Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Is Dirac ART really worth it, or can Audyssey—or even a manual calibration—deliver better results?
In this review, we put the Marantz AV 30 11.4CH processor, AMP 20 12CH amplifier, and AMP 30 6CH amplifier through extensive listening tests and measurements to find out. We compare Audyssey MultEQ-XT, Dirac Live, Dirac ART, and manual calibration techniques to see how each impacts bass performance, imaging, tonal balance, and overall system performance.
We also explore the flexibility of the Marantz platform, including amplifier bridging options, four independent subwoofer outputs, and scalable Dolby Atmos system configurations.
How does the AV 30 compare to the AV 20 and flagship AV 10? Is the AMP 20 the sweet spot in Marantz's amplifier lineup? And does Dirac ART live up to the hype?
Our bench testing also examines the ICEpower EDGE Class D amplifier platform used in the AMP 10, AMP 20, and AMP 30, revealing impressive power delivery, excellent noise and distortion performance, and load-invariant operation.
Watch as we reveal the measurements, listening impressions, and one important catch that could influence which room correction solution is right for your system.
🛒 Marantz AV 30: audioadvice.io/4eQldZO
🛒 Marantz AMP 20: audioadvice.io/4sdESa5
🛒 Marantz AMP 30: audioadvice.io/4oB6Rjd
► Shop Audio Advice: audioadvice.io/3NQEIDf
► Shop Dreamedia AV: dreamediaav.com/?ref=3
👉 Book your FREE custom home theater design service NOW: bit.ly/HTDesign
👉 Read our Marantz AV 30 / AMP 30 Overview: audioholics.com/av-preamp-processor-reviews/av-30-and-amp-30
👉 Book a consultation with Gene: bit.ly/Gene-consultation
🛒 Kaleidescape Package Deals: bit.ly/Kscape-bundle
🛒 JVC NZ800 Projector: https://rb.gy/zb6e1j
Recommended Subwoofers:
🛒 RBH Sound 12SW On-Wall Sub: dreamediaav.com/products/rbh-sound-12-sw-passive-active-12-on-wall-subwoofer?ref=3
🛒 RBH Sound 1212-SW On-Wall Sub: dreamediaav.com/products/rbh-1212-sw-dual-12-on-wall-subwoofer?variant=43394602270902?ref=3
🛒 RBH Sound 1212-SL On-Wall Sub: dreamediaav.com/products/rbh-sound-1212-sl-signature-reference-dual-12-on-wall-subwoofer?variant=43548983984310?ref=3
🛒 RBH Sound 12P-SF/R: bit.ly/RBH12PSFRsub
🛒 RBH Sound SI-1212/9: dreamediaav.com/products/rbh-si-1212-9?ref=3
🛒 RBH Sound 21N-SF/R: bit.ly/RBHSound21SFR
Recommended AV Separates
Marantz AV10: audioadvice.io/3Dv5ob6
Marantz Amp10: audioadvice.io/45qrLty
Anthem AVM 70: audioadvice.io/40yMpFM
Anthem AVM 90: audioadvice.io/3YySzDr
Anthem MCA 323 Gen 2: audioadvice.io/3UQJBA2
Anthem MCA 525 Gen 2: audioadvice.io/4exQI7B
Recommended AV Receivers:
Marantz Cinema 30: audioadvice.io/4ar0O9S
Onkyo TX-RZ70: audioadvice.io/4fbRoRs
Denon AVR-X3800H 9.2CH AV Receiver: audioadvice.io/3AxgmeH
Anthem MRX1140: audioadvice.io/3YzxZTl
Anthem AVM 90 15.4CH Processor: audioadvice.io/3YySzDr
Recommended Speakers:
RBH Sound SFTR/AX: dreamediaav.com/products/unrivaled-sftr-ax-pair/?ref=3
Polk R700 Tower Speakers: audioadvice.io/3C0TK2B
Arendal 1723S Tower Speakers: bit.ly/Arendal1723s
Arendal Sound 1528 Tower 8: bit.ly/ArendalTower1528
Arendal Sound 1528 Center+ 8: arendalsound.com/product/1528-center-plus-8/?refer=gds
Arendal Sound 1528 Monitor 8: arendalsound.com/product/1528-monitor-8/?refer=gds
Audioholics Recommended Cables:
250ft CL2 12AWG Speaker Cable: amzn.to/2vwS9QH
50ft 10AWG Speaker Cable: amzn.to/3DeMTT5
Locking Banana Plugs: amzn.to/2ZQt15x
9ft 4K HDR HDMI Cables: amzn.to/2WiIXeD
Klipsch RP-8000F II: amzn.to/3M2Mt8n
THX Short Reach 48Gbps HDMI Cables: bit.ly/THXHDMI-short
THX Long Reach 48Gbps HDMI Cables: bit.ly/THXHDMI-long
Disclaimer: Audioholics earns commissions from qualifying purchases with the Affiliate Links used in the description of this video. We appreciate your support.
00:00 - Intro & Disclosure
00:57 - Marantz AV 30 Overview
01:30 - AV 30 Features & Connectivity
03:22 - Internal Design & Build Quality
03:48 - AMP 20 & AMP 30 Overview
06:41 - Setup & Installation Experience
07:48 - My system configuration
09:00 - Audyssey MultEQ-X
10:27 - Dirac Live Bass Control
12:16 - Dirac ART
14:34 - Measurements & Results
16:21 - My Manual Calibration Workflow
17:53 - Listening impressions: Movies, TV Shows and Gaming
20:32 - Listening impressions: Music
22:21 - Final Thoughts
23:47 - Who Is This For?
24:22 - Want more channels?
Thanks to Brad Pipkins of @HomeTheaterGamer for producing this video.
Follow us on:
Patreon:
patreon.com/audioholics
FACEBOOK
facebook.com/Audioholics
TWITTER
twitter.com/AudioholicsLive
#hometheater #marantz #hifi
Is Dirac ART really worth it, or can Audyssey—or even a manual calibration—deliver better results?
In this review, we put the Marantz AV 30 11.4CH processor, AMP 20 12CH amplifier, and AMP 30 6CH amplifier through extensive listening tests and measurements to find out. We compare Audyssey MultEQ-XT, Dirac Live, Dirac ART, and manual calibration techniques to see how each impacts bass performance, imaging, tonal balance, and overall system performance.
We also explore the flexibility of the Marantz platform, including amplifier bridging options, four independent subwoofer outputs, and scalable Dolby Atmos system configurations.
How does the AV 30 compare to the AV 20 and flagship AV 10? Is the AMP 20 the sweet spot in Marantz's amplifier lineup? And does Dirac ART live up to the hype?
Our bench testing also examines the ICEpower EDGE Class D amplifier platform used in the AMP 10, AMP 20, and AMP 30, revealing impressive power delivery, excellent noise and distortion performance, and load-invariant operation.
Watch as we reveal the measurements, listening impressions, and one important catch that could influence which room correction solution is right for your system.
