Marantz has officially announced the new 10 Series Collection to buff up its reference line of products after taking a good long break. This prestigious lineup comprises three reference-quality stereo components: the MODEL 10 Reference Integrated Amplifier, the SACD 10 Reference SACD player, and the LINK 10n Reference Network Audio Player.
First, we have the reference integrated amplifier MODEL 10 packing a dual-mono symmetrical amplifier topology, housed within a sophisticated triple-layered, copper-plated chassis. The amplifier’s compartmentalized design structure, featuring two internal chambers and strategic shielding, ensures complete isolation between high and low-power circuits, eliminating internal interference.
In collaboration with Purifi, Marantz developed a groundbreaking amplifier design that operates in a fully balanced configuration from input to output, delivering an impressive 250 watts into 8-ohm loads and scaling up to 500 watts with 4-ohm designs. The amplifier maintains remarkably low distortion levels of 0.05% THD across the entire audio band at full power, while its peak current capacity of 30A ensures exceptional dynamic range and frequency response that remains consistent regardless of load impedance.
The amplifier section is complemented by an all-new preamplifier design incorporating the latest generation of Marantz’s HDAM analog circuitry, a proprietary technology first introduced in the PM-99SE amplifier of 1992. This latest iteration delivers unprecedented performance in terms of response speed and signal transparency. For those seeking even more power, the MODEL 10 can be configured in a bi-amplified setup using Marantz’s proprietary F.C.B.S (Floating Control Bus System), allowing up to four units to be seamlessly linked and controlled.
The MODEL 10’s sophisticated design extends to its aesthetic elements, featuring a unique mesh-covered grille section adorned with Marantz’s iconic rhythmic pattern and internal illumination. The amplifier boasts 16mm-thick aluminum side panels, premium CNC-machined control knobs with individual bearings, and a distinctive porthole-style OLED display that can be configured to show volume level, input selection, or VU meter readings, with adjustable brightness and timeout options.
Connectivity options are extensive, including two XLR balanced inputs, three RCA analog inputs, and a sophisticated phono stage supporting both MM cartridges and MC cartridges with three impedance options. The unit provides both XLR and RCA preamplifier outputs, selectable speaker A/B outputs, and a premium-grade headphone output.
On the other hand, we have the SACD 10 made to pair with the amplifier by featuring a copper-plated, triple-layered design with strategic compartmentalization. The internal layout is meticulously engineered to separate digital and analog circuits through two subdivided sections and careful shielding, ensuring optimal signal integrity.
The player’s power delivery system is built around twin toroidal transformers, each housed in copper-plated casings and symmetrically mounted on opposite sides of the chassis. These transformers feed completely independent power supplies for the digital and analog sections. At the center of the unit sits the proprietary SACDM-3 aluminum disc mechanism, a Marantz-designed and manufactured component that benefits from exceptional isolation measures.
The digital architecture of the SACD 10 centers around an enhanced version of Marantz’s Musical Mastering (MMM) technology. This sophisticated system converts incoming PCM signals to DSD before passing them through a low-pass filter to generate the analog output while he MMM implementation allows users to fine-tune their listening experience through adjustable digital filters, dither, and noise shaping parameters. In the analog domain, the latest iteration of Marantz’s HDAM technology processes signals in a fully balanced configuration, with both XLR and RCA outputs available.
The SACD 10’s connectivity suite is comprehensive, featuring coaxial and optical digital outputs alongside multiple digital inputs including coaxial, dual optical ports, and both USB-A and USB-B DAC connections. The unit’s construction is equally impressive, with a 12mm-thick solid aluminum top cover and nearly 16mm-thick side panels, creating an incredibly rigid structure that optimizes the SACD mechanism’s performance.
Last on the list is the network audio player LINK 10n which can be doubled as a full-featured preamplifier. This versatile component incorporates HEOS Built-in technology, offering support for AirPlay 2 and Roon Ready functionality. Its capabilities extend to high-resolution audio playback, supporting DSD up to 11.2 MHz (via future firmware update) and PCM up to 384kHz/32-bit, allowing bit-perfect reproduction of high-resolution audio files from both network and local sources.
The device shares the same premium power supply architecture and MMM D/A converter section as the SACD 10, ensuring consistent high-end performance. Its extensive connectivity includes HDMI with ARC functionality, USB-A and USB-B DAC inputs, coaxial and optical digital connections, and both XLR and RCA analog inputs and outputs. The upgraded HDAM technology processes signal in a fully balanced manner, maintaining signal integrity throughout the audio path.
As a preamplifier, the LINK 10n offers sophisticated volume control and source selection capabilities, complete with variable gain outputs. It includes a high-quality phono stage and can be seamlessly integrated with the MODEL 10 in power amplifier mode to create an exceptional pre/power combination. The unit even accommodates subwoofer integration, adding further system configuration flexibility.
The LINK 10n’s streaming capabilities are equally impressive, supporting a wide range of services including Tidal (up to 192 kHz/24-bit), local network playback (up to 384 kHz/32-bit and DSD 4X), Spotify Connect, Bluetooth, TuneIn, Deezer, and Pandora. The HEOS ecosystem allows for multi-room audio configuration with up to 32 other HEOS Built-In devices, enabling synchronized playback across multiple zones or independent zone control.
All components in the 10 Series Collection are available in classic Marantz Black and elegant Marantz Champagne finishes, featuring unified control through a distinctive teal-lacquered aluminum remote controller. The LINK 10n additionally offers integration with the HEOS app and third-party control systems like Control4, ensuring seamless operation within modern home audio environments.
Price
- MODEL 10 @ USD15,000 / EUR14,500 / GBP12,000
- SACD 10 @ USD12,000 / EUR11,000 / GBP9,500
- LINK 10n @ USD10,000 / EUR10,000 / GBP10,000
