Audio Video News

Marantz has introduced a hi-res-capable network receiver that provides access to half a dozen music streaming services, supports whole-house wireless streaming, and plays CDs — all from a compact chassis that can fit almost anywhere.

Melding the old and new, the M-CR612 ($699) also includes an AM/FM tuner and supports wireless streaming via Airplay 2, Bluetooth, and Denon’s Heos platform in addition to putting Tidal, Pandora, Spotify, SiriusXM, Amazon Prime Music, TuneIn internet radio, and locally stored music at your fingertips. The system decodes DSD 2.8MHz and 5.6MHz tracks in addition to ALAC, FLAC, and WAV lossless files with resolutions up to 192 kHz/24 bits.

The receiver supports the popular virtual assistants Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri so you can use voice commands to get information as well as adjust volume, skip tracks, switch inputs, and more.

Rated power is 2 x 60 watts (6 ohms at 1 kHz) but the amplifier can be set up to drive two pairs of loudspeakers (4 x 30 watts) with independent volume control.

Connections include two optical digital inputs, a USB input, an analog input/output, a headphone output, and a subwoofer pre-out. The system turns on automatically when a TV signal is sensed and can be programmed to provide volume/mute and source selection via the TV’s remote control.

For more information, visit us.marantz.com.