Marantz AV 20 13.4-Channel Preamplifier/Processor

Marantz AV 20 Preamplifier

Marantz AV 20 is a reference-level 13.4-channel balanced AV preamplifier designed to be the control center of an uncompromising home theater. Built with Marantz HDAM discrete circuitry, a copper-plated chassis, and a toroidal power transformer, it delivers a refined, dynamic sound that stays clean and controlled even in complex immersive mixes. With seven rear HDMI inputs that support 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz, HDR formats (including Dolby Vision and HDR10+), and three HDMI outputs with eARC, it’s ready for premium sources, next-gen gaming, and advanced video distribution. Add HEOS Built-In for whole-home wireless streaming, robust multi-room control, and powerful room-tuning options (Audyssey MultEQ XT32 with optional Dirac Live upgrade) to tailor your system to your space with precision. The Marantz AV 20 is part of ListenUp's Marantz AV Separates Collection.

What It's Good At:

• Delivering reference-grade, musical home theater performance with Marantz HDAM circuitry and Sound Master tuning
• Powering advanced immersive systems with up to 13.4-channel processing and extensive preamp output options
• Handling cutting-edge video and gaming with 7 HDMI 2.1 inputs, 8K upscaling, ALLM, VRR, and QFT support
• Creating a perfectly tuned room response using Audyssey MultEQ XT32 plus optional Dirac Live upgrade path
• Feeding high-end external amplification via balanced XLR and RCA multichannel pre-outs and independent subwoofer outputs
• Streaming high-resolution audio across your home with HEOS, AirPlay 2, Roon Ready, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi/Ethernet networking

Marantz AV 20 Full Specifications:

