The Marantz M-CR612 Compact Network CD Receiver is a fantastic, feature-packed option if you’re looking for a versatile and high-quality audio solution that fits neatly into your home setup. It’s a compact unit that combines modern streaming capabilities with the traditional joys of listening to CDs and radio, all wrapped in the signature Marantz design and sound quality.
Power and Sound Flexibility
One thing that immediately stands out is its 50 watts x 2 power output, which delivers more than enough volume and clarity for most home setups. Even more impressively, the M-CR612 offers a 4-channel amplifier, so you can bi-amp your speakers for an enhanced audio experience or use the A/B configuration to power two pairs of speakers simultaneously. That makes it flexible for different setups, whether you want to enjoy music in one room or two.
Built-in CD Player and Radio Tuner
The integrated CD player is a welcome addition, especially in an era where CD players are becoming rarer. It plays standard CDs along with CD-Rs and CD-RWs, meaning you can dust off those old mixes or personal collections and enjoy them again. Plus, the AM/FM tuner gives you access to local radio stations, which is perfect for when you’re in the mood for live music or talk shows.
Seamless Streaming and Smart Assistant Compatibility
For those who’ve fully embraced digital streaming, the M-CR612 doesn’t disappoint. It comes equipped with dual-band Wi-Fi, and you can stream from all major services like Spotify, Pandora, TIDAL, and even Amazon Prime Music. It’s also HEOS-compatible, meaning you can use it as part of a whole-home audio system, which is great if you want music to follow you from room to room. Plus, it supports Apple AirPlay 2, so iPhone users can stream directly from their devices without hassle.
If you’re into high-resolution audio, the M-CR612 supports playback of high-res digital music files up to 24-bit/192kHz resolution, and it can handle formats like FLAC, WAV, ALAC, and AIFF. If you prefer DSD, it also supports DSD up to 5.6 MHz—a real treat for audiophiles!
Smart Home Integration and Voice Control
One of the highlights for smart home enthusiasts is the seamless compatibility with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri. You can control the receiver hands-free, which is incredibly convenient when you’re multitasking or just want to adjust the volume from across the room.
Connection Options
Marantz made sure that you’ll have plenty of connection options. It offers 2 optical digital inputs, an RCA analog input, and even a preamp output for a subwoofer, so you can expand your system for deeper bass. There’s also a rear USB input for playing music from external drives, and a headphone output for personal listening.
While the M-CR612 ticks almost every box, one small drawback is that it’s not designed for those who want a purely analog experience or vinyl-specific features. However, with all the digital and streaming capabilities, it’s hard to hold that against it.
If you’re looking for a versatile audio receiver that mixes old-school CD playback with modern streaming and smart-home compatibility, the Marantz M-CR612 is a perfect pick. It’s ideal for those who want powerful, flexible sound in a compact form factor. Whether you’re bi-amping your speakers for a rich stereo experience or controlling your music via Alexa, this receiver is a joy to use, both for the casual listener and the audiophile alike. Marantz M-CR612 price: $599.00