Marantz M1 Streaming Amplifier Review

[daniboun]

Sadly, this is already one of the better performing pure digital/PWM amplifiers. Marantz did apply global feedback at least to achieve load-neutral-frequency-response, unlike many other PWM amplifiers such as the GAN module used in Peachtree GAN-1 or VTV's GAN amplifier, both of which exhibit variable high frequency roll-off or roll-up depending on speaker impedance. Peachtree even have the gall to claim that zero feedback is a benefit!

The SMSL VMV A2 is also a FDA with the AX5689 digital feedback control system (same as the Sabaj A30A). The amp stage is better here :

SMSL VMV A2 Review (Stereo Amplifier & DAC)

This is a review and detailed measurements of the SMSL VMV A2 stereo "desktop" DAC and amplifier. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $999. VMV is the higher-end brand in SMSL lineup. The look and feel of the A2 is similar to the latest line from SMSL: It looks nicer though in...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[SoySalsaPicante]

The SMSL VMV A2 is also a FDA with the AX5689 digital feedback control system (same as the Sabaj A30A). The amp stage is better here :

SMSL VMV A2 Review (Stereo Amplifier & DAC)

This is a review and detailed measurements of the SMSL VMV A2 stereo "desktop" DAC and amplifier. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $999. VMV is the higher-end brand in SMSL lineup. The look and feel of the A2 is similar to the latest line from SMSL: It looks nicer though in...

www.audiosciencereview.com

That does seem nice.

Too bad (from my personal standpoint) it lacks DIRAC Live integration.

I rather do not wish to return to using a separate miniDSP.

 

[Roland68]

Sadly, this is already one of the better performing pure digital/PWM amplifiers. Marantz did apply global feedback at least to achieve load-neutral-frequency-response, unlike many other PWM amplifiers such as the GAN module used in Peachtree GAN-1 or VTV's GAN amplifier, both of which exhibit variable high frequency roll-off or roll-up depending on speaker impedance. Peachtree even have the gall to claim that zero feedback is a benefit!

Marantz has absolutely nothing to do with the load-neutral frequency response; that's due to the superbly developed Axign chip and is an integral part of its functionality.
The low power output is also Marantz's fault; significantly more would have been possible, especially at 4 ohms.
Marantz, too, neither understood nor utilized the functionality and capabilities of the Axign chip. And who would have thought it, the amplifier falls far short of the VMV A2 and A30a.
One would think that more could have been achieved with the other development departments within the Harman/Sound United group.

 

[GiBo61]

That does seem nice.

Too bad (from my personal standpoint) it lacks DIRAC Live integration.

I rather do not wish to return to using a separate miniDSP.

In most modern HiFi setups, to achieve high-level performance, in addition to speakers, all you need is a streamer with a good DAC (Wiim Ultra, Eversolo DMP-A6, etc.) and a good power amplifier (Hypex, Purifi, or TPA32XX-based). If you buy a device such as the Marantz M1 or a Wiim Amp Ultra, which include both features, the streamer component will probably become obsolete within a few years, while the amplifier part could remain effective for much longer. I learned this lesson the hard way: in December 2019 I purchased a Denon DRA 800H stereo network receiver/amplifier. Since then, Denon has released a single firmware update, and the Heos system in my device remains so limited that it does not allow streaming of the increasingly numerous internet radio stations that broadcast in high resolution/FLAC (also forget about Amazon Music HD service). To get around this problem, I connected a Wiim Pro Plus and now use the Denon only as an amplifier.

At least the Wiim Amp Ultra has high-quality instrumental measurements (as well as frequent software and firmware updates), while the Marantz M1 costs almost twice as much and performs worse. I don't think the compactness of “all-in-one” devices should be a deciding factor when you have limited space or don't want a system that stands out, in most cases a modern power amplifier can be hidden behind a streamer.

 

[SoySalsaPicante]

In most modern HiFi setups, to achieve high-level performance, in addition to speakers, all you need is a streamer with a good DAC (Wiim Ultra, Eversolo DMP-A6, etc.) and a good power amplifier (Hypex, Purifi, or TPA32XX-based). If you buy a device such as the Marantz M1 or a Wiim Amp Ultra, which include both features, the streamer component will probably become obsolete within a few years, while the amplifier part could remain effective for much longer. I learned this lesson the hard way: in December 2019 I purchased a Denon DRA 800H stereo network receiver/amplifier. Since then, Denon has released a single firmware update, and the Heos system in my device remains so limited that it does not allow streaming of the increasingly numerous internet radio stations that broadcast in high resolution/FLAC (also forget about Amazon Music HD service). To get around this problem, I connected a Wiim Pro Plus and now use the Denon only as an amplifier.

