New Products

Marantz today announced a reference-level series of stereo audio components — its first high-end statement offering since 2016.

The new 10 Series Collection kicks off with the $15,000 Model 10 Reference Integrated Amplifier, which will be followed by the SACD 10 Reference SACD player and the LINK 10n Reference Network Audio Player "in the coming months," according to the company.

Developed over five years at the renowned Shirakawa Audio Works facility in Japan, Marantz says 10 Series components draw inspiration from the brand’s pioneering roots in hi-fi while embracing future-ready state-of-the-art audio engineering.

A Beastly Amplifier
With a rated power output of 2 x 250 watts into 8 ohms or 2 x 500 watts into 4 ohms, the Model 10 has the distinction of being the most powerful single-box amplifier Marantz has ever made. The amp boasts up to 30 amps of peak current for exceptional dynamic range and distortion is rated at 0.05% (THD) across the audio band at full power and is "an order of magnitude better at half-rated power," according to Marantz.

The power amp was designed in partnership with Purifi and features a new dual-mono symmetrical topology, a triple-layer, copper-plated chassis, and a compartmentalized design that separates critical internal functions while isolating high- and low-power circuits from one another to avoid interference.

Fully balanced from input to output, the amp has individual power supplies for each amp channel and all line-level input circuitry is driven by a separate power supply. Up to four Model10s can be connected together in applications requiring more power.

A Versatile Preamplifier
The latest and best performing iteration of Marantz’s proprietary HDAM analog circuitry sits at the heart of the Model 10's preamp section. (HDAM technology has been around since 1982 when it debuted in the PM-99SE amplifier.) An extensive array of analog connections is provided, including two XLR balanced inputs, three RCA analog inputs, and a flexible phono input with three impedance options for moving-coil (MC) phono cartridges. Preamp outputs are provided in both XLR and RCA form, and selectable A/B speaker outputs are included along with a dedicated headphone output.

For system flexibility, the Model 10 can be configured to run solely as a power amplifier, bypassing the preamplifier when partnered with a network audio player such as the Link 10n, which is built around Denon’s app-based HEOS streaming platform and supports resolutions up to 192 kHz/24 bits; playback at 384 kHz/32 bits is possible with music stored on USB or network servers. The platform supports Airplay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Bluetooth, TuneIn, Deezer, Pandora, and other streaming services.

Form Follows Function
The distinctive porthole-style OLED display screen recalls classic Marantz products but with a touch of modern sophisticatation offering the choice between a volume level display or an analog VU meter, each with adjustable brightness. In keeping with its internal sophistication and build quality, the Model 10 boasts 16-mm-thick aluminum side panels and machined aluminum control knobs for volume and input selection, each with individual bearings for a luxury feel. A premium, aluminum-topped remote handset completes the reference package.

For more information, visit marantz.com.