Marantz AV 20 Home Theater Preamplifier / Processor

Marantz's New Reference Standard

The Marantz AV 20 sits at the top of Marantz's home theater lineup. It's a 13.4-channel preamplifier and processor built for reference-grade systems. Seven HDMI inputs and three outputs (one with eARC) all support 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz pass-through. Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and gaming features like ALLM and Variable Refresh Rate are also on board, so it's ready for whatever a projector, console, or source throws at it.

Room correction starts with Audyssey MultEQ XT32. It's upgradable to Dirac Live, Dirac Live Bass Control, and Dirac Live Active Room Treatment, giving you a path to move up as your room and budget allow. Every major surround format is covered, including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Pro, and Auro-3D. Everything is decoded and routed through a copper-plated chassis built around Marantz's Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Modules and a toroidal power transformer, the same foundational parts that define Marantz's reputation for musical sound.

A built-in phono stage accepts moving-magnet cartridges directly, a feature many AV processors skip entirely, so a turntable doesn't need a separate box to join a Marantz-based theater or listening room.

Streaming, Zones, and Room-by-Room Control

HEOS multi-room streaming ties the AV 20 into Spotify, Apple AirPlay, Amazon Music, Tidal, Deezer, and Qobuz, with Roon Ready certification for serious digital libraries. Three independent zones let you send HDMI, digital, network, or analog sources to other rooms, each with its own pre-outs, and three 12-volt triggers integrate with automation systems.

Preamp outputs are unusually complete: 15.4 channels on both RCA and balanced XLR, plus four independent subwoofer outputs on RCA and XLR, giving custom installers and serious hobbyists real flexibility in amplifier and subwoofer placement. The AV 20 weighs 33 pounds and ships in black.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Jacob Green of Audioholics, in a review published this year, called the AV 20 representative of "all that is best about the brand's premium design, engineering excellence, and attention to detail." He noted the AV 20 carries "a bigger brain" than its predecessors, enabling both deeper DSP processing and full Dirac Live compatibility, and pointed to Marantz's own description of the unit as "carefully honed by the Marantz Sound Master to ensure the best possible sound quality."

Who Is This Preamplifier/Processor Best For?

• You're building a no-compromise home theater — 13.4 channels, four independent sub outputs, and balanced XLR pre-outs throughout.
• You want a clear upgrade path for room correction — Audyssey MultEQ XT32 now, with Dirac Live, Bass Control, and ART available later.
• You play vinyl in your theater room — a built-in MM phono stage means no separate phono preamp.
• You're running multiple zones — three independent zones with their own pre-outs and HDMI routing.
• If 13.4 channels is more than your room needs, Marantz's own AV 30 covers 11.4 channels at a lower price point.

How Does It Connect to Your System?

Connect HDMI sources to the seven inputs and your display or projector to the HDMI outputs. Route the 15.4 channels of preamp outputs, RCA or balanced XLR, to your power amplifiers, and the four subwoofer outputs to your subs. A turntable joins the phono input directly, streaming services join over Wi-Fi or Ethernet through HEOS, and additional rooms connect through the zone outputs.

Run the Audyssey setup once, and the AV 20 tunes itself to your room.

Pairs Well With

Building around the AV 20? Here are some great companions:

• Subwoofer: Four independent outputs invite a serious bass setup — see our Subwoofers.
• Speakers: Fill out a full Atmos array — see our Floorstanding Speakers.
• Cables: Balanced XLR runs deserve quality cable — see our Interconnect Cables.
• Audio Rack: A sturdy home for a 33-pound reference processor — see our Audio Racks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many channels does it process?

Up to 13.4 channels, covering Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Pro, Auro-3D, and other major surround formats.

What room correction does it use?

Audyssey MultEQ XT32 out of the box, with an upgrade path to Dirac Live, Dirac Live Bass Control, and Dirac Live Active Room Treatment.

Does it have a phono input?

Yes, a built-in moving-magnet phono stage for direct turntable connection.

How many HDMI inputs and outputs does it have?

Seven inputs and three outputs (one with eARC), all supporting 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz pass-through.

Does it support multi-room audio?

Yes, HEOS multi-room streaming with three independent zones, each with its own pre-outs.

Does it include a power amplifier?

No, it's a preamplifier and processor; pair it with a separate power amplifier such as Marantz's AMP 20.

See It in Action

Audioholics reviews the AV 20 alongside its matching AMP 20 power amplifier:

Audioholics walks through the AV 20's features and setup in a configuration deep dive:

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Learn More

Want to learn more about AV preamplifiers, room correction, or building a reference home theater? Visit our Learning Center for guides, tips, and expert advice.