Marantz AV 20 Home Theatre Preamp/Processor

About The Marantz AV 20 Home Theatre Preamp/Processor

AV 20 represents the highest measure of performance and capability for reference-level home theatre systems. This reference 13.4 Channel Balanced AV Preamplifier features Marantz HDAM discrete circuitry, and boasts seven HDMI inputs, each of which is 8K UHD compatible. HEOS^® Built-in is included plus room correction with Audyssey MultEQ XT32 and optional Dirac technologies, including Dirac Live Room Correction, Bass Control, and Active Room Treatment. It delivers Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Pro, AURO-3D, and features multiple inputs and balanced pre-amp outputs for all channels, including four independent subwoofers.

Reference-Quality Performance: AV 20 is engineered to create the most memorable home theatre experiences possible. Powerful Analog Devices advanced 32-bit processing decodes all the latest surround formats with the lowest possible distortion and the utmost accuracy. Enjoy dynamic and precise sound thanks to nine state-of-the-art 32-bit high precision 2 channel DACs with dedicated jitter reduction. The discrete HDAM-SA3 preamplifier stage feeds 13.4 channels of output via both RCA and XLR sockets to provide the best possible signal to a partnering amplifier.

Sound Master Tuned: The Marantz Sound Master meticulously tuned AV 20 for amazing performance with careful parts selection to create outstanding sound in your home. Making sound the Marantz way is a seamless fusion of art and science, practiced by creators who balance and select components individually for their sonic qualities — they are the Sound Masters.

System Matching: Make sure you get the best possible performance from your AV 20 by combining it with other Marantz products. Pairing the AV 20 with the Marantz AMP 20 power amplifier gives you 12 channels of amplification and a complete Sound Master Tuned experience.

Timeless Style: Excellence is heard and seen. Timelessly elegant, AV 20 is meticulously crafted with authentic materials in a modern style befitting its rich heritage and stunning performance. AV 20 is constructed using steel and aluminium casework and knobs while the subtle texture moulded into the front panel is lit by the dimmable soft glow of sidelights on either side of the control surface, which features the iconic porthole design.

Endlessly Customizable: Comprehensive connectivity options and extensive optimization ability ensures AV 20 will always deliver the perfect results to suit your home theatre. Marantz has provided 13.4 channels of configurable speaker outputs plus included Audyssey MultEQ XT32, so even challenging acoustic spaces can become ideal listening environments. Optional Dirac Live Room Correction, complete with available Bass Control and Active Room Treatment upgrades, allows for fully optimized sound in even the most challenging acoustic conditions.

Effortless Control: While AV 20 may be comprehensively featured, everyday use and setup is not complicated. An included quick-start guide and extensive on-screen setup make configuration easy. The metal backlit remote control provides access to the most often used features while advanced HDMI connectivity allows you to use a TV remote for power and volume. The AV 20 also responds to voice commands from Siri.

Complete Compatibility: Seven HDMI inputs, plus digital, analogue and phono inputs ensure connectivity to virtually any other components you may have. All HDMI inputs are 8K compatible, allowing any source to be sent at 8K or upscaled to the same resolution. Balanced RCA outputs, including provision for four individual subwoofers, are complemented by Zone Two and Zone Three preouts and two additional HDMI outputs, supporting extensive multi-room functionality.

Our Review

The Marantz AV 20 is a well-rounded and capable home theatre preamp/processor designed with serious enthusiasts in mind. With 13.4 channels of balanced output and Marantz’s signature HDAM circuitry, it’s built to support immersive formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X Pro while offering flexible connectivity, including seven 8K-compatible HDMI inputs. Room correction comes via Audyssey MultEQ XT32 out of the box, with optional Dirac upgrades available for those who want to fine-tune their setup further. The build quality feels solid, the styling is understated but refined, and the overall user experience is thoughtfully laid out with intuitive control options. Pairing it with a matching Marantz amplifier rounds out the system nicely for those chasing a cohesive, high-quality setup.

