Marantz has released the MODEL 30 integrated amplifier and SACD 30n network audio streamer and SACD player.
The new Marantz MODEL 30 integrated amplifier and the equally new Marantz SACD 30n network audio player have been developed over the past three years. They are manufactured in Shirakawa, Japan. Where they are the first products produced according to the new “industrial design language”, the manufacturer lets you know. Typical design elements of Marantz products from the 50s, 60s and 70s are processed into a modern-looking product.
Model 30 – a Modern Classic
“Our main goal in updating Marantz was to effectively capture the timelessness, musicality and passion that the brand has brought to the world,” says SVP or Senior Vice President Brands of Sound United Joel Sietsema.
He continues: “That’s why we first delved into the history of the brand for the design of the MODEL 30 and SACD 30n. We knew that these products and their successors still need to refine the classic Marantz sound. But at the same time they also needed to deliver fresh and new aesthetics and build quality that modern enthusiasts appreciate. The result is a familiar but at the same time completely new Marantz identity and an exciting listening experience that confirms Marantz’ promise of the most musical sound”.
Marantz MODEL 30 integrated amplifier
The MODEL 30 integrated amplifier was designed by Marantz Sound Masters. The fully analogue design consists of two completely discreetly constructed stages. Including separate power supplies for the pre- and power amplifier. Among other things, an oversized toroidal transformer is used to power the preamp alone. This is placed in a double shielded steel housing, which should counteract the negative influence of electrical flux. And thus should prevent annoying noise in adjacent circuits.
The power supply for the power amplifier supplies a high current directly to the switching output stage. This should guarantee total control over the connected loudspeakers, where the most cutting-edge bass pulses do not influence the sound negatively.
Furthermore, for enthusiasts an MM phono pre-amplifier stage built in, including Marantz Musical Premium Phono EQ circuit and HDAM technology. HDAM stands for Hyper-Dynamic Amplifier Modules. By the way, that MM input can also be used with low-output moving coil (MC) cartridges, always handy. Also handy is the possibility to adjust the input impedance as desired. Choose from MC Low (33 Ohm), MC MID (100 Ohm) and MC HIGH (390 Ohm).
Marantz SACD 30n
The new Marantz SACD 30N network audio streamer and – given the name not entirely illogical – SACD player builds on the in-house SACDM-3L transport mechanism. According to the manufacturer, this has been developed purely for the best possible performance when playing SACDs, CDs and music on CD- / DVD-ROMs.
At the same time, the SACD 30n is aimed at modern music lovers who want to play their own collection of music files or via one of the well-known streaming services. The HEOS platform is used for this purpose. In the end the SACD 30n is a combination of (SA) CD player, streamer, USB-DAC and preamplifier.
Thanks to HEOS, you can listen to FLAC files up to a quality of 192 kHz / 24 bit, DSD 2.8 MHz and DSD 5.6 MHz. ALAC (Apple Losless) and time-honoured MP3s are also supported. The well-known music streaming services including Amazon Music HD, Tidal and others playback is also not a problem. If desired, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple Siri are available to answer all your pressing life questions. Or just to skip to the next track.
Internal conversion to DSD
The SACD 30n internally uses Marantz Musical Mastering technology (MMM-Stream converter and MMM-Conversion Stage) for optimal digital audio conversion. PCM inputs are converted up to DSD 11.2 MHz via the MMM-Stream converter. That HF signal is processed by the MMM-Conversion Stage, as a replacement for a conventional DAC. In the end, this results in an ear-friendly analog signal. Two system clocks should guarantee the most accurate up-conversion of the incoming signal. Ah yes, and then there is the built-in headphone amplifier. An amplifier module specially designed for this task is used, based on the exclusive Marantz HDAM-SA2 circuit, which according to the manufacturer guarantees an exceptionally high signal-to-noise ratio. In order to be compatible with as many headphones as possible, the gain factor can be regulated in three steps: low, mid and high. It makes it possible to control headphones with a high impedance.
The Marantz MODEL 30 integrated amplifier costs €3000 and for the SACD 30n Network Audio Streamer and SACD player you pay exactly the same amount (or €3000). Available from the beginning of this month at authorized Marantz dealers in the country.