Home Review Marantz Model 30 and SACD 30N

Review Marantz Model 30 and SACD 30N

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Pros

  • Looks good
  • Sounds fast and open
  • Punch
  • Widely deployable

Cons

  • Plastic front
  • HEOS App
  • Cannibalism in own lineup

Price: € 6000 per set

Build quality
Usability
Sound
Price
Marantz Model 30 SACD 30N

The Sound

Contents

When we turn on the Marantz duo, it immediately feels familiar with the playback. It is the same signature as the PM12, PM10 and the KI Ruby for example. That’s not odd: they are the same in design. At least: the power amplifier is the same. The pre-amp is not. Incidentally, we have not been able to test the phono stage: your editor is not a hero with vinyl. And in order to be able to make a judgment, you simply need more knowledge in this area.

Then to SACD 30N… …that’s quite a story. This omnivore with the MMM-dac is a very nice sounding streamer, so we discover! The sound image is quite relaxed through our test threesome. Both on the Focal as on the Bowers as on the DALI we hear a very relaxed playback. Can it rock? Well… it’s Marantz.  But the puch at the bottom-end is definitely there. Fortunately, that’s changed since the introduction of the nCore modules in the higher Marantz-series.

To give you an example: Tool’s Fear Inoculum sounds seriously good through the Marantz. This is because somehow this streamer shows unprecedented layering and keeps playing smoothly. That’s a distinctive strengh in this class. Especially for an all-in-one player.

If we go to Daft Punk: Georgio by Moroder, then Georgio’s voice stands like an oak, while the atmosphere of the club is well spread throughout the room. Perhaps the stereo image could get be a bit more body. But the fact is: this is high level. The guitar for example is incredibly easy to follow: we hear every string vibrate.

Finally some vocal work. Courtney Marie Andrews. Oh, my… yeah… good! This’ll do. What an angelic voice. It’s beautiful. No edges, 3D… energy… Goosebumps…

It’s growing on us!

Now we haven’t always been a Marantz super-fan. Your editor is more of a Denon enthousiast: energy, punch… fun. But the last few Marantz models had something special. And so did this Model 30 and SACD 30N. It’s got some ‘fun-fairy-dust’ or something. That’s most likely due to the nCore implementation. This fun element is dosed just well enough to provide that sparkle. Without losing the Marantz sound. Because it’s still sweet and soft. Not too crazy… …just good.

We believe that in this duo the SACD 30N is the star of the show. This one just plays really, really good. And that with so many possibilities: CD, sacd, usb, streaming, bluetooth … digital inputs… even files from a CD and DVD!

What we do not like, is the HEOS app. It’s – in our opinion – not pleasant to work with. It isn’t stable in our network, isn’t intuitive and looks old-fashioned for those who are used to Roon or even Sonos, for example. Unfortunately, it is not (yet?) possible to use Roon via RAAT. For now only Airplay. A pity. We hope Marantz will fix this. Then the device is just finished.

Sound Samples Marantz Model 30 SACD 30N

You can find all the lossless wav-files here.

Type test
Single Test
Inputs
  • Analog RCA
Outputs
  • Analog RCA
Product type
D/A-converter
Amplifier type
Integrated
Bridgemode
No
Amplifier inputs
  • Analog RCA
Amplifier outputs
  • Analog RCA
Build in dac
Yes