Marantz Melody X M-CR612 Network CD Receiver Silver Gold

The Marantz Melody X M-CR612 is a compact network CD receiver that sits at the top of the Melody range, combining CD playback, DAB+/FM radio, and extensive streaming capabilities in a single chassis measuring just 280 × 111 × 303mm. Designed around four channels of high-efficiency Class-D amplification, it delivers 60W per channel into 6Ω in stereo mode or can be configured as a 4 × 30W system to drive two pairs of speakers with independent volume control — a practical solution for listeners who want music in two rooms from a single source.

Amplification & Audio

The M-CR612 uses a discrete digital amplifier topology rated at 50W + 50W (6Ω, 1kHz, 0.7% THD) with dynamic power reaching 60W per channel. A Speaker A/B switching system allows connection of two pairs of loudspeakers — each pair with its own volume setting — or a single pair can be bi-amped for increased output. Total harmonic distortion measures 0.1% at 5W into 6Ω, with a signal-to-noise ratio of 90dB (IHF-A weighted). Tone controls provide ±10dB adjustment for both bass and treble, plus a Dynamic Bass Boost function offering +8dB at 100Hz.

Streaming & Connectivity

Built-in HEOS technology provides access to Spotify Connect, TIDAL, Deezer, Amazon Prime Music, TuneIn Internet Radio, and local network music libraries. The M-CR612 supports high-resolution audio playback up to 24-bit/192kHz in FLAC, WAV, ALAC, and AIFF formats, along with DSD at 2.8MHz and 5.6MHz with gapless playback for FLAC, WAV, and DSD streams. AirPlay 2 integration allows grouping with other compatible devices across the home, while Bluetooth 4.1 (SBC codec) provides a quick wireless connection from smartphones and tablets. Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz, IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n) ensures stable network performance even in congested wireless environments.

CD Player & Radio

The integrated CD mechanism plays standard audio CDs as well as CD-R/RW discs encoded in WMA and MP3 formats, with a frequency response of 10Hz–20kHz and wow and flutter below 0.001%. The DAB+ tuner covers Band III (174.928–239.200MHz) with a sensitivity of −85dBm and a signal-to-noise ratio of 95dB, while the FM tuner spans 87.50–108.00MHz.

Inputs, Outputs & Control

Physical connections include two optical digital inputs with auto-sensing — connect a television or set-top box and the Melody X powers on automatically when it detects a signal. A rear-panel USB port supports playback of high-resolution files from USB storage. An analogue stereo input (200mV/30kΩ sensitivity) accommodates a turntable with an external phono stage or other line-level source. Outputs include a subwoofer pre-out and a front-panel headphone socket. The unit is controllable via the HEOS app, the supplied remote, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri, and can also be programmed to respond to an existing TV remote.

Design

The Melody X features a three-line OLED display for clear track and source information, housed in a compact enclosure weighing 3.4kg. Power consumption is 55W during operation with a low-standby mode drawing just 0.3W.

What the Press Says

• "Great features, wide connectivity and good sound" — What Hi-Fi? ★★★★☆ (August 2019)