The Marantz AV10 is the reference AV preamplifier from Marantz's 10 Series, positioned as the flagship pre-processing component in the brand's separate-component home cinema line-up. It sits above the AV20 (13.4 channels) and AV30 (11.4 channels) in Marantz's current pre-amplifier range, offering the most extensive channel count, connectivity, and processing capability in the family. Crafted at the Shirakawa Audio Works facility in Japan, the AV10 continues Marantz's tradition of combining meticulous engineering with a distinctly musical character.
Design and Construction
The AV10's exterior follows Marantz's CINEMA Series design language: a machined metal front panel with the iconic porthole OLED display at the centre, flanked by sculpted sidelight panels and two large control knobs. Copper-plated internal chassis components minimise electromagnetic interference between sensitive audio circuits, and a toroidal power transformer reduces vibration and stray magnetic fields. Gold-plated RCA terminals are used throughout, and Marantz's Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Modules (HDAM) replace conventional op-amps in the signal path to deliver the brand's characteristically warm, open sound presentation.
Processing and Channel Configuration
The AV10 provides 15.4 channels of processing, with 17.4 balanced XLR and 17.4 unbalanced RCA pre-outputs enabling speaker configurations up to 9.4.6 Dolby Atmos layouts with four independent subwoofer channels. Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Pro (up to 15.1 channels), and Auro-3D decoders are all built in, alongside IMAX Enhanced certification. DTS Virtual:X and Dolby Atmos Height Virtualisation provide immersive processing from conventional speaker layouts. Room calibration is handled by Audyssey MultEQ XT32 as standard, and the AV10 is fully upgradable to Dirac Live, Dirac Live Bass Control, and Dirac Live Active Room Treatment (ART) for those who require precision multi-subwoofer control and advanced room treatment.
Video and Connectivity
Seven HDMI 2.1 inputs (all supporting 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz with up to 40Gbps bandwidth) and three HDMI outputs are provided, including an eARC-capable main output. HDCP 2.3 content protection is supported across all ports, as are HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, Dynamic HDR, and Variable Refresh Rate for gaming. A built-in upscaler converts 1080p and 4K sources to 8K output. Analogue inputs comprise five unbalanced RCA connections and one balanced XLR input, complemented by a Moving Magnet phono stage, two optical and two coaxial digital inputs, and a front-panel USB-A port. Three-zone audio distribution allows separate source playback in ZONE2 and ZONE3 via the HDMI zone output or analogue zone outputs.
Streaming and Network Audio
HEOS multi-room streaming is built in, providing access to Amazon Music HD, TIDAL, Deezer, Qobuz, Spotify Connect, TuneIn internet radio, and other services. AirPlay 2 allows wireless audio from Apple devices, while Bluetooth 5.4 supports both reception and retransmission to Bluetooth headphones. High-resolution audio formats are fully supported: DSD up to 5.6MHz, FLAC at up to 192kHz/24-bit, WAV at 192kHz/24-bit, and ALAC at 192kHz/24-bit, playable via USB or network. Voice assistant integration supports Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri. The AV10 is also Roon Tested.
Control and Integration
Comprehensive home automation integration is supported via IP control, RS-232C, web control, IR flasher input, DC trigger outputs, and Marantz Remote Bus. The Marantz AVR Remote app provides full control from iOS and Android devices. A modern HD GUI on-screen interface with three language options simplifies initial setup via the built-in setup assistant.