About The Marantz Model 30 Stereo Amplifier
The Marantz Model 30 integrated amplifier is a fully discrete, dual mono, two-stage design that marries custom (Hyper-Dynamic Amplifier) HDAM-SA3 modules in a feedback-free pre/driver stage to a pair of Class D amplifier modules (Hypex NC500 OEM) on the output stage for 100 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms, and 200wpc into 4 Ohms. Marantz's HDAM technology was developed in 1992 as an improvement over Op-Amp-based circuits. A rather large toroidal transformer sits inside the Model 30 to supply the preamp and phono amp stages, which helps account for the Model 30's almost 15 kilogram heft, while the power amplifier stage is fed from its own switch-mode power supply.
The Model 30 offers a wealth of analogue connection possibilities with the discrete phono stage's RCA inputs sitting below the line-level RCA inputs labelled CD, Tuner, Line 1, Line 2 & Recorder. There's a fixed volume Record Out, which could also be used to feed an external headphone amplifier, and also a variable volume Pre Out which can be used with an external power amplifier or a subwoofer or two. A welcome feature is a Stereo Power Amplifier Input for use with an external stereo or home theatre preamp. A single pair of hefty high-purity nickel-plated speaker binding posts, remote control input, and IEC inlet complete the rear panel. If you're looking for a matching DAC, CD player and/or streaming device, the Marantz SACD 30n Streaming CD Player is the natural choice.
The front panel is central to the Model 30's good looks: a backlit raised matte section that allows light to peek out either side onto a wavy textured backplate, which looks a bit like carbon fibre from a distance. This lighting effect can be dimmed or turned off using the included remote. The classic Marantz "Porthole" display sits dead centre on the raised section and is joined by six control knobs for input selection, phono input selection – MM, MC Low (33 Ohm), MC Mid (100 Ohm) and MC High (390 Ohm), bass/treble (which can be bypassed using the remote), balance and volume. The power button and 1/4" headphone jack reside on either side of the faux carbon fibre backplate.
The remote is more than full function as it can also control the matching Marantz SACD 30n Streaming CD Player while also performing all of the front panel functions plus mute and dimmer for the subtle but pleasing front panel lighting effect.
Tuned By A Marantz Sound Master: "Making sound the Marantz way is a seamless fusion of art and science, practiced by artisanal creators who balance and select components individually for their sonic qualities – they are the Sound Masters, the magicians."
In the case of the Model 30, we are talking about Yoshinori Ogata who follows in the footsteps of Saul Marantz, Ken Ishiwata, and Ryuichi Sawada. This is the audiophile ideal, as it speaks to the notion that hi-fi products are voiced by ear as opposed to rigidly following some measured ideal.
Marantz Model 30 Technology
Get the most musical sound possible from this beautiful, integrated amplifier. Exquisitely tuned by the Marantz Sound Master, the Model 30 integrated amplifier features a master-curated Marantz HDAM and a fully discrete design for luxurious Hi-Fi purity. Designed to last the test of time and make all your music unforgettable.
Get the most musical sound possible from this Master-tuned integrated amplifier. Its custom-designed HDAM delivers exquisite detail and unforgettable musicality from any style of music.
A Masterpiece Of Audio Architecture: Featuring a fully discrete, two stage design for minimal interference, and unique Marantz HDAM technology for signal purity, Model 30 offers exceptional sound quality.
Designed To Last: You see and feel it in the build quality and you hear it every time. No matter your musical passions, your music always sounds better with Model 30.
Tuned With Passion: Hundreds of hours of thoughtful Sound Master tuning ensure the exquisite detail and musicality Marantz always delivers.
Fully Discrete & Accurate Detailing: Marantz HDAM-SA3 technology is comprised of dozens of independent parts, each hand-selected for pure, detailed Marantz sound.
Extraordinary Sensitivity: Designed to replicate the sensitivity and feel of a vintage analogue amplifier even when simply adjusting the volume.
Exquisite Sound Tuning: Model 30 continues the renowned heritage of exquisite Marantz amplifiers. Tuned by the Marantz Sound Master who channelled his passion, experience, and extraordinary ear into the amplifier design.
The Most Musical, Accurate, Detailed Sound: Model 30 is built on its own discrete circuit board, the Hyper-Dynamic Amplifier Module, or HDAM. By custom-curating hundreds of individual parts, rather than adopting an off-the-shelf solution, the Model 30 HDAM significantly outperforms standard integrated circuits to create the unique musicality you always expect from Marantz.
