Marantz introduced a new Integrated and SACD Player/Network player today

[GUTB]

13 hours ago, AudioDoctor said:

The 30 series consisting of the Model 30 Integrated Amp and 30n SACD player/network player.

 

The Integrated is using the Hypex Ncore class D amplifiers, meaning GUTB already hates it. The Network player does USB PCM up to 384khz and DSD to 11.2 Mhz.

 

Specs and all related info can be found here: https://www.us.marantz.com/en-us/30-series

 

 

 

Class D? Embarrassing trash. I guess that's the state of Marantz.

[GUTB]

Class D is useless trash. Possibly technology will progress to the point where class D will compete with linear amplification in terms of sound quality but we're not there yet. 

 

The main problem is, what goes in isn't what comes out. The downside of linear amplification is that everything that goes in, including all the spurious junk, is what also comes out. The upside of class D is that the spurious junk that goes in mostly doesn't come out the other side. Class D provides lower noise, higher resolution. Driver control is much better in (high end) class D. But, the deadly flaw of class D, its deal-breaker, is that the output filter required for class D is very aggressive and destroys the euphonics of music. Some class D designers use proprietary systems like Technics' GaNFET transistors and Cherry's parallel modules to increase working audio bandwidth and lessening the impact of the output filter. Many lower-end designers add a class A input circuit in a failed attempt to add euphonics. Some use big linear power supplies instead of switching supplies, which, by accounts, does seem to improve things. The very best audiophile-grade class D modules use other forms of technical wizardly to reduce class D artifacts and improve quality. None of these efforts have produced a result  that equals high-end linear (A and A/B) circuits. 

 

The ONLY class D I've heard which MAY warrant further listening are the Hypex 1200 modules, the tip-top ultra high-end class D from Hypex which are found almost entirely in amps well north of $10k. I was briefly excited for GaNFETs but after listening to an example after a 30+ day break in period I was left unsatisfied with the sound. I still have my Cherry and it was good enough for my main PC audio. Other amps I've listened to range from unlistenable to "great in some areas but ultimately unmusical and fatiguing".