petetherock Posted December 6, 2013 Posted December 6, 2013 Marantz NA 11 S1 review Marantz has been the everyday man’s route to accessible hifi at a decent price for a while. With their equipment, you pay more than what you would at Costco or Harvey Norman, but you are far short of the stratospheric money that you would have to fork out for more esoteric gear, and yet you get a big proportion of the sound quality. A lot of this has to do with Mr Ken Ishiwata, the music genius who sprinkles his special magic on most of their range, and you get some rather fine equipment over the past 60 years. Here in their 60th Year, the Reference “11” series has a new member in the form of the Audiophile Network player / DAC – NA 11 S1. That’s a mouthful but your jaw will remain open when you sit down to listen to what this baby can do. Some links to the technical blurb: And some tips from Marantz about using digital music and their USB port: http://m.marantz.fr/DocumentMaster/UK/Marantz_Whitepaper_PC-Audio_NA-11S1.pdf And the info brochure: http://www.marantz.asia/ap/pdf/Mz_NA11S1_Productinfo_S_PDF_EN.pdf NA-11S1 PREMIUM Network Audio Player This latest rebirth of the Premium 11 Series not only sees the total reinvigoration of both player and amplifier but also the creation of an entirely new S11 separate – the NA-11S1 Network Audio Player. The NA-11S1 Premium Network Audio player is arguably the most advanced, next-generation player there has ever been. Its introduction to this year’s Premium collection is a true milestone in the Marantz history and is a momentous occasion for every audiophile. Why? Because finally, it is now possible to enjoy new media on the highest of levels, by utilizing the increasingly available high resolution downloads it creates ‘studio master’ quality right in your own living room. It produces such breath-taking audio quality because inside it includes the High Current Audiophile D/A converter DSD1792 as well as a Marantz original DSP and Digital Filter PEC777- a high-end algorithm previously used only in professional recording studios - we call it Marantz Musical Mastering. This type of filtering retains greater detail for an even wider sound stage and a perfect balance. Its analogue audio circuits feature Marantz HDAM®-SA2 and HDAM®, and the Toroidal transformer ensures that there’s always power in store the instant it’s needed, while the rigid copper-plated chassis with 5mm thick aluminum top cover minimize vibration and interference. Importantly, selectable digital filters allow you to tune the sound as you prefer. The USB-B port works in asynchronous mode and supports not only 192kHz / 24bits but also the DSD 2.8MHz and 5.6MHz for maximized versatility. You can play FLAC HD 192/24 files, WAV 192/24 files, Internet Radio and Streaming Services support via Ethernet, and AirPlay Music Streaming from iTunes or iDevices – as well as many other file types. It is also DLNA 1.5 certified, so Android integration is easy, and the USB-A port on the front panel also makes playback from an iPod/iPhone/iPad or USB devices just as simple. This player has the lot. What more could you dream of? The network hub The NA-11S1 gives you access to an unlimited number of music sources. You can play music from your own collections stored on PC / NAS or enjoy the world of internet radio. With AirPlay you can stream from your iTunes library or any iDevice such as an iPad, iPhone or iPod touch. All contents will be processed by Marantz Musical Mastering and carefully forwarded by the high-quality output stage. Marantz Musical Mastering The Marantz digital filtering with Noise Shaper and Dithering gives you two filter characteristics for CD and any other digital input. This filtering effectively eliminates digitalization errors, to ensure wide sound stage, perfect balance, pin-pint detail, and rich harmonics. Superior D/A converter The unit’s high-current audiophile DAC runs on 384kHz / 24 bit for the purest possible conversion of the digital signal processed by the Marantz DSP PEC777f3. Oversized Toroidal transformer The oversized transformer guarantees a high energy reserve to supply every power demand with ease and speed. The result is every detail and every nuance is faithfully and accurately reproduced. Superior Line Out terminals Constructed from highly pure copper and plated with gold, the NA-11S1’s line output terminals ensure long-term, highly reliable contact to transport the sensitive audio signal to the next stage of amplification. USB-A input (front) The front USB port gives you easy access to your music stored on portable devices and makes use of the NA-11S1’s high quality audio stage. And when you play a device it also recharges. Low-noise LCD Thanks to the high-contrast LCD playlists and other information is easy to read even from a distance, while the low-noise aspect ensures that the LCD never influences the sensitive audio signal. Solid metal chassis The 5mm aluminium top-cover and copper-plated chassis, reduces vibration to an absolute minimum. Also, this solid chassis provides a low ground potential for every point of