By: Dipin Sehdev
For over seven decades, Marantz has been a pillar of high-end audio, with a legacy built on uncompromising sound quality and meticulous engineering. In 2025, the brand is pushing the envelope again with two new flagship-grade components for discerning home theater enthusiasts: the AV 20 AV Preamplifier and AMP 20 Power Amplifier.
Positioned as successors and companions to the widely acclaimed AV 10 and AMP 10, as well as the recently released Cinema 30 AVR, the AV 20 and AMP 20 don’t just aim to complement these models—they aim to expand the company’s reference series with a new level of flexibility, performance, and sophistication. Designed and manufactured in Marantz’s Shirakawa Audio Works facility in Japan, these components represent the apex of the company’s craft.
Available globally from May 20, 2025, the AV 20 and AMP 20 are priced at $6,000 / €5,500 / £4,750 each, reflecting their premium design and audiophile ambitions.
Design and Build: Premium Aesthetics with Professional Execution
At a glance, both the AV 20 and AMP 20 are unmistakably Marantz. The iconic porthole display returns, now paired with high-definition on-screen visuals and an elegantly updated chassis that’s more refined than ever. Like the AMP 10 and Cinema 30 before them, these models feature thick aluminum faceplates, multi-layered copper-plated chassis, and illuminated accents along the side panels.
A notable feature on the AV 20 is a motorized, fold-down front panel that hides less frequently used controls. This contributes to the component's clean, minimalist aesthetic—something rarely achieved in the AV processor world. The accompanying remote control also reflects a commitment to thoughtful design: it’s aluminum, backlit, and ergonomically sculpted for home theater use in low-light environments.
AV 20 Preamplifier: A Digital and Immersive Audio Powerhouse
Core Processing & Audio Capabilities
The AV 20 is designed as a no-compromise home theater preamp/processor, capable of decoding and optimizing a wide range of surround formats and high-resolution audio streams.
At the heart of the AV 20 is a dual-core Analog Devices SHARC DSP chipset, supported by premium-grade 32-bit two-channel DACs featuring dedicated jitter reduction circuitry. This architecture ensures accurate processing and decoding of both multichannel surround and high-res stereo sources.
Supported immersive formats include:
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Dolby Atmos
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DTS:X Pro
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IMAX Enhanced
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Auro-3D
This powerful processing engine drives a fully discrete HDAM SA-3 preamplifier stage, supporting up to 13.4 channels via both unbalanced RCA and balanced XLR outputs—ideal for tailoring complex home theater systems to any room or speaker layout.
Room Correction: Audyssey and Dirac in Harmony
The AV 20 ships with Audyssey MultEQ XT32, a sophisticated room correction system that auto-calibrates speaker distances, levels, and crossovers using the included microphone. In our testing of Audyssey on previous Marantz gear, it has consistently proven accurate and easy to use.
However, for those seeking more advanced options, Dirac Live Room Correction is supported as a paid upgrade. This includes Dirac Live Bass Control (for up to four independent subwoofers) and the highly anticipated Dirac Live ART (Active Room Treatment), which uses real-time acoustic feedback from multiple speakers to dynamically correct phase and tonal issues in real time.
Note: Dirac Live ART will be available via a future firmware update.
These complementary systems offer unprecedented flexibility, allowing users to tailor their room acoustics using one or both platforms depending on preference and room characteristics.
Connectivity and Future-Proofing
The AV 20 is equipped with seven HDMI 2.1 inputs and three HDMI outputs, all supporting:
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8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz passthrough
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HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG
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Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Quick Media Switching (QMS), and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM)
This ensures compatibility with the latest gaming consoles, Ultra HD Blu-ray players, and next-gen streaming devices.
Other connections include:
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6 analog RCA inputs (including phono)
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2 optical and 2 coaxial digital inputs
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USB Type-A input (for local file playback)
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Ethernet and dual-band Wi-Fi
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XLR and RCA outputs for all 13.4 channels
Streaming and Smart Features
The AV 20 is more than a cinema processor—it's a complete digital hub.