At least the Wiim Amp Ultra has high-quality instrumental measurements (as well as frequent software and firmware updates), while the Marantz M1 costs almost twice as much and performs worse. I don't think the compactness of “all-in-one” devices should be a deciding factor when you have limited space or don't want a system that stands out, in most cases a modern power amplifier can be hidden behind a streamer.

So long as DIRAC and the Toslink input continue to function, personally, I am fine. That is the key issue for me--and no, WiiM RoomFit is not a suitable substitute (which would be the alternative if I one were to combine a WiiM Ultra streaming DAC with an inexpensive, but well-performing power amp, such as Topping Mini 300, but RoomFit's performance has never come anywhere near DIRAC's in my space/listening room).

The Qobuz Connect function works perfectly on the M1, and is all I need with regards to streaming since I subscribe to Qobuz. I do have a large personal library as well, but I simply have an optical cable connecting to the M1's digital input from my computer running Audirvana by way of a USB-C to Toslink adapter for listening to that, and the computer is not an extra box in the sense that I would have it around regardless whether or not I use it as a streamer, being that it serves other non-music-related roles. Should Qobuz Connect ever cease working, I would just stream Qobuz into it via Audirvana.

I also ran into non-stop issues with the ARC input being completely unreliable in my WiiM Ultra, which is the main reason why I gave up on it (despite having a miniDSP Flex w/DIRAC Live downstream for room correction). The ARC input of the M1 has worked 100% flawlessly for me since the first day of ownership, and the speech enhancement and dynamic compression features have been a Godsend for late-night show watching with my wife after the kids are asleep (and their room is directly above my listening space).

All that said, functioning or not, HEOS is absolute shit. They have 1,001 things to learn from LinkPlay/WiiM and from Eversolo.

From a pure SINAD standpoint, 88 is, "enough," once you consider the masking effects of downstream distortion and room interaction. I'd be lying if I told you I could consistently pick out a cleaner DAC & amp combination against this M1.

 

[SHDK]

In most modern HiFi setups, to achieve high-level performance, in addition to speakers, all you need is a streamer with a good DAC (Wiim Ultra, Eversolo DMP-A6, etc.) and a good power amplifier (Hypex, Purifi, or TPA32XX-based). If you buy a device such as the Marantz M1 or a Wiim Amp Ultra, which include both features, the streamer component will probably become obsolete within a few years, while the amplifier part could remain effective for much longer. I learned this lesson the hard way: in December 2019 I purchased a Denon DRA 800H stereo network receiver/amplifier. Since then, Denon has released a single firmware update, and the Heos system in my device remains so limited that it does not allow streaming of the increasingly numerous internet radio stations that broadcast in high resolution/FLAC (also forget about Amazon Music HD service). To get around this problem, I connected a Wiim Pro Plus and now use the Denon only as an amplifier.

At least the Wiim Amp Ultra has high-quality instrumental measurements (as well as frequent software and firmware updates), while the Marantz M1 costs almost twice as much and performs worse. I don't think the compactness of “all-in-one” devices should be a deciding factor when you have limited space or don't want a system that stands out, in most cases a modern power amplifier can be hidden behind a streamer.

I own the M1 and have received 3 firmware updates in 5 month. They have brought updates like Dirac(the first one) and qubuz connect.

 

[ricciq]

According to Marantz, there is 2 filters available:

• Filter 1 (Default): Recommended setting to enjoy the Marantz sound.
  • This filter has short delay slow roll-off characteristics.
• Filter 2: Recommended setting for bench test measurements.
  • This filter has sharp roll-off characteristics.

Which one have been used for this measurements?
And was this device updated with the last firmware?
I'm asking this because I know that they had a few issues at the beginning, and I read a lot of great reviews about this product. Also from Darko and Andrew Robinson etc...
I will have it in few weeks, so I will be able to try it.

Thanks,
Quentin

 

[SHDK]

According to Marantz, there is 2 filters available:

• Filter 1 (Default): Recommended setting to enjoy the Marantz sound.
  • This filter has short delay slow roll-off characteristics.
• Filter 2: Recommended setting for bench test measurements.
  • This filter has sharp roll-off characteristics.

Which one have been used for this measurements?
And was this device updated with the last firmware?
I'm asking this because I know that they had a few issues at the beginning, and I read a lot of great reviews about this product. Also from Darko and Andrew Robinson etc...
I will have it in few weeks, so I will be able to try it.

Thanks,
Quentin

Great point. I think it's fair to say a new test with would be fair to the M1.

 

[SoySalsaPicante]

Great point. I think it's fair to say a new test with would be fair to the M1.

@amirm is it possible to rerun some of the tests with Filter 2? Or is it too late/the unit been returned already?

 

[SKBubba]

If HEOS is the streaming app, it shouldn't even be called a streaming amp.

 

[SHDK]

If HEOS is the streaming app, it shouldn't even be called a streaming amp.

And why is that ?

 

[rf1938]

If HEOS is the streaming app, it shouldn't even be called a streaming amp.

