We’ve had the Marantz Model 30 and SACD 30N in our listening room for a week now. Not enough for a complete review – and there are more devices to look at – but enough for a first impression. We have put our first impressions on video for you. And also made a sample-compilation. Not just on the Focals, but also on the Bowers & Wilkins 805D3 and DALI Rubicon 6. That way you can get a decent impression of the new Marantz.Â
In the video we take a look at the connection possibilities of the Model 30, and the SACD 30N. Think of the phono stage in the the Model 30 and the dac-inputs, streamer and wireless capabilities of the SACD 30N. It’s a very versatile duo! And with a price in between the 8000 Series and 12 Series it’s around 3000 euros per piece (inc VAT). Now there was of course the 14-series which was slightly cheaper with 2500 euros per component. We wonder a bit what happened to that.
The Model 30 is built around an nCore amplifier. The nCores are powered by a switching power supply. The pre-stage is powered by a toroidal power supply. The SACD 30N has the same optical drive as the Denon DCD 2500. But the Marantz offers streaming and a dac that can be used by other digital sources. These then have the advantage of the MMM conversion technique: Marantz Musical Mastering. What that is, we explain in the video.
These 30-series (Model 30 and SACD 30N) impress us with their sound. Where the 14-series lacks the energy to grab our attention, these 30-series just put down a lovely sound stage: 3D, energy, detail… and enough ‘oemf’ to sketch a well-founded sound image.
The full review will come later. We don’t want to deprive you of the first impression!