Marantz AV 30

Between the imposing AV 10 and the highly comprehensive AV 20, Marantz positions its AV 30 as the third member of the reference processor family. With 11.4 channels of processing and a fully balanced preamp section, this unit inherits the brand’s high-end technologies while adopting a more accessible format. It follows in the footsteps of products designed and assembled at the Shirakawa Audio Works factory in Japan, a mark of quality for long-time enthusiasts.

An audio architecture inherited from reference models

The AV 30’s copper-plated chassis uses a tried-and-tested recipe found in the higher-end models of the range. This multilayer construction is designed to reduce electromagnetic interference and ensure optimal grounding of sensitive circuits. The toroidal transformer, chosen for its low magnetic field dispersion, supplies all stages with stable and generous power.

The current feedback topology, combined with the proprietary HDAM-SA2 modules, forms the core of the preamplifier stage. HDAMs (Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Modules) are discrete amplifiers developed by Marantz since 1992. Unlike standard integrated operational amplifiers, these modules, assembled from selected components, offer a higher slew rate, resulting in better reproduction of transients and high frequencies. On the AV 30, the pre-outs are available in both RCA and XLR for the 11.4 channels, allowing the unit to be paired with various power amplifiers, whether they feature balanced inputs or not.

Dual-calibration room correction

The AV 30 features the Audyssey MultEQ XT32 system, the most advanced version of the automatic calibration solution offered by this long-standing Marantz partner. This system measures the room’s acoustic response from multiple listening positions (using the supplied microphone) and generates high-resolution correction filters for each speaker and for the four independent subwoofer outputs. The Dynamic EQ and Dynamic Volume functions automatically adjust tonal balance and dynamics according to listening level, while the LFC (Low Frequency Containment) mode limits the spread of low frequencies into adjacent rooms.

Bass management receives particular attention, with variable crossover frequencies per channel, optimized bass redirection, and time alignment (Bass Sync) between the subwoofers and main speakers. These fine adjustments provide homogeneous integration of low frequencies, often the weak point of multichannel setups.

For those who want to go further, the AV 30 is prepared to support Dirac Live via a later update. This advanced correction system uses mixed-phase filters to correct not only frequency irregularities but also time-coherence issues between different speakers. The full Dirac Live option includes Bass Control for sophisticated multi-subwoofer management and Active Room Treatment to reduce modal resonances. The availability of both systems offers valuable flexibility depending on how much time and expertise one wishes to devote to optimization.

Audio formats: all current standards covered

On the decoding side, the AV 30 supports all 3D audio formats on the market. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X Pro are the foundation, complemented by their respective variants (Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio) for Blu-ray playback. The Dolby Surround and DTS Neural:X upmixers can expand stereo or 5.1 content to a height-enabled configuration. For setups without ceiling speakers, Dolby Height Virtualization and DTS Virtual:X simulate a vertical dimension from existing speakers, an acceptable compromise when installing height speakers is not feasible. IMAX Enhanced brings its certification for optimized content, while Auro-3D and Sony 360 Reality Audio further broaden the spectrum of possibilities. Support for MPEG-H, less common in Europe and the United States, reflects a desire for global coverage.

For compressed sources, the MDAX2 (Marantz Dynamic Audio Expander) algorithm attempts to restore information lost during MP3 or AAC encoding, a welcome feature for playing older digital music libraries or streaming of variable quality.

8K video section and gaming features

The AV 30’s seven HDMI 2.1 inputs accept signals up to 8K/60 Hz or 4K/120 Hz with 40 Gbps bandwidth. HDCP 2.3 protection ensures compatibility with current protected content. HDR passthrough is comprehensive, including HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG, and Dynamic HDR. The three HDMI outputs are divided between two main outputs (to simultaneously feed a TV and a projector) and one output dedicated to Zone 2 for video distribution to a secondary room.

Gaming-oriented features include ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) for automatic switching to low-latency mode, VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) for smooth image synchronization, and QFT (Quick Frame Transport) for further reduced response time. The Auto LipSync function automatically adjusts audio delay to compensate for TV processing latency. An 8K upscaling function is available for lower-resolution sources. The HD graphical interface, overlaid on the source image, makes menu navigation easier without requiring a separate TV for adjustments.

For older equipment, the AV 30 retains two composite inputs and one component YUV input, a pragmatic choice for integrating analog video sources (retro consoles, VCRs, camcorders) into a modern setup.

Integrated network connectivity and multiroom

The HEOS system provides multiroom streaming to other compatible devices within the Marantz and Denon ecosystem. The AV 30 has direct access to the main streaming services (Spotify Connect, TIDAL, Amazon Music, Deezer, SoundCloud, Napster) as well as Internet radio via TuneIn. Roon Ready certification ensures seamless integration for users of this music management software. AirPlay 2 enables streaming from Apple devices, with HomePod compatibility for voice control.

