
Measurements and Conclusion
Contents
We measured the Marantz in two ways: digital and analog. The analog measurements were done via a single ended input. We grounded the Marantz Model 40n to the Prism. The speaker outputs went into an 8Ohm and 4Ohm dummy load with a branch to the Prism dScope III analyzer. The digital measurements went through the coaxial input. We took measurements through the speaker outputs as well as the recording output.
Measurements Marantz Model 40n amplifier
The amplifier’s measurements are unquestionably good for a product in this class. A noise floor of under -120dB and even a clean spectrum in the high-res measurement are just neat. Frequency response is decent with a minimal rounding at 5 Hz. We see at the high-res measurement that it does go down hard at 80 Khz. So 100 kHz -3dB we can’t really see happening. (That’s what Marantz reports). The power output measurement shows that the specification is certainly achievable. Very well done.
Measurements Marantz Model 40n dac-board
The DAC we honestly had slightly higher expectations for. It is certainly not bad, but with modern solutions some better measurements are achievable, we estimate. The dynamic range is 106 dB. That’s not bad, but in the dac test we saw that the bulk is above 110 dB. Crosstalk via record-out sits at -94dB; that’s not very good. However, we hear later in a call with the engineer that there are standard op-amps in the signal path of the record-out. These could influence these measurements. We see in some measurements through the power-amp that there are indeed better results. Do include that in your conclusions.
However, we find the interface jitter a bit high (Jtest: 78ps). The linarity measurement goes better through the speaker output than through the recording output. Almost certainly this is due to the op-amps. You can now see how difficult it sometimes is to perform solid measurements: every link has an influence.
All in all, we see that Marantz has tried to make a good balance in cost, performance and audibility. All in all, the dac is fine, but not shockingly good. However, this is also partly a result of gignatic chip shortages. Keep that in mind, though.
i am very curious how it is going to sound with my Acoustic Energy AE509
anyone experience ?
Probably good! 🙂
i am very curious how it is going to sound with my Acoustic Energy AE509
anyone experience ?
Probably good! 🙂