Marantz sneaking out NA6005 under cover of darkness

[wtocel]

Thanks for the reply GilesM. I probably will end up with something besides the Marantz app. It is slow when it does work and looks dated for a relatively new app.

 

Actually, when I booted it up this evening, I could access all my folders. Maybe it needed a break fron me this weekend. Ha.

 

Connection is still tenuous and slow and you really screw things up if you jump back and forth between the app and the remote. I may end up running 150' wire and going direct. I will play around more this week and update this thread. There are too few reviews of this device. It do love the sound when it works.

 

wto

[徐中銳]

Marantz app

 

They have 2, which one, on what OS platform, are you using (noting that only in one app is the NA6005 specified specifically) ?

[wtocel]

It's the HiFi app on an ipad with IOS 8.3

[徐中銳]

Pardon, I'm a little too tired tonight to write. So, some quick photo insights from having searched around NA6005 Japanese press :

Marantz HiFi Remote

Internal view

 

EI-core transformer

Power supply has independent blocks for digital, analog, and display

Headphone amplifier section

CS4398 DAC area

High-quality parts for custom tuning

 

The analog audio circuits with discrete HDAM configuration

And another look inside the NA8005 :

[mikey8811]

Neither this nor the NA 8005 do wireless streaming right? You need ethernet and a wireless bridge to your LAN correct?

[徐中銳]

From the start of UK NA6005 listing :

Enjoy a thrilling high resolution audio experience with the Marantz NA6005 network audio player, which features built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless streaming via dual Wi-Fi/Bluetooth antennas, and built-in Spotify Connect music streaming via your home network as well as AirPlay and internet radio.

 

Featuring advanced audiophile design and construction, the NA6005 delivers superlative high resolution audio via the reference-class CS4398 high current D/A converter that's coupled with a dedicated jitter removal system, along with 2.8 and 5.6 MHz DSD file compatibility (the file format for high resolution SACD).

 

Via the available Marantz Hi-Fi Remote App (iOS; Android) you can easily operate the NA6005 from your favorite portable device, and the NA6005 also features a convenient front panel USB port for connection to portable devices and USB drives.

 

Exclusive HDAM Technology

Equipped with our renowned HDAM technology, the NA6005 features multiple HDAM and HDAM-SA2 modules in critical circuit blocks, including the analog output stage and the headphone amplifier circuit. Compared to conventional IC op-amps, HDAM discrete circuit elements technology delivers ultra high slew rate and high bandwidth to ensure purist audio sound quality.

 

Premium Grade CS4398 D/A Conversion

Featuring the reference-class high current CS4398 D/A converter handling PCM 24-bit/192-kHz and bitstream DSD, the NA6005 delivers superb fidelity and dynamic range with high resolution audio file formats including PCM and DSD.

 

Advanced Jitter Reduction System

Working in concert with the CS4398 D/A converter, the NA6005's jitter reduction circuit features a dedicated timing data re-clocking system that eliminates distortion caused by poor timing stability in the incoming audio data stream.

 

Built-in Wi-Fi & Bluetooth with Dual Diversity Antennas and Dual Band "N"

For optimum Wi-Fi and Bluetooth transmission and reception, the NA6005 boasts highly sophisticated next-generation technology that features dual diversity antennas with individual internal wave guides along with a powerful RF section equipped with dual core 300 MHz DSP processors that help to ensure solid, stable streaming and decoding, even in crowded urban environments.

 

The Wi-Fi section features dual band "N" high speed auto-band switching technology that constantly seeks out the optimum channels to ensure smooth and glitch-free listening. Via the WPS and iOS Wi-Fi protected setup buttons, you can connect your device with the NA6005 in moments. Via Bluetooth, the NA6005 will remember pairing information of up to 8 devices.

 

Built-in Spotify Connect Music Streaming; Apple AirPlay; Internet Radio

Available as...

