The Marantz Model 40n has plenty of audiophile specifications. First, a 3.4 kg shielded toroidal transformer capable of delivering a comfortable power of 2 x 70 W at 8 ohms (2 x 100 W at 4 ohms).
Marantz Model 40n, the main technologies implemented
Then, there are two exclusive Elna main capacitors with a capacity of 18,000 microfarads each. Huge ! Namely, the latter are placed on the same printed circuit board as the power transistors. The goal is to reduce the power lines as much as possible and minimize the impedance, source of better audio quality and increased dynamics.
Another important element of the Model 40n electronics, the usual copper sheet of the printed circuit has been replaced by copper bars at the level of the critical zones, always to reduce the impedance of the power supply. Similarly, the Marantz Model 40n circuit board has tracks on both sides for more efficient grounding.
HDAM-SA3 and Dac ES9016K2M audiophile components
There are also exclusive HDAM-SA3 audiophile components already used on the KI Pearl Lite limited series and a high-end ESS ES9016K2M digital-to-analog converter for handling Alac, Flac or Wav files up to 192 kHz/ 24 bit and DSD 2.8/5.6 MHz. To know again, the digital and network section is fully shielded and it can even be deactivated (Pure mode) to reduce interference in case of analog sources. Likewise, the audio signal path is optimized from the source to the amplification stages.
We can also cite a Muses 72323 electric volume control and a novel design of the volume control circuit, with the aim of obtaining the highest possible signal-to-noise ratio. As a result, the Marantz Model 40n displays an improved signal-to-noise ratio of 7 dB in normal listening. Namely, in operation, the Model 40n's standby power supply is simply turned off during operation, to prevent possible distortion. For its part, the aluminum heat sink cut in the mass and placed between the power supply and the audio circuits is used as a separator, again and again to reduce interference.
Finally, the chassis is reinforced with a double layer of aluminum and side panels (always in aluminum) with a thickness of 5 millimeters. Of course, faceplate and remote controller also adopt aluminum material.
Heos multiroom module
Of course, the Marantz Model 40n also benefits from the Heos multiroom functionality (see photo below) to easily transform this amplifier/Dac/Network player into a link in a larger audio chain including, for example, real active speakers Denon Home to add sound to a home.
Among the other associated functions of the Marante Model 40n, there is access to Spotify services (Spotify Connect compatibility), Amazon Music HD, Tidal, Deezer… Plus access to thousands of web radios via TuneIn or to a library local music files shared on the home network through the UPnP (DLNA) audio gateway function and Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and AirPlay 2 compatibility.
Marantz Model 40n, the connection
On the connector side, the gold-plated Marantz Model 40n has a Phono MM input, three RCA inputs and a Recorder input/output. Not to mention two pairs of screw terminals (A/B selector), an optical input, a coaxial, a subwoofer output plus a USB Host port and an Ethernet port. We also note an HDMI CEC and ARC input to easily connect the TV and magnify its sound performance (PCM signal only), plus a Pre-Out Power Amp Direct input to use, for example, the Marantz Model 40n as an amplifier on a pair of speakers. front-ends within a multi-channel system configured from an audio-video amplifier. For completeness, note that a 6.3 mm headphone output is present on the front.
It should also be noted that the Marantz Model 40n is certified Works with Google, Works with Amazon Alexa and Works with Apple AirPlay. it is therefore possible to control it by voice via Alexa, Google Assistant or Siri.
The word to Joel Sietsema, President of Marantz
“I firmly believe that you don't have to be an audiophile to like rich, warm sound,†said Joel Sietsema, President of Marantz. With our Model 40n, we've perfected the balance between what we're known for - our sound - by bringing simplicity, great design, modern functionality, and plenty of power. This product is really ideal for those looking for excellent performance combined with all the elegance offered by simplicity and ease of use.â€
Available from March in black or silver/ gold. Indicative price: 2,499 euros.
Reminder of the key characteristics of the Marantz Model 40n:
• Model: 2.1
• Power: 2 x 70 W at 8 ohms, 2 x 100 W at 4 ohms
• Signal ratio /noise: 87 dB on Phono input, 106 dB for CD
• THD (total harmonic distortion): 0.02%
• Frequency response: 5-50,000 Hz
• Inputs: 1 Phono MM input, 3 RCA inputs including 1 Recorder input, 1 optical and 1 coaxial input, 1 Pre-Out Power Amp Direct input, 1 USB Host port and 1 Ethernet port
• Outputs: 1 subwoofer bass, 1 Recorder output, 1 headphone output, 2 pairs of screw terminals
• OSD functions
• UPnP (DLNA) audio gateway functions
• Pure Direct functions
• Heos Multiroom functions
• Flac HD compatibility
• DSD 2.8/5.6 MHz compatibility
• Wav compatibility
• Alac HD compatibility
• Audio Converter ESS Saber ES9016K2M 384 kHz /32 bits
• Network Control by IP
• AirPlay 2 network
• Bluetooth network
• Heos Application network
• Network water Wi-Fi
• Hi-Res Audio streaming via USB/network: yes
• Web radio(s): TuneIn
• Hi-Res Audio certification
• Works with Alexa certification
• Works with Google Assistant certification
• Works with Apple Airplay certification
• Roon Tested
• Headphone output: yes
• Dimensions (W x H x D, mm ): 443 x 130 x 432 mm
• Consumption: 220 W (0.3 W in standby)
• Weight: 16.7 kg