouldn’t know because it’s not relevant to my use.

4K120 is not a spec, it's a feature.

 

[juliangst]

Talk about overpriced?

Storm audio ISP core 16................$18,898
Trinnov Audio Altitude16...............$18,800 (including the mic)
NAD M17 V2i......................................$7,999 (no 8K/HDMI 2.1, only 11 channel (not including subs) processing
Anthem AVM 90.................................$7,499.99 (on sale for $6,374.99)
Arcam AV41.........................................$5,250 (on sale for $4,200)
Marantz AV10.....................................$7,000
RMC-1L.................................................$4,723

Lower cost models:
Monolith HTTP-1..............................$3,999.99
Anthem AVM70................................ $3,999.99 (on sale for $3,399.99)
Emotiva XMC-2..................................$3,689

Based on the known facts that the AV10 and AVM90 both have better than 100 dB SINAD, excellent IMD, DNR, and reference class ESS DAC chips, It seems fair to consider the AV10 is not overpriced relatively speaking. The Arcam AV41 may be the best value, it does not have the ESS reference class DAC, and will likely not measure as good as the AV10 and AVM 90 based on track record on ASR, but for $5,250 listed, $4,200 on sale price right now it is tough to beat.

The most expensive Storm and Trinnov cost a lot more, do not seem to be using reference class DACs seems pricey relatively to the other 2. The NAD almost looks ridiculous when you look at the specs, for $7,999.

You don't pay for specs you pay for features.
Storm and Trinnov can have up to 32 channels with full PEQ and convolution, complex bass management, the best room correction available and just a lot of flexibility with all kinds of settings imaginable.

 

[Vacceo]

People who are grounded in reality instead of mindlessly chasing specs.

But I think it has eARC. I wouldn’t know because it’s not relevant to my use.

Or gamers. Still, not a terrible absence if your display device (TV or monitor) has earc and you can pass the audio to the AVR´s earc.

 

[peng]

You don't pay for specs you pay for features.
Storm and Trinnov can have up to 32 channels with full PEQ and convolution, complex bass management, the best room correction available and just a lot of flexibility with all kinds of settings imaginable.

That's irrelevant to my post that's obviously about avps that offer up to 16 channels + 2 to 4 subwoofer channels.

Of course I could have included the Trinnov Altitude 32, but there is no point as I doubt there are more than a handful of home applications users where they would spend $30,000 on a 32 channel avp, not that they are not good values, even at their list prices, they probably are, for reasons you mentioned.

 

[Newman]

You don't pay for specs you pay for features.
Storm and Trinnov can have up to 32 channels

Okay, let's assume for the moment one is satisfied with 17.4. So 32 doesn't matter.

with full PEQ and convolution,

Audysey MultEQ-X seems to allow this, from my ignorant POV. Happy to be corrected.

complex bass management,

Bass management of AV10 seems to have some non-trivial options. Probably sufficient to allow for an implementation that is consistent with Toole's findings on personal preference.

the best room correction available

Probably still best to turn it off above 300-500 Hz, according to Toole.

and just a lot of flexibility with all kinds of settings imaginable.

So much flexibility on the AV10 too. Is the *additional* flexibility actually useful?

cheers

 

[TimoJ]

So much flexibility on the AV10 too. Is the *additional* flexibility actually useful?

Adjustable loudness function is very useful. Looks like only Monoprice HTP-1 has it

 

[slaweks]

People who are grounded in reality instead of mindlessly chasing specs.

But I think it has eARC. I wouldn’t know because it’s not relevant to my use.

eARC is only on Outputs, not Inputs.

 

[TimoJ]

eARC is only on Outputs, not Inputs.

TVOut has eARC input, what else do you need? That allows to get audio from TV and devices connected directly to TV.

 

[juliangst]

Happy to be corrected

It‘s a lot more complex in the storm processors. There you can implement active speakers, import REW filters and just do a ton more in those semi- professional processor like storm or trinnov.

