Marantz’s CD 50n Network CD Player Kills Two Birds With One Stone

Vinyl’s resurgence over the past decade and the exponential growth of music streaming platforms has not been kind to the CD category. Sales of CDs rebounded somewhat during the pandemic but that was definitely caused by the low prices for used CDs and renewed interest in physical media. A lot of audiophiles still have large CD collections but they have also jumped into the world of hi-res digital streaming with both feet.

Even with the steep decline in CD sales, high-end brands continue to release new dedicated CD players that offer exceptional performance at every possible price point. Marantz’s CD60 was so impressive that EIC Ian White made it a permanent part of his reference system.

But none of that changes the reality that music listeners desire fewer components in 2023 and that an increasing number of manufacturers like NAD, Cambridge Audio, Luxman, Audiolab, Yamaha, and Denon have added digital inputs to their latest generation of CD players and even streaming modules.

Marantz CD 50n

With that in mind, Marantz has announced the CD 50n Network CD player priced at $1,800 USD.

While CD playback still takes center stage (although some may be rebuffed that SACD playback has been eliminated), the Marantz CD 50n provides additional connectivity and distribution options that offer a lot of music-listening flexibility.

You can listen through headphones and/or stream music around the house via a home network through the HEOS platform. Before it can be connected to loudspeakers it needs to be paired with an amplifier or receiver, such as the recently announced Marantz Model 50 Integrated Amplifier or Marantz Stereo 70s Receiver.

Features

DAC: 32-bit ESS Sabre DAC for precise audio conversion from any digital source (specific model not specified). 

Headphone Amp: HDAM SA2 High Dynamic Amplifier Modules

Digital Filters: Custom Marantz Musical Digital Filters for clear and detailed sound

Hi-Res Audio: High-resolution support via USB up to PCM 384kHz/32-bit and DSD 256 (Input dependent)

HDMI-ARC: This provides direct access to TV audio for better audio enjoyment from TV shows, movies, and games. After accessing the TV audio signal via HDMI-ARC, the CD 50n passes it through the headphone, digital, or analog audio outputs. 

Digital Pre-Amp for flexible volume control: This means you can control source volume levels before they are passed through an external amplifier or receiver so you can match them with other sources connected to those external amplifiers/receivers. 

Core Streaming Services: Spotify, AirPlay 2, TIDAL, Internet Radio, and more

HEOS Multiroom Audio: This feature (by way of Marantz’s sister company, Denon) provides seamless music playback and allows users to stream music wirelessly from online services such as Spotify, Pandora, TIDAL, and more. HEOS also allows the CD 50n to be integrated with compatible wireless speakers and components in a wireless home audio setup. This is controllable via the HEOS app for Android and iOS. 

Tip: The CD 50n is also Roon Ready

Specifications

• CD Playback Support: CD, CD-R/RW, WMA, MP3
• Wired Inputs: 1 x USB (for DAC),  Digital Coaxial, 1 x Digital Optical, 1 x HDMI-ARC
• Tip: A Wired Ethernet network connection is also included. 
• Wired Outputs: 1 x Digital Optical, 1 x Digital Coaxial, RCA Analog (fixed), RCA Analog (variable), Headphone out
• Wireless Connectivity: Wi-Fi/Bluetooth
• Control Options: IR Remote (provided) App Control, Voice (works with Alexa – microphone built-in)
• Dimensions (WDH): 442x424x130mm (17.4×16.7×5.1-inches)
• Weight: 10.3 kg (22lbs/11oz)
• Finishes: Black, Silver-Gold

Availability and Pricing

Marantz CD 50n Networked CD Player is priced at $1,800 at Marantz and authorized dealers. 

Related Reading

• Marantz Announces Trade-In Program
• The House Of Marantz Turns 70
• Marantz CD60 CD Player: Lost In The Barrens Without Wi-Fi?
• Marantz’s STEREO 70s Receiver Includes 6 HDMI Inputs: CEDIA 2023
• Marantz’s CINEMA 40 And 50 AVRs Shimmer In A Luxurious Silver Gold Finish
• The Marantz Model 40n Integrated Amplifier: Not Your Father’s 2270