Marantz Musical Premium Phono EQ: Envisioned to deliver optimal sound quality by simplifying the signal path – vital given the delicate nature of phono signals – the Phono EQ stage in Model 30 can be used with both moving magnet and low-output moving coil cartridges, thanks to a built-in MC head amplifier.
The design lowers distortion, which is why the phono stage uses two-stage amplification, combining Marantz HDAMs with JFETs in the input stage, giving high input impedance. This allows the non-negative-feedback design to be further simplified by the deletion of coupling capacitors, again reducing distortion and enhancing signal purity.
MC / MM Phono Input Impedance Selector: In order to optimize sound performance when using a moving coil (MC) or magnetic moving (MM) cartridge, and to accommodate all configurations as much as possible, Model 30 is equipped with an input impedance selector. The input impedance can be adjusted to three different settings: MC LOW (33 ohm), MC MID (100 ohm) and MC HIGH (390 ohm).
Custom Volume Control: Newly developed electric volume control uses the latest volume control IC to realize better channel separation, dynamic range and distortion-reduction. Model 30 employs a new Marantz-designed electric volume control for high linearity and best-in-class channel separation. In other words, you always get the volume precisely how you want it.
In A Silent Way: The advanced headphone circuit delivers superb audio fidelity with the widest range of headphone types and impedances, including low impedance headphones. So when you want to hear everything but leave the rest of the house in blissful silence, you've got it.
Built For Generations: Like its counterpart, the SACD 30n Streaming CD Player, the Model 30 Integrated Amplifier is designed to the highest standards. The solid chassis is constructed from thick, heavy, non-magnetic aluminium panels and a rigid steel top cover to eliminate added interference. Sturdy, brass machined independent input terminals for CD and Phono plus Marantz original high-quality/high-purity nickel-plated speaker terminals ensure the best signal possible.
Our Take
Finally, a Marantz product that doesn't look exactly the same as every other model they've produced for the last 20 years or more. The Model 30 brings a refreshing visual change to the Marantz lineup as well as offering some new technology to boot. The use of proprietary Marantz Hyper-Dynamic Amplifier (HDAM) modules with Hypex NC500 Class D amplifier modules results in a neutral sonic character that will play well with almost any brand of speaker. What's more, the Model 30 puts out a solid 100 Watts into 8 Ohms and then, surprisingly, doubles that to a rock solid 200 Watts into 4 Ohms which means nothing's going to phase this amplifier no matter what you throw at it. Marantz has chosen to make this an all analogue affair, no 'let's include the kitchen sink' built-in DAC here, which we think is a good thing. Do one thing, and do it right. If you need all that digital stuff then look no further than the matching Marantz SACD 30n which includes the 'kitchen sink' and a few other digital niceties you may not have been expecting.
Main Features & Specifications
- Design: Analogue Stereo Integrated Amplifier
- Output Power
- 100W + 100W (8Ohm)
- 200W + 200W (4Ohm)
- Hypex NC500 Switching Amplifier Circuit
- Encased Toroidal Power Transformer
- Electric Volume Controls
- Tone Controls (Bass, Treble)
- Balance Control
- Source Direct
- 5Hz - 50kHz Bandwidth
- 0.005% THD (1kHz, 8Ohms)
- 500 Damping Factor
- Input Sensitivity:
- MM: 2.3mV / 39kOhm
- MC: 250uV
- CD/Line/Recorder: 220mV / 13kOhm
- Signal to Noise Ratio:
- MM: 88dB
- MC: 75dB
- CD: 107dB
Connections
- Phono Input (MM/MC)
- Power Amp Direct In
- Analogue RCA Inputs
- CD (High Grade terminals)
- Phono (High Grade terminals)
- Tuner
- Line 1
- Line 2
- Recorder
- Marantz Original SPKT-100+ Binding Post Speaker Terminals
- Remote Control Bus Terminal
Physical
- Available in Black or Silver/Gold
- Aluminium Front and Side panels
- Steel top cover
- Front panel edge lighting with dimmer (remote controlled)
- Porthole OLED Display
- Aluminium volume knob, input selector, power button, and tone control dials
- Copper plated chassis screws
Control
- App control via optional Network Player (HEOS)
- System Remote Controller (New for Model 30 and SACD 30)
General
- Included Accessories: System remote control, 2 x AAA batteries, IEC power cable, Quick start guide
- Removable Power Cable: Upgrade to a Premium Power Cable for better performance
- Power Consumption
- 130W Peak Power Consumption
- 0.2W Standby Power Consumption
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 433 x 130 x 432mm
- Weight: 14.8 kg
- Manufacturer's Warranty: 5 Years
Note: Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE.