The MODEL M1 is a streaming integrated amplifier by Marantz that delivers 100 watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms and 125 watts x 2 channels into 4 ohms. It was released in May 2024. It is a 2-channel design using a Class D output stage. A minimum impedance of 4 ohms makes it compatible with a wide range of loudspeakers. It has a built-in DAC, so you can play digital sources directly with no separate DAC unit needed. The Marantz MODEL M1 has an MSRP of $1,000.
There are 10 Marantz amplifiers in our database. Below you can see the main specs of these amps.
Marantz Integrated Amplifier Series
Performance Specs
One of the most important factors when deciding on an integrated amplifier is its power ratings and compatibility with your speaker's impedance requirements. The Marantz MODEL M1 is rated at 100 watts RMS into 8-ohms. Marantz provides this wattage at a THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) of 0.02% which is an important indicator of distortion at the given values (lower THD is better).
Here are the main highlights of its performance specs:
- 100 watts into 8-ohms (20 Hz-20 kHz) at 0.02%
- 125 watts into 4-ohms
- 4-ohms Min Impedance (allows compatibility with a wide range of loudspeakers)
How loud will 100 watts actually play in your room? →
Wiring more than one pair of speakers to it? Check the load first →
Which speakers suit the Marantz MODEL M1?
100 W into 8 ohms, 125 W into 4, rated down to 4 ohms.
We rank every passive speaker we cover against it on power, impedance safety and current
delivery.
Need more power?
Marantz MODEL M1 is rated at 100 watts into 8 ohms, which puts it in our 91 to 120 watts band. The next band up is 121 to 180 watts, which is worth about 1.5dB more output. That is a real difference in headroom on peaks, and a modest one in how loud the system plays - power and loudness are not the same thing.
Before buying watts, check what your speakers actually need: the amp and speaker matcher works it out from their sensitivity, impedance and your room. Plenty of systems are better served by the 61 to 90 watts band and better speakers.
When pairing the Marantz MODEL M1 with a passive Bookshelf (Stand mount) or Passive Floor Standing (Tower) speaker, you have to check if their Max Power Range is below the max wattage of the amp for the given impedance levels.
Operating your amp outside of this max range may damage the speakers.
What size of room is the Marantz MODEL M1 Amplifier good for?
An essential deciding factor is the size of the room in which you intend to employ the Marantz MODEL M1 amplifier. Here, taking into account its maximum power parameters, we analyzed its applicability to various size environments:
| Listening Environment |
Suitability |
| Near-field | Poor |
| Small Room | Poor |
| Mid-size Room | Good |
| Large Room | Good |
| Very Large Room | Average |
Inputs and Outputs
Besides the performance specs of the Marantz MODEL M1, the next important feature set that you have to evaluate is the input and output selections that it offers.
Marantz MODEL M1 has total of 3 Analog inputs .
Inputs
- Total Number of Analog Inputs: 3
- 1 Optical Digital Input
- USB Input:
- HDMI Input (eARC)
Outputs
- Speaker Outputs
- Stereo RCA, Sub Preamp Outputs
- Subwoofer Output (1)
Bluetooth Connectivity
Marantz MODEL M1 features built-in Bluetooth for wireless music streaming from your Bluetooth-enabled devices such as Apple iPod/iPhone/iPad, Android smartphone/tablet, Windows PC, Mac computers/laptops.
Among the amps in the same price range, these are the 5 amps that have Bluetooth Connectivity:
Phono Input
Marantz MODEL M1 doesn't have a phono input so in order to play your vinyl albums, Marantz MODEL M1 has to be paired with a Phono Preamp that is MM (Moving Magnet) or/and MC (Moving COil) depending on your cartridge type.
Subwoofer Output
Marantz MODEL M1 has a dedicated subwoofer output which can be used to connect it directly to a powered subwoofer via an LFE(Low Frequency Effects) cable.
Check our
Powered Subwoofers page to find a subwoofer that will work with Marantz MODEL M1 amp and your speakers.
