Marantz CD 50n and Model 50 Integrated Released
Marantz has unveiled its CD 50n streaming CD player alongside the Model 50 integrated amplifier, complete with a phono stage to keep vinylistas happy.
Marantz has pitched the new duo as "the epitome of elegance, musicality and contemporary versatility" and, if the likes of the Model 40 and CD 60 are anything to go by, the CD 50n and Model 50 will, most likely, live up to the boast.
According to Marantz, the CD 50n streaming CD player is "one of the most flexible CD players ever created" - unless you want to play SACD; for that, you'll have to consider the company's SACD 30.
However, it stacks up elsewhere thanks to multiple digital inputs and online network access via Wi-Fi or hardwired Ethernet connection. The CD 50n is armed with an ESS Sabre DAC assisted by Marantz's custom-designed musical digital filters for what the brand proudly proclaims results in "a clear and detailed sound with all forms of digital audio". Moreover, the CD 50n will crunch the numbers right up to 384 kHz/32 bit and DSD 256 via USB, as well as stream over your home network via the onboard HEOS platform.
For those who squirt their tunes from a mobile device, you can choose from Bluetooth, Spotify Connect and AirPlay 2. Your TV can even get in on the action as the CD 50n offers an HDMI ARC socket.
Acting as the perfect partner to the CD 50n is the new Marantz Model 50 integrated amplifier, which takes much of its inspiration from the Applause Award-winning Marantz Model 40n, even to the point of also offering 70W of power per channel at 8 ohms from its Class A/B design.
The Model 50 benefits from "exceptional current delivery" thanks to its specially designed output architecture operating alongside a "substantial toroidal power supply" and an internal signal path conceived to reduce loss of impedance, so states Marantz.
The company also boasts about the Model 50's extremely low rates of distortion and effortless power alongside stacks of accuracy and musicality. According to Marantz, these skills are at least partly due to the integrated amp sporting the latest iteration of the brand's clever HDAM (Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Module) tech. Furthermore, as part of the integrated's "pure analogue configuration", you also get a "very high-quality" moving-magnet phono stage, which is nice.
Marantz appears to have been on a winning streak, so it will be interesting to see how this new pair stacks up.
The new Marantz CD 50n network CD player and Model 50 integrated amplifier are available now and priced at €1,800 each.
Visit Marantz for more information
Jay Garrett
StereoNET’s resident rock star, bass player, and gadget junkie. His passion for gadgets and Hi-Fi is second only to being a touring musician.
Posted in: Hi-Fi
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