• Multichannel Surround Technologies:
  • DTS: DTS-HD, DTS:X, DTS:X Pro, DTS Virtual:X, DTS Neural:X (13ch)
  • Dolby: Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization, Dolby Atmos Music, Dolby Surround
  • IMAX Enhanced: Yes
  • Auro 3D / 360 Reality Audio / MPEG H: Yes / Yes / Yes
  • Multichannel Stereo: Yes
  • Max. Number of Processing (Pre-Amp) Channels: 13.4
• Sound Enhancements:
  • Copper-Plated Chassis / Toroidal Power Transformer: Yes / Yes
  • Current Feedback Topology / Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Modules (HDAM): Yes / Yes (SA3, monolithic)
  • Pure Direct / Gold-Plated RCA Terminals: Yes / Yes
  • Clock Jitter Reducer: Yes
  • Dirac Live Upgradability: Yes
  • Compressed Audio Enhancer: MDAX2 (Yes)
  • Audyssey Dynamic EQ / Dynamic Volume / Audyssey LFC: Yes / Yes / Yes
  • Audyssey: MultEQ XT32
• Network:
  • Wi-Fi / Bluetooth / Ethernet: Yes / Yes / Yes
  • HEOS Multi-Room and Streaming: Yes
  • Bluetooth Retransmit for Bluetooth Headphones: Yes
  • Apple HomePod: Yes
  • Lossy Formats: MP3, WMA, AAC
  • Lossless Formats: FLAC, FLAC HD 192/24, ALAC, ALAC 192/24, WAV, WAV 192/24
  • DSD Audio Streaming: Yes (2.8/5.6 MHz)
  • Gapless Playback: FLAC, ALAC, WAV, DSD
  • TuneIn / AirPlay 2 / Spotify: Yes / Yes / Yes
  • Roon-Ready: Yes
  • Other Streaming Services: Amazon Music / TIDAL / Deezer / Napster / Soundcloud
  • Compatible with Remote App for Smartphones: Marantz AVR Remote
  • Compatible with Remote App for Tablets: Android / iOS / Amazon Kindle
• HDMI:
  • Total HDMI Inputs: 7 (rear)
  • HDCP 2.3 Support: Yes
  • HDMI Outputs: Main / Zone 2: 2 / 1
  • HDMI Upscaling: 1080p/4K to 8K
  • GUI Overlay on HDMI: Yes
  • HDMI 2.1: 8K/60Hz AB / 4K/120Hz AB: Yes / Yes
  • 8K/60Hz AB / 4K/120Hz AB Pass-Through In/Out: 7 / 2 (up to 40 Gbps)
  • HDR / HLG / Dolby Vision / HDR10+ / Dynamic HDR: Yes / Yes / Yes / Yes / Yes
  • Enhanced ARC: Yes
  • ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) Pass-Through for Gaming: Yes
  • Variable Refresh Rate / Quick Frame Transport: Yes / Yes
  • HDMI Pass-Through in Standby Mode: Yes
  • DSD Audio Capability: Yes
  • Auto LipSync: Yes
• Inputs/Outputs — Video:
  • Composite In / Out: 2 / 0
  • Component In / Out: 1 / 0
  • HDMI In / Out: 7 / 3
  • Multi-Room Video Out: Video / HDMI: No / Yes
• Inputs/Outputs — Audio:
  • Analogue In: 6 (1× XLR)
  • Phono (MM) In: Yes
  • Digital In: Optical / Coaxial: 2 / 2
  • Multi-Room Out: Analog / Digital: 2 / 0
  • Multichannel Pre-Amp Out: Yes (15.4 RCA, 15.4 XLR)
  • Subwoofer Out: 4 (independent) RCA, XLR
• Inputs/Outputs — Other:
  • Speaker A / B: Assignable Pre-Out
  • Bi-Amp Drive: Assignable Pre-Out
  • Front USB Input / USB Audio: Yes / Yes
  • USB Power Supply (Rear): Yes
  • AM/FM Tuner: Yes
• Multi-Room:
  • HEOS Multi-Room Integrated: Yes
  • HEOS Link Compatibility: IR / IP: Yes / Yes
  • Multi-Room Zones: 3
  • Zone Audio Source: HDMI / Opt, Coax / Network, USB / Analogue: Yes (2 ch) / Yes (2 ch) / Yes / Yes
  • Zone Audio Output: Speaker / Pre-Out: No / Yes
  • Zone HDMI Output from HDMI Source: Yes
  • IP Control / RS232 Control / Web Control / App Control: Yes / Yes / Yes / Yes
  • IR Flasher In / Marantz Remote Bus: Yes / Yes
  • DC Trigger Output: 3
  • HDMI Diagnostics: Yes
• Others:
  • Auto Speaker Setup by Microphone: Audyssey MultEQ XT32; Dirac Live (Upgrade)
  • Front Display: 2-Line FLD, Port Hole OLED
  • Graphic User Interface: Modern HD GUI
  • GUI Languages: 3
  • Setup Assistant / Smart Select: Yes / Yes
  • Firmware Update by Network / USB: Yes / Yes
  • Variable Cross Over / Optimized Bass Redirection / Bass Sync: Yes / Yes / Yes
  • Auto Power Off / Sleep Timer: Yes / Yes
• General:
  • Metal Front Panel: Yes
  • System Remote Control: RC051SR
  • Backlit: Yes
  • Power Consumption: 90 W
  • Standby Consumption: 0.2 W
  • CEC Standby Consumption: 0.5 W
  • Network Standby Consumption: <2.0 W
  • Maximum Dimensions — Antenna, Horizontal (W × D × H): 17.4 × 18.0 × 7.5 in.
  • Maximum Dimensions — Antenna, Vertical (W × D × H): 17.4 × 18.0 × 10.0 in.
  • Maximum Dimensions — w/o Antenna (W × D × H): 17.4 × 17.2 × 7.5 in.
  • Weight: 33.1 lbs
  • What’s in the Box: Main unit, remote control, batteries, AM/FM antennas, wire labels, quick start guide, Audyssey microphone, cardboard microphone stand, 2 external detachable antenna, AC cord
  • UPC Code: 747192143848
  • Limited Warranty (United States and Canada): 5-year

Marantz AV 20 Q&A:

What is the Marantz AV 20, and what kind of system is it designed for?

The AV 20 is a reference 13.4-channel balanced AV preamplifier built to anchor high-end home theater systems using external power amplifiers and immersive speaker layouts.

How many HDMI inputs and outputs does the AV 20 have?

It includes 7 rear HDMI inputs and 3 HDMI outputs, with eARC support for streamlined audio return from compatible TVs.

Does the AV 20 support 8K video and next-gen gaming features?

Yes—HDMI 2.1 support includes 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz capability, plus gaming-friendly features like ALLM, VRR, and Quick Frame Transport.

Which immersive audio formats can it decode?

It supports Dolby Atmos (including Height Virtualization and Atmos Music), DTS:X and DTS:X Pro, IMAX Enhanced, and Auro-3D, along with multichannel stereo options.

What room correction is included, and can it be upgraded?

Audyssey MultEQ XT32 is included, and the AV 20 is also designed for optional Dirac Live upgrade capability.

Can I use balanced XLR connections for my power amplifiers?

Yes—AV 20 offers extensive multichannel preamp outputs in both RCA and balanced XLR to integrate cleanly with premium external amplification.

How many subwoofers can the AV 20 accommodate?

It provides 4 independent subwoofer outputs, available via RCA and XLR connections.

Does it include wireless streaming and multi-room audio?

Yes—HEOS Built-In enables multi-room playback and streaming support, and it also supports AirPlay 2, Spotify, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and Roon Ready integration.

Marantz AV 20 Downloads:

Marantz AV 20 User Manual
Marantz AV 20 Information Sheet