(May 20, 2025) It’s a big day in Marantz-land, with the brand launching its all-new AV 20 Preamp and AMP 20 Power Amplifier—two separates that extend Marantz’s flagship home theater lineup with modern design, cutting-edge decoding, and powerful, scalable amplification. Sitting just below the ultra-premium AV 10 and AMP 10 combo, the new pair retains much of that platform’s performance DNA at a lower price point.
Let’s start with the AV 20. It’s a 13.4-channel preamplifier/processor equipped with dual independent subwoofer processing for up to four subwoofers. Support for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Pro, Auro-3D, IMAX Enhanced, and Dolby Atmos Music is included, and the processor is capable of up to 9.4.4 channel configurations, providing extreme levels of speaker arrangement flexibility. Internally, the signal path runs through a SHARC+ dual-core DSP and a set of premium 32-bit DACs, delivering the high-resolution processing required for today's multichannel content.
If you’re stepping up from a previous-generation Marantz processor like the AV7706 or AV8805A, one key difference comes down to DSP horsepower. Those models relied on two SHARC+ chips, each with two cores running at 450 MHz—good for a combined total of 1,600 MIPS (Millions of Instructions Per Second). That’s a solid platform for immersive audio processing, but the new AV 20 moves to the aforementioned single, dual-core processor clocked at 1 GHz, boosting overall computations to 2,000 MIPS.
While the AV20's newer chip technically has fewer cores, the jump in raw processing speed and efficiency allows the AV 20 to handle complex immersive formats and post-processing routines—like dual independent subwoofer EQ and high-level room correction algorithms—with more headroom. That means smoother operation when juggling decoding, room correction, and output to multiple channels, especially in larger systems. This kind of back-end upgrade isn’t something you’ll see, but it will absolutely influence how your system performs, particularly as new audio formats and room correction technologies continue to evolve.
Speaking of room correction, the AV 20 includes Audyssey's highly competent MultEQ XT32 out of the box and supports optional upgrades to Dirac Live, Dirac Live Bass Control, and Dirac Live Active Room Treatment (ART). Marantz says ART isn't ready yet, but that it's on schedule to become available via a firmware update later this year.
HDMI 2.1 functionality is fully implemented across all seven rear inputs and three outputs, with support for 8K 60 and 4K 120 signals, VRR, ALLM, and advanced HDR formats including Dolby Vision and HDR10+. The AV 20 also supports AMD FreeSync, a feature not found on the AV 10, providing gamers smoother images when a game console's frame rate outpaces that of a monitor. Like all other processors on the market, each input and output function at 40 Gbps – if you're wondering why that number is 40 and not 48, click here for a recent HTNR podcast where we break it down.
Network features remain a strong suit. The AV 20 supports HEOS multiroom streaming, is Roon Ready, and offers compatibility with AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, and Qobuz Connect. Custom integration is simplified with IP control, RS-232C, IR input/output, and trigger connections, while the setup assistant, new high-resolution GUI, and web-based interface should help ease configuration.
Not surprisingly, Marantz's proprietary HDAM or Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Module technology plays a central role in playback architecture. In the case of the AV 20, it utilizes HDAM SA3, which is also found on the AV 10. HDAM is designed to lower background noise and improve slew rate, allowing for faster and more accurate signal amplification. That translates to greater clarity and detail, particularly in music playback. Unlike the single HDAM SA2 boards in Marantz’s AV receivers, both the AV 10 and AV 20 feature multiple HDAM boards to help reduce crosstalk. However, it's worth noting that the AV 10’s implementation carries some higher-grade componentry, including larger capacitors and MELF thin-film resistors, alongside a more advanced conductor layer structure. Those kinds of refinements will matter to buyers chasing the last word in performance, but the AV 20 still maintains excellent design fundamentals, even as it targets a more accessible price point.
On the amplification side, the AMP 20 delivers 12 channels of Class D power, each rated at 200 watts into 8 ohms (1 kHz, 0.05% THD, 2 channels driven). Those channels can be bridged (BLT mode) to create six 400-watt monoblocks, giving owners flexibility to power large speakers or deliver extra headroom in critical positions like the front stage. Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs are also available for each channel, and users can configure the unit for bi-amping where needed.
While the AV 20 and AMP 20 have clearly been optimized as a matched set, Marantz is quick to point out their modularity. The AV 20 can be paired with the higher-channel-count AMP 10 for larger immersive setups, while the AMP 20 also serves as a useful expansion amp for CINEMA 30 owners looking to build out a separates-based system.
Both the AV 20 and AMP 20 are available starting today with a retail price of $6,000 each. According to Marantz, that pricing reflects the current tariff environment and isn’t expected to rise further in the short term. However, the company says it will implement price adjustments across other products in early June. That includes the AV 10 and AMP 10, which currently list at $7,000 apiece. While new prices haven’t been finalized, Marantz has confirmed that increases are coming, so if you’ve been eyeing the AV 10 or AMP 10, now may be a good time to lock them up.
- Buy the AV 10 from Audio Advice: https://fave.co/4mumIPm
- Buy the AV 20 from Audio Advice: https://fave.co/4jbsl1M
- Buy the AV 10 direct from Marantz: https://fave.co/3H1jmTH
- Buy the AV 20 direct from Marantz: https://fave.co/4kln09c
- Buy the AMP 10 from Audio Advice: https://fave.co/3SfiFIS
- Buy the AMP 20 from Audio Advice: https://fave.co/3SHWX02
- Buy the AMP 10 direct from Marantz: https://fave.co/3FkPGjP
- Buy the AMP 20 direct from Marantz: https://fave.co/4k1MaKa
Related Reading:
- Qobuz Connect Now Available on Denon & Marantz Devices with HEOS, Expanding Hi-Res Streaming Options
- FORUM: Newbie question: starting with REW and MiniDSP, how to hook up on my Marantz stereo amp?
- Marantz Horizon Series: A Stunning and Unique Fusion of Art, Sound, and Modern Convenience
- Marantz Raises the Bar, Launches New Flagship Model 10 Reference Integrated Amp
- FORUM: Marantz owners using REW on a new iMac
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