Marantz Premium AV System: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X & 4K 120Hz [2025]

The Marantz Legacy Meets Modern Home Theater

Marantz doesn't mess around. For over 70 years, the Japanese audio giant has built a reputation for crafting equipment that audiophiles genuinely respect. Not because of flashy marketing, but because their gear actually sounds incredible.

Now they're making a bold move in the high-end AV space with a new preamp and amplifier combo that's specifically engineered for the way people actually watch movies today: with Dolby Atmos overhead speakers, DTS: X object-based audio, and 4K content at 120 Hz refresh rates. This isn't a refresh of some aging product line. This is a deliberate statement that serious home theater deserves serious engineering.

Here's what makes this different from the typical receiver you'd find at an electronics store. Marantz is splitting the preamp and amplifier into separate boxes. That's the old-school approach that high-end audiophiles have sworn by for decades. You get the processing and inputs on the preamp side, and pure amplification on the power amp side with minimal interference.

The timing matters too. We're in a transition period for home theater. Streaming services like Netflix and Apple TV+ are producing genuine cinematic content encoded in Dolby Atmos and DTS: X. Gaming consoles like PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X support 4K at 120 Hz. Physical media is fading, but the formats that matter are finally catching up to what a proper theater room should deliver.

If you've invested serious money into your home theater, you probably already know this. You've got a room treated with proper acoustics. You've got a projector or high-end display sitting in a dedicated space. You've got seating that cost more than most cars. This Marantz system is built for that environment. Not for casual viewing. Not for background entertainment. For the experience.

The question isn't whether Marantz can deliver on quality—they've proven that over decades. The real question is whether splitting preamp and amp into separate components actually justifies the investment, and whether the specific technology support (Dolby Atmos, DTS: X, 4K 120 Hz) makes a meaningful difference in your actual movie-watching experience.

TL; DR

• Marantz separates preamp and power amp into dedicated components, following high-end audio tradition for cleaner signal paths and reduced interference
• Full support for modern formats: Dolby Atmos, DTS: X object-based audio, and 4K 120 Hz passthrough ensure compatibility with current and future content
• Japanese engineering heritage: Over 70 years of audio credibility means this isn't marketing fluff—it's engineering expertise applied to home theater
• Modular design philosophy: You can upgrade components independently without replacing the entire system
• Premium positioning: This is high-end equipment with pricing to match, targeting dedicated home theater enthusiasts rather than mainstream consumers

Integrated AV receivers offer strong performance, but separates provide superior optimization and upgrade flexibility, appealing to audiophiles seeking the highest quality. Estimated data.

Understanding the Preamp-Amplifier Architecture

Most people interact with AV receivers as a single box that does everything: takes in video signals, handles audio decoding, amplifies the signal, and sends it to your speakers. It's convenient. It's also a compromise.

When you cram all that functionality into one chassis, you're inevitably dealing with electromagnetic interference between different circuits. The video processing generates electrical noise. The amplifier generates noise of its own. Even with good shielding, there's crosstalk. It degrades the signal purity.

A preamp handles everything except the final amplification stage. It receives video and audio signals, decodes the formats, manages switching between inputs, and handles the initial processing. Then it passes a clean audio signal to a dedicated power amplifier whose only job is to amplify that signal with maximum efficiency and minimum distortion.

This architecture became the gold standard in high-end audio because it works. By separating processing from amplification, you eliminate an entire category of noise sources. The power amp can be optimized purely for power delivery without worrying about video processing or digital switching noise.

For home theater specifically, this matters because modern Dolby Atmos and DTS: X decoding is computationally intensive. The preamp has to decode the immersive audio format, calculate object positions, manage multiple speaker channels simultaneously, and output clean signals to the power amp. Separating this from amplification means the power stage stays focused on one job: delivering clean power to every speaker channel without variation.

Is this necessary for casual viewing? Probably not. Can you get excellent sound from a high-quality integrated receiver? Absolutely. But if you're building a reference-grade theater room, the separation means your expensive speakers get the cleanest possible signal, which translates to more accurate sound.

Marantz has been making preamps and amplifiers separately since the 1970s. They understand this architecture deeply. Their new system builds on that knowledge, but with modern requirements: HDMI 2.1 video passthrough, e ARC for audio returns, and full support for immersive audio codecs that didn't exist when they were first experimenting with this approach.

