This is one homage to the past that we can most certainly get behind. You might look at the three components being released as part of the Marantz 10 Series and wonder what we are talking about — but all 3 of these components are designed to appeal to the type of customer who fell in love with the Marantz look and sound very early in their hi-fi journey and have always craved a trio of components that offer a lot of power, inspiring industrial design, and enough connectivity options to keep this system relevant for many years to come.
For the asking price — these better be exceptional components. The new Model 10 comes with a rather staggering price for an industrial amplifier with the Marantz badge.
$15,000 USD.
The Marantz 10 Series comprises three components so far, the Model 10 Reference Integrated Amplifier (available now), the 10 Reference SACD player, and the LINK 10n Reference Network Audio Player which are forthcoming at a later date.
Marantz states that the 10 Series Collection represents a new statement in high-end audio design and performance for Marantz, and is the first time the brand has released a new range of reference high-end stereo components since 2016.
Model 10 Reference Integrated Amplifier
As the first product to be released from the new 10 Series Collection the Model 10 Reference Integrated Amplifier, is the most powerful one-box amplifier Marantz made so far.
The Model 10 is built around a newly designed dual-mono symmetrical amplifier topology and is encased inside a new copper-plated, triple-layered chassis with a compartmentalized design structure designed to provide separation of each critical internal function.
Two internal compartments plus strategically placed shields isolate high and low power circuits from each other and prevent internal interference from limiting performance.
Partnering with Purifi, Marantz has developed a new amplifier with dual-mono operation for the Model 10. It operates as a fully balanced amplifier from input to output, with individual power supplies for each amplifier channel and all line-level input circuitry powered by a separate linear power supply unit.
Distortion is a low – 0.005% THD across the entire audio band at full power. With up to 30A of peak current wide dynamic range and frequency response is possible regardless of load impedance.
To get the most out the amplifier section, Marantz has employed a preamplifier design based on the latest generation HDAM (Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Module) analog circuitry. Designed to deliver the optimum combination of speed of response and transparency of signal, HDAM is a proprietary Marantz technology first introduced in the PM-99SE amplifier of 1992.
The latest incarnation is the highest performing so far. This ensures that Model 10 has the musicality that Marantz amplifiers have been known for.
In its role as a reference-class integrated amplifier, the Model 10 is capable of substantial power output (250-watts with 8-ohm speaker loads and 500-watts with 4-ohm loads). If more power is required, users can opt to add a second Model 10 to create a bi-amplified stereo system using Marantz’s proprietary F.C.B.S (Floating Control Bus System) to link and control two amplifiers simultaneously.
Up to four Model 10s can be connected if needed.
Outside of its amplifier and preamp features and performance the Model 10 has a porthole-style OLED display which can be switched from displaying volume level, selected input, to a VU Meter mode, if desired. Brightness and display timeout options can also be adjusted.
For those that prefer tactile interaction with their hi-fi, the Model 10 features CNC-machined spun-finished aluminum control knobs for volume and input selection.
The remote handset is unique to Model 10, featuring a teal-colored aluminum top surface for added heft and premium feel.
Model 10 Connectivity
Model 10 has abundant analog inputs, including two XLR balanced ins, three RCA analog ins, and a high-quality phono stage, complete with both MM (moving magnet) and three impedance options for MC (moving coil) phono cartridge compatibility.
Preamplifier outputs are also provided, again with XLR and RCA. connection options.
Model 10 can also be configured to run solely as a power amplifier, bypassing its internal preamplifier, when partnered with its sibling in the new 10 Series Collection, the LINK 10n Reference Network Audio Player.
Selectable speaker A/B outputs are also included, alongside a very high-quality headphone output.
More to Come
Shortly after Model 10 launches, it will be joined by the SACD 10, a statement-quality SACD player built to the same exacting standards as its amplifier sibling, and then the LINK 10n Reference Network Audio Player.
The LINK 10n will incorporate HEOS. The HEOS app provides the 10n with the ability to stream audio content and also allows integration of the 10n with other compatible HEOS devices and speakers for a multi-room wireless operation.
In addition, with the LINK 10n music stored locally on USB or network servers can be played back at up to 384 kHz / 32-bit and DSD 4X bit-perfect with no downsampling or conversion.
Initial Impression
Marantz has always been on the high-end but at $15,000, the new Model 10 Reference Integrated Amplifier will be a budget buster for most – and $6,000 more than their current flagship integrated amp, the PM-10.
The industrial design is rather stunning — the view from above has us rather excited to listen to this at CEDIA 2024 and we suspect that it has more than enough power to drive a wide range of loudspeakers.
The price is certainly going to raise some eyebrows because when was the last time anyone paid $15,000 for a Marantz amplifier?
We can certainly imagine the Model 10 driving a pair of Bowers & Wilkins 700 or 800 Series Loudspeakers and that is likely the intended audience.
If this amplifier sounds as great as it looks — McIntosh may lose some sales to Marantz if the customer likes a specific sonic presentation and has a soft spot for the Marantz legacy.
It will be interesting to see how pricing comes for the next two planned additions to their new 10 Series Collection, the SACD 10 SACD Player and Link 10n Network Audio player.
