John Darko
When Marantz unveiled the MODEL 10 last month, the supplied photos didn’t make it obvious that this new ‘reference integrated amplifier’ would be something of an audio behemoth. It measures 44cm across the front panel – as do most full-width hi-fi components – but it’s also 42cm deep. That’s too deep for a standard USM Haller sideboard or Zara Home side table. Of the everyday/everyman furniture currently used for hi-fi by yours truly, only the IKEA Baggboda would house it.
Now comes the catch: according to Marantz, the MODEL 10 puts a whopping 34kg on the scales. That’s identical to the combined weight of the Cambridge Audio Edge W power amplifier and Edge NQ pre-amplifier; and the British two-fer causes the Baggboda’s lower shelf to bow. Perhaps the top shelf’s lateral bracing will prevent any sag when a MODEL 10 lands there early next year.
Marantz has also sent over further information on the ‘matching’ SACD player and – as a separate unit – ‘matching’ network streamer.
From the press release: “The SACD 10 Reference SACD player and the LINK 10n Reference Network Audio Player join the recently announced MODEL 10 Reference Integrated Amplifier to create a complete system of all-new statement-level stereo components, the first from Marantz since 2016.”
But brace yourselves – and your backs – because the SACD 10 and Link 10n each share the MODEL 10’s dimensions and weight: 44cm (W) × 19.2cm (H) × 42.2cm (D) and 33.3kg.
Also notable are the SACD 10’s digital inputs that allow it to run as a standalone D/A converter for other digital sources: USB-A (for storage devices), USB-B (for PCs, Macs and Pis), coaxial and 2 x TOSLINK. The same complement of digital inputs also resides on the back of the Link 10n but with the addition of HDMI ARC for TV hook-ups. On streaming, the Link 10n supports Apple AirPlay2, TIDAL Connect, Roon Ready in addition to HEOS but – somewhat surprisingly – keeps vinylistas in the picture with MM and MC phono inputs that allow it to serve double duty as an outboard phono stage.
The Link 10n and SACD 10’s feature sets are summarised as follows:
Marantz SACD 10 – Reference SACD/CD player
• SACD / CD player with Marantz-designed and built SACDM-3 disc transport
• Improved MMM and next-generation HDAM circuits
• USB-A, USB-B DAC, coaxial and 2x optical digital inputs
• RCA and XLR outputs plus high-quality headphone amplifier
• Fully balanced signal path design
• Strictly separated power supplies for analogue and digital sections featuring twin toroidal
transformers
• Compartmentalized, ultra-rigid construction for minimised internal interference and unwanted
vibration
Marantz LINK 10n – Reference Network Audio Player
• Standalone HEOS Built-in Network Audio Player
• Improved MMM and next-generation HDAM circuits
• AirPlay2, TIDAL Connect, Roon Ready support
• HDMI ARC, USB-A, USB-B DAC, coaxial and 2x digital inputs
• RCA, XLR and MM/MC phono input
• Selectable preamplifier functionality with variable gain outputs
• Full color high-resolution TFT display screen for album art
• RCA, XLR and subwoofer outputs
• Strictly separated power supplies for analogue and digital sections featuring twin toroidal
transformers
• Compartmentalized, ultra-rigid construction for minimised internal interference and unwanted
vibration
The Marantz SACD 10 will sell for US$12,000, €11,000 or £9,500. The Link 10n for US$12,000, €12,000 or £10,000. Your choice of Marantz Black or Marantz Champagne finishes.
Further information: Marantz
