Each year, dozens of European journalists gather to select the best electronic products of the year. Awarded by a diverse and impartial jury, the EISA (Expert Imaging and Sound Association) awards recognize exceptional products for their performance, design, or ergonomics.
The Marantz Model M1 is a next-generation connected hi-fi stereo amplifier, designed to deliver a quality audio experience from various sources, whether digital or analog. This product is characterized by its compactness, versatility, and notable audio performance, all in a sleek and elegant design. Entirely manufactured in Japan, this device stands out for its audio performance, versatility, and refined design.
At the heart of this device is a digital amplifier delivering 100 W per channel at 8 ohms, with an extremely low total harmonic distortion of only 0.005%. Marantz claims that this level of performance is typically found only in much more expensive amplifiers.
The amplification stage relies on an oversized power supply with a toroidal transformer, capable of instantly providing high current. This allows it to respond effortlessly to strong dynamic variations in the musical signal. The preamplification and amplification sections are separated and use discrete components.
The MODEL M1 incorporates the Current Feedback architecture developed by Marantz. This topology ensures fast and precise response to transients, without amplification strain. A subwoofer can be added for a 2.1 configuration, with independent adjustment of high-pass and low-pass filter cutoff frequencies, as well as level adjustment of ±15 dB.
The fully digital architecture simplifies the signal path and eliminates potential errors caused by cheap converters found in traditional hi-fi systems. It also provides access to Marantz’s powerful signal processing technologies, such as MMDF (Marantz Music Digital Filtering) digital filtering that appeared on its audiophile CD players.
In terms of connectivity, there are USB, HDMI eARC, optical TOSLink, and RCA line inputs. Thanks to its HDMI eARC input, the Model M1 can be connected to a television to enhance the sound quality of viewed programs. It supports Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital+ formats, as well as DTS tracks. Several sound modes are available, including a Virtual DSP mode and a Dialog Enhancer for better dialogue perception. A night mode allows limiting dynamics to avoid disturbing others during nighttime listening.
Control of the Marantz Model M1 is primarily done via the HEOS mobile app, available for iOS and Android. This app allows you to manage different music sources, adjust audio settings, and configure the multiroom system. The device also has no display, which simplifies its use and reduces visual distractions.
The M1 delivers more texture and physicality, while the WiiM chases a bit more sparkle and top-end detail. [...] You do give up some resolution and edge definition in the bass compared to Audiolab, but the trade-off is a more engaging and substantial presentation. [...] The M1 doesn’t strip away character, but it does round things off slightly. [...] At $1,000, it earns its keep—and then some.
Stereo, direct, virtual, dialogue enhancement, night mode
Edouard
It’s a beautiful object, compact and carefully finished. It delivers power suited to my Cabasse Java speakers, and the sound quality is remarkable – I have no complaints about it.
Comment from April 23, 2026 — Experience from March 23, 2026