Price & Availability
The Marant Model 10 Reference Integrated Amplifier will be available soon in black or champagne finishes from selected retailers for $15,000 / €14,500 / £12,000.
The Marantz SACD 10 and LINK 10n will arrive in the coming months.
Comparison
If the Model 10 is not in your budget (and for most it probably isn’t), but are a fan of the Marantz sound and styling you may be able to opt for the previously released and more moderately priced integrated amplifiers such as the PM-10 at $8,999 or Model 50 at $1,800.
Marantz Model 10 Marantz PM-10 Marantz Model 50 Price $15,000 $8,999 $1,800 Channels 2 2 2 Power at 8 ohms 2 x 250W 2 x 200W 2 x 70W Power at 4 ohms 2 x 500W 2 x 400W 2 x 100W Power Transformer Toroidal transformer in shielding case for preamplifier section only Toroidal and 2 x SMPS Toroidal Power Supply Switch Mode BTL (Bridge Tied Load) Linear Drive (Preamp stage) Linear Drive Heat Sink Extruded Aluminum Extruded Aluminum Extruded Aluminum Audio Inputs (Unbalanced RCA) 4 Pairs
Line 1, Line 2, Phono (MM/MC), Recorder: Thick nickel plated independent terminals)7 Pairs 6 Pairs
Phono (RCA + Gnd) RCA (CD, Tuner, Line 1, Line 2, Recorder)Audio Inputs (Balanced XLR) 2 2 – Audio Outputs 1 RCA (Thick nickel-plated independent terminals) /
1 XLR1 RCA 1 RCA (recorder or line-out) + Subwoofer) Power Amp Direct In Yes Yes Yes Source Direct Option Yes Yes Yes Speaker (A/B) Yes Yes A/B/A+B Speaker Terminals Marantz Original SPKT-100+ 2 (High quality and high-purity copper plated) Marantz SPKT-100+ Marantz SPKT-1+ (Dense brass with thick nickel plating) Number of Speaker Terminals 4 (two pairs with Bi-Amp support) 4 (two pairs) 4 (two pairs) Headphone Out Yes Yes Yes General EQ Settings Balance, Bass, Treble – Balance, Bass, Treble Treble Control ±10 dB at 15 kHz – ±10 dB at 15 kHz Bass Control ±10 dB at 50 Hz – ±10 dB at 50 Hz Phono Input MM (Moving Magnet)
MC (Moving Coil)MM (Moving Magnet)
MC (Moving Coil)MM (Moving Magnet) Phono EQ Marantz Musical Premium Phono EQ w/ Selectable MC impedance (3 position) Marantz Musical Premium Marantz Musical Frequency Response 5Hz-60kHz 5Hz-50kHz 5Hz-100kHz Total Harmonic Distortion 0.005% 0.005% 0.02% Damping Factor 500 500 100 IR Wireless Remote Included Included Included Dimensions
(WxDxH)440 × 192 × 473 mm
17.3 x 7.56 x 18.16 inches439.4 x 452 x 157.6 mm
17.3 x 17.8 x 6.6 inches442 × 431 × 130 mm
17.4 x 16.97 x 5.1 inchesWeight 33.7 kg
74.3 lbs21.4 kg
47.4 lbs14.2 kg
31.3 lbsFinishes Black
ChampagneBlack Black
Silver/Gold
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Boaty Mcboatface
August 29, 2024 at 3:24 pm
Looks pretty nice. The closest I’ll be able to get to it is to put a poster of it on my wall. And it looks like Marantz is never going to give up the porthole. Maybe they can compromise. If they’re going to keep it, make it bigger. And those that can and will buy this, have some extra fun for those that can’t buy but want it.
Ian White
August 29, 2024 at 8:06 pm
Boaty,
We are all in the same boat. I saw the initial images and wanted one on the spot. Then I saw the price — and felt rather deflated.
Based on the rest of the amplifiers from Marantz, that I have been fortunate to listen to over the past 3 years — I suspect the new Model 10 might be incredibly good or even great.
The Model 10 with the Bowers 703 S3 that I reviewed would be overkill, but probably a fantastic sounding combination.
Best,
Ian White
David
August 30, 2024 at 6:59 pm
One of the benefits of class D amplification over class A or A/B is lighter weight. A complete stereo amplifier employing these switching modules usually results in a smaller, lighter weight overall package. For instance, a Purify-equipped stereo unit from online vendor Buckeye weighs in at 8 lbs. I find that appealing. This Marantz however weighs in at a hernia-inducing 74.3 lbs/ 33.7kg! Good god! I find that appalling.
I suppose the Model 10 may appeal to the traditional audiophile via its prodigious heft and the resultant perception of quality. The discerning buyer can have it all – Stupidly expensive and stupendously overweight!
Kamano
August 31, 2024 at 7:29 pm
Had the PM11 integrated and this is to the next level like the the Reference series around 2008. It’s like fine jewelry and pride of ownership with 250 watts will make it lust after for more power hungry speakers.
JOSE ALVIN M JANA
September 2, 2024 at 1:23 am
I Love to have this someday,. the price seems to be just a dream.