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: $…
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Sidebar 2: Specifications
Sidebar 3: Associated Equipment
Analog sources: Dr. Feickert Analogue Blackbird turntable with Schick 10.5" tonearm, Audio-Technica AT-VM95E/ ML, Ortofon 2M Black moving-magnet cartridges; Zu Audio Zu/DL-103 Mk.II, Rev-B moving-coil cartridge.
Digital sources: Apple Mac mini computer running Audirvana+; HoloAudio May (Level 3) D/A processor; Marantz SACD 30n; Itona USB 3.0 Isolator.
Integrated amplifiers: Yamaha A-S3200, Rogue Audio Sphinx V3.
Loudspeakers: Magnepan .7, GoldenEar BRX, Harbeth P3ESR, Falcon Acoustics LS3/5a.
Headphones: HiFiMan Susvara, Focal Clear.
…
Sidebar 4: Measurements
I tested the Marantz Model 30 with my Audio Precision SYS2722 system (see the January 2008 "As We See It"). I looked first at its behavior via its line inputs, mostly with the volume control set to its maximum of "0.0," then at lower settings. (The volume control operates in accurate 0.5dB steps.) As the Model 30's power inlet lacks a ground connection, I connected a wire from the analyzer ground to the ground terminal on the amplifier's rear panel, to minimize power supply noise, which would otherwise be a problem with the phono input. Because the Model 30…
Cavitation revolutionized record cleaning more than a decade ago, when Reiner Gläss's Audiodesksysteme introduced its original fully automatic machine. Mr. Gläss's innovative machine, which automatically spun the record in ultrasonically cavitated water, then dried it with fans, at first was plagued with reliability issues, and because it is sealed, it was not easy to repair.
Like many manufacturers, Mr. Gläss relied upon outside vendors to supply some of the internals, including the pump, which pushes the water up from the reservoir and into the cleaning chamber. Unfortunately for Mr.…
The illuminated right button includes multiple, real-time status displays showing remaining program time as well as a circular progress bar and a water-cooling indicator. There's even an SD card port to install downloaded software updates. This is a smartly designed machine, and it comes with a 2-year warranty.
The Degritter in use: I used the Degritter for longer than a usual review cycle because I wanted to assess its reliability. My months of use suggest that it is reliable, and it's a smooth operator: quiet, glitch-free, and a pleasure to use. Drop in a record, select the program,…
Sidebar: In Heavy Rotation
Spiritualized: Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating In Space
(VMP-E093) 2 LPs
Marsalis & Marsalis: Ellis Marsalis & Jason Marsalis (Newvelle New Orleans Collection)
Test Pressing
Lang Lang: Bach Goldberg Variations
(DG 481 9736 2 LPs)
Various Artists: Angelheaded Hipster The Songs of Marc Bolan and T. Rex
(BMG) 2 LPs
I'm a sucker for materials, whether it's finishes for loudspeakers and other audio equipment, a shoe's fine, supple leather, a crisp cotton shirt, or a cozy cashmere scarf.
Apart from their inherent sensuousness, materials can make a difference in the sonics of audio components, especially loudspeakers.
Exotic wood enclosures are old hat. Carbon fiber isn't exotic anymore. Glass seems an odd choice for a loudspeaker enclosure—but that's the choice made by Perfect8 speakers, which I encountered at T.H.E. Show in Newport Beach a few years back. And then there are the Jörn speakers…
When Sefton visited my home to set up the new SRBs, he placed the speakers 7' 6" apart, facing directly forward, with no toe-in, 11' 6" from my listening chair and 3' 8" from the rear wall. The sound was spacious, detailed, immediate. Scott told me that the preferred vertical listening axis is anywhere from slightly below the tweeter axis, to the midpoint between the woofer's axis and tweeter's axis, taking into account the slight tilt of the speaker's front baffle; this matched the height of my listening position.
After Sefton left, I experimented, settling on a setup with listening…
Sidebar 1: Specifications
Description: Two-way, bass-reflex loudspeaker. Drive-units: 1" beryllium-dome tweeter; 5.5" sandwich paper-cone midrange/bass. Crossover frequency: 3kHz. Binding posts: Cardas, rhodium over pure copper. Frequency range: 43Hz–35kHz. Nominal impedance: 8 ohms. Sensitivity: 86.5dB/W/m.
Dimensions: 9" (26.5mm) W × 11" (279mm) D × 13" (330mm) H. Weight: 59lb (26.8kg) each. Metal stands: 27" (28" with spikes) × 14" × 15". Weight: 43lb each (19.5kg). Granite stands: 27" (28" with spikes) × 17" × 16.5". Weight: 93lb (42.3kg) each.
Cabinet material: High-polish…
Sidebar 2: Associated Equipment
Digital source: MBL N31 CD player/DAC.
Analog source: Clearaudio Performance DC Wood turntable with Tracer tonearm and Talismann MC cartridge.
Preamplification: Boulder 508 MC/MM phono preamplifier.
Amplification: VAC Sigma 170i integrated amplifier; MBL N51 integrated amplifier; Soulution 330 integrated amplifier.
Cables: Ansuz Acoustics D2, AudioQuest NRG, and Morrow Audio (interconnects and other cabling).
Accessories: AudioQuest Niagara 1000 Low-Z Power Noise-Dissipation System with NRG 10 power cord, and Vodka Ethernet cable,…