Marantz Model 30 integrated amplifier Specifications

Sidebar 2: Specifications

Description: Stereo integrated amplifier with class-D output stage. Line-level inputs (RCA): phono, CD, Tuner, Recorder, Line 1, Line 2, plus amplifier-in. Outputs (RCA): Record, Pre out. Loudspeaker outputs: stereo pair of 3-way binding posts. Power output: 100Wpc (8 ohms), 200Wpc (4 ohms), both equivalent to 20dBW. Damping factor: 500. Power consumption: 130 watts.
Dimensions: 17.4" (443mm) W × 5.1" (130mm) H × 17" (432mm) D. Weight: 32lb.
Finish: Black or Silver Gold.
Serial number of unit reviewed: MBBKO 072000035. "Made in Japan."
Price: $2499. Approximate number of dealers: 700. Warranty: 5 years parts and labor.
Manufacturer: Sound United, 1-1 Oikuboyama, Shirakawa, Fukushima 9610838, Japan. Distributor: Marantz America, LLC, 1 Viper Way, Vista, CA 92081. marantz.com/en-us

COMPANY INFO
Sound United
Distributor: Marantz America, LLC
1 Viper Way
Vista, CA 92081
ARTICLE CONTENTS

COMMENTS
jimtavegia's picture

Great report.

marc g.'s picture

Marantz gear never looked that good to me, but this new look is a good one.

stereophileuser2020's picture

I don't understand why this Model 30 amp and the accompanying SACD player don't have balanced XLR between them? It's a shame that Marantz seems to be saving that feature for their top-of-the-line Reference series.

Long-time listener's picture

I don't like the look of those tone control curves. They have pushed the inflection points up so high and down so low that, in my experience, all you end up getting is just a little extra dull thudding way down low and some extra hiss way up top -- but not any real change in the bass-treble balance. I know they do this thinking they want to "keep the tone controls out of the all-important midrange," but I wish Marantz and other brands would learn not to do this. The kind of implementation you see on the old NAD M3, for example, is much better. If it wasn't for this slip-up, I'd be really interested in this.

tonykaz's picture

...entry level audiophile with Powah.

Where is the "I Believe"?

I like the "captivating elan" which suggests an attractive/eager performer capable of holding a listener's attention.

I'd wager that this do-it-all device is 5 times better than what the vast citizen majority will ever own. ( and probably 5 times the price )

Based on your review, I'd buy it to gift to my Grandchildren.

Tony in Venice

Glotz's picture

It was a wonderfully open and incredibly free album... and THE first recording I could remember from my childhood.

My favorite 1st grade teacher played this for us in class and Rosy Grier's song 'It's Allright to Cry" and let us know that no matter how tough and 'manly' one thinks they are... it takes strength shows show vulnerability and sadness.

So cool this and you are!

Bonsai's picture

Why do you do a 50 Hz test? Is this to try to assess the performance of the PSU?

I understand£ why you’re do one at 1 kHz or 19+20 kHz CCIF but not the 50 Hz test.

Thank you

John Atkinson's picture
Bonsai wrote:
Why do you do a 50 Hz test? Is this to try to assess the performance of the PSU?

I started doing this test at the end of the 1980s, following a precedent set by the UK's Martin Colloms: the signal is 10Hz away from the AC power-line frequency, so will reveal supply stress.

John Atkinson
Technical Editor, Stereophile

anomaly7's picture

Herb, I love your writing style. I think you could compose a piece about the dirt in your garden and I might find it compelling. That you choose to write about glamorous and/or interesting audio gear is just a bonus for this reader.
Much obliged-

David Hicks
Ashland, OR

SteveR1's picture

Ironically - after reading the actual magazine - this is the first clear picture I have seen of the amp - why do all the pics in the magazine so tangentially represent what the actual equipment looks like?

kozultk's picture

Hi Herb:

I assume you were attending NIU. I graduated from NIU in '71. Did you ever purchase any equipment Apple Tree? Mike let me order LPs wholesale through his store. I had a side-hustle selling LPs in Stevenson S. Also got my own LPs pretty cheap.

Herb Reichert's picture

I was in the art department at NIU. I graduated in 1973.

My painting studio was in the Wurlitzer Factory by the river.

I wish I had one of those DeKalb Corn hats now.

lol

hr

PTG's picture

Looks like Model 30 and SACD30n are meant to be paired together..... Any chance for a more thorough review of the SACD30n ?

smrex13's picture

From the comparison with the Rogue Sphinx, I come away feeling like you prefer that amp. I realize they are different sounding integrateds, but when one sounds "much more solid, textural and tone-correct," I would gravitate to that amp.

Tom Howe's picture

Hmmm....so I bought a Model 30 to replace a Sunfire Signature Series 2. The Sunfire was a beast 600W+ per channel. I used to have Maggie 3.7s and needed power to drive them. Then I moved to the Triton One.Rs which have powered woofers so thought I no longer needed that power and decided to move to an integrated from separates. My impressions so far 1) Marantz has goosed bass and midrange with this amp. The midrange/upper bass has been tweaked so much that some things - vocals on Joni Mitchell's Blue, and Neil Young on Harvest sound strained to me. The Tritons don't need the help there. I keep thinking that if I still had the Maggies, this thing would sound amazing with those. IMO they need the bass and midrange to be pumped up. 2) My second realization - even though the tritons have powered woofers, they still like power. The Sunfire never even breathed hard - when I turn up the Marantz I again feel like there's a bit of a strain....

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