the player. System control terminal System Terminal to connect the SA-11S3 and PM-11S3 so you can control the set-up with the Marantz remote App. Remote controller Easy operation of any function including the volume of the Marantz amplifier. Main Features - Premium-quality audio player for any digital media - Internet Radio and Streaming Service support (Spotify & last.fm) via Ethernet - AirPlay Music Streaming for easy playback of the entire music library from iDevices or iTunes - DAC Mode with three digital Inputs (USB-B, Coaxial, Optical) for standard resolution and high-definition audio streaming - USB-B Asynchronous Mode for minimized jitter and unadulterated audio streaming - Marantz Musical Mastering and high-quality DAC to reproduce music details naturally - DSD2.8 MHz file native playback via USB-B for SACD audio quality - ALAC (Apple Lossless), FLAC 192/24, WAV 192/24 files playback Some important technical info: High-current DSD1792 DAC chip Marantz Musical Mastering technology, which is currently used by professional recording studios, to deliver greater detail and more-balanced sound. A toroidal transformer supplies cleaner power to the onboard electronic circuits An armored 5mm-thick, copper-plated chassis to block and minimize external interferences XLR-type balanced audio output typically used by high-end hi-fi systems. Other key specifications: Coaxial and optical digital audio output RCA and XLR analog audio output Comes in black and gold 440 x 127 x 417mm (W x H x D) 14.6kg
petetherock Posted December 6, 2013 Author Posted December 6, 2013 You can get this in black (North American Market) or Gold aka Champagne (Asia Pac) or if you indent one, a 220v black version and all of them are made in Japan. Does the country of origin matter? Well when you lay your eyes and hands on the set, and caress the model, you will agree that it is really well made. At 14.6kg, it’s about as heavy as many mid-range AV amplifiers, and has a bigger toroidal transformer than most such amplifiers. The 5mm thick metalwork helps account for the weight, and there are many audiophile parts inside and you can refer to their website to rattle off and impress your friends with the long list of fancy parts. The remote reminds me of the that came with my Pioneer Kuro TV and my Toshiba HD DVD player. The same hewn from a single piece of metal solid feel that assure you that the money was well spent on the player. Some key components are The Ishiwata tweaked USB port, into a Marantz DAC with supports 24/192 in asynchronous mode Toroidal tranformer for audiophile cred Airplay and compatibility with most known formats on the market, and DSD via the USB port Internet radio and music server streaming if you use the Ethernet port HDAM 2 modules to give you more of that sweet Marantz sound Filters to tweak the sound to your liking So after the long litany of cool parts, a fabulous finish and more, how does it sound? It’s only the initial stages, but one word – Musical. This much maligned and oft-repeated word is truly apt here. It simply makes all your CDs, digital music and even internet sources sound good. There is a smooth yet neutral presentation, that invites you to keep throwing all kinds of music at it, and use up all the ports and with each source, it just sound great. There is detail, and yet, it doesn’t not go overboard and you can even make a mp3 recording sound good. No kidding, it’s just that listenable. There is no emphasis of a particular spectrum, but a solid bass and even treble make it easy to blend into any system. There is a solid soundstage, with good separation of the instruments, and details you pick up that were either muffled or absent with other DACs. As for setup, it couldn’t have been easier, and the NA 11 found my itunes wireless setup easily, and played each of my sources with no fuss or drama. It’s quite simple to use, yet I would have preferred an option to hook up to an external display, as the display screen is hardly visible if you sit more than 3m away. The initial setup page asks you a few simple questions, and within minutes, you are good to go. The speed in which you lock onto radio signals will be largely dependant on your internet speed. I haven’t been able to test the DSD function, but I look forward to some means of ripping my SACDs into a digital format that I can store on my hard disk. Using the Airplay function was both easy, and also very solid sounding. There wasn’t a lot to choose between the various input options, but some critical listening may reveal more difference. Right now, my impression is that all the various modes sound wonderful. Filters are a personal thing, and whether you want a more direct sound via Filter 1 or something a tad smoother with Filter 2 will be up to the listener. The only thing negative so far has been the sound from the internet radio, which maybe an issue with the quality of the source and the signal strength than the Marantz itself.
petetherock Posted December 6, 2013 Author Posted December 6, 2013 It's still early days and I will post the completed review after more run-in.
