John Darko
Marantz has today pulled the covers off its all-new Model 10 ‘Reference Integrated Amplifier’ that will eventually be joined by the SACD 10 ‘Reference SACD player’ and the LINK 10n ‘Reference Network Audio Player’ to form the company’s first new range of high-end electronics since 2016. Each unit is to be built in Shirakawa, Japan.
According to the Japanese manufacturer, the Model 10 is its most powerful single-box amplifier to date, driving 250wpc into 8 Ohms and 500wpc into 4 Ohms whilst holding fast to 0.05% THD across its bandwidth.
The Class D amplification circuit was a team effort, the result of a collaboration between Marantz and Purifi (they of Eigentakt fame): it is fully balanced from input to output; it is a dual-mono design with one power supply per channel; it offers an impedance-immune frequency response; and it can be bi-amped via Marantz’s proprietary F.C.B.S (Floating Control Bus System) if/when more output power is required.
From the press release: “[The Model 10 ] uses a completely new copper-plated, triple-layered chassis with a compartmentalized design structure designed to provide complete engineering separation of each critical internal function. Two internal compartments plus strategically placed shields isolate high and low power circuits from each other and prevent internal interference from limiting performance.”
Feeding the amplifier section is an all-new pre-amplifier section built around Marantz’s all-discrete HDAM components for – according to the manufacturer – its best pre-amplifier performance yet.
The Model 10’s aluminium side panels are 16mm thick and on its front panel, we note the signature porthole whose HD OLED display can alternate between volume level and VU meter mode (according to user preference). Nearby sit CNC-machined spun-finished aluminium control knobs for volume and source selection and for those who prefer to control the amplifier from the comfort of the couch, the Model 10 ships with a newly-designed IR wand that carries a “a teal-colored aluminum top surface for added heft and premium feel.”
What about inputs? Say hello to “high quality” MM and MC phono inputs – the latter offering three impedance settings – plus a range of single-ended RCA and balanced XLR line-level inputs. The Model 10 additionally features RCA and XLR pre-amplifier outputs for anyone wanting to drive a different power amplifier or – more likely – a subwoofer; and it can also be configured to run solely as a power amplifier, thus bypassing its pre-amplifier stage. A “very high quality” headphone output rounds out the feature set.
Make no mistake: at 34kg, the Model 10 is a beast of an integrated amplifier. An exhaustive spec sheet can be read here. Shipping begins in October with pricing set at US$15,000, €14,500 or £12,000. Your choice of Black or Marantz Champagne finishes.
Further information: Marantz
