A Legendary Japanese Audio Maker’s New Speakers Embrace the Future of Hi-Fi

The company’s Horizon speakers harness over 70 years of hi-fi expertise.

By Tucker Bowe

Published October 22, 2024

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Updated October 23, 2024

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Marantz is a legendary American-Japanese hi-fi manufacturer with a storied history dating back to the 1950s.

The company — founded in New York in 1951 but moving most of its manufacturing facilities to Japan by the late 1960s and 1970s — is best known for its high-quality amplifiers, stereo receivers and home theater components. (Its vintage amps from the 1970s are particularly sought after.)

Though the company has dabbled in loudspeakers before, such as the Marantz Imperial series and HD series from the 70s, it’s been decades since it’s dabbled in those waters.

Fast forward to today and Marantz is revealing its first-ever wireless speakers. And they look quite different from the company’s classic hi-fi components.

Marantz Grand Horizon and Horizon Wireless Speakers

Marantz Grand Horizon and Horizon

Marantz’s first wireless speakers

The Horizon and larger Grand Horizon are Marantz’s first-ever speakers. Both are luxurious wireless speakers — with price tags to match — that are designed to make streaming high-resolution audio super easy.

Each speaker has a flat spherical design — sort of like a slimmer version of a Devialet Phantom speaker — and consists of high-frequency and midrange drive units that, according to the company, “radiate outwardly from a single central subwoofer, ensuring a spacious listening experience.”

Marantz Horizon wireless speaker — The tripod stand is made of American walnut and is sold separately.

The two speaker options

The multiple drivers in each of Marantz’s wireless speakers fire audio in all directions — including up-ward for an enhanced Dolby Atmos experience — and are designed to deliver immersive, wide stereo sound.

The smaller Horizon speaker has six drivers: a 6.5-inch subwoofer, two 1-inch silk-dome tweeters, and three 2-inch full-range drive units. Its built-in amplifier can output 310 watts of power.

The larger Grand Horizon rams it up to eight drivers: an 8-inch subwoofer, three 1-inch silk-dome tweeters, and four 3-inch midrange drivers. Its built-in amplifier can output 370 watts of power.

Marantz Horizon speaker — The circular golden ring features 100 LEDs that light up when you get near (thanks to proximity and ambient light sensors).

A luxurious combo of light and sound

The speakers’ circular design is based on the circular porthole motif featured in most of its modern amplifiers. According to the brand, the porthole has been “reimagined as the core element of each speaker’s unique circular form.”

Each speaker is wrapped in a sustainable three-color fabric — which the brand calls “Marantz RadianceTM 360o Seamless Ecofiber” — that’s made from recycled ocean plastics.

Each speaker is integrated with proximity and ambient light sensors, as well as 100 LED lights that are “carefully concealed” around the central subwoofer. When you approach the speaker, this LED ring lights up. You can also touch this illuminated ring to adjust the speaker’s volume.

Interestingly, each Horizon speaker features Marantz’s custom “MirageTM” digital signal processing (DSP) that, via the app, allows you to customize its sound (for example, to add warmth or spaciousness).

There’s even a “Sound Master” mode for a more audiophile experience that tunes that audio exactly how Yoshinori Ogata, Marantz’s “Sound Master,” intended it to sound.

“Do it all” wireless speakers

As is tradition with most of today’s high-end wireless speakers, both of Marantz’s Horizon wireless speakers have a wealth of wired and wireless connections. So they promise to be versatile, and you can basically use them however you like.

On the wireless side, each speaker supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi streaming (AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect). The speakers are built around the HEOS wireless platform and app, which is where you can access other lossless streaming services like Amazon Music, Tidal and Deezer.

On the analog side, each speaker has RCA, optical, USB-C and HDMI eARC connections — yes, you can turn these into TV speakers.

Price and availability

Both of Marantz’s wireless speakers will be available next year, starting January 14, 2025. The Horizon and Grand Horizon will cost $3,500 and $5,500 respectively.

Both speakers will be available in three finishes: Midnight Sky (black), Moon Ray (light gray) and Marantz Champagne (gold).

Marantz will also sell an American walnut tripod floor stand as an accessory for those who want a stand-mounted speaker. The Horizon Tripod cost will cost $700.