petetherock Posted December 6, 2013 Author Posted December 6, 2013 Not sure what it costs in NSW, but if you pass by Singapore, it's about S$3800, but will revert to around $4000 after the initial promotion. Shops like Alpha Audio, Jay Audio carry it. You can enquire at KEC too, but I am not sure if they carry the premium range from Marantz.
myrantz Posted December 10, 2013 Posted December 10, 2013 Nice review. You can download some test DSD files from lessloss.com. The HDAM-SA2 will take a long time to settle in (once it does the imaging and tone should be improved)...
petetherock Posted December 12, 2013 Author Posted December 12, 2013 I can't get the USB port behind to work with my Macbook and my itunes... I wonder if an additional software is needed? Strangely enough, I could feed it some ALAC files from the front USB.. very impressive sound quality, with solid separation and soundstage, in a way that I have yet to experience with the same files elsewhere... IMO, the NA 11 will be revered as a world beater and reference item soon.
myrantz Posted December 13, 2013 Posted December 13, 2013 On 12/12/2013 at 2:51 PM, petetherock said: I can't get the USB port behind to work with my Macbook and my itunes... I wonder if an additional software is needed? The demo I tried in HK, the guy used the back USB to his MacBook.. So it should work (but not being a Mac user I don't know how).. Is there a driver thingy you need to install? Mac OS have a device manager application or something? Are you able to tell if your USB device (i.e. the Marantz) is detected? IIRC with the NA7004 you can't use both USB at the same time, so maybe it's the same with the NA 11S1? On 12/12/2013 at 2:51 PM, petetherock said: Strangely enough, I could feed it some ALAC files from the front USB.. very impressive sound quality, with solid separation and soundstage, in a way that I have yet to experience with the same files elsewhere... I only tried FLAC, not ALAC, and only the front USB.. For me the back USB (via macbook and I think JRiver) sounds slightly better... If not wrong the back USB is the only way to get native DSD to work (and possibly on a Windows platform). On 12/12/2013 at 2:51 PM, petetherock said: IMO, the NA 11 will be revered as a world beater and reference item soon. I was hoping it will be the DAC of the month.. But you're the only person I know atm who has it ... They don't allocate a lot, and they do seem to sell fast.
petetherock Posted December 13, 2013 Author Posted December 13, 2013 Mine was a special order from Japan in black.. I used itunes and my Macbook, the DAC was recognised by my Mac, but it didn't play the tunes.. I wonder if I need additional software, like audionirvana...
myrantz Posted December 17, 2013 Posted December 17, 2013 On 13/12/2013 at 3:31 PM, petetherock said: Mine was a special order from Japan in black.. I used itunes and my Macbook, the DAC was recognised by my Mac, but it didn't play the tunes.. I wonder if I need additional software, like audionirvana... Well it has to work. Coz I see it working.. How it works I have abs no idea (coz I don't know Macs)... Alas I can't remember what software player is being used (I kindda assumed it's JRiver, coz it sure looked like it)... But really any media player should work, In Singapore hifi show they use iTunes over AirPlay so you can try that too, but I think the only want to get DSD streaming is via the back USB... Hope for more comments from you, esp after the running in of the HDAM-SA2... You should hear the midrange warming up, and it should sound a lot less "digital"...
petetherock Posted December 17, 2013 Author Posted December 17, 2013 Airplay works from Day 1, but I cannot use Itunes via USB Will see if I can do some listening after Christmas.. huge stacks of BR discs are arriving post Black Friday, so any critical listening is taking a back burner and a jaunt to Shanghai awaits too... will see if there is anything interesting there.. Shenzhen is a solid place for cables and the like... no idea if Shanghai will be the same.
myrantz Posted December 18, 2013 Posted December 18, 2013 On 17/12/2013 at 11:18 AM, petetherock said: Airplay works from Day 1, but I cannot use Itunes via USB No Windows machine at all? If only you're in Perth... On 17/12/2013 at 11:18 AM, petetherock said: Will see if I can do some listening after Christmas.. huge stacks of BR discs are arriving post Black Friday, so any critical listening is taking a back burner and a jaunt to Shanghai awaits too... will see if there is anything interesting there.. Shenzhen is a solid place for cables and the like... no idea if Shanghai will be the same. Let your machine run continuously until you get back? No moving parts so it will not wear out, and unlikely to overheat... I hope Shanghai will be good, so keep me posted on that (with pics if possible)... Shenzhen is ok for me, seems not much diff to me than Apliu Gai in HK TBH, but then again when I'm over at Shenzhen I spent most of my time in the multi-story bookstore... Guangzhou is truly an eye opener for me, I have never seen so many flagship equipment in that one single location. Talk about one stop shop (interestingly no Marantz NA 11S1 over there)... I hope Shanghai will be even better.. Shanghai, Chengdu, definitely places to go for me..
