John Darko
“Feature-laden versatility and warm musicality” — that’s how Marantz has headlined the announcement of its latest streaming amplifier, the MODEL 60n. As one might surmise from the model number, the newbie promises 60wpc of Class A/B power into 8 Ohms and features the latest iteration of Marantz’s all-discrete HDAM modules.
Quoth the press release: “This ensures an outstanding combination of exceptionally low distortion, effortless power and all the accuracy, transparency and musicality that mark Marantz amplifiers out as some of the most highly regarded designs in the category.”
We note three line-level analogue inputs on the MODEL 60n’s back panel plus an MM phono input for vinylistas. HEOS-powered streaming is also on the menu, complete with side orders of Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect and Roon Readiness. Amazon Music and Deezer are folded into the HEOS but there’s still no Qobuz. These streaming inputs are complemented by a raft of hard-wired digital inputs: HDMI ARC, TOSLINK, coax and USB-A (to stream from USB storage devices).
The internal DAC that converts those streams and digital inputs to analogue is built around an ESS Sabre DAC. The DAC chip model has probably gone unspecified to stymie those who would erroneously judge a DAC circuit’s performance based solely on its chip, cheerfully ignoring the quality of the power supply and analogue output stage (that cannot be numerically quantified). Talking of which: the MODEL 60n’s DAC circuit supports PCM up to 24bit/192kHz and DSD up to DSD128.
Rounding out the feature set here is a set of pre-amplifier outputs, a subwoofer output, a headphone socket and an infra-red remote control.
The MODEL 60n replaces the outgoing PM7000N for pairing with the CD60 CD player.
Pricing says hello at US$1500, £1300 and €1500. Your choice of Black or Silver Gold finishes.
Further information: Marantz