Physical connectivity also includes Wi-Fi and bidirectional Bluetooth (the latter allowing a wireless headphone to be connected to the unit), as well as an Ethernet port for a more stable network connection. The front USB-A port accepts storage devices for audio file playback up to 192 kHz/24-bit in FLAC, ALAC, or WAV, and DSD up to 5.6 MHz. Gapless playback (no interruption between tracks) is supported for lossless formats.

Analog inputs and integrated phono

Beyond digital connectivity, the AV 30 retains an extensive range of analog inputs. Seven line inputs (including one balanced XLR) accommodate traditional sources. The built-in MM phono input saves the cost of an external preamp for users of turntables fitted with moving magnet cartridges. Two optical and two coaxial inputs round out the digital options for older CD players or game consoles.

The 11.4-channel pre-outs, available in both RCA and XLR, provide flexible integration with all types of power amplifiers. The four independent subwoofer outputs, each separately adjustable during calibration, make it possible to effectively address the specific resonance modes of each room. Three 12V trigger outputs automate powering on external amplifiers or screens.

User interface and everyday ergonomics

The front panel features the famous circular OLED porthole characteristic of Marantz reference units, complemented by a two-line FLD display for detailed information. A setup assistant guides the user through initial installation, while Smart Select functions allow saving parameter combinations (source, surround mode, zone settings) for instant recall.

Control is via the supplied backlit remote control, mobile app, web interface, or IP/RS232 commands for home automation systems. Multizone management for up to three separate areas (main zone plus two secondary zones with HDMI distribution for Zone 2) covers the needs of large residential installations.

Weighing 11.1 kg and measuring 442 × 394 × 189 mm (excluding Wi-Fi/Bluetooth antennas), the AV 30 requires a ventilated cabinet capable of supporting its weight and allowing proper heat dissipation. The 0.2 W standby power consumption meets current energy efficiency requirements.

Technical specifications

Audio processing and formats

• Maximum number of processing channels: 11.4
• Immersive audio formats
  • Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Surround, Dolby Height Virtualization
  • DTS:X, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS Neural:X, DTS Virtual:X
  • IMAX Enhanced
  • Auro-3D, MPEG-H, Sony 360 Reality Audio
• Stereo and multichannel processing

Acoustic correction and optimization

• Room acoustic correction
  • Audyssey MultEQ XT32
  • Audyssey Dynamic EQ, Dynamic Volume, LFC
  • Dirac Live (upgradable via update)
• Bass control
• Active room treatment

Audio architecture and design

• Copper-plated chassis
• Toroidal transformer
• Current feedback topology
• HDAM-SA2 modules
• Jitter reduction
• MDAX2 compressed audio optimization

HDMI and video connectivity

• HDMI configuration: 7 inputs / 3 outputs
• HDMI 2.1 with bandwidth up to 40 Gbps
• Pass-through 8K / 60 Hz and 4K / 120 Hz
• HDCP 2.3 protection
• HDR formats: HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG, Dynamic HDR
• eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel)
• Gaming features: ALLM, VRR, QFT
• Upscaling up to 8K
• Overlaid HD graphical interface

Audio connectivity

• Audio inputs
  • 7 analog inputs (including 1 XLR)
  • MM phono input
  • 2 optical inputs
  • 2 coaxial inputs
  • USB input
  • Network (Ethernet / Wi-Fi)
• Audio outputs
  • 11.4-channel RCA pre-outs
  • 11.4-channel XLR pre-outs
  • 4 independent subwoofer outputs
  • Analog multizone outputs
  • 3 x 12 V trigger outputs

Network and streaming

• Network connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet
• Multizone systems
  • Built-in HEOS multiroom
  • AirPlay 2
  • Compatible with Apple HomePod
• Streaming services: Spotify Connect, TIDAL, Amazon Music, Deezer, SoundCloud, Napster
• Internet radio: TuneIn
• Roon Ready certification
• Bidirectional Bluetooth audio (headphones)

Supported audio file formats

• Compressed formats: MP3, WMA, AAC
• High-resolution formats
  • FLAC / ALAC / WAV up to 192 kHz / 24-bit
  • DSD up to DSD 5.6
• Gapless playback: FLAC, ALAC, WAV, DSD

Multizone and control

• Number of zones: up to 3 zones
• Control options: IP, RS232, Web, mobile app
• Control inputs: IR In / Marantz Remote Bus
• HDMI Zone 2 distribution

User interface

• Display: porthole OLED screen + 2-line FLD display
• HD graphical interface
• Setup assistant
• Smart Select function
• Firmware update: network / USB

General characteristics

• Power consumption: 80 W
• Standby power consumption: 0.2 W
• Dimensions (W × D × H): 442 × 394 × 189 mm (without antennas)
• Weight: 11.1 kg
• Backlit remote control included

Box contents

• Marantz AV 30 AV preamplifier
• Remote control with batteries
• Audyssey microphone with stand
• Wi-Fi / Bluetooth antennas
• Power cable
• Documentation