At the recently held CEDIA Expo 2024, Marantz announced the introduction of its flagship 10 Reference Series audio components. We previously reported on the $15,000 Model 10 Integrated Amplifier and $12,000 Link 10n Network player. Now, the details of the third entry in this product series, the SACD 10 CD/SACD player, have been revealed.
SACD 10 Overview
The SACD 10 is Marantz’s newest CD/SACD player and the successor to the SA-10 ($7,499), which was released in 2017. You might ask yourself why introduce a high-end CD player these when streaming dominates the music listening experience for most?
Whilst new CDs and SACDs (Super Audio CD) are still being purchased in much smaller numbers, there are hundreds of millions in circulation around the globe; especially in markets like Japan and Germany where physical media is still very popular. The used CD market is booming.
Marantz claims that the SACD 10 is the best CD/SACD player they have ever produced and can compete with anything out there.
The SACD 10 incorporates an SACDM-3 transport mechanism for maximum rejection of resonance. Surrounding the transport is a triple-layer aluminum chassis with copper shielding, multi-layer PCBs, isolated sub-enclosures, and an HDAM (Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Module).
Industrial Design
On the exterior, the SACD 10 has a brushed aluminum control surface, spun finish details, a thick-section aluminum structure, and copper-plated. The SACD 10 is available in two colors, Marantz Black and Marantz Champagne.
Sound Master Tuned
The SACD 10 continues the Marantz track record of warmth, spaciousness, and resolution. However, advances in design and precise tuning by the Sound Master provide even more sound reproduction refinement, resulting in more for the listener,
Musical Mastering
The SACD 10 is targeted to ultimate CD and SACD fans and is engineered with updated Marantz Musical Mastering and a next-generation HDAM (Hyperdynamic Amplifier Module) for more detailed audio reproduction.
Hi-Res Audio Support
In addition to SACD and CD playback, the SACD 10 can access hi-res audio via USB-A and USB-B DAC and has DSD 256 and PCM 384kHz, 32-bit support. Connectivity options include coaxial and optical digital outputs and inputs, and fixed-level XLR and RCA analog outputs.
Headphone Amplifier
Outputs are provided for connecting the SACD 10 to amplifiers (such as the Marantz Model 10), stereo receivers, or powered speakers. However, the SACD 10 also has a built-in headphone amp that provides the best possible headphone listening experience.
Comparison
| SACD 10 (2024) | SA-10 (2017) | |
| Price | $12,000 | $7,499 |
| Device Type | SACD, CD Player | SACD, CD Player |
| Disc Playback Types | SACD CD-R/-RW DVD-R/-RW/+R/+RW (Data Discs – Music Files Only) | SACD CD-R/-RW DVD-R/-RW/+R/+RW (Data Discs – Music Files Only) |
| Playback File Formats | PCM (2-channel) DSD (2-channel/Multi-Channel) MP3 WMA AAC WAV FLAC ALAC (Apple Lossless) AIFF | PCM (2-channel) DSD (2-channel/Multi-Channel) MP3 WMA AAC WAV FLAC ALAC (Apple Lossless) AIFF |
| Signal To Noise Ration (SNR) | SACD: 118dB CD: 116dB | SACD: 112dB CD: 104 dB |
| Dynamic Range | SACD: 112dB CD: 98dB | SACD: 109dB CD: 98dB |
| Headphone Circuit | Discrete | HDAM-SA2 current feedback |
| Headphone Amp Gain Setting | Low / Mid / High | Low / Mid / High |
| H/P On/Off Setting | Yes | Yes |
| Headphone Output Level | 130mW | 140 mW @ 600 Ω 330 mW @ 250 Ω 710 mW @ 100 Ω |
| Headphone Output Impedance | 32 ohms | 32 ohms |
| Output Circuit | New HDAM (Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Module) | HDAM |
