Review! Marantz Model 30 Integrated Amplifier!

I like ya cut, G!
Intro music by: Timothy Infinite - 'Saucy' Marantz
Model 30 Product Page:
www.us.marantz.com/en-us/30-s...
Parasound HALO Hint 6 Product Page:
parasound.com/hint6.php
Yamaha AS-1200 Product Page:
usa.yamaha.com/products/audio...

[@ZeroFidelity]

TRANSPARENCY UPDATE: Sound United recently paid me for participating in the launch of the Model 30. To be clear, this is NOT a sponsored review. Per the contract terms, all thoughts and impressions in this review are genuine and are my own. I accepted compensation from Sound United due to the extremely short time-window I was given to review the Model 30 for their product launch. I had to postpone many personal and work events to make this happen, something I'm unwilling to do for free.

[@sleeper1023]

Hey Sean, I went back to this review after owning the Model 30 for a year. Your review pointed me towards this amp and I've been loving it. Appreciate this update

[@timjoris6]

You should ask payment before publishing. That way it can´t be withheld from you if the review isn´t to their liking. I´m perfectly willing to believe you´re unbiased but delayed payment doesn´t support that imo

[@maungkyaw7478]

Hi,Sean.please,Marantz model 30 is perfectly with Wharfedale evo 4 floorstand speaker?I have Marantz cd 60and NA6006 network player.I 'm looking to buy Marantz model 30 or Denon PMA 2500n?can you help me,please.Thanks

[@NickP333]

Thanks for the review. I was curious about an impression of what this thing actually sounded like, and I really kinda dig the looks of it. Ron did an ad type thing but not a review of this amp and the CD player which I saw this morning, so thanks for filling in the blanks. Much appreciated, Sean. Another excellent vid.

[@jupitorsaturn8533]

Sean, your reviews are always so pleasant and interesting to watch. Your knowledge and your talent to communicate are marvelous. Cheers.

[@NemoPropaganda]

Now that's a good looking remote control, and unit!

[@abs2fast2furios]

I was hoping that Sound United would do something like this and I'm glad they did.

[@longsideJones]

Most detailed audio reviews on youtube, much appreciated - thanks.

[@Staybrown11]

Another excellent review Zero! Thanks.

[@hi-fihaven2257]

I like that! Awesome aesthetics. Love the minimalist look of the front panel, just the stuff you need. love the under the hood look. Heat sink heaven! Love that toroidal there in the middle. Love the rear panel layout. Plenty of inputs!

[@AudioElectronicsChicago]

Beauty, I love that it comes in black and in silver color!

[@JosephTongret]

I'm genuinely excited to see this this and I can't wait to find a local dealer to demo it at! I've been looking at integrated amps recently and I really want to pick one up. These newer class D modules from Hypex and Purifi have my interest. I'm not an "old school" audiophile. While I've been a music lover my whole life, only the last few years I've been focusing on the gear as much as the music. I really believe in the merits of class D technology and I think it's the future. I don't know if the bass heavy electronic music genre's I mostly listen to plays a role in it, but I like what I hear from the latest class D amps! This Model 30 and NAD's Master Series M33 are both such interesting options for me! I can't wait to experience both of them in person! Thanks for the video Sean. As usual, you've provided the best possible coverage I could ask for!

[@TopperDude]

Excellent review. Really excited to get some ear time with this new amp (and the matching source).

[@edmundgil6008]

EXCELLENT job, bro! You kept to your tight format, but for some reason, I feel this was one of your best critical reviews. Super objective, and clear when you inserted your subjective opinion. I love the speaker matching part. That really helps. And I REALLY love the end where you compare to two popular integrated amps in the somewhat similar price/performance range. Thanks again!

[@chadisrc]

Wow, can't believe you got one for review already, that awesome :) Great review as always bud.

[@francescas6026]

I have the Marantz SA-KI and PM-KI paired with a Kef R3. For me this speaker was a perfect match. So it was interesting about the new integrated amplifier. Thanks always great reviews.

[@JohnSmith-zl8rz]

the Marantz SA-KI and PM-KI is better than this Model 30 combo?

[@tubukonxumalo8041]

That a speedy review. Keep up the good work.

[@amirjubran1845]

Great review. I myself have a PM15S2 and love it with my spendor bookshelves.

[@JukeboxAlley]

Thats a beauty, really good lookin modern amp.

[@josephchamberlain3681]

Really hoping for a Sound Artist SA 200ia integrated at some point. Excellent review as always. I look forward to your detailed reviews and fair analysis.

[@justanotheryoutubeuser5029]

Class d is really gaining traction, good to hear technology is moving forward.

[@johnmckay428]

thanks for always keeping it real

[@78sound]

Beautiful production value...nice work

[@lights80088]

I purchased this amplifier as you were one of my reviewers of choice. What I found is the way you described this amp is exactly how it sounded. I found out after this experience you are one of my most trusted reviewers. This is NOT a neutral sounding amplifier from top to bottom. The bass is exaggerated of which no matter how hard I tried could not get it dialed in with my sub. The highs were really good. The mids were just to prominent and forward. For me, this amp was fatiguing. It is very detailed but this just wasn't enough with these other issues. This taught me a lesson, I really love amps that are more neautral from top to bottom. This amp was used with Arendal 1723 Monitors and a SVS sub. It was returned.

[@imrulhaque]

I had three Marantz amp PM30, PM 50, PM 80 they were all absolutely stunning. And yes as you said they sounds slightly different between CD input and AUX. I guess it’s a Marantz thing. I had also Marantz CD40, CD 72 Special Edition and CD 80. My only concern is there is no Marantz service centers but third party assistants. Very good review as usual. Thanks.

[@yippie6862]

Wow, you have one as well to review. Someone form the Netherlands posted a review just yesterday. I did a search for this and couldn't find one thing about it. Not even on Marantz's website. This should be fun to watch.

[@gavincheng0394]

Thanks for the information and explanation

[@TheFRiNgEguitars]

What a fine review, successful because I am curious to audition this amp. I am not as excited, however, that it is class D. The amp appears well built, absolutely love the symmetrical front panel layout.

[@scottyo64]

I like this direction for Marantz. I have always liked their products and owned a few over the years. Right now all I own is an AVR as that seemed to be more their forte as of late. My SR7012 has been a work horse.

[@knockshinnoch1950]

Great straightforward review.

[@munafo13]

After almost a year of deliberating on this, I finally pulled the trigger. I wish I did it sooner! Pairs really well with Monitor Audio Silver 300 speakers and the phono stage is breathtaking. My vinyl collection never sounded so good...

[@rumporridge1]

Been mulling this unit or a Parasound Hint 6…….your thoughts?

[@munafo13]

@@rumporridge1 Do you already have speakers??? Room size???

[@rumporridge1]

@@munafo13 building a third listening system. Strictly 2.1 channel. Class A/AB amp geared towards jazz and orchestra genre.

[@munafo13]

@@rumporridge1 Unless your room is gigantic I would go with the Marantz. The Parasound is a solid piece and all, but the Marantz feels more alive...

[@rumporridge1]

@@munafo13 Thanks Frank. Makes sense from someone who’s ear’s are presently in front of the 30. Appreciate getting back too.

[@MrShaggy789]

In an earlier video this year or last, you suggested that subscribers could do more by recommending You-tubers to audio companies. I have an Audio Vector R1 Avantgarde bookshelf speaker & personally speaking, this bookshelf is fantastic. However, there is only one review on You-tube of the R1 Avantgarde speaker which is a shame. This Danish company deserves greater recognition but they don't do enough to reach out to You-tubers for one reason or another. I have emailed Audio Vector and recommended yourself as someone that provides excellent informative reviews which would at the very least give them greater commercial exposure. Between yourself and Pursuit Perfect System, you two blokes are my go-to guys for audio reviews. Keep up the excellent work, its great to sit back and watched something I truly enjoy, especially after a tough day at work. Thanks Sean.

[@dannyng5427]

Great review, you've said really well about the Hypex amplifier. Detail and instrument separation are the characteristic of the Hypex amps, but I find the sound a little dry.

[@eddylam224]

Thks again Sean 4 ur knowledge.

[@markielinhart]

An object lesson in modern industrial design! 👏👏👏

[@cartilagehead6326]

For real, this is the first Marantz in a looong time that looks as good as their sound reputation. I've found their industrial design from the last decade or so to be really staid and lacking. Now what I'd really love to see is VU meters of some kind come back. If they're not going to do it with analog needles (even tho plenty of chi-fi amps do it), high quality LCD displays and controllers are dirt cheap these days. Edit: I just looked at it, the companion SACD30n has a screen.

