Marantz AV10 AV Processor Review

[dlaloum]

I have used HTP-1 with Dirac ART since 2024. So hardware wise it certainly can do it.

The HTP-1 supports DLBC - and Dirac stated when they first released ART, that if an AVR supports DLBC it has the necessary capabilities to support ART.

What they didn't say, which has become clear only through the StormAudio deployment, is that ART can be deployed in "limited" versions, where the processor supports a limited number of channels working as "support" channels.

So as DL-ART is deployed to mass market AVR/AVP's we will most likely see some seperation in terms of the number of support channels different processors can handle.

Looking forward to it.

And there may also be a "dark horse" in the race, with tonewinner having announced that their newly announced AT600 processor supports Dirac... with no further details as to whether that is DL, DLBC, DLART....

 

[TimoJ]

The HTP-1 supports DLBC - and Dirac stated when they first released ART, that if an AVR supports DLBC it has the necessary capabilities to support ART.

What they didn't say, which has become clear only through the StormAudio deployment, is that ART can be deployed in "limited" versions, where the processor supports a limited number of channels working as "support" channels.

So as DL-ART is deployed to mass market AVR/AVP's we will most likely see some seperation in terms of the number of support channels different processors can handle.

Looking forward to it.

And there may also be a "dark horse" in the race, with tonewinner having announced that their newly announced AT600 processor supports Dirac... with no further details as to whether that is DL, DLBC, DLART....

HTP-1 has no support channel limits.

 

[TimoJ]

I certainly hope you are right - but that wasn't what the rumours were saying

My info is based on email from "the guy".

 

[Madhuski]

My info is based on email from "the guy".

that’s great news.

Is he going to become active again on the forums?

 

[TimoJ]

Is he going to become active again on the forums?

I don't know. Probably not.

 

[MKR]

The one caution, in the HTP1 forums there is talk about lack of support... and the question has been raised as to whether the product has been abandoned...

The guy heading the efforts around the HTP1 was reassigned to other projects, and it is unclear whether this product has anyone looking after it, planning a way forward, etc... (including potentially preparing it for Dirac ART, etc...) - This seems to be a common disease in the AVR world... look at JBL, Arcam, etc...
It is unclear how much attention the AV range are getting from Onkyo/Integra...
At least D&M have been giving this part of their range some high profile attention!

The HTP1 is far from abandoned as far as I know, but of course anything is possible and there is some risk. Which is partly why I do not plan to purchase a brand new unit, less cash at risk

 

[MKR]

The HTP-1 supports DLBC - and Dirac stated when they first released ART, that if an AVR supports DLBC it has the necessary capabilities to support ART.

What they didn't say, which has become clear only through the StormAudio deployment, is that ART can be deployed in "limited" versions, where the processor supports a limited number of channels working as "support" channels.

So as DL-ART is deployed to mass market AVR/AVP's we will most likely see some seperation in terms of the number of support channels different processors can handle.

Looking forward to it.

And there may also be a "dark horse" in the race, with tonewinner having announced that their newly announced AT600 processor supports Dirac... with no further details as to whether that is DL, DLBC, DLART....

Tonewinner does not support Auro3D, which is a must for me

 

[dlaloum]

Tonewinner does not support Auro3D, which is a must for me

I'm pretty keen to try Auro myself...

Which sort of cuts out most of the mid market AVR's

 

[MKR]

I'm pretty keen to try Auro myself...

Which sort of cuts out most of the mid market AVR's

I especially want Auro3D for this …

Pure Audio Streaming

pureaudiostreaming.com

 

[smile nya]

HTP-1 has no support channel limits.

How about Denon?

 

[TimoJ]

How about Denon?

I know nothing about Denon/Marantz.

 

[Ssss]

I especially want Auro3D for this …

Pure Audio Streaming

pureaudiostreaming.com

This looks very interesting, has a thread been started on here about it?

 

[MKR]

This looks very interesting, has a thread been started on here about it?

