Marantz is a brand well known to audiophiles, and today the company has announced two new high-end speakers that also come with AirPlay 2 functionality. At a starting price of US$3,500 – with the cost of the optional stand an extra US$700 – you would expect the AirPlay 2 option at a minimum and unparalleled performance.
The two models in question are the Horizon, and its larger brother, the Grand Horizon. Both feature the same pretty unique design, which looks not dissimilar to the wheel and tyre of a car, sat on a plinth. One is larger than the other, with the smaller model sold at US$3,500, whilst the larger option is selling for another US$2K, come in at US$5,500.
Both offer Dolby Atmos, Bluetooth (5.4), HDMI eARC and ARC, as well built-in HEOS support, which is an acronym for ‘Home Entertainment Operating System’. This, essentially, is a wireless multi-room audio platform (developed by Denon), designed to allow users to stream music throughout their home using compatible smart speakers and audio devices. It also has a USB-C port if you want to connect a mass storage device with your audio files on it.
this covers streaming platforms like Amazon Music, Deezer, iHeart Radio, Pandora, Tidal, Sirius XM, Spotify Connect, and more. For Apple Music and other audio streaming options via Apple devices, this is where AirPlay 2 comes in, allowing the user to stream not only to these speakers, but others too, all together and totally in sync.
Both models come in three available finishes – Midnight Sky, Moon Ray, or Marantz Champagne, with matching plinths that they stand on. Due to the size and price difference, it should come as no surprise that the specs are somewhat different in some respects (Horizon vs. Grand Horizon, respectively);
Total Amplifier Power (peak, raw amplifier power) – 1160W | 1400W
Loudspeaker Array –
Bass: 1 x 6.5″ | 1 x 8″
Wideband: 3 x 2″ | 4 x 3″
High Frequency: 2 x 1″ | 3 x 1″
Performance –
Freq. response: 30Hz to 20kHz (+/-3dB), 22Hz (-10dB) | 28Hz to 20kHz (+/-3dB), 18Hz (-10dB)
Max. SPL: 104dB (1M) | 111dB (1M)
Peak SPL: 114.5dB (1M) | 122dB (1M)
The speakers do offer luxury materials and designs, so you can definitely see where some of you money is being spent, which also includes very subtle LED markers that surround the inner ring, showing how loud the speaker is set to. You can watch the promo video to get a sense of what to expect;
The new speakers will be available to order in the new year, via the company’s own website so start saving now…
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