Marantz's Japanese engineering heritage and modern format support are highly valued, with interest levels estimated above 90%.

Dolby Atmos: Overhead Immersion Done Right

Dolby Atmos changed how we think about movie soundtracks. Before Atmos, surround sound was largely horizontal. You'd have left, center, and right speakers across the front. Surrounds on the sides. Subwoofers for bass. But everything happened on a flat plane.

Atmos adds a third dimension by allowing sound designers to place audio objects anywhere in 3D space, including directly overhead. When a helicopter flies over your head in a movie, it actually sounds like it's above you. Rain sounds surround you in all directions. It's not a gimmick once you hear it properly implemented.

The challenge with Dolby Atmos in home theater is that most systems aren't set up to take full advantage of it. You need speakers in the ceiling or height channels. Many people mount them in the ceiling corners firing downward. Some use Atmos-enabled soundbars with upfiring drivers. Neither is ideal, but both can work reasonably well.

What makes Marantz's implementation relevant is that their preamp is built from the ground up to handle Atmos object metadata correctly. It's not just passing the signal through—it's actively processing the 3D object positions and calculating the appropriate levels for each speaker channel in your room. A preamp with weak Atmos processing might oversimplify the object positions or apply excessive compression, losing the spatial nuance.

Dolby Atmos content is increasingly common. Netflix has Atmos on thousands of titles. Disney+ includes it on their Marvel and Star Wars releases. Apple TV+ defaults to Atmos on their originals. Even gaming is starting to support it—some PS5 titles use Atmos to create immersive environments.

The format itself uses up to 128 audio objects, though typical consumer implementations use far fewer. A typical Atmos mix might include 16-32 objects that move around the 3D space. The preamp needs to decode this object information and convert it into channel-based output for your specific speaker configuration.

Marantz's approach here suggests they're thinking beyond just decoding the format. They're probably implementing room calibration features that measure how sound behaves in your actual space, then adjusting object positioning to account for speaker placement, ceiling height, and room dimensions. That level of sophistication makes the difference between Atmos sounding impressive and sounding like magic.

One practical consideration: Atmos requires specific speaker setup. You can't just add overhead speakers and expect magic. Proper placement, correct calibration, and appropriate volume levels matter tremendously. A preamp that handles this calibration intelligently will deliver noticeably better results than one that just passes the signal through with default settings.

DTS: X: The Alternative Immersive Format

When Dolby Atmos launched, it had the advantage of being adopted by major studios and streaming services first. But DTS fought back with DTS: X, their own object-based immersive audio format. The difference between them might seem academic, but it has real implications for content selection and future-proofing.

DTS: X uses a similar architecture to Atmos—object-based audio with 3D positioning—but approaches the decoding differently. DTS: X relies on audio object descriptions rather than direct speaker-channel mapping. This means a DTS: X mix can theoretically adapt better to different speaker configurations. You don't have a specific mix for 5.1, another for 7.1, and yet another for Atmos. One DTS: X mix can scale across all configurations.

In practice, this is elegant but less commonly used. Many studios still prefer Dolby Atmos because it's more established and has broader consumer adoption. However, some premium Blu-ray releases include DTS: X, and it's starting to appear in streaming content.

Here's why a preamp supporting both matters: you want flexibility. If you buy a 4K Blu-ray release and it has DTS: X but not Dolby Atmos, you don't want to lose the immersive audio. Some preamps will downmix DTS: X to standard 5.1 or 7.1 surround if they don't natively support it. That's tragic when the content creator deliberately mixed it in DTS: X format.

Marantz including DTS: X support signals confidence that this system will remain relevant as content evolves. They're not betting exclusively on Dolby's dominance. It's a hedge that protects your investment if DTS: X gains traction (which, realistically, it might not, but having the option is smart).

The technical difference in how DTS: X and Dolby Atmos position objects is subtle, but your ear will pick it up. DTS: X tends to provide slightly different spatial rendering due to different object prioritization algorithms. Some people prefer one over the other. Having both options available means you can evaluate which you actually prefer in your room.

Separates generally offer higher audio quality and flexibility, while integrated receivers are easier to set up and more cost-efficient. (Estimated data)

4K 120 Hz: The Future of Video Throughput

For several years, consumer home theater was stuck at 4K 60 Hz. Your TV or projector could display 4K resolution, but only at 60 frames per second. Gaming, though, demanded more.

PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X can output 4K at 120 Hz, but only if your entire signal chain supports it. Your HDMI cables need to be high-bandwidth. Your display needs to support it. And your preamp or receiver needs to pass the signal through without degradation.

4K 120 Hz is still more common in gaming than in traditional home theater. Movies and streaming content are still largely 4K 24fps or 4K 60fps. But the fact that gaming consoles can deliver higher refresh rates means the market is shifting that direction. As projector and TV technology improves, 4K 120 Hz content for movies might eventually become standard.

Why does refresh rate matter for video? At 60 Hz, you're seeing 60 distinct images per second. At 120 Hz, you double that to 120 images per second. For fast-motion content, higher refresh rates eliminate motion blur and judder. It looks smoother, more lifelike. The difference is most obvious when you're watching action sequences or scrolling through menus.

A preamp that properly supports 4K 120 Hz needs:

• HDMI 2.1 ports with full bandwidth capability (48 Gbps minimum)
• Proper EDID communication between source and display so devices negotiate the correct format
• Video processing that can handle the higher bandwidth without chroma subsampling or color depth reduction
• Firmware updates capability, because the HDMI spec is still evolving and new resolutions/formats will emerge

Marantz is designing this preamp to be forward-compatible. HDMI 2.1 will likely get extended for 8K and higher resolutions. A good preamp design means firmware can be updated to support new formats without hardware changes.

For most people watching streaming video, 4K 120 Hz passthrough doesn't matter yet. But if you're building a system meant to last ten years, you want that capability available. Streaming services will eventually deliver higher frame rate content. You want your system ready.

The Power Amplifier Component

Splitting the preamp and power amp means each can be optimized separately. The power amp's job is remarkably specific: take the low-level audio signal from the preamp and amplify it with maximum fidelity and minimum distortion.

Higher-end power amps typically have larger power supplies and bigger transformers than integrated receivers. They generate less heat relative to power output. They have more massive heat sinking. All of this is designed to deliver stable, clean power across all frequencies and all listening levels without compression or clipping.

Measurements matter here, but they don't tell the whole story. Yes, you want to know the amp's power output into 8 ohms and 4 ohms. You want to know the THD (total harmonic distortion) figure. But more importantly, you want to understand how the amp performs under real-world conditions—driving your specific speakers across your specific room at your specific listening volume.

Marantz's heritage in amplifier design is substantial. They've been making power amps since the 1950s. The new model likely incorporates decades of refinement in circuit topology, component selection, and thermal management.

One consideration many people overlook: power amp-preamp matching matters. Not in an incompatibility sense—digital preamps work with any power amp. Rather, the preamp's output impedance and level interact with the power amp's input impedance and sensitivity. A well-designed preamp will have low output impedance and a stable output level. A well-designed power amp will have high input impedance and consistent sensitivity specs. When they're designed together, you get optimal signal transfer.

Marantz, building both components, can ensure this pairing is optimal. The preamp can output exactly the signal level the power amp expects to receive. No attenuation losses. No impedance mismatches. The signal travels the shortest electrical path between components.

This is where the separating components argument gets concrete. You're not compromising on amplifier design to fit it into the same chassis as the preamp's video processor. The power amp can be as large and robust as needed without worrying about making the receiver compact enough for a typical AV rack.

Estimated data shows that high-end setups can justify a

Channel Count and Speaker Configuration Flexibility

Modern immersive audio requires more channels than traditional 5.1 or 7.1 surround. A proper Dolby Atmos setup with height channels might run 7.1.2 (seven main channels plus two height channels). More ambitious installations might do 7.1.4 or even 9.1.2. Each channel needs amplification.

This is where modular design gets valuable. With a separate power amp, Marantz can offer different configurations. Maybe a 5-channel model for compact systems. A 7-channel for traditional surround. A 9-channel or 11-channel for full immersion setups. You pick the configuration that matches your system.

Alternatively, you could potentially use multiple power amps—one for main speakers, another for surrounds and heights. This is common in ultra-high-end installations where you want dedicated amplification for each speaker type.

The preamp, meanwhile, can handle all these channel configurations simultaneously. It decodes the format, processes the objects or channels, and sends them to the power amp(s). The preamp doesn't care whether it's driving 5 channels or 11. Its job is signal processing, not power delivery.