[@uhugvjkbkjh]

Really good looking amp.

[@e.kent.d9561]

Always watch Zero for best, most accurate info.

[@conquest911]

Very wierd because I was actually thinking of something like this from marantz to release and now here ya go. I still love my old school pm8000 class A design hybrid.

[@jewelbell5]

I love the look of the model 30, esp the silver.

[@Bradimus1]

I'd be happy just looking at this one.

[@themastroiannis]

i recently bought the Marantz Model 30 and was curious about your review. It is an absolutely fantastic integrated amp! beautiful, refined, dynamic, lots of power, control on bass notes, emotional ! i can't compare it to more expensive models... but have gone through (on the last 5 years) the following amps: Iota SA3, Arcam SA 10, Audiolab 6000A, Cambridge CXA81, Arcam SA20, Creek Destiny.... the difference with ALL of them is huge! My second favorite would be the Audiolab 6000A for its purity of tone. But this Marantz is simply infectious! so much clarity and yet not fatiguing. Huge soundstage. Every single speaker I tried sounded like a new speaker (way better) with this amp. Excellent phono stage as well. An absolute keeper. very very happy with this purchase.

[@siriosstar4789]

that comment was better than the review which was very good . you exactly described my experience with the 30 which i've only had for a week . it looks as good as it sounds . one word comes to mind to describe both looks and sound - Luxurious !

[@michaelwright9101]

I love the look of this amp and would purchase it in a heartbeat if I could afford it.

[@hmrowland6114]

Hard to miss with a Magenta purchase. The 30 is beautifully designed IMO.

[@Jeton6]

really enjoyed that very practical review. will be curious to see what Denon does to differentiate themselves next.

[@SarcoZQ]

Give it a couple of days.

[@sanjaymarathe1442]

I am very grateful to you for the entire review but one particular comment specifically .. Upper mid are boosted and sound forward when using aux .. I had connected my tuner to aux and was sounding harsh .. when i connected it to cd input , it sounded beautiful ..thanks a lot

[@surfmorworkless]

Thank you for the comparison at the end between the model 30 and the Yamaha 1200 @ 20:59 Those are the two amps I’m researching a comparison between. I plan on driving some Wharfedale Lintons with them. Still looking for all I can about that comparison. But your explanation has helped a lot. Thank you.

[@carforumwanker]

100% marantz will be making sure money is gifted for good reviews and feedback etc etc . Well know in the UK hifi press during the 90's

[@charleskatz2606]

Another solid one Maestro Zero,Who the hell else would compare analogue inputd for variation in sound not just digital inputs.This sounds like a nice piece.Really the amp section (both pre and power) should be neutral whereas sources,cables and transducers are better tilted one way ot the other.While I lust for a Luxman (the SACD that Uncle Steve just profiled is the "Yeah I could have gone with "X" read Meridian but went here") but this sounds like it's the same zeitgeist i.e. Japan made,separate transformers and power supplies etc for not crazy money.I hope you keep this in the stable a while

[@haris525]

Thank you Sean.

[@666chew]

Personally, I love the look of this integrated and matching SACD player. It's modern and retro at the same time. I'd have to give it a good listen though as I'm still enjoying my Marantz PM15S2b and SA15S2b even after 7 years.

[@charlesking678]

Have you heard the model 30? Is it comparable with your marantz amps?

[@666chew]

@@charlesking678 Sorry, I haven't. What I did go and do was get the Technics SU-G700M2 and SL-G700 SACD player and couldn't be happier. I think I'm done now.

[@dilbyjones]

Ohhhh ! Here we go!

[@dennisduran8500]

What they need to make is a Tri Tone Amp with a bass boost button. Bass, Mid, Treble, Bass boost. And all of those tone controls on the remote. That I would buy!

[@CatahoulaDiesel30]

Great review.

[@davidlambert3892]

I just wish Marantz would design their front panels to look like they did in the 1970s. Those look so cool!

[@clintdunn8671]

...or you could just buy one of those units from the 70's like I did. Dollar for dollar nothing sounds better.

[@gordyboy01]

so the Marantz Model 30 is a bit like Sean then, he really grows on you and you end up really loving him :) lol seriously though love watching your reviews Sean, your insights and assessments on products are spooky accurate, you are never allowed to retire lol keep the awesome videos coming.

