First impressions: Stunning Marantz Horizon speaker heralds new era of high-end wireless audio

Marantz has unveiled Horizon, a high-end wireless music system with a striking aesthetic. The Marantz Horizon and its larger counterpart, the Grand Horizon, blend luxurious design and exceptional sound, redefining expectations of what a wireless speaker can deliver.

The Marantz Horizon isn’t just a posh Bluetooth speaker; it’s a statement about the potential of modern premium audio. Forget comparisons with traditional Hi-Fi separates, this is something very different.

True to Marantz’s design heritage, the Horizon features the brand’s signature circular porthole motif, reimagined in a unique circular form.

The refined architecture is accentuated by carefully arranged lighting and high-end materials, creating a tactile, visual experience that complements the speaker’s auditory credentials.

Naturally, the Horizon is fully connected, compatible with all major streaming services through the HEOS platform, including Spotify, TIDAL, Amazon Music, and Deezer. It also supports Apple AirPlay2. Multiple input options include analogue stereo, digital optical audio, HDMI eARC, and USB-C. Dolby decoding reportedly ensures compatibility with Dolby Atmos content via HDMI, although it’s unclear just what Atmos might contribute to the Horizon’s sound staging.

Refined architecture is accentuated by carefully arranged lighting and high-end materials, creating a tactile, visual experience…

Marantz Horizon wireless speaker first impressions

The Luxe Review has had an early hands-on with the Horizon, and I can confirm that it sets a high bar for all-in-one wireless audio. The speaker’s wide soundstage is remarkable, with rich detail and a pronounced sense of spatial placement. Whether playing at low volumes or pushed hard, the Horizon maintains its grip on clarity and precision.

Wrapped in Marantz’s eco-friendly Radiance 360 degree Seamless Ecofiber, a sustainable fabric made from recycled ocean plastics, the design feels as good as it looks. This unusual material is available in three finishes: deep Midnight Sky, bright Moon Ray, and warm Marantz Champagne, all complemented by a hefty natural marble base that’s colour-matched to each design. 

For those looking for more install versatility, an American walnut tripod floor stand and wall brackets will be available as optional accessories.

The Horizon is powered by proprietary Rise amplification, which features highly responsive and thermally efficient GaN FET technology. With 310W on tap (370W in the larger Grand Horizon) and advanced Gravity drive units equipped with powerful neodymium magnets, the Horizon delivers a remarkably clean and dynamic soundscape.

The Horizon’s speaker array consists of a central 165mm (6.5-inch) subwoofer, two 25mm silk-dome tweeters, and three 50mm full-range drivers. 

The Grand Horizon ups the ante with three 25mm tweeters, four 76mm full-range drivers, and a 200mm (8-inch) subwoofer.

Marantz Mirage DSP (Digital Signal Processing), accessible through the HEOS app, allows for customisable tuning options, to fine tune clarity, warmth, and spaciousness. 

There’s also a Sound Master mode, which enables listeners to experience the Horizon exactly as Marantz’s legendary Sound Master, Yoshinori Ogata, intended.

But that’s only half the story. Using the Marantz Horizon is an experience in itself. The speaker is equipped with proximity sensors, and effectively wakes up when you approach.

A Marantz AuraControl interface combines touch-sensitive controls with a ring of LED lights, reflecting volume adjustments. 100 hidden LEDs are used to depict this granular control.

The Marantz Horizon will be available from January 14, 2025, priced at £3,250 ($3,500/ €3,800). For those looking for an even more powerful experience, the Marantz Grand Horizon, will sell for £5,250 ($5,500/ €6,000).