For someone upgrading over time, this flexibility matters. Start with 5 channels. Add surrounds later. Add height channels when you're ready. Each stage of the upgrade is manageable because you're adding power amp channels, not replacing the entire system.

Connectivity and Input Options

A modern home theater preamp needs to handle multiple input types. You've got HDMI from streaming devices and gaming consoles. You might have digital audio from a music streaming service. Some people still use analog connections from older equipment. The preamp needs to accept all of these seamlessly.

HDMI e ARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel) is crucial. Your TV receives video from multiple sources—streaming apps, cable boxes, gaming consoles. But audio needs to make it back to your preamp. e ARC lets the TV send that audio back through the same HDMI cable that brought the video. Without e ARC, you'd need a separate audio connection, which is awkward for most installations.

Marantz's preamp presumably includes proper e ARC implementation, which means:

• Your TV can receive video from multiple sources
• Audio from those sources comes back through e ARC
• The preamp receives the audio, decodes it, and processes it
• Immersive formats like Dolby Atmos pass through e ARC properly

This seems straightforward, but e ARC implementation has been notoriously buggy across the industry. Some TVs don't handle certain audio formats over e ARC. Some preamps don't recognize e ARC devices properly. Getting this right requires careful firmware implementation.

Beyond video, the preamp should include:

• Multiple HDMI inputs for different sources (at least 3-4)
• Optical and coaxial digital audio for legacy equipment
• Analog audio inputs (RCA connectors) for turntables or other sources
• USB audio potentially, for computers or music servers
• Network connectivity (Ethernet or Wi-Fi) for streaming services and firmware updates

Having all these options means you're not forced to use HDMI for everything. Some sources genuinely work better over digital coax or optical. Legacy equipment can still integrate. Your system stays flexible.

Gaming consoles have the highest adoption rate for 4K 120Hz, while movies and streaming services are lagging behind. Estimated data.

Room Calibration and DSP Processing

Even with perfect components, sound quality depends heavily on your room. Reflective surfaces bounce sound around. Room dimensions create standing waves at certain frequencies. Speaker placement relative to walls dramatically affects bass response. A microphone in one corner of your room hears completely different sound than a microphone in another corner.

The preamp's digital signal processing (DSP) can measure your room using a calibration microphone, then apply corrections. This might include:

• Frequency response correction to compensate for room resonances
• Time alignment so all speakers deliver sound at the same moment despite different distances from the listening area
• Level optimization so each channel sounds balanced relative to others
• Bass management directing low frequencies appropriately
• Distance compensation accounting for different speaker placements

Marantz likely includes an automated calibration system that listens to your room, analyzes the measurements, and applies corrections. Some systems are more sophisticated than others. Entry-level systems might just measure and apply basic EQ. Higher-end systems might model your room's acoustics and apply more nuanced corrections.

The quality of this calibration system significantly impacts your actual listening experience. You could have perfect components, but if calibration is poor, the system won't sound as good as it should. This is where Marantz's experience matters—they've been refining room correction algorithms for years.

Video Switching and Downscaling

A preamp handling video needs to route signals from multiple sources to your display. It needs to determine which input is active, pass that signal to the display, and be ready to switch instantly when you change inputs.

It also needs to handle incompatible situations. Maybe your source is outputting 4K 120 Hz but your display only supports 4K 60 Hz. The preamp should automatically downscale to 4K 60 Hz. Maybe your source is 1080p but your display supports 4K—the preamp can upscale (though usually your display does this better).

Video switching might seem trivial, but digital video can be finicky. If the preamp doesn't handle the handshake between source and display correctly, you get black screens, audio dropouts, or format mismatches.

Marantz's video processing is presumably based on proven technology from their existing products. They know how to handle these situations because they've been doing it for years. That experience translates into reliability and fewer compatibility headaches.

The Marantz system excels in system matching and audio quality, making it ideal for high-end setups. Estimated data based on feature emphasis.

Design Philosophy and Aesthetic Choices

High-end audio equipment doesn't hide from the fact that it's expensive. Marantz components typically have metal chassis, substantial knobs and switches, clear displays, and menus that look intentional rather than thrown together.

This isn't superficial. A quality chassis serves multiple purposes. It shields internal circuits from electromagnetic interference. It dissipates heat. It looks like the precision instrument it is. When you spend money on audio equipment, aesthetics matter—you're living with it in your space.

