Marantz AMP 30 6-Channel Power Amplifier

Marantz AMP 30 6-Channel Power Amplifier

A compact six-channel power amplifier delivering 200W per channel into 8 ohms, with balanced and unbalanced inputs, selectable bi-amp and BTL modes, and the control integration needed for serious home theatre systems.

The AMP 30 gives system designers six channels of high-output amplification in a relatively slim chassis. It is designed to work with an AV preamplifier such as the Marantz AV 30, but it is equally useful with a compatible AV receiver that provides multichannel pre-outs.

Six channels is an unusually practical number. It can power front, centre and surround channels in a cinema, take over demanding speakers from an AV receiver, run multiple height channels, or be combined with another AMP-series amplifier when the final system requires more channels.

Six Channels of 200W Class D Amplification

High output without the physical size of a traditional six-channel linear power amplifier.

Marantz rates the AMP 30 at 200W per channel into 8 ohms at 1kHz and 0.05% THD with two channels driven. It is also rated at 200W per channel into 8 ohms with five channels driven at 0.7% THD, and 400W per channel into 4 ohms with two channels driven at 0.7% THD.

The amplifier uses high-efficiency Class D output stages combined with Marantz HDAM circuitry. For installation, the important benefit is the amount of multi-channel power available from a chassis only around 112mm high, making it easier to accommodate in a serious AV rack than many conventional high-output designs.

Balanced XLR and RCA Inputs

Each channel can be fed from either a balanced or unbalanced preamplifier connection.

Six balanced XLR inputs and six unbalanced RCA inputs are provided, with the input type selected at the rear panel. XLR is the natural choice when the partnering processor provides balanced outputs and cable runs or rack layout benefit from balanced connection. RCA remains available for AV receivers and processors using conventional unbalanced pre-outs.

Bi-Amp and BTL Modes

Channel pairs can be reassigned when a system needs a different balance between channel count and output capability.

Bi-amp mode allows a suitable loudspeaker's high- and low-frequency sections to be driven from separate amplifier channels. BTL mode bridges a channel pair to provide up to 400W into 8 ohms. Using BTL reduces the number of independent channels available, so it should be planned around the complete speaker layout rather than selected simply because the higher number looks attractive.

Marantz specifies 8 to 16 ohm loudspeakers for BTL operation. Normal operation supports 4 to 16 ohm speakers.

Built for AV Separates and System Expansion

The AMP 30 can operate as the main power amplifier or as one part of a larger channel-count solution.

Paired with the AV 30, it creates a clean processor-and-power-amplifier architecture. It can also complement an AV receiver by taking over the front stage or another group of demanding channels, leaving the receiver's internal amplifiers with an easier job.

For larger cinemas, multiple AMP 30 units or a mix of AMP 30, AMP 20 and AMP 10 amplifiers can be used to match the required channel count. This modular approach lets the power-amplifier arrangement follow the speaker system rather than forcing every room into the same chassis.

Control and Rack Integration

Trigger, Marantz control and RS232 connectivity make the AMP 30 suitable for integrated home theatre systems.

The rear panel provides RS232 control, IR flasher input, Marantz Remote Bus and DC trigger input/output. When partnered with a compatible Marantz AV separate using the supplied control cable, power and illumination behaviour can be synchronised for more cohesive everyday operation.

The chassis is built at Marantz's Shirakawa Audio Works in Japan and uses the current Marantz industrial design with a front level meter and selectable side illumination.

Key Features

• Channels: 6
• Output: 200W per channel into 8 ohms, 1kHz, 0.05% THD, 2 channels driven
• Five-channel output: 200W per channel into 8 ohms, 1kHz, 0.7% THD
• 4-ohm output: 400W per channel, 1kHz, 0.7% THD, 2 channels driven
• Amplification: Class D with Marantz HDAM
• Inputs: 6 balanced XLR and 6 unbalanced RCA, selector switched
• Output modes: Normal, bi-amp and BTL
• Speaker terminals: Marantz SPKT-1+
• Control: RS232, IR flasher, Marantz Remote Bus and DC trigger
• Manufacture: Shirakawa, Japan

Specifications

Detailed Technical Specifications

For those who like to drag out all the useful bits

Important Notes

• The AMP 30 is a power amplifier and requires an AV processor, preamplifier or AV receiver with suitable pre-out connections.
• BTL mode uses a pair of amplifier channels for one loudspeaker, reducing the total number of independent output channels.
• Use 8 to 16 ohm loudspeakers in BTL mode.
• Plan rack ventilation and cable access even though the Class D platform keeps the chassis relatively compact.

The Audio Experts Take

The AMP 30 is particularly useful when six channels line up neatly with the system plan. It can power a complete front and surround group, take over six demanding channels from an AVR, or cover a bank of height speakers while another amplifier handles the main stage. The balanced inputs and control connections also make it a clean fit in a properly racked processor-based cinema.

We would choose the channel allocation before deciding whether bi-amp or BTL operation adds real value. In many home theatre systems, keeping all six channels available will be the better use of the amplifier. Where one or two difficult loudspeakers genuinely need more output, BTL can be useful, but it changes the available channel count and speaker-impedance requirements.