 

[mikey8811]

OK so can the Marantz NA6005 be a Squeezebox Touch replacement?

 

I am running a Squeezebox Touch with Logitech Media Server installed on a Macbook. Music files are all on external HD's linked to said Macbook which is on my wireless LAN. This is streamed via Wi Fi to the Touch. I use the digital coaxial output on the Squeezebox Touch to a DAC. I use the iPeng app on my iPhone to control it and cover artwork is displayed either in the browser on the Macbook or the iPhone.

 

Can I just plug in the Marantz NA6005 in place of the Squeezebox Touch and be good to go? Is there an equivalent of the Logitech Media Server software I can install on the Macbook?

 

I was initially looking at the Auralic Aries Mini but this looks to be a cheaper solution especially since it has a built in Linear Power Supply all in one box.

 

Any comments on the sound quality vs the Squeezebox Touch or Auralic Aries?

 

Also, is the software buggy ie. wireless dropouts, constant rebuffering while playing, noise?

 

I wouldn't mind paying more for the NA8005 but it doesn't seem to support Wi Fi streaming and I would have to use Ethernet cable to a wireless bridge.

 

Thanks

[Misterpete]

I was also planning on purchasing the Aries mini and saw this thread, so that's 2 of us looking forward to some constructive views.

[徐中銳]

Any comments on the sound quality

 

Quickly, their engineers are obsessive audiophiles. For example, Ryuichi Sawada is the key « Quality Control » Manager of Marantz' Japan development and manufacturing operations. And I remember him explaining the painstaking process in finalising the NA8005 sound... Evocative photos of his listening room from that in depth interview :

 

 

This 2003 translated interview with Sawada may be of help

[mikey8811]

Uh no, actually that's of no real help.

 

Do you work for Marantz? It looks like you are just posting promo material.

[徐中銳]

real help

 

Then, in your sense of « sound quality » you'd be best to make an in-home comparison (with products of your own system and listening room) of a NA8005 to a « Squeezebox Touch or Auralic Aries »

 

And it'd more accurate to say I'm a friend of Ken Ishiwata (their Europe based engineer) but work for Edgar Allan Poe :

All that we see or seem is but a dream within a dream.

[mikey8811]

Then' date=' in your sense of « sound quality » you'd be best to make an in-home comparison (with products of your own system and listening room) of a [b']NA8005[/b] to a « Squeezebox Touch or Auralic Aries »

 

 

It's all in your head mate. If I could audition the devices by myself I would.

 

I cannot which is why I asked here to hopefully get some helpful comments from those who have tried them. Really, if I wanted to look at pics of guys testing Hi Fi there is much better audiophile porn elsewhere without the need for your promo material.

 

As for your pseudo zen philosophical quips, really there's much better prose elsewhere too...

[徐中銳]

If I could audition the devices by myself I would.

 

Most importantly, why can't you audition products ?

[wtocel]

Some notes on my experiences so far, 1 week in -

 

I can’t compare the NA6005 to the Squeezebox, but I have had a Sonos system for a number of years. The Marantz and Sonos perform can the same functions, i.e. stream music (wired or wireless) from your computer, NAS or online music streams.

 

If you want to use the Marantz DAC you can go with the cheaper 6005. If you want to use your own DAC, you will need the 8005 for its digital coax. The Sonos only has RCA outputs, so it can only use its own DAC. I wanted a way to get the music to the SR8200 DAC. That meant something with digital output. There are other ways, but I ended up using the 6005 DAC and the 8200 for the amp.

 

Setup - I have an Airport Extreme with (1) 2.4 GHz network and (1) 5 GHz network. When I used either of these, the 6005 would only pick up my Sonos for music servers. I could not get it see the NAS. It also had problems connecting to the internet. It may have been due to not having a setting just right, so YMMV. When I went directly through my router, everything worked. I did go in and assign static IP’s, but it also worked using DHCP. I have occasional stutters with internet music, but I believe that is due to my internet speeds, not the 6005 dropping the signal. I should also note, as per my previous post, I had problems with every way I tried until I performed a factory reset on the 6005.

 

Previous equipment chain for stored music was External HD/Mac Mini/Sonos Bridge/Sonos ZP100/SR8200

Current equipment chain for stored music is NAS/router/NA6005/SR8200

 

Software: using the Marantz Hifi app, Spotify app and iTunes app on the latest iPad with IOS 9.0 but it also worked on IOS 8.3

 

Marantz Hifi App (not Marantz Remote App) – This is the newer app. It works, but is slow and looks dated. I am able to navigate to the music folder on my NAS, set up playlists or play songs as I pick them. It originally would only show the first 15 folders. After a factory reset of the 6005, I can access all files. If I choose Spotify, it will open the Spotify app and then you choose the 6005 to stream to (not sure is this is via Wi-Fi or Airplay). Pandora connects just fine. You can use the iTunes app and it will connect via Airplay. If I hook up the iPad to the front USB port, I can start 1 song via the Marantz app, then switch to the iTunes app and control play from it. The interface is much nicer on iTunes vs Marantz. I connected a 2TB hard drive to the USB, but the app was very slow to navigate through the artist folders and I only have about 150 or so. It is much faster via the NAS for some reason.

 

I have yet to test other apps or music servers, but plan to do so at some point.

 

Bottom line – I very much enjoy having the 6005 in my system and would recommend it if it fits your needs.

 

wto

[徐中銳]

And readers might like to consider Tips on User Manual's page 102, especially :

« I want to enjoy analog output audio at higher quality

 

• Press DIG. OUT on the remote control unit to turn digital audio output off.
  
• Press the DIMMER button to turn the display off. »
  

Screenshot of how-to on page 34 (of UK pdf, US is 37) :

[matevz]

Guys, hi.

 

Having Marantz NA6005 in one system and Marantz M-CR511 in another, I can't help but notice that while streaming audio (Apple AirPlay, Windows Play-To), there is no option to change the volume on NA6005 via a remote sender app (iTunes and similiar). Setting volume remotely on M-CR511 works flawlessly.

 

Also, variable volume settings are not available on my NA6005 inside the Setup/General/Audio Out. Audio Out menu is missing and I am on the latest firmware.

 

So, my question is, can you set the volume from the sending app on your NA6005s?

[realhifi]

Guys, hi.

 

Having Marantz NA6005 in one system and Marantz M-CR511 in another, I can't help but notice that while streaming audio (Apple AirPlay, Windows Play-To), there is no option to change the volume on NA6005 via a remote sender app (iTunes and similiar). Setting volume remotely on M-CR511 works flawlessly.

 

Also, variable volume settings are not available on my NA6005 inside the Setup/General/Audio Out. Audio Out menu is missing and I am on the latest firmware.

 

So, my question is, can you set the volume from the sending app on your NA6005s?

 

 

You can not. That volume control on both the remote control and in the app or for amplifiers.

Those are two different types of components. The 6005 is basically a source (much like a CD player) so there is no variable output (except on the front for the headphones) whereas the M-CR511 is actually an amplifier in addition to being a streamer source.

[matevz]

You can not. That volume control on both the remote control and in the app or for amplifiers.

Those are two different types of components. The 6005 is basically a source (much like a CD player) so there is no variable output (except on the front for the headphones) whereas the M-CR511 is actually an amplifier in addition to being a streamer source.

 

Thanks realhifi for your prompt answer...

 

...but, what about this then: Audio Out NA6005

 

There must be different NA6005s available, for different markets. As it seems, EU NA6005s do not have this option. It's not even there in menu settings.

[realhifi]

Thanks realhifi for your prompt answer...

 

...but, what about this then: Audio Out NA6005

 

There must be different NA6005s available, for different markets. As it seems, EU NA6005s do not have this option. It's not even there in menu settings.

 

Hmmm. Totally missed that in the manual. Nice feature I guess if you wanted to run it into a basic power amp.

[matevz]

Hmmm. Totally missed that in the manual. Nice feature I guess if you wanted to run it into a basic power amp.

 

So, can anyone confirm the existence of mysterious Audio Out menu in General settings? Does it allow AirPlay/PlayTo/CastTo volume control? Also, please tell us where you bought the NA6005.

[realhifi]

So, can anyone confirm the existence of mysterious Audio Out menu in General settings? Does it allow AirPlay/PlayTo/CastTo volume control? Also, please tell us where you bought the NA6005.

 

Looks to me like it's right in settings according to its manual.

 

As far as purchasing one, it can be found at any Marantz dealer.

[matevz]

David, I have an EU model, which does not have these settings in General menu at all. So volume control does not work for my setup.

 

With 'where you bought it' I meant whether it was bought in the States, Japan or EU.

[realhifi]

David, I have an EU model, which does not have these settings in General menu at all. So volume control does not work for my setup.

 

With 'where you bought it' I meant whether it was bought in the States, Japan or EU.

 

Got it. I wouldn't recommend using the volume control even if it was available preferring to use volume on amplifier instead.

[sbn]

Hello guys

 

I'm a little hooked on the NA6005, and think about ordering one now. I just have a few questions that I the manual didn't quite answer for me:

 

1) Input-switching: Will the player auto-switch to a service when I start streaming to it? I.e. if I start an airplay stream from my phome, will the player then turn on from standby and switch to airplay input? And if I later start streaming via bluetooth or spotify connect, will it then switch to bluetooth or spotify connect automatically? OR will I have to grab the remote (app) and manually select bluetooth, airplay or spotify every time I want to use one of the supported protocols?

 

2) Remote control amplifier: I also have a Marantz receiver, SR5003. It has the same Remote in/out connectors as this player and the manual says it will be able to control the amplifier, but no more details than that? Will it be able to turn on the receiver and switch it to CD input (or what i might prefer) when I start playing music on the NA6005? Will it work for both NAS playback and airplay/bluetooth/spotify connect? Can it also power off my amplifier when I power off the player using the app or remote? And what about volume control?

 

It's not clear to me whether the marantz remote system is just "repeating" the received IR codes to other units or if the units can send commands to each other?

 

3) Web-interface: Can the built-in web interface on the player be used for any kind of configuration, music browsing etc, or is it only for managing network settings and firmware?

 

4) Firmware updates: Do any of you have an idea of the level of firmware support that marantz offer for their devices (also after they are replaced by new models)? I really don't want to buy a player now which is useless in 2 years because spotify or apple changed their APIs and Marantz is too lazy to update my firmware (or they might just prefer that I buy a new machine).

 

I hope some of you are able to help me out - thanks in advance

[matevz]

Ad 1) AirPlay will turn the device on, switch input to streamed audio and start playing. You do not need to use the remote app/remote/buttons for this.

 

Ad 2) NA6005 can control Marantz amps and receivers through the remote control port. This will work with physical remote as well as remote app. Not completely sure about SR5003 (though I think this should work the same), the remote app allows you to select sources, volume, on/off on the amp. There are no options to select speakers A/B or tone settings.

 

Amp on/off does not work automatically when you start streaming, as you have to turn in on explicitly via the app. Normally amps and receivers turn on using the last used source, but the remote app is not smart enough to switch sources automatically based on your selection (ie. Bluetooth, Spotify, Play To (Cast To) or AirPlay).

 

The remote app is actually controlling the same logic and acting as a physical remote.

 

Ad 3) NA6005 web interface is only a configuration front-end for network and firmware updates. It is buggy and you should not use it at all. There are no control functions present there for this model.

 

Ad 4) They are shipping new firmware updates quite regularly, but I found out this week that they support the device for up to five years. This is quite worrisome in cases you mentioned.