![]() ![]() It also opens the door to basic voice controls via Alex, Google Assistant, Siri, and Josh.ai. Onboard HEOS technology allows the SACD 30n to stream FLAC (44.1-192kHz/24-bit), DSD (2.8MHz and 5.6MHz), ALAC, AIFF, and MP3 files from services such as TIDAL and Amazon Music (Qobuz is not currently supported, but will be in the future). Disc support includes SA-CDs, standard CDs, and music stored on data discs. The onboard transport mechanism (SACDM-3L) is developed by Marantz, as is a conversion stage that sheds the use of a traditional DAC in favor of the company’s proprietary MMM-Conversion stage. The SACD 30n Network Audio Streamer and SACD player gives buyers access to an all-in-one disc player that’s capable of Hi-Res streaming. The exclusion of coupling capacitors further simplifies the design, reducing signal distortion and enhancing signal purity.” Phono operation is completed by an input impedance selector (MC Low, 33 ohms MC Mid, 100 ohms and MC High, 390 ohms) for optimized playback while using either style of cartridge. Marantz says “distortion is reduced using two-stage amplification in the phono stage, and HDAMs are combined with JFETs (junction gate field effect transistors) in the input stage, giving high input impedance. The company has also decided to fully embrace vinyl as a source by outfitting the MODEL 30 with a moving coil and moving magnetic phono stage complete with a built-in MC head amp. Marantz hasn’t abandoned the use of its discrete circuit Hyper-Dynamic Amplifier Modules (HDAMs), which are loaded with “curated discrete” surface mount components with short left and right mirror-image signal paths. An internally shielded oversized toroidal transformer is dedicated to the pre-amp, while the power supply delivers high current instantaneously to a Class D amp (100 watts per channel, 8 ohms 200 watts per channel 4 ohms). This latest version is an all-analog design built around pre-amp and amp stages linked to separate power supplies. The MODEL 30 Integrated Amplifier is a refresh of the original Model 30 integrated amp released some 50 years ago. ![]() Both new pieces of next-gen gear show off Marantz’s chosen industrial design direction and the looks are certainly unique. ![]() The result is a new look that blends fresh modern styling with strong nostalgic elements (think Marantz’s iconic front-mounted portal) and true high fidelity performance. To launch Marantz’s evolution, in-house designers looked to the past for inspiration. This may not hold true for AV Receivers, as Sound United is signaling a continued Denon/Marantz convergence in that segment, but we won't know for sure until the rollout is complete (which could take two to five years). In other words, the marginal price gap between most Denon and Marantz gear is about to widen. This new delineation gives Marantz a fresh look and feel in addition to pricing that pushes the brand upmarket. That mirror, however, is being shattered and Sound United is making a concerted effort to unchain the two brands. For most of you, this probably isn’t an earth-shattering revelation, as each closely mirrors the other. It seems corporate leadership has decided that Marantz and Denon have developed an unhealthy convergence of technology, design, and pricing. So, let’s start by unpacking Sound United’s move to push Marantz in a different direction. Marantz’s massive September announcement is a mixture of brand direction and new products, with one definitively driving the other. Today, we have a full course meal to digest courtesy of the AV industry’s 500-pound gorilla, Sound United, and its well-known brand Marantz. (September 1, 2020) It’s officially CEDIA Season! While the annual home theater expo is shifting gears to accommodate safety in this bizarre COVID climate, we can still expect to see an impressive rollout of exciting gear and impactful brand announcements. ![]()
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