Swedish audio tech specialists Dirac have expanded their partnership with Marantz and Denon, bringing Dirac Live Room Correction to two key streaming amplifiers: the Marantz Model M1 and the Denon Home Amp. A fresh firmware update unlocks compatibility with both the Limited and Full versions of Dirac Live, giving users access to advanced room correction tools—assuming they’re willing to pony up for a license.
What Dirac Actually Does (That Your Fancy Speakers Can’t)
Dirac Live Room Correction isn’t just another EQ tweak—it’s serious acoustic surgery. Using patented algorithms, it tackles both magnitude and phase distortion, something most gear can’t touch without a degree in acoustics and a pile of cash. The result? A cleaner, more accurate soundstage that irons out the ugly bits your room throws into the mix—standing waves, bass bloat, weird imaging. Dirac doesn’t just fix your speakers; it makes your room part of the solution, not the problem. Welcome to correction without compromise.
Dirac Live is managed through the Dirac Live Room Correction App for iOS and Android.
From Fredric Tapper, Dirac’s Vice President and Head of Business Development: “With this expanded collaboration with Marantz and Denon, Dirac is advancing its mission to bring audiophile-grade performance from the few to the many,…Dirac Live has long been trusted by audiophiles and integrators, and now we’re making that same premium smart acoustics solution available to more listeners worldwide through the popular Marantz and Denon streaming amps.”
Comparison
| Marantz M1 | Denon Home Amp | |
| Price (US) | $1,000 | $799 |
| Ampflication | 2 x 100W (8-ohms, 20 Hz – 20kHz THD 0.05%)
2 x 125 W (4-ohms, 1 kHz, THD. 0.05%) |
2 x 100 W (8-ohms, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, THD 0.05%)
2 x 125 W (4-ohms, 1 kHz, THD. 0.1%) |
| Hi-Res Audio (192kHz/24bit) | Yes | Yes |
| Streaming Support | HEOS Built-In including Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and support for numerous streaming services | HEOS Built-In including Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and support for numerous streaming services |
| Audio Format Support (Dolby and Multi-Channe PCM sources are mixed down to 2.l channels) | Dolby Digital+, Dolby Digital, LPCM
Stereo PCM / Multi-channel PCM WMA: up to and including 192 kbps AAC & MP3: up to and including 320 kbps WAV, ALAC, FLAC: up to and including 24-bit/192kHz DSD: 2.8 MHz, 5.6MHz |
Dolby Digital+, Dolby Digital, LPCM
Stereo PCM / Multi-channel PCM WMA: up to and including 192 kbps AAC & MP3: up to and including 320 kbps WAV, ALAC, FLAC: up to and including 24-bit/192kHz DSD: 2.8 MHz, 5.6MHz |
| Wired Connectivity | 1 x Stereo RCA in 1 x HDMI eARC 1 x USB-A |
1 x Stereo RCA in 1 x HDMI eARC 1 x USB-A |
| Audio Outputs | Speaker Binding Posts
Subwoofer output with full adjustment functionality |
Speaker Binding Posts
Subwoofer output with full adjustment functionality |
| Wi-Fi | 2.4 GHz, 5.6 GHz, and 6 GHz wireless plus Gigabit wired network connectivity | 2.4 GHz, 5.6 GHz, and 6 GHz wireless plus Gigabit wired network connectivity |
| Custom Install Optimization | Wide compatibility with major control systems | Wide compatibility with major control systems |
| Dimensions (HWD) | 8.54 x 9.41 x .3.31 Inches 217 x 217 x 84 mm |
3.4 × 8.54 × 9.21 inches 86.2 × 217 × 234mm |
| Weight | 4.84 lbs/3.3 kg | 4.5 lbs/2.0 kg |
The Bottom Line
Dirac Live coming to the Marantz Model M1 and Denon Home Amp is a big win for stereo listeners who care about room acoustics but don’t want to spend thousands on acoustic treatment or pro-level gear. These compact, networked amplifiers already offer solid streaming features and clean Class D power, but Dirac gives them a serious edge—tightening bass, improving clarity, and helping your speakers disappear into the room. Yes, the added license fee is a hurdle, but if you’re chasing high-end sound from an all-in-one box, it’s one of the smartest upgrades you can make.
Price & Availability
The Marantz MODEL M1 Streaming Amplifier is available for $1,000 at Crutchfield.
- The Marantz MODEL M1 Dirac Live Room Correction Limited Bandwidth license is $159, and the Room Correction Full Bandwidth license is $249. Purchase licenses through Dirac.
The Denon Home Amp is available for $799 at Crutchfield
- The Denon Home Amp Dirac Live Room Correction Limited Bandwidth for $159, and the Room Correction Full Bandwidth license is $249. Purchase Licenses through Dirac
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