Best For
A starting point before we look at your room.
| Model | Best for |
|---|---|
| Marantz AV30 | 11.4-channel separates for 7.4.4 theatres |
| Marantz AV20 | 13.4-channel reference theatres with DTS:X Pro and Auro-3D |
AV Receiver Comparison
Marantz AV30 vs AV20: Which Suits Your Room?
An 11.4-channel balanced preamplifier — the entry to Marantz separates for 7.4.4 theatres. A reference 13.4-channel preamplifier for 7.4.6 or 9.4.4 dedicated theatres.
Quick answer
Choose the AV30 for 11.4-channel separates for 7.4.4 theatres. Choose the AV20 for 13.4-channel reference theatres with DTS:X Pro and Auro-3D. Neither is better in every room; the speaker plan decides.
Key Differences
Specifications from each manufacturer's official product information. Values we could not confirm there are marked rather than estimated.
| Specification | Marantz AV30 | Marantz AV20 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | AV Preamplifier | AV Preamplifier |
| Processing channels | 11.4 | 13.4 |
| Amplified channels | Not confirmed yet | Not confirmed yet |
| Rated power (manufacturer) | Not confirmed yet | Not confirmed yet |
| Layout capability | Processing for 7.1.4 | Processing for 7.1.6 or 9.1.4 |
| HDMI | 7 in plus eARC | 7 in plus eARC |
| Video | 8K | 8K |
| Audio formats | Dolby Atmos | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Pro, Auro-3D |
| Room correction | Audyssey MultEQ XT32; Dirac Live optional | Audyssey MultEQ XT32; optional Dirac Live |
| Streaming & control | HEOS built-in | HEOS built-in |
| Other features | Balanced outputs; crafted in Shirakawa, Japan | Balanced outputs |
Channel Capability and System Flexibility
As a preamplifier it has no built-in power amplification — every channel is driven by external power amplifiers connected through its balanced or unbalanced pre-outs. As a preamplifier it has no built-in power amplification — every channel is driven by external power amplifiers connected through its balanced or unbalanced pre-outs. The AV20 handles more channels. If you might add height or wide speakers later, plan pre-wiring for the larger layout now — false-ceiling work is the expensive part to redo.
Installation Considerations
What changes on site between the two.
- Rack depth and ventilation — larger chassis and power amplifiers need more airflow, especially in summer.
- Speaker pre-wiring for the largest layout either model might run, before false-ceiling finishes.
- Subwoofer count and positions, measured at every seat.
- Calibration is done for every installation; the room correction system differs, the process does not.
Upgrade Considerations
The AV20 handles more channels. If you might add height or wide speakers later, plan pre-wiring for the larger layout now — false-ceiling work is the expensive part to redo.
Compare Both in Our Demo RoomBuying Either Through LiveInSmart
LiveInSmart Technologies is an authorised dealer for Denon, Marantz and Onkyo in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, with showrooms and demo rooms in Hyderabad (Ameerpet) and Vijayawada (Ashok Nagar). We'll recommend the model that fits your speaker plan, then supply, install, calibrate and support it. Prices aren't published — ask for the current best offer on either model.
Experience Centre · Hyderabad
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Pancom Business Centre, Mumbai Hwy, Nagarjuna Nagar Colony, Ameerpet, Hyderabad 500073
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the AV20 better than the AV30?+
Not in every room. The AV30 suits 11.4-channel separates for 7.4.4 theatres; the AV20 suits 13.4-channel reference theatres with DTS:X Pro and Auro-3D.
Can I hear the AV30 and AV20 before buying?+
Book a visit to our Hyderabad (Ameerpet) or Vijayawada (Ashok Nagar) showroom; tell us the models in advance so we can plan the demo.
What is the price difference?+
We don't publish prices. Message us on WhatsApp for the current best offer on both models, with installation and calibration.
Ready to upgrade your space?
Book a free, no-obligation demo at our Hyderabad or Vijayawada experience centre and hear it for yourself.
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