Marantz MODEL M4 Four-Zone Distribution Amplifier

Eight channels of 100 W class-D amplification with four independent HEOS zones, high-resolution audio, and bridgeable outputs

The Marantz MODEL M4 combines eight channels of powerful amplification, high-resolution digital audio streaming, and extensive connectivity in a rack-mountable component that can serve as the heart of a complete multiroom music system. Delivering 100 W per channel into 8 Ω and 125 W per channel into 4 Ω, the MODEL M4 offers the power to drive loudspeakers across four independent stereo zones. Bridge mode provides up to 200 W per channel across four channels when additional power is required.

Designed and manufactured in Shirakawa, Japan, the MODEL M4 brings Marantz's decades of audio engineering experience to a modern, streamlined distribution system. With four independent HEOS modules, Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and optical digital inputs, it can handle everything from high-resolution music streaming to television sound across multiple rooms without the need for separate amplifiers and streaming components.

High-Power Amplification for Four Zones

At the heart of the MODEL M4 are eight channels of high-efficiency class-D amplification designed to deliver substantial power with low distortion. Its 100 W per channel output into 8 Ω is rated across the full audible frequency range, with total harmonic distortion of just 0.05%. The amplifier is also compatible with loudspeakers having nominal impedances from 4 to 16 Ω, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of custom-installed speaker systems.

For installations requiring additional power, bridge mode allows the MODEL M4 to deliver up to 200 W per channel into 4 Ω across four channels. This flexibility makes it possible to configure the amplifier for four stereo zones or fewer zones with greater available power.

Marantz uses a digital-direct amplification architecture that keeps audio in the digital domain until the amplification stage, minimizing unnecessary signal conversion. The company's proprietary Marantz Musical Digital Filtering (MMDF) technology is designed to preserve the natural detail and tonal character of music, contributing to the refined sound for which Marantz is known.

High-Resolution Music Streaming With HEOS

With HEOS Built-in, the MODEL M4 provides convenient access to music streaming services, internet radio, and locally stored digital music. The HEOS app allows listeners to browse music, select sources, adjust volume, and control playback from a smartphone or tablet. Supported services include Amazon Music, TIDAL, Spotify, Pandora, Deezer, and others, with availability varying by region.

For listeners with their own digital music libraries, the MODEL M4 supports high-resolution PCM files up to 24-bit/192 kHz and DSD files at 2.8 MHz and 5.6 MHz. Music can be played from compatible network-attached storage devices, computers on the local network, or USB storage connected directly to the amplifier. Four USB-A ports provide convenient access to locally stored music.

Apple AirPlay 2 makes it easy to stream directly from an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, while Spotify Connect offers direct control of Spotify playback from the Spotify app.

Multiroom Audio Made Simple

The MODEL M4 is designed specifically for multiroom audio systems. Its four independent HEOS modules allow listeners to play different music in four rooms or synchronize playback across multiple listening areas. Each zone can be controlled independently through the HEOS app, including source selection and volume adjustment.

The MODEL M4 can also be part of a larger HEOS multiroom audio system. Connect additional HEOS-enabled Marantz or Denon components throughout the home, and use the HEOS app to play different music in different rooms or synchronize playback across multiple listening areas.

Its rack-mountable design makes the MODEL M4 particularly well suited to whole-home audio installations where multiple amplifiers and source components would otherwise be required. Multiple units can be used to build a flexible distribution system with independent control of each listening zone.

TV Sound Throughout the Home

The MODEL M4 can also distribute television audio to conventional loudspeakers throughout the home. Its two optical digital inputs allow audio from compatible televisions and other digital sources to be incorporated into the system without requiring a separate AV receiver in each room.

Built-in Dolby Digital decoding enables the amplifier to handle compatible television broadcasts, movies, and streaming video services. Dedicated listening modes include Virtual, Dialog Enhancer, and Night Mode, allowing users to tailor playback for movies, dialogue intelligibility, or late-night viewing.

With TV Sound Grouping, television audio can be distributed to multiple HEOS zones, allowing listeners to enjoy the same program in different rooms.

Subwoofer Integration and Flexible Sound Adjustment

For systems requiring deeper bass, the MODEL M4 includes four configurable RCA outputs that can function as stereo preamplifier outputs or mono subwoofer outputs, with one subwoofer output available per zone. Adjustable high-pass and low-pass filters allow the main speakers and subwoofers to be integrated more effectively, reducing the burden of deep bass reproduction on smaller loudspeakers.

