Marantz’s PM7000N streaming amplifier is pure Future-Fi

Current Feedback and Hyper-Dynamic amplifier modules (HDAM) have long been key ingredients in Marantz amplifiers. As have internal DACs and internal phono stages. This Autumn all of these features (and more) land under a single roof in the form of Marantz’s PM7000N super-integrated.

From the press release: “Much like other higher-end Marantz products, the PM7000N utilizes some of the company’s elite technologies, such as Current Feedback amplification, Hyper-Dynamic Amplifier Modules (HDAM-SA3), a toroidal transformer, a high-speed instantaneous current power supply, and a newly developed electronic volume control.”

The PM7000N’s Class A/B loudspeaker drive is rated by Marantz at 60wpc into 8 Ohms and 80wpc into 4. Also part of the deal are 1) a newly designed MM phono stage whose input is fitted out with FETs and 2) a DAC circuit built around Asahi Kasei’s AK4490 chip. Feeding the DAC (for PCM up to 24bit/192kHz and DSD128) are four hard-wired digital inputs: 1 x coaxial, 2 x TOSLINK, 1 x USB-A. Wot no USB-B (for PCs and Macs)?

Pushing the PM7000N firmly into Future-Fi territory is an internal HEOS-powered streaming board that brings numerous streaming services into play via corresponding smartphone apps: Amazon Music, Deezer, iHeart Radio, Pandora, Napster, Sirius/XM, SoundCloud, Spotify (Spotify Connect), Tidal and Tune-In. Wot no Qobuz? One key advantage HEOS hardware has over Sonos is its hi-res audio support. Outside of HEOS, we look to the streamer’s AirPlay 2 and aptX Bluetooth inputs.

Marantz didn’t stop there. In recognising how electrical noise can have an audibly negative effect on nearby analogue circuitry, the PM7000N’s engineers sealed off the digital/streaming circuitry in a shielded case and implemented ‘Pure Mode’, which allows the end-user to turn off one or more digital/streaming features. Spinning vinyl for the afternoon? Feel free to nix USB, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth (or all three) to maximise sound quality.

Oh – and the front panel also features a 6.4mm headphone socket and tone controls.

Priced at US$999/£999/€1199, the PM7000N could become the goto streaming amplifier at the entry-level for those with zero interest in separates (and tinkering) and who just want to get the job done by adding loudspeakers.

Our hand is already up for a review unit.

Further information: Marantz