The Marantz PM7000N streaming music system is currently unbeatable for less than a grand, and that’s why it’s a 2019 What Hi-Fi? Award-winner.
Practical yet entertaining, the PM7000N packs 60 watts per channel amplification, a high-quality DAC and network streaming. You only need to add the speakers.
It supports hi-res streaming across all digital inputs and from music servers, plus DSD streaming across the USB input and over music servers.
There are also four analogue inputs, including a phono stage for a turntable. The PM7000N also leverages the hi-res, multi-room HEOS platform, giving direct access to internet radio and music-streaming services including Spotify, Tidal, Deezer and Amazon over wi-fi or ethernet. And of course that multi-room functionality.
There’s AirPlay 2 for one-touch streaming from Apple devices, and the offline convenience of Bluetooth. Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple’s Siri are supported, too.
Crucially, this Marantz system sounds powerful, expansive and weighty. It has the dynamic attention to deliver the peaks and troughs of our favourite tracks, and we don’t feel obliged to turn up the volume to be engaged by the sound.
When lo-fi beats meet sparkling treble notes, the quality at both ends of the frequency spectrum is noticeable, with the midrange successfully keeping pace and delivering clear, smooth voices.
The PM7000N is packed with features and brimming with sonic excitement. And that’s why it’s our best hi-fi system under £1000 in this year’s What Hi-Fi? Awards.