Not sure why so many dump on HEOS. I’ve had it with my AV10 for quite a while and find it excellent in switching between Qobuz and Tidal, syncs with changes made in either app independent of HEOS, and, most importantly, the app switches the speaker configuration between music (2.1) and streaming (5.1) when you want to listen to music and back again when returning to streaming. I’ve never had any connection issues, the IOS app is responsive and easy, and the music sounds great. What’s not to like?

 

[SoySalsaPicante]

Not sure why so many dump on HEOS. I’ve had it with my AV10 for quite a while and find it excellent in switching between Qobuz and Tidal, syncs with changes made in either app independent of HEOS, and, most importantly, the app switches the speaker configuration between music (2.1) and streaming (5.1) when you want to listen to music and back again when returning to streaming. I’ve never had any connection issues, the IOS app is responsive and easy, and the music sounds great. What’s not to like?

The problems are not apparent to anyone who hasn’t had extensive experience with WiiM Home or Eversolo platforms. Once you’ve had the joy of utilizing those platforms, it’s very easy to recognize the lack of refinement with HEOS. Of course, if all you’re doing is using Tidal Connect and/or Qobuz Connect, there won’t be much difference or importance to you. One of the major pain points with HEOS is very, very poor management of local libraries (so in the case of the M1, a storage device attached to the USB port housing a local library).

There are other weaknesses specific to the M1 that you’ll, “see,” within HEOS; for example, bass management has very poor crossover control, with only 40Hz or 80Hz being options below 100Hz.

 

[SuicideSquid]

Not sure why so many dump on HEOS. I’ve had it with my AV10 for quite a while and find it excellent in switching between Qobuz and Tidal, syncs with changes made in either app independent of HEOS, and, most importantly, the app switches the speaker configuration between music (2.1) and streaming (5.1) when you want to listen to music and back again when returning to streaming. I’ve never had any connection issues, the IOS app is responsive and easy, and the music sounds great. What’s not to like?

I've attempted to use HEOS on my Denon and Marantz receivers numerous times and half the time it simply does not work at all. The other half the time it creates weird problems.

For example, over the Christmas holiday I thought I'd try messing with HEOS again and I managed to set it up so I could get the receiver to play music off a USB thumb drive, controlled from the Android app. Great! That's all I ever really wanted.

Next time I turned my system on, after about 30 seconds, it switched the input to HEOS. And the next time. And the next time. No matter what I was trying to do - set the receiver to TV Audio, set it to PC Input, set it to a game console, 30 seconds later it'd switch to HEOS. Ended up having to do a factory reset and then re-run my room correction and general setup to get it working properly again.

 

[SoySalsaPicante]

I've attempted to use HEOS on my Denon and Marantz receivers numerous times and half the time it simply does not work at all. The other half the time it creates weird problems.

For example, over the Christmas holiday I thought I'd try messing with HEOS again and I managed to set it up so I could get the receiver to play music off a USB thumb drive, controlled from the Android app. Great! That's all I ever really wanted.

Next time I turned my system on, after about 30 seconds, it switched the input to HEOS. And the next time. And the next time. No matter what I was trying to do - set the receiver to TV Audio, set it to PC Input, set it to a game console, 30 seconds later it'd switch to HEOS. Ended up having to do a factory reset and then re-run my room correction and general setup to get it working properly again.

Are you connected with WiFi, or are you connected with Ethernet?

I had various reliability issues with the M1 when I used WiFi. During Black Friday sales, I picked up an eero 6 router (I have an older eero mesh network) and set it up as a repeater/endpoint that speaks over WiFi back to the main eero Pro router attached to my cable modem/gateway. I plugged the M1 into that new eero 6 wireless endpoint via Ethernet. All of my reliability issues with HEOS disappeared immediately.

 

[amirm]

?
And was this device updated with the last firmware?

As I said on the review, answer is yes.

 

[amirm]

@amirm is it possible to rerun some of the tests with Filter 2? Or is it too late/the unit been returned already?

It is returned and I did try both in some of the tests.

 

[SoySalsaPicante]

It is returned and I did try both in some of the tests.

Thanks for confirming. I figured it's just a reconstruction filter, so it would be of limited difference.

 

[SuicideSquid]

Are you connected with WiFi, or are you connected with Ethernet?

I had various reliability issues with the M1 when I used WiFi. During Black Friday sales, I picked up an eero 6 router (I have an older eero mesh network) and set it up as a repeater/endpoint that speaks over WiFi back to the main eero Pro router attached to my cable modem/gateway. I plugged the M1 into that new eero 6 wireless endpoint via Ethernet. All of my reliability issues with HEOS disappeared immediately.

Ethernet. I have a network switch in my home theatre system so everything - TV, receiver, game console, HTPC - is hardwired.

 

[SHDK]

It is returned and I did try both in some of the tests.

Did you experience any difference between the two filters then?