Marantz announced the SA-KI Pearl Lite CD/SACD player, bringing the limited edition KI Pearl range's musical philosophy and beautiful build to an even greater audience at a lower price point.
Last year Marantz and its renowned audio designer Ken Ishiwata celebrated their 30 year anniversary by releasing the limited edition KI Pearl system. The high-end set-up received glowing reviews, but the price remains out of reach for many music lovers. In response to repeated requests, this year sees Ken and Marantz release the cheaper KI Pearl Lite system.
The SA-KI Pearl Lite design acknowledges that some of today's recordings and formats — CD as well as MP3 — benefit from extra care in the mid and mid-high frequencies. The result is a machine that delivers detail, pace, and realism, yet also contains a smooth tonal touch. Playback formats include SACD, CD, CD-RW, MP3, and WMA, while the transport used is the same excellent Xyron unit found in the limited edition SA-KI Pearl. Further tech highlights cover HDAM-SA2 technology — 'SA2 is specifically designed to excel in Marantz's SACD machines — the renowned Cirrus Logic CS4398 DAC, and a front-sited iPhone/iPod digital input.
A potentially invaluable addition for digital music fans is the DAC MODE function: you can use the SA-KI Pearl Lite as a DA-Converter via not only the optical and coaxial inputs, but also via the rear panel's USB (Type B) input. This means it's possible to directly connect a PC or media player of your choice, opening up the possibility of (simply and quickly) hearing your digital music at its highest possible quality.
The SA-KI Pearl Lite Super Audio Compact Disc player are available in black and silver/gold from September 2010.