The preamp likely features a clear display showing current input, resolution being passed, and audio format being processed. You should be able to see at a glance whether 4K 120 Hz is being delivered or whether Dolby Atmos is active.

Control might include physical buttons for common tasks, an IR remote for changing inputs and adjusting volume, and a web interface or mobile app for more detailed configuration. Different people interact with their systems differently. Some want simplicity. Others want deep control. A good preamp accommodates both.

Marantz's design language has evolved over decades. Their new products maintain aesthetic coherence with their heritage while looking contemporary. This matters for installation because the equipment will be visible in your room—possibly in an equipment rack, possibly on shelves. Looking professional and finished makes a difference.

Integration with Streaming Services

Most of your content probably comes from streaming services now. Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, Max, Prime Video. Each has specific requirements and capabilities.

Dolby Atmos is available on Netflix through their highest-tier subscriptions. Disney+ includes Atmos on most titles. Apple TV+ defaults to Atmos on originals. The preamp needs to decode these streams correctly.

But here's the complexity: streaming services send different quality signals depending on your subscription level and device. A TV app might limit audio to 2-channel stereo if you're not subscribed to the premium tier. A dedicated streaming device might support Atmos but only at certain resolutions. The preamp needs to handle these variations.

DTS: X is less common in streaming. Most streaming services prioritize Dolby Atmos because it has broader adoption. But DTS: X appears occasionally, particularly in premium content. A preamp supporting both ensures you're never limited by format gaps.

Future-proofing matters. Streaming services will develop new audio codecs and video formats. A preamp with modern HDMI specs and firmware update capability can adapt. A preamp with older tech is stuck with whatever it launched with.

Gaming and Low-Latency Audio

Gamers increasingly care about audio quality, and some gaming content actually leverages immersive audio. PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X support Dolby Atmos and DTS: X. Some games use these formats to create immersive environments.

But gaming also requires low latency. When you press a button, sound effects need to play immediately. If there's lag between your action and the audio feedback, it feels wrong. This is where e ARC latency and preamp processing delay matter.

Some preamps introduce processing delays that are fine for movies but problematic for gaming. A good preamp implementation includes a low-latency mode that minimizes processing delay for gaming while maintaining full functionality for movies.

Marantz probably addresses this with a gaming-specific setup option. When you select a gaming console as input, the preamp automatically optimizes for low latency. You get the immersive audio benefits of Atmos without the lag problems.

Upgradability and Long-Term Viability

When you're investing in high-end equipment, you want it to remain relevant. Marantz's modular design helps here. If new audio formats emerge, you might be able to update the preamp via firmware. If higher-bandwidth video requirements come, HDMI 2.1 should accommodate them.

The power amp is less likely to need updating. Amplification doesn't change much. An amp from 2015 works as well today as when it was new. But the preamp, with its digital processing and connectivity, has a shorter relevance window. Designing it for upgradability means your system can adapt as technology evolves.

Marantz offers good support and firmware updates for their products. This is important—a preamp without regular updates becomes obsolete as new standards emerge. A manufacturer committed to supporting their products ensures longevity.

Also consider spare parts and repair. Can you get replacement components if something breaks in five years? Does the manufacturer still support it? Marantz's longevity in the market suggests they'll support these components for years. That matters when you're making a significant investment.

Installation and Setup Considerations

Despite the sophistication, actual installation should be straightforward. The preamp connects to your sources (cable box, streaming devices, gaming consoles, etc.). It sends video to your TV or projector. It sends audio to the power amp. The power amp connects to your speakers.

Cabling matters more with separates than with integrated receivers. You want quality, properly shielded HDMI cables for video and short, quality RCA cables between preamp and power amp. Longer interconnects between components means more potential for interference. Ideally, they should be close together.

Room calibration is probably automated. You connect the calibration microphone, run the setup routine, and the preamp measures your room and applies corrections. This might take 20-30 minutes but is usually painless.

After that, you configure inputs—label them so you know which HDMI input has your streaming device versus your gaming console. Set up e ARC if you're using your TV for source switching. Configure speaker distances and levels. Most of this is menu-driven and straightforward.

The learning curve exists, but it's not steep. If you're investing in a high-end system, you're probably knowledgeable enough to work through the setup. Marantz likely includes good documentation or video guides for each step.

Comparison to Integrated AV Receivers

Let's be real: a modern integrated receiver like Denon's flagship models or Onkyo's premium offerings can deliver excellent performance. They decode Dolby Atmos and DTS: X. They support 4K 120 Hz. They have good room calibration. And they cost less than separates.

The advantage of separates is optimization. The preamp isn't compromised by fitting into the same chassis as the amplifier. The power amp doesn't have to deal with video processing noise. Each component does its job without distraction.

For actual listening, the difference might be subtle. A well-designed receiver can sound nearly as good as separates. But for purists building a reference-grade system, separates represent the pinnacle of optimization. You're paying for that last 5-10% of performance and for the ability to upgrade independently.

Marantz is making this system for people who value that optimization and want the best possible implementation of immersive audio and high-speed video. Not everyone needs that. But for those who do, it's the right approach.

Future-Proofing Your Investment

Audio standards have been remarkably stable. Dolby Digital and DTS-ES from the early 2000s are still relevant. But immersive audio is new enough that standards are still evolving. HDMI specs keep getting extended. Video codecs keep improving.

A preamp designed for 2025 should handle whatever comes in the next 5-10 years. That means:

• Robust HDMI 2.1 implementation that can handle future extensions
• Firmware update capability without needing hardware changes
• Object-based audio support (Atmos, DTS: X) rather than relying on channel-based surround
• Room calibration that's sophisticated enough to adapt to new speaker configurations
• Modular design so you're not locked into outdated approaches

Marantz's experience in audio engineering means they're probably thinking about future requirements. They've seen technology cycles repeat many times. New formats emerge, adoption happens, then something else comes along. Building for that reality means your system adapts rather than becoming obsolete.

The Reality of High-End Audio

Here's the honest assessment: if you're not already in the high-end audio world, this Marantz system is overkill. A quality integrated receiver does everything this does, loses nothing in audio quality that you'd actually hear, and costs significantly less.

But if you're already in the world of $15K+ projectors, custom acoustic treatment, and reference-grade speakers, then system matching matters. You've invested heavily. Getting the cleanest possible signal to your speakers makes sense. The preamp-amp separation ensures that investment pays off.

The Dolby Atmos and DTS: X support isn't revolutionary—many receivers support these. But the specific implementation in a preamp designed from the ground up for immersive audio means better processing, better calibration, better ultimate performance.

The 4K 120 Hz support is largely future-proofing. Right now, it's rarely needed. But having it available means your system is ready for whatever comes next.

Marantz is betting that enough enthusiasts value this approach to make it worthwhile. Given their heritage and the quality of their work, that bet seems reasonable.

FAQ

What is the difference between a preamp and an integrated receiver?

An integrated receiver combines preamp functions (video switching, audio decoding, signal processing) and amplification into one chassis. A preamp handles only video and audio processing, sending its audio output to a separate power amplifier. Separates allow each component to be optimized independently without electromagnetic interference between circuits, which can theoretically result in cleaner signal delivery and reduced distortion in high-end applications.

How does Dolby Atmos work in a home theater system?

Dolby Atmos uses object-based audio encoding where sound designers specify where each sound should exist in 3D space (including above the listener) rather than which speaker it should play from. The preamp decodes this object metadata and calculates appropriate levels for each speaker channel in your specific room configuration. Overhead or height speakers deliver the spatial information that makes objects appear to move above the listener's head, creating immersion that traditional 5.1 or 7.1 surround cannot achieve.

What does 4K 120 Hz actually mean for home theater?

4K refers to the video resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels), while 120 Hz indicates the refresh rate (120 images displayed per second). This combination delivers ultra-high resolution with double the frame rate of standard 4K 60 Hz, resulting in smoother motion for fast-action content. Currently most movies and streaming content use 4K 24fps or 4K 60fps, but gaming on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X supports 4K 120 Hz, and this technology provides future-proofing as streaming services eventually deliver higher-frame-rate content.

Why would I choose separates instead of an integrated receiver?

Separates allow independent optimization of each component. The preamp can be designed purely for signal processing without amplifier constraints, while the power amplifier can be optimized for clean amplification without video processing interference. This modular approach theoretically delivers superior audio purity and allows incremental upgrades over time. However, high-quality modern receivers deliver excellent performance at lower cost, so separates are primarily for enthusiasts building reference-grade systems.

How important is room calibration in a high-end AV system?

Room calibration is critically important because your room's acoustic characteristics dramatically affect what you actually hear. Standing waves, reflections, and speaker placement relative to walls create frequency peaks and dips. Automated calibration measures these issues and applies correction through the preamp's digital signal processor. Good calibration can mean the difference between a system that sounds technically excellent versus one that sounds technically excellent AND sounds great in your specific space.

What is DTS: X and why should I care if my preamp supports it?

DTS: X is an object-based immersive audio format similar to Dolby Atmos but developed by DTS. It encodes sound objects rather than channel-specific audio, allowing more flexible adaptation to different speaker configurations. While Dolby Atmos has broader adoption in streaming and theatrical releases, DTS: X appears on some premium Blu-ray releases and emerging streaming content. Supporting both formats ensures you can experience immersive audio regardless of which format a piece of content uses, protecting your investment against format fragmentation.

Can I upgrade my speakers or room later if I buy this system?

Yes, the modular design of separates makes upgrades straightforward. You can add height speakers, upgrade your mains, or adjust your configuration without replacing the preamp or amplifier. The preamp can handle any speaker configuration you throw at it through firmware calibration. The power amp can be supplemented with additional amps for more channels. This flexibility is a major advantage over integrated receivers if you plan to evolve your system over time.

How does e ARC audio work between my TV and this preamp?

e ARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel) allows your TV to send audio back through the same HDMI cable that brought video input. Your TV receives video from multiple sources (streaming apps, cable boxes, gaming consoles), and audio from those sources returns to the preamp via e ARC for processing. This eliminates the need for separate audio cables and allows immersive formats like Dolby Atmos to pass through if your TV, streaming device, and preamp all support the format properly.

Is this system suitable for gaming?

Yes, with important caveats. The system supports 4K 120 Hz passthrough required by PS5 and Xbox Series X. Some games support Dolby Atmos or DTS: X for immersive audio. However, gaming also requires low latency—minimal delay between your button press and audio/video response. A well-designed preamp includes a gaming mode that minimizes processing delay. Audio quality in games is generally less critical than in movies, but having the capability available is valuable for immersive gaming experiences.

Conclusion: Is Marantz's System Right for You?

Marantz entering the high-end AV market with a dedicated preamp-amplifier system signals something important: there's still a market for separates, even as integrated receivers continue improving. They're not trying to be for everyone. This system is deliberately positioned for serious home theater enthusiasts.

The technology stack they've chosen—Dolby Atmos, DTS: X, 4K 120 Hz—represents the current and near-future state of immersive home cinema. None of these are cutting-edge novelties anymore. They're the formats that matter right now. A system designed specifically around these formats, rather than as an afterthought in an all-in-one receiver, should excel at implementing them.

The preamp-amplifier separation is philosophically about optimization. It's the approach that high-end audio has used for decades because it works. Your expensive speakers get a clean amplified signal without interference from video processing. Your signal path is optimized for minimum distortion. It's not a revolutionary idea, but it's a refined, proven approach.

Is the investment justified? That depends on your situation. If you already have

Marantz is betting their engineering reputation on the quality of this implementation. That's not a small thing. They've staked their name on this approach. That suggests confidence in the design and quality of execution.

The real test will be how it performs in people's actual rooms, with their actual content, through their actual speakers. Reviews will help, but ultimately you need to hear it yourself to decide if the quality justifies the investment.

What's certain is that Marantz understands home theater. They understand immersive audio. They understand amplifier design. They're applying all that expertise to a system designed for serious use. Whether that system is right for your specific situation is a question only you can answer.

But if you're the type of person who reads reviews about AV systems for fun, who thinks about room acoustics, who cares about the technical details—you're probably already in the conversation about whether this is a system worth considering. For that person, this Marantz system deserves serious evaluation.

Key Takeaways

• Marantz's preamp-amplifier separation allows independent optimization of signal processing and amplification, reducing electromagnetic interference for cleaner audio delivery to expensive speakers
• Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support ensures compatibility with current immersive audio content on Netflix, Disney+, and premium Blu-ray releases while future-proofing against format fragmentation
• 4K 120Hz passthrough and HDMI 2.1 support prepare the system for next-generation gaming and streaming content, even though most current content maxes out at 4K 60Hz
• Modular design enables independent component upgrades and flexible speaker configurations from 5 channels to 11+ without replacing the entire system
• Room calibration through the preamp's DSP processor compensates for your specific space's acoustic characteristics, making the difference between technically excellent and actually sounding great

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