Marantz unveils new 30 Series

Marantz has announced details of its new Model 30 integrated amplifier and SACD 30n network audio streamer and SACD player, which it claims are the first products to feature: “the brand’s new industrial design language, celebrating and modernising signature design elements from legendary Marantz products of the fifties, sixties and seventies.”

Manufactured in Shirakawa, Japan, the Model 30 boasts an all-analogue design featuring a fully discrete two-stage build, with independent power supplies for the pre and power amplifier sections. A phono stage is incorporated (compatible with both moving-magnet and coil carts) for vinylistas, complete with Marantz Musical Premium Phono EQ circuit and Marantz HDAM technology. Distortion is reduced using two-stage amplification in the phono stage, and Marantz HDAMs are combined with JFETs in the input stage, giving high input impedance. The exclusion of coupling capacitors further simplifies the design, reducing signal distortion and enhancing signal purity. Further, the Model 30 is equipped with an input impedance selector, which can be adjusted between three different settings: MC low (33ohm), MC mid (100ohm) and MC high (390ohm), to further optimise sound performance when using MM or MC cartridges.

Meanwhile, the SACD 30n draws on Marantz’s proprietary SACDM-3L transport mechanism and – leveraging the built-in Heos multi-room platform – combines a premium CD/SACD transport with a USB DAC and a built-in preamplifier.

It is able to stream PCM files up to 24-bit/192kHz and up to DSD128 from major streaming providers. Heos is also compatible with a variety of voice-enabled technologies, including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple Siri.

Relying on proprietary Marantz Musical Mastering (MMM-Stream converter and MMM-Conversion stage) for optimal digital audio conversion, the SACD 30n’s PCM inputs are up-converted to DSD256. The high-frequency signal produced is processed by the MMM-Conversion stage (in place of a conventional DAC) to produce the analogue output. Two system clocks ensure accurate up-conversion of the incoming signal, whether it’s from the disc or digital inputs, ranging from 44.1kHz to 384kHz. The design of the DSD-to-analogue converter feeds into the familiar Marantz HDAM in the output stage for optimal sound quality.

A built-in headphone amplifier features a dedicated module using exclusive Marantz HDAM-SA2 circuitry. The gain factor can be adjusted to three established presets—low, mid and high—making it possible to drive high impedance headphones. Look out for a World Exclusive review of both in the November issue.

Available to buy now for £2,700 each, you can find out more about the SACD 30n here and the Model 30 integrated here.

COMPANY INFO
Sound United (UK distributor)
0208 1034770

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