[@fii2cc]

Such a comment from a gordygirl01 would be more fun!

[@murrieta78]

Looks great in both black and ivory white version. I just cannot understand stubborn aversion to place digital inputs in more "high-end" amps, especially hdmi's. It would improve functionality a lot

[@Audfile]

Nc500s nice!. Effortless detail, big Soundstage, like a microscope, visceral kickkick drums, low volume detail, yes, those are Ncores.

[@dennispanganiban8789]

Nice review and comparison with Yamaha. I also watched your review on the Yamaha A-S1200 which I find very interesting as I need to replace my old Creek amp. The only problem is, here in the Phil. I tried contacting the Yamaha dealer, I was given the run around. It seems they have not received a single unit of that model (A-S1200) and tried to sell me the old entry models. It sucks.

[@stijnvanderlooy5311]

What a beauty.

[@locmanw1583]

I like the new casing look! Hope they didn't degrade the smooth sound. Hope they don't care make it bright like the high end Yamahas.

[@screedy1050]

Nice job by Marantz. And another enlightening review.Pity that so many high end amplifiers only have one set of speaker connections.Such a contrast to the miriad of speaker connections that come with AV amps.ie 7.1 and 5.1. I have three sets of speakers,and I am able to switch between,and run two sets of speakers if I so desire. My old Akai receiver rather delightfully has 3 sets of speaker connections. And the styling is fabulous.

[@panblue43]

Hi! If You have 1 set of speakers but it is perfect in this case you do not need 3 sets and switching them 🤔 I think the "pure" and good stereo system includes: a stereo amp without extras but very good sound, 1 pair of pleasant loudspeakers + source like cd player or lp. A good stereo system not need sub out and sub woofer, not need tone control or loudness. Not need more pairs of lspeakers than 1. Best regards!

[@screedy1050]

@@panblue43 But don't you want to be able to switch back from your new set of speakers to the old ones now and then. I've got b and w cm5. The old celef speakers have deeper base and some music sounds better on them than the smaller b and w. My augument is solid.

[@panblue43]

@@screedy1050 Hello! I understand You, but why do not buy a bigger bookshelf what have good bass? I use Heco Elementa 300 bookshelves, the bass is fantastic, deep, I not feel that something is missing. Before Hecos I used other bookshelves what needed to pair with sub to all round sound, but now not need. No tone, no loudness, no sub, just source direct and it makes me happy with quality sound.

[@pseudoty]

I own the Marantz PM8006 and mostly use it in “Direct” mode because the biggest Caveat with it is that the remote does NOT control the Bass, Midrange, Treble or balance which is a major flaw for me and my listening setup. If you want to adjust between tracks or sources and then fine tune you have to get up, adjust, return to listening position, evaluate and then fine tune manually. This works great if you still have kids at home to assist. So it seems like they addressed this issue in this model except they eliminated mid range and bumped the treble scale too high. It seems like Marantz listens to their users but something is lost in translation and their “fixes” always result in new issues.

[@chrismacdonald4570]

Great video

[@zorantobdzic7364]

GREAT REVIEW! Would you recommend PSB Synchrony speakers with the Marantz Model 30?

[@MrRonnmaui]

Great video. I am really considering the Yamaha based on the reviews. The Marantz 30 appears to be a good match. You should get it all for this money in my opinion. Must be sexy, sound great, have some weight, drive any speaker, and finally, heavy knob feeling...

[@jasontexman]

Thank you so much for this review!! Do you think that this integrated would pair well with my Thiel CS 2.4?

[@erikquinn707]

Great review Sean, as always. Love the comparisons too. I'm considering purchasing the Hint 6 or Yamaha AS-1200. And now this Marantz Model 30 has me intrigued (though I see from your review different sound then Parasound and Yamaha here). Quick question, for both the Marantz Model 30 and Yamaha AS-1200 can a powered sub with mono sub cable be connected to these integrated amplifiers? Which line in does it connect too? Also curious, for you between the Marantz Model 30, Yamaha AS-1200, and Parasound Halo Hint 6 which did you like the most for the listening experience/sound quality? Thanks!!

[@vincevetteZ06]

Erik, what did you go with?