In fact I started a thread, minimal interest (which surprises me … if this lives up to the potential, it could be a game changer for immersive audio, which from my view is a holy grail)

M

'Pure Audio Streaming (new high res and immersive streaming service)'

Jul 26, 2025

PAS looks to be live! Anyone else plan to try it out? Pricing seems a bit steep (especially as the $25/month looks to be introductory), but if the immersive capability lives up to the hype, might be worth it, plus would also replace 2ch streaming of Qobuz, Tidal, etc … one streaming service to rule them all … one issue though is at least initially I expect their library to be smaller than the big guys, but will build over time I am sure

Pure Audio Streaming

pureaudiostreaming.com

• MKR
• Replies: 5
• Forum: Music Service Reviews

 

[ScienceMajorSellout]

Could someone kindly explain why the AV10 is $7k and a single ended AVR with as many channels from the same brand or semi-equivalent like Denon is about half the cost. Yes, they don't have balanced pre-outs, but they have the added cost of amplification. So what's the added cost in terms of parts for the AV10? And final terrible question, let's say the AV10 is going into a multi-channel Buckeye Purifi Class D amp. Will there be a discernable difference from said AVRs at 70db?

 

[hwest]

Get an Anthem 70 cheaper with much better sound than either one of those big box brands, or AVM 90 which is in a different league when it comes to sound. If great sound is your priority as it should be with any receiver then Anthem is the best option under 12K. Spent many years figuring this out saw many stats, listened to many systems, looked at curves and distortion, etc, etc, go listen to one and you'll hear the difference for yourself, it won't even be close, Anthem wins. You may here some folks even here say I like my Marantz or Denon, but liking is one thing hearing is another.

 

[Dj7675]

Could someone kindly explain why the AV10 is $7k and a single ended AVR with as many channels from the same brand or semi-equivalent like Denon is about half the cost. Yes, they don't have balanced pre-outs, but they have the added cost of amplification. So what's the added cost in terms of parts for the AV10? And final terrible question, let's say the AV10 is going into a multi-channel Buckeye Purifi Class D amp. Will there be a discernable difference from said AVRs at 70db?

Processors vs receiver cost… this always seems to have been the case that a a processor is more expensive even though it doesn’t have amplification included. Just comes down to units sold/economies of scale I would guess.
In regards to AV10 + Buckeye vs Denon A1H at 70dB… There would be zero difference in sound in a double blind test IMO.

 

[voodooless]

Could someone kindly explain why the AV10 is $7k and a single ended AVR with as many channels from the same brand or semi-equivalent like Denon is about half the cost.

Simple economics of demand and supply.

 

[Russ_L]

Processors vs receiver cost… this always seems to have been the case that a a processor is more expensive even though it doesn’t have amplification included. Just comes down to units sold/economies of scale I would guess.
In regards to AV10 + Buckeye vs Denon A1H at 70dB… There would be zero difference in sound in a double blind test IMO.

The class D amps from from Hypex and Pureifi have significantly better specs when used as pure amplifiers. When used in an AVR some reduction in specs would probably result.

Note that Emotiva’s new stereo amp uses the new Hypex Ncorex modules. Definitely the way of the future. Have my ATI amps for several years. Hypex modules, effortless power, sounds great, measures great and NO heat.

Russ

 

[Dj7675]

The class D amps from from Hypex and Pureifi have significantly better specs when used as pure amplifiers. When used in an AVR some reduction in specs would probably result.

Note that Emotiva’s new stereo amp uses the new Hypex Ncorex modules. Definitely the way of the future. Have my ATI amps for several years. Hypex modules, effortless power, sounds great, measures great and NO heat.

Russ

Certainly could be at high volume, or with a very large number of hard to drive speakers… but at a low volume of 70dB do you think you could pick them out by sound in a double blind test?
This is not to say that there aren’t good reasons regarding possible heat issues etc But his question seemed to be about would he hear a difference between an AVR vs Processor with external amps at his listening level of 70dB. I just don’t think so but really have nothing to base it on, other than I’m not aware of people being able to hear differences between amps if they are run within their limits. At 70dB I don’t think he would. Although more might need to be known such as listening distance, speakers etc. My 2 cents anyway,

 

[hwest]

The class D amps from from Hypex and Pureifi have significantly better specs when used as pure amplifiers. When used in an AVR some reduction in specs would probably result.

Note that Emotiva’s new stereo amp uses the new Hypex Ncorex modules. Definitely the way of the future. Have my ATI amps for several years. Hypex modules, effortless power, sounds great, measures great and NO heat.

Russ

I'm a huge fan of Emotiva products, I have their XPA DDR3 AMP Gen 3 and an XPA 5 AMP Gen 2, the sound quality and low distortion stands out above most, even much more expensive AMPs. I haven't tested their newest receiver but I certainly would like to and probably will in the future.