🛒 Marantz AV 30: audioadvice.io/4eQldZO
🛒 Marantz AMP 20: audioadvice.io/4sdESa5
🛒 Marantz AMP 30: audioadvice.io/4oB6Rjd
► Shop Audio Advice: audioadvice.io/3NQEIDf
► Shop Dreamedia AV: dreamediaav.com/?ref=3
👉 Book your FREE custom home theater design service NOW: bit.ly/HTDesign
👉 Read our Marantz AV 30 / AMP 30 Overview: audioholics.com/av-preamp-processor-reviews/av-30-and-amp-30
👉 Book a consultation with Gene: bit.ly/Gene-consultation
🛒 Kaleidescape Package Deals: bit.ly/Kscape-bundle
🛒 JVC NZ800 Projector: https://rb.gy/zb6e1j
Recommended Subwoofers:
🛒 RBH Sound 12SW On-Wall Sub: dreamediaav.com/products/rbh-sound-12-sw-passive-active-12-on-wall-subwoofer?ref=3
🛒 RBH Sound 1212-SW On-Wall Sub: dreamediaav.com/products/rbh-1212-sw-dual-12-on-wall-subwoofer?variant=43394602270902?ref=3
🛒 RBH Sound 1212-SL On-Wall Sub: dreamediaav.com/products/rbh-sound-1212-sl-signature-reference-dual-12-on-wall-subwoofer?variant=43548983984310?ref=3
🛒 RBH Sound 12P-SF/R: bit.ly/RBH12PSFRsub
🛒 RBH Sound SI-1212/9: dreamediaav.com/products/rbh-si-1212-9?ref=3
🛒 RBH Sound 21N-SF/R: bit.ly/RBHSound21SFR
Recommended AV Separates
Marantz AV10: audioadvice.io/3Dv5ob6
Marantz Amp10: audioadvice.io/45qrLty
Anthem AVM 70: audioadvice.io/40yMpFM
Anthem AVM 90: audioadvice.io/3YySzDr
Anthem MCA 323 Gen 2: audioadvice.io/3UQJBA2
Anthem MCA 525 Gen 2: audioadvice.io/4exQI7B
Recommended AV Receivers:
Marantz Cinema 30: audioadvice.io/4ar0O9S
Onkyo TX-RZ70: audioadvice.io/4fbRoRs
Denon AVR-X3800H 9.2CH AV Receiver: audioadvice.io/3AxgmeH
Anthem MRX1140: audioadvice.io/3YzxZTl
Anthem AVM 90 15.4CH Processor: audioadvice.io/3YySzDr
Recommended Speakers:
RBH Sound SFTR/AX: dreamediaav.com/products/unrivaled-sftr-ax-pair/?ref=3
Polk R700 Tower Speakers: audioadvice.io/3C0TK2B
Arendal 1723S Tower Speakers: bit.ly/Arendal1723s
Arendal Sound 1528 Tower 8: bit.ly/ArendalTower1528
Arendal Sound 1528 Center+ 8: arendalsound.com/product/1528-center-plus-8/?refer=gds
Arendal Sound 1528 Monitor 8: arendalsound.com/product/1528-monitor-8/?refer=gds
Audioholics Recommended Cables:
250ft CL2 12AWG Speaker Cable: amzn.to/2vwS9QH
50ft 10AWG Speaker Cable: amzn.to/3DeMTT5
Locking Banana Plugs: amzn.to/2ZQt15x
9ft 4K HDR HDMI Cables: amzn.to/2WiIXeD
Klipsch RP-8000F II: amzn.to/3M2Mt8n
THX Short Reach 48Gbps HDMI Cables: bit.ly/THXHDMI-short
THX Long Reach 48Gbps HDMI Cables: bit.ly/THXHDMI-long
Disclaimer: Audioholics earns commissions from qualifying purchases with the Affiliate Links used in the description of this video. We appreciate your support.
00:00 - Intro & Disclosure
00:57 - Marantz AV 30 Overview
01:30 - AV 30 Features & Connectivity
03:22 - Internal Design & Build Quality
03:48 - AMP 20 & AMP 30 Overview
06:41 - Setup & Installation Experience
07:48 - My system configuration
09:00 - Audyssey MultEQ-X
10:27 - Dirac Live Bass Control
12:16 - Dirac ART
14:34 - Measurements & Results
16:21 - My Manual Calibration Workflow
17:53 - Listening impressions: Movies, TV Shows and Gaming
20:32 - Listening impressions: Music
22:21 - Final Thoughts
23:47 - Who Is This For?
24:22 - Want more channels?
Thanks to Brad Pipkins of @HomeTheaterGamer for producing this video.
Follow us on:
Patreon:
patreon.com/audioholics
facebook.com/Audioholics
twitter.com/AudioholicsLive
#hometheater #marantz #hifi