DAC and Digital Music
The Marantz MODEL M1's built-in DAC allows the connection of digital sources directly, eliminating the need for an external DAC.
Marantz MODEL M1 Pros and Cons
Drawn from the published figures on this page, not from listening.
- ✓Class D output stage, so it runs cool and wastes little power as heat - which is how it fits in a small case.
- ✓Built-in DAC handling 24-bit-bit / 192 kHz, so a TV, computer or streamer can connect digitally with nothing in between.
- ✓Digital inputs cover 1 optical and USB.
- ✓Streams over the network without a separate streamer: Spotify Connect, Tidal, Amazon Music, TuneIn and Pandora; AirPlay 2, Roon and HEOS.
- ✓Bluetooth for playing straight from a phone.
- ✓Pre-outs (Stereo RCA, Sub) leave room to add a power amplifier or an active subwoofer later.
- ✓Has tone controls and a direct mode that bypasses them.
- ✓At 218mm wide it fits where a full-size component will not.
- ✓5-year parts warranty, longer than most of the market.
- ✗Output rises only from 100 to 125 watts when the load halves to 4 ohms, so it is happier with an easy 8 ohm speaker than a demanding one.
Marantz MODEL M1 External Dimensions and Weight
Marantz MODEL M1 has external dimensions of (H x W x D) 3-3/8inch x 8-9/16inch x 9-15/16inch (86mm x 218mm x 253mm ). The unit weighs
2.2 kg (4.8 lbs).
Base Surface Area
Base surface area of an integrated amplifier may become an important decision factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base area of the Marantz MODEL M1 is approximately 551.5cm2 / 85.5inch2.
- Width: 218.0mm (8.5625")
- Height: 86.0mm (3.375")
- Depth: 253.0mm (9.9375")
- Weight: 2.2 kg (4.8 lbs)
- Base Surface Area: ~551.5cm2 / 85.5inch2
- Volume: ~4.7 liter / 1.3 gallon
What's in the Box of Marantz MODEL M1?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of MODEL M1:
- Wireless amplifier
- 6.5-feet AC power cord
- Optical digital cable
- Quick Start Guide
- Safety Instructions
- Notes on Radio
- Warranty Information
Warranty
5 Years of parts warranty and 5 Years of labor warranty is generally provided for the Marantz MODEL M1 by the manufacturer.
| General |
| Brand |
Marantz |
| Full Model Name |
Marantz MODEL M1 |
| Release Date |
May 2024 |
| Amplifier Type |
Integrated Amplifier |
| Number of Channels |
2 |
| Amp Class |
Class D |
| Amplifier Technology |
Solid State |
| Performance |
| Watts RMS per Channel into 8-ohms |
100 watts |
| Watts RMS per Channel into 6-ohms |
N/A |
| Watts RMS per Channel into 4-ohms |
125 watts |
| Frequency Bandwidth |
20 Hz-20 kHz |
| THD |
0.02% |
| Minimum Impedance |
4 |
| Signal to Noise Ratio |
N/A |
| Digital Music |
| Built-in DAC |
Yes |
| Bluetooth |
Yes |
| WiFi |
Yes |
| Ecosystem |
| Apple AirPlay |
Yes |
| Apple AirPlay2 |
Yes |
| DTS Play-Fi |
No |
| Chromecast built-in |
No |
| Roon |
Tested |
| HEOS |
Yes |
| BluOS |
No |
| CONNECTIONS |
| Total Analog Inputs |
3 |
| Phono Input |
No |
| Optical Digital Inputs |
1 |
| Coaxial Digital Inputs |
No |
| USB Input |
Yes |
| USB Type |
USB A |
| Preamp Outputs |
Stereo RCA, Sub |
| Pre-out / Main-in Loop |
No |
| Subwoofer Output |
Yes |
| Removable Power Cord |
|
| PHYSICAL SPECS |
| Height |
86.0mm (3.375") |
| Width |
218.0mm (8.5625") |
| Depth |
253.0mm (9.9375") |
| Weight |
2.2 kg (4.8 lbs) |
| OTHER |
| Tone Controls |
Yes |
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |