Audio T Verdict
The Marantz MODEL M1 is a compact wireless streaming amplifier that can form the centre of a remarkably capable music and television system. Add a suitable pair of passive speakers and it provides HEOS streaming, HDMI eARC, high-resolution network playback, Bluetooth, optical and analogue inputs, plus a dedicated output for an active subwoofer.
Its Class D amplifier is rated at 100W per channel into 8 ohms and 125W per channel into 4 ohms. This gives the MODEL M1 greater speaker-driving potential than its compact 217mm-wide enclosure might suggest, while its compatibility with 4 to 16-ohm loudspeakers provides useful system-matching flexibility.
HDMI eARC and onboard Dolby Digital Plus processing make the MODEL M1 particularly appealing as an alternative to a soundbar. Compatible television and streaming-app sound can be reproduced through proper stereo speakers, with Virtual, Dialogue Enhancer and Night listening modes available alongside conventional Stereo and Direct operation.
Subwoofer integration is more considered than a basic fixed output. The high-pass filter for the main speakers and low-pass filter for the subwoofer can both be adjusted, helping Audio T integrate the system around the capabilities of the speakers, subwoofer and room.
The compact design does require some careful consideration. There is only one stereo analogue input, no built-in phono stage, no headphone output and no Bluetooth transmission. Customers with several physical sources may be better served by a larger integrated amplifier or receiver.
For a modern system built primarily around streaming and television sound, however, the MODEL M1 provides an unusually strong combination of power, compact dimensions and installation flexibility. A demonstration will establish whether its presentation and connections are the right fit for your room and existing equipment.
100W per Channel
Compact Class D amplification delivers 100W per channel into 8 ohms and 125W into 4 ohms.
HEOS Built-in
Access compatible streaming services, internet radio, network storage and HEOS multi-room playback.
HDMI eARC
Connect a compatible television and control everyday playback through a simple stereo or 2.1 speaker system.
Dolby Digital Plus
Onboard processing supports Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital and compatible PCM television sound.
Adjustable Bass Management
Configurable high-pass and low-pass filters help integrate the main speakers with an active subwoofer.
Compact Installation
Its small enclosure, IR control, trigger outputs and network integration support discreet custom installations.
A Compact Music and Television Amplifier
The MODEL M1 combines a network music player, digital processing, volume control and stereo power amplification within a compact enclosure. It can therefore create a complete system with little more than a pair of passive loudspeakers, a network connection and the chosen music sources.
Its HDMI eARC connection also allows the same speakers to handle television sound. This makes it suitable for living rooms, bedrooms, offices and other spaces where a full-sized hi-fi system or multichannel AV receiver may be impractical.
Browse Audio T’s wider range of all-in-one music systems and streaming amplifiers to compare alternative compact solutions.
100W Class D Amplification
Marantz rates the MODEL M1 at 100W per channel into 8 ohms at 0.05% total harmonic distortion. Output rises to 125W per channel into 4 ohms at 1kHz and 0.05% distortion.
The switching Class D design helps Marantz provide this output from an amplifier measuring only 217mm wide and weighing 2.2kg. The manufacturer describes the signal path as an end-to-end digital switching amplifier topology, supported by Marantz Musical Digital Filtering.
Compatible speaker impedance is specified from 4 to 16 ohms. Speaker sensitivity, room size, listening distance and intended volume should still be considered before choosing a system.
Marantz Musical Digital Filtering
Marantz Musical Digital Filtering is used within the MODEL M1’s digital architecture. It is designed to shape the conversion and filtering process according to Marantz’s preferred approach rather than relying entirely on a standard off-the-shelf implementation.
The amplifier was tuned, designed and built by Shirakawa Audio Works in Japan. This positions the MODEL M1 as a compact Marantz hi-fi component rather than simply a generic streaming module fitted with speaker terminals.
HEOS Built-in Music Streaming
HEOS Built-in provides access to compatible music-streaming services, internet radio, music stored on mobile devices and compatible network shares. Playback and source control are managed through the HEOS app for supported iOS, Android and Kindle Fire devices.
Services can include Spotify Connect, TIDAL, Amazon Music, Deezer and TuneIn. Availability, subscriptions and maximum streaming quality vary by service and region and may change over time.
The MODEL M1 can also be grouped with compatible HEOS products for synchronised multi-room playback or operated independently as its own listening zone.
AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth
Apple AirPlay 2 provides direct wireless playback from compatible Apple devices and applications. It can also participate in an AirPlay 2 multi-room system.
Bluetooth reception provides a quick connection for phones, tablets and computers when app or network playback is not required. The MODEL M1 supports Bluetooth reception but does not transmit audio to Bluetooth headphones or wireless speakers.
No Bluetooth Headphone Transmission
Bluetooth can be used to send music to the MODEL M1, but the amplifier cannot transmit its audio to Bluetooth headphones. There is also no conventional wired headphone output.
High-Resolution Network and USB Playback
Compatible music can be played from network-attached storage or a FAT32 or NTFS-formatted USB storage device. WAV, ALAC and FLAC files are supported up to 24-bit/192kHz, while DSD playback is supported at 2.8 and 5.6MHz.
Compressed WMA, AAC and MP3 files are also supported. The exact playback options depend on the source, file format, network and selected control application.
The USB connection is intended for storage devices rather than direct computer audio. A computer music library can instead be made available through a compatible network share.
HDMI eARC Television Connection
HDMI eARC allows compatible television sound to return to the MODEL M1 through a single HDMI cable. Volume and power commands can then be coordinated with compatible HDMI control features, providing a more familiar day-to-day television experience.
The amplifier supports Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital and compatible linear PCM signals. Multichannel material is processed for playback through the MODEL M1’s two main speaker channels and optional subwoofer rather than sent to discrete surround speakers.
The MODEL M1 is therefore a 2.1-channel amplifier, not an AV receiver. It does not provide rear, centre or height-speaker outputs and cannot create a conventional Dolby Atmos speaker system.
Stereo, Virtual and Television Sound Modes
Stereo and Direct modes cover conventional two-channel listening. Virtual mode can provide a broader spatial effect through the connected stereo speakers, while Dialogue Enhancer is intended to improve speech clarity.
Night Mode reduces the impact of large level changes when listening at quieter volumes. This can be useful for late-night television without requiring constant adjustment between dialogue and louder soundtrack passages.
These modes do not replace discrete surround speakers. Customers planning a full home cinema system should explore Audio T’s home cinema and AV range.
Two Optical Digital Inputs
Two TOSLINK optical inputs allow compatible televisions, CD players, games consoles and other digital sources to use the MODEL M1’s internal digital processing.
This is especially useful when the television does not support eARC or when additional digital equipment needs to be connected independently. The MODEL M1 does not provide a coaxial digital input.
One Stereo Analogue Input
A single pair of gold-plated RCA sockets accepts a conventional stereo analogue source. This could be used for a CD player, external DAC, tuner or suitably equipped phono stage.
Customers with several analogue components will need to consider an external switching solution or a larger integrated amplifier with more inputs.
No Built-in Phono Stage
A turntable cannot normally be connected directly unless it has its own line-level phono output. A conventional turntable will require a suitable external phono stage connected to the MODEL M1’s analogue input.
Subwoofer Output and Adjustable Filters
A mono RCA subwoofer output allows a compatible active subwoofer to be added. The adjustable low-pass filter covers settings from 40 to 120Hz, helping control the range sent to the subwoofer.
The MODEL M1 also provides an adjustable high-pass filter for the main speakers, with settings from 40 to 250Hz. Reducing the amount of deep bass sent to compact speakers can improve system headroom and make integration with the subwoofer more controlled.
The optimum settings depend on the speakers, subwoofer, room and placement. Audio T can recommend suitable active subwoofers and help configure the crossover correctly.
Bass, Treble and Balance Adjustment
Bass and treble can each be adjusted by ±5dB, while balance adjustment covers a range of 15dB towards either channel. A configurable volume limit can also restrict the maximum output level.
These settings can be useful in secondary rooms, family systems and custom installations where several people may operate the amplifier.
Stereo and Dual-Mono Operation
Stereo is the default channel assignment for conventional two-speaker listening. Dual Mono sends the same mono programme to both amplifier channels.
Dual-mono operation can be useful in custom installations where two speakers cover different areas and a stable central stereo image is not required. It does not combine the amplifier channels or increase the power available to a single speaker.
HEOS Television Sound Grouping
Compatible television audio can be grouped with other HEOS products, allowing sound to be shared with additional rooms. This is intended for multi-room distribution rather than creating wireless rear-surround channels.
Network grouping and buffering may introduce a delay relative to the main television system. It should not be treated as a substitute for a purpose-designed surround-sound installation.
Custom Installation Features
The MODEL M1 includes a 3.5mm IR input, IR learning and four 12V trigger outputs. Network control compatibility is available for supported Crestron, Control4 and AMX installations.
Its compact enclosure can also be incorporated into a suitable rack-based system. Adequate ventilation and access to the connections must still be maintained.
These features allow the MODEL M1 to operate as a discreet amplifier for a single room or as part of a professionally planned multi-room installation.
Simple Physical Controls
The top panel provides volume up, volume down and play or pause controls, while a multicolour status indicator communicates the operating state. Connection and Bluetooth controls are positioned on the rear panel.
Most browsing, setup and source management is handled through the HEOS app. HDMI control, IR learning and compatible control systems provide additional everyday operating options.
MODEL M1 or MODEL 40n?
The MODEL M1 is the more compact option and provides greater headline power from its Class D amplifier. It also offers HDMI eARC, Dolby Digital Plus processing and custom-installation features, making it particularly well suited to streaming and television-led systems.
The Marantz MODEL 40n is a full-width Class A/B integrated amplifier with a more extensive selection of physical inputs, a built-in MM phono stage, wired headphone output and traditional front-panel operation.
The MODEL M1 is the stronger choice where compactness, eARC and installation flexibility take priority. The MODEL 40n is likely to suit customers with more traditional sources or who prefer a substantial conventional integrated amplifier.
MODEL M1 or STEREO 70s?
The Marantz STEREO 70s provides multiple HDMI inputs and broader AV-style source switching. The MODEL M1 instead focuses on a compact form, two-channel streaming and a single eARC connection from the television.
If several HDMI source devices need to connect directly to the audio component, the STEREO 70s is likely to be more practical. If those devices are already connected to a compatible television and the system only needs the returned audio, the MODEL M1 offers a much smaller solution.
Speaker Matching and Demonstration
The MODEL M1’s output makes it compatible with a wide variety of passive speakers, but specifications cannot show how a pairing will perform in a particular room. Speaker sensitivity, impedance, bass extension and the required listening level should all be considered.
Adding a subwoofer may allow compact speakers to work successfully in a larger room, but only when the crossover, level, phase and placement are correctly adjusted. An Audio T demonstration can compare speakers and subwoofers using familiar music and television material.
Explore more Marantz products available from Audio T or browse our wider hi-fi range.
Why Buy from Audio T?
The MODEL M1 is straightforward once configured, but speaker matching, network setup, television formats and subwoofer integration can all affect the result. Audio T can help plan the complete system rather than treating the amplifier as an isolated component.
- Independent advice from experienced hi-fi and home cinema specialists
- In-store demonstrations with suitable passive speakers
- Help comparing compact streaming amplifiers and larger components
- HEOS, Wi-Fi, Ethernet and streaming-service setup guidance
- HDMI eARC and television audio configuration advice
- Speaker and active-subwoofer system matching
- Advice on external phono stages and analogue-source connection
- Home visits, home demonstrations and product loans where available
- Part-exchange options for suitable existing equipment
- Installation and ongoing support from your local Audio T store
Find your nearest Audio T store to discuss the Marantz MODEL M1, arrange a demonstration or plan a compact music and television system.