It’s no secret that multi-functional components such as streaming amplifiers, which combine preamplification, power amplification, DACs, streaming modules, physical connectivity and headphone amps into one convenient box, have risen in popularity in recent years. Indeed, these just-add-speakers boxes are all the rage right now, from modest mini-boxes like the WiiM Amp Pro to more premium solutions from hi-fi stalwarts such as Naim and Cambridge Audio.
Marantz is another such brand, and its new, compact Model M1 system is being touted as a “magical musical box” — one that can be hooked up to a TV, turntable or CD player, or simply used as a gateway to streaming service playback.
The Model M1 is, like pretty much every connected Marantz and Denon streaming electronics under the Masimo parent company umbrella, equipped…