Main Features & Specifications

• Design: Home Theatre Preamp/Processor with 13.4-Channel Processing
• Designed to be used with the matching Marantz AMP 20
• Marantz's HDAM (Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Modules) circuit boards offer exquisite detail and a wide dynamic range
• Toroidal power supply ensures low-noise, high-performance picture and sound
• Dolby®, DTS®, and Auro-3D® surround sound decoding
  • Dolby Atmos processing for use with in-ceiling or "height" speakers for more enveloping home theatre sound
  • Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization and DTS Virtual:X® create three-dimensional effects without height speakers
• IMAX® Enhanced reproduces the full dynamic range of specially encoded IMAX soundtracks from compatible sources
• HDMI video conversion upscales 1080p and 4K signals up to 8K
• Audyssey speaker calibration and system optimization includes:
  • MultEQ XT32 auto setup and room calibration delivers balanced, dynamic sound with enhanced surround performance
  • Dynamic Volume anticipates loud sounds to keep volume levels even
  • Dynamic EQ improves dialogue, bass response, and surround channel levels at lower volumes
  • Sub EQ HT provides individual calibration for four subwoofers, for even bass response throughout the room
  • Low Frequency Containment reduces the amount of bass that bleeds into other rooms
  • Audyssey MultEQ Editor App for further audio customization (paid app; not included)
• Optional Dirac Live room calibration and bass management
  • Requires purchase of separate license from Dirac
  • Requires separate PC or Mac and a third-party USB microphone (all sold separately)

Digital and Streaming Music

• Built-In Wi-Fi® for listening to music from a networked PC, free internet radio, and music services
• HEOS Built-in technology wirelessly connects compatible HEOS components for whole home audio
  • Includes support for TIDAL and Spotify® (subscription required for some services)
  • Free HEOS app offers easy Wi-Fi control, settings adjustments, and music selection and playback
  • Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice control assistants
• Apple AirPlay 2 lets you stream directly from an iPhone® or iPad® and ask Siri to play Apple Music®
  • Supports multi-room audio with compatible wireless speakers
• Built-In Bluetooth for wireless music listening with smartphones, tablets, and compatible computers
• Bluetooth transmission for sending audio from the receiver to Bluetooth-enabled headphones
  • Play audio through Bluetooth headphones only, or through Bluetooth headphones and connected speakers simultaneously
• Plays high-resolution digital music files via USB storage device or a networked computer (PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz resolution; DSD up to 5.6 MHz)
• Works as a Roon player (requires subscription and Roon Core running on your network)
  • Roon Core is media server software that runs on your computer, NAS drive, or other compatible hardware

Multi-Room Audio/Video

• Three-room/three-source output
• Multi-Zone playback supports both analogue and digital audio connections
• Zone 2 and 3 compatible audio sources: HDMI audio, optical/coaxial digital inputs, analogue audio inputs, USB, Bluetooth, and HEOS music apps
  • Cannot select different USB/Bluetooth/network sources for each zone
• HDMI dual-zone switching for watching video content from different sources in two zones simultaneously

HDMI

• HDMI 2.1 audio/video switching: 7 in, 3 out
  • All inputs and 2 outputs support 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz video
  • All inputs and outputs support 4K/60Hz video
  • HDCP 2.3 technology ensures compatibility with Ultra HD sources and TVs
  • HDR-compatible for extended picture contrast and brightness with compatible TVs and HDR-encoded content
  • Supports HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision®, and HLG
• Gaming-Optimized video processing technologies for a smooth, lag-free gaming experience
  • Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and Quick Frame Transport (QFT) reduce or eliminate lag and frame tearing
• Supports ARC (Audio Return Channel) and eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel)
  • eARC receives uncompressed surround sound signals including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X via the HDMI connection with your compatible TV

Other Connections

• 13.4-channel balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs for connection to external power amps
  • Includes four discrete line-level subwoofer outputs
  • Maximum channels of processing is 13.4
• Digital Audio Inputs: 2 Toslink Optical, 2 Coaxial
• 7 Analogue RCA line-level stereo inputs
• 1 stereo balanced XLR input
• MM (moving magnet) phono input for connecting a turntable
• Front-Panel Type-A USB input for plugging in a USB stick 

General

• Free Marantz AVR Remote app lets you use your Apple®, Android™ or Amazon Kindle device as a Wi-Fi remote
• Removable Power Cable: Upgrade to a Premium Power Cable for better performance
• Included Accessories: System Remote Control (RC051SR), Batteries, Wire Labels, Quick Start Guide, Audyssey Microphone, Cardboard Microphone Stand, 2 External Detachable Antenna, AC Power Cable
• Finish: Black
• Dimensions (WxHxD): 442 x 191 x 457 (Antenna Horizontal)
• Dimensions (WxHxD): 442 x 254 x 457 (Antenna Vertical)
• Dimensions (WxHxD): 442 x 191 x 437 (No Antenna)
• Weight: 15.0 kg
• Manufacturer's Warranty: 5 Years

Note: Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE.