Marantz MODEL M1 review (vs. WiiM, Bluesound, Lyngdorf & Audiolab)

This episode is brought to you by Roon:
roon.app/en/
🎥 Camera: John Darko / Olaf von Voss
🎬 Editor: John Darko
🌈 Colour: Olaf von Voss
🕺🏻 Motion GFX: John Darko
💰 Ad segment: John Darko
🎵 Song IDs? Playlists of all music heard in this video - and other videos - can be found on PATREON: / johndarko
0:00 Intro
0:40 Made in Japan, streaming and connectivity
4:01 HEOS, playlist and DSP
8:29 vs. Bluesound Powernode
10:39 vs. WiiM AMP & Lyngdorf TDAI-1120
13:47 vs. Audiolab 6000A Play and final thoughts
17:49 Outtakes
👉 As seen in this video...
Marantz Model M1
🛒 www.audioadvice.com/marantz-m...
ISOAcoustics isolation pucks
🛒 amzn.to/4eZ1NAf
Q Acoustics 5050
🛒 howl.me/cmDkuV34PCN
WiiM AMP
🛒 amzn.to/45VoXTK
Bluesound POWERNODE
🛒 amzn.to/3We68rN
Lyngdorf TDAI-1120
📺 darko.audio/2021/11/lyngdorf-...
Audiolab 6000A
🛒 amzn.to/4cOhM1S
Cables and power products by AudioQuest
🛒 audioadvice.io/Audioquest
Hi-fi furniture and speaker stands by Solid Steel
🛒 howl.me/ckbW9947Hdi
Room treatment by Vicoustic
📖 audioadvice.io/Vicoustic
Darko.Audio may earn a small commission from items purchased via affiliate links, as indicated by a '🛒'.
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[@stevendoesburg6555]

I know it’s probably an old complaint, but i do wonder about the longevity of all-in-one app controlled amplifiers. I’ve just gotten burned by Sonos dropping support for local streaming through Navidrome just because they no longer feel like doing it. Now I can no longer listen to my own music with a solution that used to work great, and that I spent good money on. What happens in 5 years or 10 years when Marantz decides they no longer want to support this product?

[@mrfaversham5345]

This video contains 4 side by side comparisons, which makes it extremely useful. Thank you for going to all the effort.

[@jacquesvilleneuve754]

Very simple and clear review. Your comparison units are right in the range. Good job John.

[@bencausey]

Thank you for including the outtakes at the end. Made my day.

[@adsph]

Always appreciate your thoughts. Thank you.

[@ChrisRobinsonutah]

Wiim brains matched with the M1 amplifier would be the perfect product for me.

[@jimfarrell4635]

HEOS is meh. I bought a Wiim Pro to use with my Denon AV amp and, even using the same DAC and amplification, the sound and user experience improved. Adding a Topping E50 DAC improved things further. HEOS just seems half baked. As for comprehensive streaming solutions, Auralic and Hifi Rose come close, but still don't beat Wiim despite much higher price points. Hifi Rose, in particular, lacks Amazon music which is a shame, as so does Roon.

[@larrystoogel2371]

"This video contains 4 side-by-side comparisons" And all were comparisons of interest.

[@llchristubell]

This video contains 4 side-by-side comparisons. and yes that glass is well full!!! Question - could I feed HDMI direct from an iPad with an apple adaptor? I'm old skool and like having a music source sat on the amp... and it has a screen. Would power-on, volume and input switch work? And talking about input-switch, how do i switch to RCA in?? do I need the app?

[@sergioamezcua2873]

Love your 4 side-by-side comparisons, but also love your bloopers for whom may think what you do its easy.

[@SudoDama]

Why are we not using usbc already?

[@rippedtopshelf6806]

This video contains 4 side-by-side comparisons. I'm setting up a 2.1 audio-only system for my home gym - B&W CDM-1s and SVS sub. The M1 seems like a good solution - Marantz quality, compact, streams, beefy amp, SW support, not outrageously priced. The value of the Sonos is hard to ignore though.

[@peterwalkerden6778]

Meanwhile Wiim is taking notes: "note to self, must make fully digital version with descrete class d or class a amp". Give them a year and I wouldn't be surprised.

[@Lou-f]

Tvc4x4sbsc👍

[@bluelithium9808]

No such thing as a digital amp. Twenty years of marketing hype. But it's your money.

[@LenLynch]

This video includes 4 side by side comparisons... Much success John! Love your work

[@socksforllamas]

This video contains four side-by-side comparisons. Really love the “peek behind the curtain” that the outtakes provide. Excellent video!

[@edmundgil6008]

This excellent review contains four, side-by-side comparisons!

[@atsund]

“More musically alive” = musicality 😉😊

[@theoriginalcraig]

I absolutely LOVE the outtakes. John is not only the best at what he does, but he also doesn't take himself too seriously. Excellence and humility combined are just part of what makes John the best. Well done!

[@noosamike]

Perhaps a WiiM Ultra and Rega io amp might be a better solution plus the combined price is about the same. I hate being totally reliant on an app based device which will have a life span dependent on the ongoing support for the app.

[@sasagpopovic]

This video contains 4 side-by side comparisons. Great review. Thanks!

[@muzammelhaquemukul7089]

Would have been great if you compared it with Marantz stereo 70

[@IAmThankfulToday]

This video contains 4.1 side-by-side product comparisons. Thank you John.

[@pgreaves8176]

This video includes four side by side comparisons. Thanks John!

[@YuriBrus]

Awesome review! I loved your detailed breakdown of the Marantz MODEL M1 streaming amplifier. I was pleasantly surprised to hear how well the Marantz MODEL M1 stands its ground against the Lyngdorf TDAI-1120, super helpful for anyone considering these options. Thanks, and have a great day! Best regards, Yuri 🙂

[@danielabada2868]

Beautifully subtle teaser of the Monitor Audio Studio 89. Looking forward to the review.

[@jonass.4449]

Beautiful stuff man!!! Thanks!

[@paulm944]

This video contains 4 side-by-side comparisons. And a great review as well!

[@cristyang]

been waiting for this one!

[@Corwin74]

This video contains 4 side-by-side comparisons. Great review, trying to decide between this unit and the Bluesound Powernode to power some outdoor speakers on my back patio. Already have the Powernode in my bedroom and it's great, also have a Node/Peachtree GAN-1 combo in the living room so staying within the BluOS platform is very appealing.

[@lxduc]

What kind of speakers would this amp be comfortable with, do you think it would pair nicely with the likes of a LS3 5a kind of bookshelf Thanks for the good work you do on this channel

[@unomilan]

4 side by sides is just awesome! cheers

[@B1bthinkin]

This video contains four side-by-side comparisons, and as always, was well worth the watching.

[@slyd8r]

This video contains 4 side by side comparison's I am so happy that Marantz jumped in the modern era, although I think missing out on Google cast is a big mistake, having tens of millions of devices with android. I still enjoy your work and I consider it to be the mostl professional one on KZbin!

[@PRO9TL]

Comparison with Stereo 70s? Thought that was now your reference in this price range.

[@nzl244]

Was für eine tolle bewertung. Vielen Dank!

[@michaelglebbeek7087]

"This video contains 4 side-by-side comparisons" Thanks for the video!

[@kubjohal]

Hi John - curious about the new wall slats on the front wall - acoustic panels? Can you share details? Apologies if already covered in previous posts .

[@MukMaestro]

4 side by side comparisons is great!

[@thomasbryan8134]

Love the reviews. I am old school and love audio gear with knobs and buttons. When I say old I am refering to amps back in the 60s and 70s. I now have had to modernise my thinking and some years ago purchased a Denon AVR3000 but now its time for a change and a rethink. Do I go back to 2 channel or stick with 5.1? is there something out there that will give me the best of both worlds and not compromise on the audio? To add to the challenge, many systems now use apps. Unfortunately for me as a blind person, not all apps are accessible. Some are, but others are not. So if I am to replace my Denon, and speakers, (I love floor standing speakers) what's a great place to start looking from? .is change

[@EliseF802]

Love your new white slat background. Looks smart!!

[@1959ludo]

I have seen the 4 by side comparisons and I would go for the Marantz but I have already the Pm7000N streamer receiver from Marantz and that sounds very good with my Amphion speakers. So why would I change? In my first appartement it worked very well with Apple AirPlay 2 with wifi from my IPad. But then I moved to another place and I was forced to work with another internet provider and now the Marantz doesn’t find my WiFi. I going to do a reset to fabric settings and then I will see, changing the amp ore buying a separate streamer. I wonder if Heos has something to do with it. Greetings Ludo

[@Russellsouthey]

This video contains 4 side by side comparisons - and excellent comparisons they are too! Well done John. Can you possible add details of the speakers you've used. Have you thought of doing a video on whether "power conditioner/strips/etc" actually make a difference. One of your most most useful video series has been your videos on room acoustics and the benefits of room treatments. Power treatment equipment could be another interesting series. I know you are flat-out busy so maybe this is something for the distant future. Thank you for superbly produced informative videos.

[@shuraragi]

Great video! Why wasn’t the Stereo 70s mentioned tho?

[@tom9836]

How do you connect the speakers to both amps for a good side by side comparison?

[@uwebecker8880]

Thanks for the great post.

[@evanodder6948]

I'm certainly no expert but I've been distantly attached to stereos all my life. I think the marantz outshining the Lygdorf in the flat performance points directly at the continuing evolution of class d hifi.

[@adammadefalvi9539]

This video contains 4 side-by-side comparisons. :) How about the Dolby Digital Plus decoding? I have issues with many streaming apps on my TV with my 2.0 system hooked up. For some reason the HDMI Arc PCM output ignores the center channel, so dialogues are way below desired level. (And there's nothing I can do against is.) However, this little Marantz could solve this issue, but does it?

[@MichaelLopresto]

This video contains four side-by-side comparisons. Thank you, John, for another well-crafted, informative, and entertaining video.

[@richardslater4819]

This video contains 4 side-by-side comparisons. Great infotainment as ever. What were the stand mounters shown in the video?

[@adnanhukic1974]

Thanks for brilliant review. How is it if soundwise compared to Marantz stereo 70, is it just comparation between D-amp vs AB-amp or is it more?

[@martinhansson1404]

I wonder the same thing. Same prize, manufacturer and streaming platform. Would be great to know if they can drive the same speakers.

[@papermate8773]

This video contained 4 side by side comps. Which we appreciated.

[@mcmolony]

Thanks for the review, Darko. I’m considering this Marantz for my desktop system consisting of JBL L52 Classics and an L10 Classic sub. Seems like a lovely product and I have always enjoyed Marantz and JBL together. The bass management and Airplay are probably the only two “features” I would use. I could accomplish this for less money, as your side-by-side comparisons demonstrate, yet I’m drawn to the Marantz most of all. The Sonos Amp is a close contender as I already have Sonos throughout the home, but my desktop doesn’t need to act as an extension of that system. Cheers, sir. Thanks again.

[@FlyOnAlbatross]

Hmmm, I wouldn’t mind getting a whole Marantz set up but at this point I have everything I need with WiiM and all without breaking the bank. Best of all I’m happy with what I have.

[@timomy8]

Thanks john appreciate the time taken and put into the review, wondering if you’ve experienced the technics range which is also direct digital no dac? Yes watched to the end ;)

[@brandtblues]

4x4 comparisons - wowzers!

[@JoeGsPizza]

This video contains 4 side-by-side comparisons. I feel like you answered your own question about “musicality” when you said that music felt “more alive” through the Marantz than the Lyngdorf. That’s what it’s always meant to me, anyway. Not necessarily perfect linear accuracy, but the feeling that the music has life.

[@anthonystephenson7659]

Thanks for the review... been eagerly awaiting this one! Do you think this will perform well enough with a speaker that has a 6ohm nominal impedance and dips to 3.5ohm (like the Lintons)? Would be interested to hear your suggested optimal speaker pairings 👍

[@1vlb]

It drives the snot out of 4 ohm Magnepan .7's. It should pair well with the Linton's.

[@anthonystephenson7659]

​@@1vlb Cheers, good to know 👍

[@Stephen-li1ly]

If you don't mind me asking, what's that gizmo sitting atop your Apple TV and it's purpose?

[@AlexandruCapsa]

Hi John, regarding the Lyngdorf, input setup->sensitivity, you can boost it to say 6 (out of 24). I find this greatly adds to the dynamic punch of the amp. Would be curious how it compares now to the Marantz.

[@robmaxwell3678]

Would any of these amps serve well as a streamer/preamp if you had a good power amp?

[@MikkoHiiri]

Interesting device, I'm planning a low maintenance low visibility system for a friend, I will take the M1 in to consideration. Thank you for the review.

[@alexcampbell8600]

"This video contains 4 side-by-side comparisons", Thank you John for another thorough video.:)

[@mrmessyjesse]

Nice review, for the record I’m still waiting for the 40n to be ROON ready a few years later

[@marcmoehlig7655]

Is the M1 work a good match for the Q Acoustics 5040 speakers?

[@raulitocataquiz5165]

Can you possibly compare the Marantz M1 sound to NAD 368 amp?

[@donalddietz4755]

Nice outtakes!

[@_fakeklg]

Woa...those graphics. Kind of blew my mind. Stepping up your game Mr. Darko. Nice job (on the graphics and the review)!

[@_fakeklg]

Also, this video contains 4 side-by-side comparisons.

[@psykoguy21]

I'm really curious to hear how you think the comparison with the Wiim Amp holds up now that room correction is included!

[@rubbertoes45]

Great review... curious to know how it would compare to the cambridge evo 150.

[@C1gar1]

Some of the M1‘s lack of streaming suites that you mentioned; can some of those be added via OTA updates in the future? Kind of like when Roon is added to different types of equipment later on?

[@DavidMcNaught]

Great comparison. Though I'd be interested to hear whether factoring in room perfect would affect the Lyngdorf comparison. Room perfect does significantly impact the character of the sound in some contexts, and it'd be nice to know if in this context it 'closed the gap' with the Marantz, in terms of dynamic attack, openness, and 'musical aliveness' (musicality?).

[@Sethy22]

Bought a pair of LS60 wireless and never looked back.

[@vilhy1]

Great video, is Rotel 11 Tribute better sounding amp?

[@hansrasmussen5239]

I am pleased to comment that this video contains 4 side-by-side comparisons.

[@Rudi-Mhz]

I have the DRA900h from Denon. after some Month it play's quite good. This Thing manages everything, TV, DVD, the Thorens Player, the CD with it's own DAC. And it manages two Rooms with different Speakers. But for an stand alone System i would prefer an Streamer like the M1

[@rljmofokeng]

Been wating for this review. Seems like a solid product, but I guess the wait is still on for a product that has a top notch amplifier and the streaming chops of the Wiim AMP. This video contains 4 side by side comparison's

[@cabomusico]

Hi John. Great video, thanks. Sorry, but I want to ask you one thing, it's not related with the gear you've shown here. I'm searching all over the net and on KZbin, for a review on the Denon DRA900H, a networking stereo receiver, you know what it is. I don't know what you think about it, but was there any chance you could do a review on it? Thanks 😊👍

[@fairmania]

The blooper reel hit the button as usual, well done John! A worthy inclusion every time.

[@michaelrossmaessler200]

This video contains four side-by-side comparisons and a whole bunch of bloopers at the end. Thanks for the review John and going into a product that will be controversial.

[@HAL-vu8ef]

Is it recommended to match the M1 with my pair of Wharfdale Lintons? I only use Spotify and Bluetooth devices….

[@RossAndr3w]

Great comparisons. As someone who recently purchased a Powernode I watched this with interest, however the lack of headphone amplifier is a dealbreaker for me... Thankfully! The M1 looks lovely though.

[@scottgarner9500]

Did you try with room perfection the lyndorf, I assume most people would utilise the RP, so was the result different?

[@n8wrl]

I love your reviews. I've been waiting for this, and I couldn't wait for this befroe I got one! I am not a fan of HEOS, but AirPlay2 gets me to Roon so I am also not bothered by the streaming options. I actually wasn't aware that Roon-Ready-Ness was in the cards - that would be icing on an already wonderful cake. I put this in my bedroom driving a pair of KEF R3-Meta's and the M1 disappears with the other clutter on my dresser. Now we can queue up our favorites with Roon. I am actually considering a 2nd unit for my wife's office!

[@gelderlandproduction]

"This video contains 4 side-by-side comparisons" Keep it going!!!!!!

[@bangsw1190]

end of video

[@paulthurling8219]

Do you know if marantz will bring out a streamer version of this without the amplifier bit?

[@BadVoodoo11]

Thanks John. I was considering this as part of my desk setup with a pair of Elac Solano bs283s. The wiim amp I auditioned with the similarly priced NAD and Marantz pm6007. I deliberately auditioned them near field only as this setup will only be used that way. I found in this arrangement the wiim amps flaws are completely mitigated against the competition above but I was still curious about the marantz m1. A suggestion for these compact options would be to give a near field opinion on them. I think many are buying these kinds of amps for that purpose.

[@Hogprint25]

Would a Freya + preamp tube amp be a nice addition with this?

[@petermitro3426]

This video contains more than 3 less than 5 side by side comparisons. Do you still have the Marantz S70? Thanks for the work you do.

[@murraycampbell1548]

John, you and I have a sort of spooky action from a distance when it comes to music affinity… it’s really kind of strange. But I like it. Cheers mate!

[@DarkoAudio]

👻

[@Djerique]

Which devices of Bluesound and Wiim are you showing at <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="120">02:00</a>?

[@gunarstreikals2099]

As someone interested in buying Lyngdorf this seems interesting alternative. I guess if only it would have a volume knob ) thank you for review

[@TheFrugalAudiophile]

I would be curious to know how it compares with their own stereo 70 S. It is also an HDMIARC amp and I think it is class AB. Not sure if it has the same amount of streaming options but I’m pretty sure it does have HEOS.

[@jigitz760]

I would love to know if they just made some subtle changes to the Denon Heos Amp and just updated the Amp section and inputs. It would make sense from an R&D perspective. I can't seem to find the DAC information on the HEOS Amp which makes me think it is also a digital amp.

[@Jaydentaku2]

Precisely what I was thinking

[@wardprocter2371]

Does anyone know how many side by side comparisons this video contains?

[@mjejce]

No Tidal Connect?! Deal breaker. (Waiting to see what John thinks of WiiM Ultra.) Anyway, "This video contains four side by side comparisons."

[@dgtheone]

Darko is back!

[@leegodwin2071]

My glass was definitely more full than empty, with the four side by side comparisons. Interesting video even for the likes of myself a millennial, A/B, vinyl purist, music first audiofan. Thanks John 🙌

[@vikrambhaskar7976]

Thanks for explaining everything so coherently and meticulously like you would for a novice. I always consider your reviews to be the gold standard. By the way when you said the marantz has better bass control, did you mean the low and high pass filter?

[@chcorreia17]

4 side by side. Thank you, Darko.

I wonder no one mentions the equalizer and room correction feature of the wiim devices. It's a K. O. for most of the competitors.

[@RacingAnt]

It's been mentioned in lots of reviews...

[@thedarkknight1971]

'Loaded' - Primal Scream shown twice? Nice! It's a great track, and yeah, it's one of my 'Testable go-to's' too (when trying headphones/stereos etc)... 😏👌 😎🇬🇧