Marantz SA-10
Marantz SA-10 | SACD/CD player | £6000
“We’re in no doubt that the Marantz SA-10 is a brilliant digital source component and one of the finest disc players we’ve come across”
FOR Refined, faithful sound; stereo imaging; DAC; build AGAINST Newer Apple iphone compatibility issues
In our experience, Marantz’s top-end disc players have a tendency to become the stuff of hi-fi legend. Those with long memories will remember the superb CD94 of the late 1980s and the CD15 that followed it – or, more recently, the revered CD7. The company doesn’t often produce top-end disc players, but when it does they are usually done right. So it proves again with the SA10.
Notice we say disc rather than CD player, as the SA10 also reads SACDS and music stored on DVDROMS. Disc file compatibility is impressive, ranging from 24-bit/192khz FLACS and DSD128 all the way to ALAC, AIFF and MP3S.
In the past, Marantz would have secured a high-end transport from its then-parent company Philips, but now (thanks to a shortage of quality options) it has chosen a more difficult path and developed its own. The all-new SACDM3 transport is designed to read the music data off the disc as accurately as possible first time around. Don’t be surprised to see versions of this transport filter down the company’s range in years to come.
Internal changes
It’s not just the transport that is new. Marantz has revised the entire signal path and come up with a new digital-toanalogue section too. The company calls its system Marantz Music Mastering, and it incorporates elements of the single-bit conversion it has used in the past.
Take a look inside the product and it’s hard not to be impressed with the quality of the construction and components, and the care taken in the layout. It all looks so neat and tidy. This might be an expensive product, but it’s obvious where the money has gone.
We’re equally impressed with the casework, which is immensely rigid, well damped and superbly finished. This player weighs in at just over 18kg – heavier than some premium amplifiers. The front-panel controls feel nice, too, and the disc drawer glides with grace – so much better than the rather agricultural efforts used on some of the competition.
The remote control is packed with buttons, but is nice to hold and use, and is way more luxurious than most of those we see supplied with high-end kit.
The SA10 has plenty of connectivity options. You can access the internal digital-to-analogue circuitry through USB (type B), coaxial and optical digital inputs. Or you can play music from a USB memory stick or Apple device through a USB type A connector. If you’re using an iphone though, the Marantz can’t handle anything after the original 6 and 6 Plus.
Any file you like
We can’t complain about file compatibility, which goes up to 32-bit/384khz PCM and quad DSD for the USB (B) input and 24-bit/192khz for everything else. In short, it should accept pretty much any file type you use.
Those who love to tweak will have fun with the SA10. You can adjust the amount of dither added to the signal during digital-to-analogue conversion (three settings), alter the type of noise shaping applied (four options) and change the digital filter used (choice of a symmetrical response or one with short pre-ringing/longer post-ring).
The differences are subtle enough to come down to taste and system matching. After a great deal of listening, we stick with the default dither and noise-shaping functions and swap between the filter settings depending on the recording. We also turn off the digital output, headphone amplifier and display to enjoy a touch of extra clarity.
Give it the best
A product such as this demands a high-quality system. We mostly use our usual reference set-up of Gamut D3i/ D200i pre/power and ATC SCM50 speakers, though do swap in the SA10’S partnering amplifier, the PM10 (review soon) as well as Spendor’s Classic 200 floorstanders. Our resident Macbook Pro loaded with Pure Music software is the source for the USB (Type B) while an ipod Touch feeds the USB (Type A). A Cyrus CDI is our optical source.
We start with CD in the form of John William’s Saving Private Ryan OST and the Marantz does a great job. It has a wonderfully clean presentation. There’s a stunning amount of detail, all organised with care and composure. We’re struck by the way the Marantz renders the instrumental texture, and the subtlety with which it tracks dynamic changes.
This player doesn’t hold back as the orchestra builds, delivering plenty in the way of scale and authority. We’re pleased with the solidity of the presentation and the way it never sounds cluttered. This is a wonderfully refined performer – one that has a sweet and smooth disposition yet enough in the way of bite to satisfy.
Deep and wide
The Marantz’s ability to float a stereo image is equally impressive, the SA10 casting a wide, deep soundstage. That composure makes itself felt here, as
things remain stable even when the piece becomes more demanding.
Moving to an SACD of Eric Bibb and Needed Time’s Good Stuff shows a notable improvement in detail levels and subtlety, which makes us regret that the format never made the kind of impact its performance justifies. Here the Marantz’s smooth tonality works perfectly, making the most of Bibb’s rich, textured vocals and tight backing band. The SA10 has a wonderfully fluid way with voices, sounding confident and natural. Rhythmically, it’s surefooted rather than overtly enthusiastic, but still conveys the changing momentum of the music well.
The good news continues through the digital inputs where the Marantz’s blend of detail, finesse and smooth tonality work well across a broad range of music.
Even the headphone output is good, mirroring the line-level output’s clean, refined and engaging sound. The SA10 not only has a dedicated volume control for headphones – essential, really – but also a range of gain settings to help headphone matching.
We’re in no doubt that the Marantz SA10 is a brilliant digital source and one of the finest disc players we’ve come across. It’s very well made and has the kind of unfussy disposition that allows it to sound right at home across a wide range of systems. Highly recommended.