Denon Home Amp and Marantz Model M1 Streaming Amps - Pick Your Poison

Today, we’re diving into two of the most talked-about streaming amplifiers in the networked hi-fi world: the Denon Home Amp, the new Marantz Model M1, Whether you're upgrading from a multi-room setup or looking to add audiophile quality to a second room, these two amps present very different personalities under the hood.

Enter the Denon Home Amp, the spiritual successor to the HEOS Amp. This is Denon taking the lessons learned from the HS2 and putting them into a cleaner, more capable, and much more user-friendly package. It brings 125W per channel (6 ohms) of Class D power—plenty to drive most passive speakers with dynamics and composure. The industrial design is sleeker, with a subdued matte finish that looks right at home in a modern rack or on a shelf.

Sonically, the Denon Home Amp is punchier and more open than the HS2. It leans toward a neutral sound, with good dynamics and a clean presentation. For casual to intermediate hi-fi listeners looking for convenience without sacrificing too much fidelity, it’s a strong contender.

The big change is the addition of HDMI eARC, making it a perfect living room solution when paired with a TV. Add your favorite bookshelf speakers, and you've got a stealthy 2.0 home theater with excellent music playability and fidelity.

And then there’s the Marantz Model M1, the newest and most refined of the bunch. This is not just a fancier Denon in a champagne-gold jacket. The M1 was designed from the ground up to blend audiophile-grade sound with the practicality of streaming and HDMI ARC integration.

Though it shares some tech roots with Denon (like HEOS compatibility), Marantz tunes the M1 with its signature "musical" sound: warmth, depth, and cohesion. It’s only 100W per channel (into 8 ohms), but don’t let the numbers fool you—it has more finesse and tonal richness than either the HS2 or Denon Home Amp.

The M1 includes HDMI ARC and also high-res file support up to 24-bit/192kHz, DSD streaming, and an ultra-clean Class D amplification stage with lower distortion figures. There’s also a subwoofer output with adjustable crossover, a great option for system builders who care about seamless low-end integration.

Add the minimalist styling and whisper-quiet operation, and it’s clear: the M1 is the one for critical listeners who still care about the emotional experience of music but want modern convenience. It's also one of the only amps in this category to support Dolby Digital decoding, so even your TV and movie nights benefit from the Marantz musical DNA.

What's our verdict? In short, we feel the Denon Home Amp is Ideal for casual listeners who want an easy-to-use, powerful, and versatile amp with modern TV integration. A great living room centerpiece, especially if you value dynamics over tonal nuance.

As for the Marantz Model M1, this is the clear winner for the critical listener. If your bookshelf speakers deserve better, and you care about tone, depth, and the immersive quality of your music, the M1 is in a league of its own. It’s the streaming amp for audiophiles who don’t want to compromise.

Still unsure which one’s right for your setup? Come visit us, bring your favorite tracks, and hear them on the gear that matches your taste. We’ll always let your ears decide.