Prepare to be captivated by Marantz’s latest audio masterpieces, the Horizon and Grand Horizon wireless speakers. These aren’t just speakers; they’re works of art, designed to elevate your listening experience and transform your living space.
Sculpted Sound and Striking Design
From the moment you lay eyes on these speakers, you’ll be struck by their striking circular shape and elegant marble bases. Available in three captivating colors – Midnight Sky, Moon Ray, and Marantz Champagne – they effortlessly blend into any modern decor. Their design is as captivating as their sound, resembling sculptures more than traditional audio equipment. And with a price tag starting at $3,500 for the Horizon and reaching $5,500 for the Grand Horizon, these speakers are a significant investment, reflecting their premium quality and exquisite craftsmanship.
Beyond the Aesthetics: Audio Excellence
Beneath the stunning exterior lies a powerful audio system. The Horizon and Grand Horizon speakers leverage the HEOS software, a familiar companion to many Denon, Marantz, and Onkyo components. This means you can effortlessly control your music from a single interface, similar to the intuitive experience offered by Sonos and Wiim. The HEOS app unlocks a world of streaming possibilities, connecting you to popular services like Amazon Music, Deezer, Spotify, and Tidal. You can even access your personal music library stored on a network-accessible location.
A Legacy of Audio Prowess
Marantz has a long and distinguished history in the audio industry, and the Horizon and Grand Horizon speakers are a testament to their commitment to sonic excellence. These speakers support high-resolution stereo and multichannel audio formats, including 7.1 channel, 24-bit/192kHz, and DSD128 (5.6Mhz). Marantz’s proprietary Mirage DSP technology further enhances the sound, allowing for a wide range of audio adjustments to tailor the listening experience to your preferences.
Connectivity and Features
The Horizon and Grand Horizon speakers offer a comprehensive array of connectivity options, ensuring seamless integration with your existing home theater setup. Both models boast stereo RCA input, a digital optical port, an HDMI eARC port, and a USB-C connector for versatile connection possibilities. For wireless audio streaming, these speakers support Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth, providing ample options for your preferred listening method.
Immersive Audio Experience
The radial arrangement of drivers within the Horizon and Grand Horizon speakers creates a unique spatial audio experience. Connect these speakers to your TV via HDMI eARC, and they’ll seamlessly process Dolby Audio formats, including Dolby Atmos, for an incredibly immersive cinematic soundscape.
Beyond the Basics: Added Features
The Horizon and Grand Horizon speakers are packed with features designed to enhance your listening experience. The Horizon boasts a hidden ring of 100 concealed LEDs that respond to your chosen volume level and even detect your presence with proximity sensors. Marantz AuraControl offers further control over the lighting effects. For added flexibility, the Horizon can be optionally wall-mounted or placed on the Marantz Horizon Tripod, a $700 walnut-finished floor stand that provides a stylish base for these audio sculptures.
Key Differences between the Horizon and Grand Horizon
While both models share a striking design and exceptional audio capabilities, there are some key differences between the Horizon and Grand Horizon. The Horizon, measuring approximately 15 inches in diameter and just over 8 inches in depth, is powered by a Marantz Rise GaN FET amplifier with 310 watts (745 watts peak). It features six Marantz Gravity drivers: two 1-inch tweeters, three 2-inch full-range drivers, and a single 6.5-inch subwoofer.
The Grand Horizon, on the other hand, boasts a larger 20-inch diameter and a 10-inch depth. It’s equipped with a more powerful amplifier producing 370 watts (860 watts peak) and eight drivers: three 1-inch tweeters, four 3-inch full-range drivers, and a single 8-inch subwoofer.
The Verdict: A Luxury Audio Investment
Marantz’s Horizon and Grand Horizon wireless speakers are more than just audio devices; they’re investments in a luxurious listening experience. If you’re looking for a speaker system that elevates your home decor and provides exceptional sound quality, these speakers are worthy contenders. But with a price tag that reflects their premium status, it’s important to consider if they fit into your budget and audio needs.