petetherock Posted December 18, 2013 Author Posted December 18, 2013 The NA 11 switches off after a while without a signal. Did some listening tonight, and it was a marvel.. I won't use fancy terms to sound like a fanboy, but quite simply, I enjoyed the session...
myrantz Posted December 23, 2013 Posted December 23, 2013 Got the back USB thingy working yet? Did you follow this PDF? Not sure if it helps but the app they were using is indeed JRiver (looked liked it)... PDF mentions either JRiver & Audirvana, maybe iTunes don't work over USB?
petetherock Posted December 23, 2013 Author Posted December 23, 2013 No joy, so as suspected, some additional app is needed
petetherock Posted February 4, 2014 Author Posted February 4, 2014 On 23/12/2013 at 2:32 AM, myrantz said: Got the back USB thingy working yet? Did you follow this PDF? Not sure if it helps but the app they were using is indeed JRiver (looked liked it)... PDF mentions either JRiver & Audirvana, maybe iTunes don't work over USB? Haven't got it to work yet without an additional software But my itunes works with the USB in my Oppo 105, so I know it works...
myrantz Posted February 5, 2014 Posted February 5, 2014 On 04/02/2014 at 5:56 AM, petetherock said: Haven't got it to work yet without an additional software But my itunes works with the USB in my Oppo 105, so I know it works... So your mac recognises teh Oppo USB port, but not the NA-11S1? If yes, most likely it's a driver issue, so you need to find the latest mac USB driver and it should be good to go.. Can't really help you in that dept as I don't have any macs ... What model year is your mac? Have you tried all the USB ports on the Mac and see if any of them works? (sometimes some USB ports will not work on some devices).
petetherock Posted February 5, 2014 Author Posted February 5, 2014 Macs don't need drivers, so I suspect the issue is that an additional software is needed apart from iTunes. Anyway as a DAC, it's been brilliant..
myrantz Posted February 5, 2014 Posted February 5, 2014 On 05/02/2014 at 1:11 AM, petetherock said: Macs don't need drivers, so I suspect the issue is that an additional software is needed apart from iTunes. Try the SA11-S3 download, the first link titled "SA-11S3 USB DAC Driver Software for PC & MAC", and see if the mac package works... Hopefully the spinner and the streamer are using the same USB chip. And try a Windows machine if you can.. Just to rule out the USB board on the Marantz is not faulty. Still hoping for some DSD comments .. Also, do you happen to have a transport that does DSD? I wonder if the coax digital in of the NA11S1 works with DoP.. On 05/02/2014 at 1:11 AM, petetherock said: Anyway as a DAC, it's been brilliant.. . Good to hear.. Not everyone will love the Marantz sound, you like it = you have good tastes.. :D... I'd have to wait for a silver one ... And hopefully the S2 will have I2S input .
petetherock Posted May 1, 2014 Author Posted May 1, 2014 Just a little update on the NA 11S1 + USB + iTunes Mac issue. I downloaded Jriver for Mac, and it plays fine now.The native iTunes software doesn't work with the USB B port of the Marantz, although it works with the Oppo's USB DAC... And the NA11S1 is able to control the new PM11S3 with the aid of wifi and the Marantz remote app, but I still prefer to use the well built remote for the NA11S1 which has basic amp control functions. A solid synchrony with the B&W 804D.
petetherock Posted May 1, 2014 Author Posted May 1, 2014 It was a short listen, I didn't have any DSD files on hand... any free DSD music I can get my hands on? Will try it this weekend...
myrantz Posted May 2, 2014 Posted May 2, 2014 (edited) Read the page. 2L 2L. Worked for me a while back Edit: Updated the name/password.. DL'ed it yet? Forgot to mention, the files are huge... Not sure if DSD really is the go. but would like to see that really working as the retailers didn't even know how to set this up for me last time I checked.. :/ Edited May 3, 2014 by myrantz
petetherock Posted May 7, 2014 Author Posted May 7, 2014 I finally had a chance to try a DSD file. With Jriver, it plays DSD 128, no issues. Somehow it can't detect the 64 dff, or the dsf file... strange...
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