The Japanese company Marantz has updated its range of compact audio devices called Melody and in 2020 a completely new model appeared with the number Marantz M-CR612 Melody X. The main difference is that the Marantz M-CR612 model has added HEOS multiroom technology, updated the AirPlay protocol to the second generation, and also added the ability to voice control Alexa (English only). At the same time, the power of the Marantz M-CR612 Melody X CD receiver remains the same as in the previous M-CR611 model.
Now you can use any media or network source to play music: smartphone or tablet, personal computer or laptop, using a connection via Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Airplay 2, Bluetooth or by connecting a flash drive via the USB port. The Marantz M-CR612 Melody X supports a wide range of music streaming services such as Spotify and Tidal, as well as thousands of Internet radio stations and regular FM/AM radio. Also don’t forget about the built-in CD player. In addition to the network functionality, which is provided using both cable and wireless Wi-Fi connections, the Marantz M-CR612 system has quite a wide range of capabilities for connecting to signal sources. In addition to the already mentioned Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, there are also analog and two optical inputs, USB for external drives with music files. At the same time, both from USB and over the network, it is possible to play Lossless and High-Resolution files, including PCM up to 24 bit/192 kHz and DSD 5.6 MHz. The built-in AM/FM tuner can also be considered as a very high-quality sound source. To adjust the sound timbre, the Marantz M-CR612 has controls for low and high frequencies.
In addition, a very useful setting in this model is the stereo balance adjustment. When you integrate the Marantz M-CR612 into the proprietary HEOS multi-room system, you can use a convenient mobile application for control. The Class D amplifier delivers 60 watts per channel to provide excellent sound quality with virtually any bookshelf speaker system. With four channels of high-performance, low-distortion digital audio amplification, you can easily drive the Marantz M-CR612 Melody X with two pairs of speakers, with independent volume control for each. You can also connect one pair of speakers, but in audiophile bi-amping mode or in the unique PBTL bridged mode with double the output power. In addition, Melody X is fully compatible with almost all speaker systems, even the most demanding ones, including 4-ohm models.
With additional HEOS components, such as a range of HEOS-compatible speakers or HEOS-equipped receivers, it’s easy to stream all your music in one or multiple rooms. You can also stream audio from any iPhone, iPad, Mac or Apple TV, perfectly syncing all your speakers to AirPlay 2 compatible sources. Enjoy the ease of voice control and complete flexibility of systems from the leading voice assistants. Using spoken commands with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple Siri, you can ask them to play your favorite music, turn up the volume, skip to the next track, switch inputs, and more (English only). Switch between different voice assistants, or choose your favorite one – everything is in your hands.
Connect your digital TV or cable/satellite box to either of the Marantz M-CR612’s two digital audio inputs to enjoy full, dynamic playback of your favorite movies and TV shows. The Marantz M-CR612 CD receiver can automatically “wake up” when it receives an audio signal from the TV, and can also be programmed to work with the TV remote control to adjust the volume, mute the sound and select the source.
In the center of the front panel there is a large fluorescent display, which displays all the necessary information about the operation of the system. Control of the Marantz M-CR612 is simple and intuitive, accessible both from the remote control and through the proprietary application.
Specifications Marantz M-CR612
Output power 2 x 60 W or 4 x 30 W (6 ohms)
Frequency response 10 Hz – 40 kHz (analog input)
Harmonic distortion 0.1% (analog input)
Signal-to-noise ratio 90 dB (audio)
Tone control 100 Hz (± 10 dB), 10 kHz (± 10 dB)
Playback MP3, WMA, WAV (24 bit/192 kHz), ALAC (24 bit/96 kHz), FLAC (24 bit/192 kHz), DSD 2.8
Pause-free playback yes
USB (rear panel) USB audio
Connection Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Airplay 2, Bluetooth (NFC)
HEOS support yes
Internet radio yes
Support for Spotify, Tidal, Napster, Deezer services
Voice systems Google Assistant, Apple Siri
FM Tuner (87.5 – 108 MHz)
USB Inputs, 2 Optical, 2 Line
Outputs Headphones, Subwoofer, 2 Speaker Outputs (screw terminals)
Power Consumption 45 W (nominal)
Marantz Remote Amp control app
Dimensions (WxHxD) 280 x 111 x 303 mm
Weight 3.4 kg