Thanks to HEOS® Built-In, the AV 20 supports:
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Spotify Connect
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TIDAL Connect
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Qobuz Connect
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Apple AirPlay 2
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Bluetooth
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Roon Ready certification
Multi-room streaming is fully integrated, allowing synchronized or independent playback in multiple zones.
Setup is handled via a brand-new, high-resolution on-screen user interface, and mobile control is available via the Marantz AVR app. Voice control via Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple Siri (via AirPlay 2) is also supported.
AMP 20 Power Amplifier: 12 Channels of Muscle and Flexibility
While the AV 20 lays the groundwork for immersive surround experiences, the AMP 20 delivers the muscle to bring them to life.
Amplification and Power Ratings
The AMP 20 is a 12-channel power amplifier rated at:
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200 watts per channel (8Ω, 1kHz, THD 0.05%, two channels driven)
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400 watts per channel in bridged-tied-load (BTL) mode
This allows users to:
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Drive 12 speakers at once in a standard 7.1.4 Atmos setup
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Bridge up to 6 channels for high-powered 400W outputs
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Bi-amp up to 6 speakers for improved driver control and dynamics
Each channel is independently addressable, and both XLR and RCA inputs are included to match any processor or preamp configuration.
Use Cases and System Flexibility
The AMP 20 is designed with versatility in mind. While it perfectly matches the AV 20 in aesthetics and engineering, it can also serve as:
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A high-end amplifier upgrade for the Cinema 30 AVR
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A streamlined partner to the AV 10 for setups requiring fewer than 16 channels
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A scalable solution for multi-room audio zones or custom installations
It also features high-efficiency, cool-running Class AB amplification and thermally optimized chassis design, ensuring stability under demanding conditions.
Shirakawa Sound Master Tuning: The Marantz Signature
Both the AV 20 and AMP 20 have undergone extensive tuning by the Marantz Sound Master at the company’s renowned Shirakawa Audio Works facility in Japan. This is where every component is fine-tuned to uphold the brand’s signature sound—a rich, detailed, and musical presentation that Marantz has long been celebrated for.
Listening impressions (subjective, pending formal review units) suggest a soundstage that is expansive yet precise, with vocals and effects that lock into position and bass that feels grounded without overwhelming the rest of the mix.
Real-World Configurations
Thanks to its modular design, the AV 20 can anchor several types of high-performance home theater systems:
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7.1.4 Atmos system with AMP 20 for 12-channel perfection
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9.1.6 or 13.4 layout when paired with the AMP 10 or additional power amps
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Two-room systems with independent zone control and audio distribution
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Audiophile stereo system with multichannel support for immersive music
Its flexibility ensures it will meet the needs of both cinephiles and music lovers—especially those demanding reference-grade quality for both.
Availability and Pricing
Both the Marantz AV 20 and AMP 20 are available starting May 20, 2025, through authorized Marantz retailers and online at Marantz.com.
Pricing:
| Model | USD | EUR | GBP |
|---|---|---|---|
| AV 20 | $6,000 | €5,500 | £4,750 |
| AMP 20 | $6,000 | €5,500 | £4,750 |
Buyers can choose to pair them together for a full-stack solution at $12,000 / €11,000 / £9,500, or mix and match with existing Marantz gear depending on system requirements.
Conclusion: Marantz Raises the Bar—Again
With the launch of the AV 20 and AMP 20, Marantz has reaffirmed its position as a leader in high-end home cinema. These components strike a rare balance: cutting-edge processing and connectivity in a beautifully built, audiophile-tuned package.
They are not inexpensive—but few components in this category offer such a complete solution at this level of execution. Whether you’re a seasoned home theater installer, a two-channel purist expanding into immersive audio, or simply looking to build a dream system from scratch, the AV 20 and AMP 20 offer compelling performance, craftsmanship, and long-term value.
Expect the AV 20 and AMP 20 to become the new benchmark in reference-grade AV separates—ones that will likely define the state of the art for years to come.
