Marantz has announced the release of its new Model 70 integrated amplifier and CD 70 CD player, succeeding the well-regarded PM6007 amplifier and CD6007 CD player. These new models aim to combine striking aesthetics with enhanced audio performance, featuring advanced connectivity options like HDMI ARC and high-quality Bluetooth streaming.
Marantz Model 70 Integrated Amplifier: Key Features
The Marantz Model 70 integrated amplifier is designed to deliver a compelling audio experience, boasting 50 watts per channel in Class A/B amplification. Marantz emphasizes its signature sound, described as “warm, detailed, and deeply musical.” Significant upgrades have been implemented in its circuitry, including an enhanced power supply and a larger toroidal transformer. According to Marantz, these improvements result in greater dynamic range, superior speaker control, and increased authority across a wide spectrum of loudspeakers.
Connectivity is a strong suit for the Model 70. It features HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel), allowing for seamless integration with televisions. For wireless audio, it offers Bluetooth connectivity with support for advanced codecs such as aptX Adaptive and aptX HD, alongside AAC and SBC. This enables high-quality streaming from compatible devices. Beyond digital inputs, the amplifier includes a high-quality Moving Magnet (MM) phono stage, catering to vinyl enthusiasts with turntables. It also incorporates a high-performance ES Sabre DAC to process digital audio sources, ensuring clarity and fidelity.
Further enhancing its versatility, the Model 70 provides preamplifier and subwoofer outputs, offering flexibility for system expansion. The internal design focuses on minimizing noise and preserving audio detail. Marantz has also paid attention to the physical construction, incorporating an upgraded power supply, strategically placed copper elements, and a double-layered chassis base with rigid isolation feet to reduce vibrations and interference.
Marantz CD 70 CD Player: Enhanced Disc Playback
Complementing the Model 70 amplifier, the new CD 70 CD player is built to provide an exceptional compact disc listening experience. It shares the same high-performance ES Sabre DAC found in the amplifier, ensuring consistent digital-to-analog conversion quality. Additionally, the CD 70 incorporates Marantz’s proprietary HDAM (High Definition Amplifier Module) circuitry. This specialized component is designed to deliver “detailed, expressive, and emotionally engaging reproduction,” according to the company, aiming to extract every subtle nuance from music collections.
The CD 70 is equipped with a front-panel USB-A port, allowing users to play digital audio files directly. It supports a range of high-resolution formats, including FLAC HD, ALAC (Apple Lossless Audio Codec), AIFF (Audio Interchange File Format), and DSD (Direct Stream Digital). Like the amplifier, the CD player’s internal construction has been meticulously optimized for audio purity. This includes an upgraded power supply, the use of copper hardware, and a robust, double-layered chassis with isolation feet to minimize mechanical and electrical noise.
Pricing and Availability
The Marantz Model 70 integrated amplifier and CD 70 CD player are positioned as premium yet accessible components in the hi-fi market. The official pricing is set at $750 / £499 / AU$1,000 for the CD 70 compact disc player. The Model 70 integrated amplifier is priced at £749 in the UK and AU$1,455 in Australia. While a specific US dollar price for the amplifier was not immediately available at the time of announcement, estimations based on international pricing suggest it may be around $1,100.
Design Philosophy and Sound Signature
Marantz has long been associated with a distinctive aesthetic and sound quality in the audio industry. The new Model 70 and CD 70 continue this tradition, featuring a design that is intended to be as pleasing to the eye as it is to the ear. The company reiterates its commitment to delivering its signature “warm, detailed, and deeply musical” sound, which has garnered a loyal following among audiophiles.
The technical specifications and component choices, such as the HDAM circuitry and high-quality DACs, underscore Marantz’s dedication to sonic excellence. The focus on upgraded power supplies, toroidal transformers, and noise reduction techniques in both the amplifier and CD player indicates a comprehensive approach to achieving high fidelity. The inclusion of modern features like HDMI ARC and advanced Bluetooth codecs alongside traditional strengths like MM phono stages and CD playback demonstrates an effort to bridge the gap between classic hi-fi values and contemporary listening habits.
Conclusion
The introduction of the Marantz Model 70 integrated amplifier and CD 70 CD player signifies an evolution for the brand’s popular 6000 series. By integrating advanced features, refining internal components, and maintaining a focus on both aesthetic appeal and sonic performance, Marantz aims to offer compelling options for music enthusiasts. The combination of robust amplification, versatile connectivity, and high-quality digital and physical media playback positions these new models as noteworthy contenders in the mid-range hi-fi market.
