Marantz launches MODEL 30 amplifier and SACD 30n Network CD player

A nod to the past for a new era

by Andy Bassett

Marantz introduces the next phase in its product development with a new look to its latest releases - the next generation MODEL 30 Integrated Amplifier and SACD 30n Network Audio Streamer and SACD Player.

Having recently attained the position of number one Hi-Fi amplifier brand in Europe, Marantz started a project to make sure it was ‘match fit’ for the future of high end audio and to continue delivering its ongoing mission of bringing out as much detail as possible to allow the listener to get closer to the artist’s musical vision. The company has spent three years designing and tuning these new products as part of this objective to deliver new high end audio hardware within its portfolio.

Taking inspiration from its classic products of the 60s and 70s, including the latest MODEL 30’s namesake which was Marantz’s very first integrated amplifier released back in 1970, the new products embrace elements of classic Marantz design and combine them with a modern approach to construction and materials, something the company plans to build on and run with, going forward.

Marantz launches MODEL 30 amplifier and SACD 30n Network CD player

Sitting underneath the flagship reference models such as the 10- and 12-series products and above the company’s main core products topped by the 8000-series, the new MODEL 30 integrated amplifier and SACD 30n network streamer are the first Marantz products to launch with the brand’s new industrial design language. This retains familiar elements such as the overall symmetry and eye catching porthole and adds a striking striated pattern to the front panel which refracts the MODEL 30’s inbuilt LEDs in a pleasing fashion. They are also the first models to operate under the company’s new ‘Modern Musical Luxury’ motif.

MODEL 30 Integrated Amplifier

Described by Marantz as essentially two products in one due to the separate power supplies used, the MODEL 30 is a fully analogue pre / power amplifier which benefits from the shortest possible signal path between the two sections. 

The specially designed preamplifier power supply circuit is unaffected by fluctuations resulting from the power amplifier demands, and a dedicated oversized toroidal transformer mounted within a double shield steel case ensures high purity with low noise.

Marantz launches MODEL 30 amplifier and SACD 30n Network CD player
Marantz MODEL 30 Integrated Amplifier

Meanwhile, the power amplifier stage uses a power supply which delivers high current instantaneously to the switching mode amplifier, thus ensuring maximum control over any connected speakers and clean power for the reproduction of the finest details.

The MODEL 30 uses technologies which began life in the reference category products which have begun to trickle down and which will eventually make their way into the consumer friendly core products. These features include a high quality, low distortion phono stage sited in its own shielded box and, thanks to a built-in MC head amplifier, the Phono EQ stage can be used with both low-output moving coil cartridges and moving magnet cartridges. There’s also 3 additional selectable input impedances including MC Low (33 Ohm), MC MID (100 ohm) and MC HIGH (390 ohm), which further optimizes sound performance for when using a wide variety of cartridges.

Marantz launches MODEL 30 amplifier and SACD 30n Network CD player
Marantz MODEL 30 Integrated Amplifier - rear 

The implementation of Marantz’s proprietary discrete circuit design boards - Hyper-Dynamic Amplifier Modules (HDAMs) - throughout offers a more musical, accurate and detailed sound than the chip-based amps they replace.

SACD 30n Network Audio Streamer and SACD Player

Marantz confirms its commitment to making sure music fans with large compact disc libraries will always have hardware options for playback by releasing the SACD 30n Network Audio Streamer and CD Player, which also provides scope to access additional music via its network capabilities.

The SACD 30n’s proprietary SACDM-3L transport mechanism, which again has filtered down from flagship reference models, is compatible with SACD, CD and DVD-ROM discs, meaning playback of Hi-Res files up to 192kHz/24bit or DSD128 is possible.

Marantz launches MODEL 30 amplifier and SACD 30n Network CD player
Marantz SACD 30n Network Audio Streamer & SACD Player

In addition to traditional disc playback, the new player can act as a digital hub by means of physical USB-B, coaxial and optical inputs as well as LAN, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and AirPlay 2 network connectivity. The SACD 30n is HEOS compatible which means it can stream FLAC files from 44.1kHz to 192kHz at up to 24-bit resolution, DSD 2.8MHz and DSD 5.6MHz, ALAC (Apple Lossless) and MP3 files from major streaming providers, including Amazon Music HD, Tidal and others. Interfacing with other HEOS supporting hardware allows the creation of whole home or multi room audio and also gives access to voice-enabled  technologies including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple Siri where available.

Interestingly, when the other inputs are being used, the main drive mechanism switches off completely to allow the best possible sound quality for these other sources.

In order to create the analogue output from the digital sources , the SACD 30n uses Marantz’s patented D/A conversion which was first introduced in the £6,000 SA10 CD player. This involves the twin stage Marantz Musical Mastering (MMM) process whereby the disc or digital inputs are up-converted to DSD at 11.2MHz (i.e. a DSD256 Bitstream) using the MMM-Stream converter and then processed to produce the analogue output using the MMM-Conversion stage rather than a more usual DAC.

Marantz launches MODEL 30 amplifier and SACD 30n Network CD player
Marantz SACD 30n Network Audio Streamer & SACD Player - rear 

There’s also a dedicated headphone amplifier with 3 gain settings to accommodate a range of headphones from consumer all the way to professional grade models and, as well as fixed outputs, the SACD 30n has variable outputs so it can also drive powered speakers. 

Joel Sietsema, SVP of Brand at Sound United, parent company to Marantz, commented, “Our main goal in updating Marantz was to effectively capture the timelessness, musicality and passion the brand has brought to the world for nearly 70 years. 

“This is why we dove into the brand’s history first to design the MODEL 30 and SACD 30n. We knew these new products and their successors had to continue refining that classic Marantz sound, but also deliver fresh new aesthetics and build quality that contemporary enthusiasts could love. The result is a familiar, yet entirely new Marantz ID and an exciting listening experience that delivers on the Marantz promise of the most musical sound.

In a choice of black or silver-gold finishes, the MODEL 30 Integrated Amplifier and SACD 30n Network Audio Streamer & CD player will be available in early September at authorized Marantz retailers, both at a cost of £2700 / €3000.

Are you looking forward to Marantz’s new phase of high end audio products? Why not leave a comment in the discussion thread. 

Source: Press Release
Image Source: Marantz

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