(October 22, 2024) Today, Marantz is launching one of its better-kept secrets and, likely, least-expected audio products of the year. Called "Horizon" and "Grand Horizon," these two wireless speakers defy conventional expectations. They’re not just about delivering excellent sound—they bring a new approach to design, making them captivating visually and sonically appealing. Whether you’re drawn by performance or their distinct look, these speakers definitely make an impression.
I had the opportunity to experience Grand Horizon firsthand during a private demo session at CEDIA 2024, and I was shocked by what I saw and heard. It's safe to say this isn’t your typical standalone speaker. Marantz has clearly gone out of its way to design something that looks incredible when you walk into a room. The Horizon line is visually striking, standing almost like a modern art installation rather than a traditional audio product. With the right lighting, the speakers take on an ethereal quality, almost resembling an orb or a floating eye, adding a unique visual element to the listening experience.
Former Marantz Senior Product Planner and Product Marking Manager Gary Dayton told me that Horizon and Grand Horizon aren't just designed for music lovers but also for those who appreciate unique design, appealing to collectors of fine art, premium timepieces, and other luxury goods. The craftsmanship on display is meticulous, with each model wrapped in Marantz’s Radiance 360-degree Seamless Ecofiber, a sustainable fabric made from recycled ocean plastics. Available in three attractive finishes—Midnight Sky, Moon Ray, and Marantz Champagne—the speakers are designed to complement modern homes. Each finish is paired with a natural marble base – yes, a real marble base – and color-matched to enhance the elegance of the design. Optional accessories, including a walnut tripod stand and wall mounts, further expand the integration possibilities for any home.
But don’t be fooled by the aesthetics—these speakers deliver sound quality to match their beauty. For me, I was drawn to Horizon Grand's rich low-end that filled the demo space, complemented by midrange clarity and a refined high-end that was nothing short of impressive. Every note felt precise, and the spaciousness of the sound was remarkable. As I left the session, I couldn’t help but think that the Horizon would not only sound fantastic in my living room but would look fantastic, too. It’s rare that a speaker can marry visual and sonic appeal so seamlessly while not looking like an audio device... at all.
The base Horizon model delivers 310W of power, while the larger Grand Horizon packs a hefty 370W, making both speakers capable of filling a room with full, balanced sound. In terms of drivers, Horizon features a 165mm (6.5") subwoofer, complemented by two 25mm silk-dome tweeters and three 50mm full-range drivers, while the Grand Horizon scales up with a 200mm (8") subwoofer, three tweeters, and four 76mm midrange drivers.
Built on the Marantz Rise amplification system, these speakers employ advanced GaN FET technology, delivering high efficiency and thermal stability. That platform lays the groundwork for Marantz’s Mirage DSP system, accessible through the HEOS app, allowing for a customized listening experience, letting you adjust the clarity, spaciousness, and warmth of the sound to suit your mood. And for purists, a "Sound Master" mode offers a preset designed by Marantz’s legendary Sound Master, Yoshinori Ogata, so you can hear the speaker exactly as it was intended.
Technologically, the Horizon series is built for the modern listener. Both models include the aforementioned HEOS technology, supporting streaming from services like Spotify, TIDAL, and Amazon Music, along with Bluetooth and AirPlay 2. They also feature a variety of physical inputs, including HDMI eARC, stereo RCA, optical, and USB-C, providing the flexibility to connect nearly any source. Onboard Dolby decoding ensures full compatibility with Dolby Atmos, enhancing your movie-watching experience.
Of course, because HEOS is onboard, the Horizon and Grand Horizon can integrate seamlessly into a broader ecosystem of HEOS products around your home, allowing for whole-home audio or pairing two speakers together for a true two-channel system.
The Marantz Horizon and Grand Horizon will be available starting January 14th, 2025, with pricing set at $3,500 and $5,500, respectively. The optional walnut tripod stand will retail for $700.
With its combination of revolutionary design and impressive sound, Horizon might just mark a statement moment for Marantz – bravo!
Marantz Horizon Specifications
- 310W amplification (FTC Power Output Rating), 745W peak (This rating was not tested under the
FTC standard) - 2x 25mm (1in) tweeters, 3x 50mm (2in) full-range drivers, 1x 165mm (6.5in) subwoofer
- Stereo RCA in x1, Optical in x1, HDMI eARC x1, USB-C x1
- HEOS Built-in including Bluetooth, AirPlay2, Spotify Connect and support for numerous streaming services
- 364x210x387.5mm,14.33x8.27x15.26in(HxWxD)
- 370W amplification (FTC Power Output Rating), 860W peak (This rating was not tested under the
- FTC standard)
- 3x 25mm (1in) tweeters, 4x 76mm (3in) full-range drivers, 1x 200mm (8in) subwoofer
- Stereo RCA in x1, Optical in x1, HDMI eARC x1, USB-C x1
- HEOS Built-in including Bluetooth, AirPlay2, Spotify Connect and support for numerous services
- 493x255x529.2mm,19.41x10.04x20.83in(HxWxD)
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