So 32 doesn't matter

For the before mentioned reason, 32 channels can be useful, but I agree that with most setups around passive speakers you rarely need more than 16.

Bass management of AV10 seems to have some non-trivial options

It finally allows to mix LFE into your mains for example. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg of what’s possible in Storm/ Trinnov.

Probably still best to turn it off above 300-500 Hz, according to Toole.

Yes, above it doesn’t really matter.
Dirac ART on Storm and Trinnov waveforming both use active cancellation which drastically reduces reverberation time in the bass. This cannot be done by any other AVR room correction system.
We can only hope that ART will come to the AV10 as well.

So much flexibility on the AV10 too. Is the *additional* flexibility actually useful?

If you buy it for yourself then the amount of flexibility of those professional AV processors can be overwhelming.
But it can be really useful for professional installers and large setups in general.

With the 32 channel storm you could have a 7.8.4 in your theatre room and another 5.1.2 setup with 5 active 2-way speakers in your living room.

You overall both the Trinnov and Storm can be really useful if you need some features for your custom installation.
I don’t need any of those but at the moment the Storm is the only Dirac ART capable processor so it’s worth it for that feature alone imho.
If the AV10 or even lower end AVRs get ART with unlimited support channels it could be a game changer.

 

[Newman]

It‘s a lot more complex in the storm processors.

I wouldn’t deny that for a minute, but the issue is of usefulness.

There you can implement active speakers, import REW filters

Audyssey MultEQ-X can import filters too

and just do a ton more in those semi- professional processor like storm or trinnov.

Sure.

Dirac ART on Storm and Trinnov waveforming both use active cancellation which drastically reduces reverberation time in the bass. This cannot be done by any other AVR room correction system.

Sure it can, with multi-sub bass management, it’s just less automated. And for all I know, potentially more effective.

We can only hope that ART will come to the AV10 as well.

No biggie since it can be done without ART and also without room treatment.

If you buy it for yourself then the amount of flexibility of those professional AV processors can be overwhelming.
But it can be really useful for professional installers and large setups in general.

Sure.

With the 32 channel storm you could have a 7.8.4 in your theatre room and another 5.1.2 setup with 5 active 2-way speakers in your living room.

Wow. Yawn. I hope I didn’t give the impression there are no differences, it’s a matter of importance in a one-room setup at consumer level.

You overall both the Trinnov and Storm can be really useful if you need some features for your custom installation.
I don’t need any of those but at the moment the Storm is the only Dirac ART capable processor so it’s worth it for that feature alone imho.

Not really, see above.

If the AV10 or even lower end AVRs get ART with unlimited support channels it could be a game changer.

See above. Main ‘game-changer’ aspect is convenience, not results.

 

[juliangst]

No biggie since it can be done without ART and also without room treatment.

No, not on the same level as ART can do.

You can get rid of nulls and reduce major resonances with multi sub but you cannot drastically reduce RT60 in the whole frequency range below 150Hz the same way ART does it.

I‘ve seen several measurements of ART now and even in a custom home theatre with a single bass array and meters worth of absorption depth, Dirac ART still provides massive improvements.

 

[tjcinnamon]

No, not on the same level as ART can do.

You can get rid of nulls and reduce major resonances with multi sub but you cannot drastically reduce RT60 in the whole frequency range below 150Hz the same way ART does it.

I‘ve seen several measurements of ART now and even in a custom home theatre with a single bass array and meters worth of absorption depth, Dirac ART still provides massive improvements.

Totally agree. It ART works as advertised, then it's unmatched. However, I haven't seen many real-world measurements coming out of the Storm forums.

Also, I like MultiEQ-X over Dirac Live. So that should say something.

 

[Dougey_Jones]

90%??? You really think so? That logic leaves only Dollar General as a reasonable deal. What about Amir's Salon 2s? Or my Perlisten S7t? I guess I got taken huh. 90% markup stretches credulity...

Harman margin is 60-70% depending on the brand/product. 90% sounds a little exaggerated.