The amplifier also provides bass and treble adjustments, stereo balance control, and selectable stereo or dual-mono operation. These settings offer useful flexibility when matching the MODEL M4 to different speakers, listening rooms, and installation requirements.

Connectivity and Custom Installation

Along with its extensive streaming features, the MODEL M4 provides two optical digital inputs and four stereo RCA analog inputs. This allows televisions, CD players, and other compatible audio components to be incorporated into the same system.

Dual Ethernet connections provide wired network connectivity, while four 12 V trigger outputs and compatibility with popular third-party control platforms make the MODEL M4 particularly suitable for custom installations. The amplifier supports control systems from Crestron, Control4, and AMX through TCP/IP integration.

The rack-mountable chassis includes active cooling and comes with a rack installation kit. Its understated black finish, robust construction, and straightforward onboard controls allow it to integrate neatly into a dedicated equipment rack or centralized home audio system.

Features

• Designed and manufactured in Shirakawa, Japan
• Eight channels delivering 100 W per channel into 8 Ω and 125 W per channel into 4 Ω
• Four independent stereo zones with dedicated HEOS modules
• Bridge mode providing up to four channels of 200 W into 4 Ω
• High-efficiency, low-distortion class-D amplification
• Digital-direct amplifier architecture with Marantz Musical Digital Filtering (MMDF)
• HEOS Built-in for music streaming and multiroom audio
• Apple AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect
• High-resolution PCM playback up to 24-bit/192 kHz and DSD up to 5.6 MHz
• Two optical digital inputs with Dolby Digital decoding
• Four stereo RCA analog inputs
• Four configurable stereo preamplifier or mono subwoofer outputs
• Adjustable high-pass and low-pass crossover settings
• Selectable stereo and dual-mono operation
• Bass, treble, and balance adjustments
• Virtual, Dialog Enhancer, and Night listening modes
• TV Sound Grouping for multiroom television audio distribution
• Four USB-A ports for local music library playback
• Dual Ethernet connections for wired networking
• Four 12 V trigger outputs
• TCP/IP compatibility with Crestron, Control4, and AMX systems
• Rack-mountable chassis with active cooling and included rack installation kit

Specifications

Type: Four-zone streaming distribution amplifier

Amplifier Design: class-D, digital direct

Channels: 8 (four stereo zones)

Power Output (8 Ω): 100 W per channel (20 Hz–20 kHz, 0.05% THD)

Power Output (4 Ω): 125 W per channel (1 kHz, 0.1% THD)

Bridged Power Output (4 Ω): 200 W per channel (four channels, 1 kHz, 0.05% THD)

Speaker Impedance: 4–16 Ω

Frequency Response (±3 dB): 20 Hz–40 kHz

Frequency Response (±1 dB): 20 Hz–20 kHz

Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 103 dB (optical); 100 dB (analog line input)

Analog Input Sensitivity/Impedance: 200 mV/20 kΩ

Maximum Analog Input Level: 2.5 V

Digital Inputs: 2 optical (TOSLINK)

Analog Inputs: 4 stereo RCA

Outputs: 4 configurable stereo RCA preamplifier or mono subwoofer outputs; 8 speaker channels via binding posts

Supported Audio Formats: FLAC, ALAC, WAV, MP3, AAC, WMA, DSD

PCM Resolution: Up to 24-bit/192 kHz

DSD Support: 2.8 MHz, 5.6 MHz

Surround Audio Decoding: Dolby Digital, LPCM

Streaming: HEOS Built-in (four independent modules), Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect

Wireless Networking: Not supported

Wired Networking: 2 Ethernet connections

USB Playback: 4 USB-A ports; FAT32 and NTFS storage devices

Channel Modes: Stereo, dual mono, bridge mode

Listening Modes: Stereo, Direct, Virtual, Dialog Enhancer, Night Mode

High-Pass Filter: Adjustable, 40–250 Hz

Low-Pass Filter: Adjustable, 40–120 Hz

Bass/Treble Adjustment: ±5 dB

Balance Adjustment: ±15 dB

Volume Limit: Adjustable, 80–100%

Control: HEOS app, TCP/IP third-party control (Crestron, Control4, AMX)

Trigger Outputs: 4 (12 V DC)

Cooling: Active cooling

Rack Mounting: Supported; rack installation kit included

Power Supply: AC 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz

Power Consumption: 265 W

Standby Power Consumption: 22 W (Quick Start); 0.5 W (Deep Standby)

Dimensions (H × W × D): 4.17" × 17.4" × 16.34" (106 × 442 × 415 mm)

Weight: 17.64 lb. (without rack brackets); 18.06 lb. (with rack brackets)