| DAC Circuit | New MMM-Conversion (Marantz Musical Mastering Conversion) | MMM-Conversion |
| Dither | MMM-Stream (Dither 1, 2, Off) | MMM-Stream (Dither 1, 2, Off) |
| Noise Shaper | MMM-Stream (Balanced, Natural, Dynamic Music, Dynamic Voice) | DSP (Marantz) |
| Digital Filter | MMM-StreamFilter 1, 2 Selectable | MMM-StreamFilter 1, 2 Selectable |
| Jitter Reducer | Yes | – |
| DAC Master Clock Design (No Support for Network Playback) | Yes | Yes |
| Asynchronous mode (for USB-B input) | Yes | Yes |
| Isolator (for USB-B input) | Yes (Complete Isolation System Duo) | – |
| Fixed Analog Output (RCA) | Cinch × 1 Thick nickel-plated Maching copper L/R independent terminals | Cinch × 1 |
| Fixed Balanced XLR Output | 1 | 1 |
| Optical input/output (Maximum Support) | 2 / 1 (44.1 kHz – 192 kHz) | 1 / 1 (192 kHz / 24-bit) |
| Coaxial input/output (Maximum Support) | 2 / 1 (44.1 kHz – 192 kHz) | 1 / 1 (192 kHz / 24-bit) |
| Headphone Output | Yes (6.3 mm x 1) | Yes (6.3 mm x 1) |
| Remote Control Bus Terminal | Yes | Yes |
| Remote Internal / External Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Power Transformer | Toroidal | Toroidal |
| Power Consumption | 55W Less than 0.3W (at Standby) | 47W Less than 0.3W (at Standby) |
| Front Panel Colors | Black / Marantz Champagne | Black/Gold |
| Dimensions (WHD) | 440 × 192 × 442 mm 17.3 x 7.56 x 17.4 inches | 440 x 123 x 419 mm 17.3 x 4.84 x 16.5 inches |
| Net Weight | 33 kg (73 lbs) | 16.4 kg (36 lbs) |
| Included Accessories | Wireless Remote (RC004PMND) Battery (AAA ×2) Power Cord (ALL region: Audio Grade: OFC) Stereo RCA Cable ×1 Remote connector cable ×1 Quick Start Guide | Wireless Remote (RC004PMSA) Battery (AAA ×2) Power Cord (ALL region: Audio Grade: OFC) Stereo RCA Cable ×1 Remote connector cable ×1 Quick Start Guide |
The Bottom Line
There is no question that the Marantz SACD 10 is remarkably expensive for a CD/SACD player in 2024; one can assemble a fantastic sounding system for $12,000 that includes a high-end CD player, network player, and turntable with money to spare for amplification and speakers. We even have some suggestions that you can read up on here.
What’s slightly crazy is that the Marantz SACD 10 does not even come close to being the most expensive CD player on the market right now. It might not even crack the top 10.
Having listened to the Model 10 integrated at CEDIA Expo 2024, the SACD 10 might be worth considering if you are assembling a system in the <choke> $50,000 to $60,000 range and require an ultra high-end CD/SACD player.
The SACD 10 also incorporates the latest Marantz technology refinements as well as a super-sturdy build that tops it off at 73 lbs.
When was the last time you saw a CD player that weighed 73 pounds?
If you are looking for a high-end SACD/CD player and have a lot less money to spend and want to stick with the Marantz brand, you might check out the Marantz SACD 30n which incorporates Network streaming in addition to SACD and CD playback for about $3,000.
Price & Availability
The Marantz SACD 10 CD/SACD Player is priced at $12,000 (US), €11,000 (EUR), £9,500 (UK) through Authorized Dealers in black or silver.
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Keith McAvoy
October 28, 2024 at 2:35 am
I was a dealer some 15 years ago and sold a complete reference set of Marantz. $7000 was the list in 2008, now we are talking $12,000 and of course new features and sound quality. It seems the norm and not the exception these days that manufacturers are building stratosphericly priced audio for a different buying class. Good news is the are more foreign competitors in the market to help challenge this trend.