[@klaymoon1]

I loved Marantz before. But, personally, I never thought there was any improvement at all in the last 10 years - everything sounded exactly the same as the previous models - the only things changing were the model names. Hopefully, that may be changing now with these new releases.

[@stevefick3919]

My PS Audio S300 power amp uses class D amplification. You wouldn't know it either. Coupled with my Stellar Gain Cell DAC preamp, they work together very nicely. The pre uses FET's on the "important" input stage. Helps to give it a more softer sound. The result is a very detailed and open sound. Don't dis D class amps. They have become very good over the last few years.

[@ZeroFidelity]

Enjoy! The difference now is that within the past 4-5 years, Class-D modules have been developed FOR stereo/critical listening applications. I look forward to seeing the tech evolve.

[@snobi76]

I really like the looks, only thing missing is money to get that amp and sacd player :P

[@yuckysamson]

The biggest reason for the zingy top end noted were the challenges in addressing digital sources, both in terms of slowly-advancing formats (from CD backstop to MP3 forward to streaming 'redbook' and hi-rez), only recently broadening dac availability, and "how do we deal with this?" on the amplifier end. Put a turntable on a zingy system from 5, 10, 15 years ago, and the problem is likely solved for the most part.

[@danieloherrick6332]

Love to see a comparison between this and the new Cambridge Audio EVO 150.

[@bobb.9917]

LOVE the look 😍....but I may like the sound of The Yamaha AS-1200 more......

[@aldricloong]

Hi thanks for the review. I’m contemplating between this model 30 and the KI Ruby . What is your advice on this? Any tip? I have a pair of Wharfedale Linton.

[@RJ_Chicago]

Hi Sean.. Thanks for this review. I am wondering if you had thoughts on how the Model 30 compared, granted to more expensive units, the Yamaha AS2200 and the Luxman 509X? Thanks.

[@MrPkimura]

I run a class D amp (Crown 2502) with a nice preamp with Class A design and i'll tell you what... the pre really changed the Class D sound on the crown to more of what one would see in a Class A design...much like this Model 30. I'm a believer.

[@CaptainCrunch823]

I do the same with the crown with good results.

[@cupavivuk2704]

What pre amp do you use?

[@CaptainCrunch823]

@@cupavivuk2704 I have used a few. I still use a PS Audio Gain Cell DAC/Preamp in one room and used to use a Sennheiser HDV H820 and PS Audio BHK Preamp in another room but have recently been using a Schiit Ragnarok 2. The warm/analog sounding preamps can work magic with the Crown 2502 when paired with the right speakers and DAC. I have really enjoyed this setup with KEF LS50's + fast musical subs.

[@MrPkimura]

@@cupavivuk2704 Gustard P26

[@ArthaxtaDaVince777]

​@@CaptainCrunch823 How would the Cambridge Azur 851N pair with the 2502? What warm preamps would you recommend.

[@charlesclifton5896]

I'm pretty sure I am over the Class D issue and after some research on the Hypex unit being used here ... well, only actually hearing it will tell. Okay, I'm a sucker for good looks and this amp is gorgeous ... but that's me. Now, what really got my attention was the low to mid listening level issue. I've always though that low level volume came with a price to pay often the bottom falling out was that price. Be this amp a true champion of low to mid level, listening? I'll have to hear it and I will. I am certainly replacing my current amp in the next year and it's pretty much down to this unit or a Hegel (95). Any comments are appreciated and a big thanks to you Sean and Ron at NRD.

[@mr.george7687]

Sounds like a great amp. Wish Marantz would bring back their Midrange & loudness tone controls.

[@mykeldg]

they still do that with the pm8006

[@panblue43]

Hi! The pm7005 what I use not needs loudness and mid control.. The bass is fantastic and the mids are perfect-not much as other marantz models and not few. Clear and enjoyable without tone controls. My last marantz was the model2245 what had mid and loudness control 😉😎

[@FarHagh]

I am not sure D class amps need the loudness, at least in theory.

[@twoften]

Thoughts in no particular order: - either Yamaha is marked up a lot in the US or Marantz is marked up in Australia, because the Model 30 is going to be AUD$6k which is more comparable to the A-S2200 here (AUD$5k) - looking at the internals it looks a lot like they've taken the PM-KI Ruby as a base and made it more accessible in price (and removed any reference to Ken Ishiwata, which I understand but have mixed feelings about) - I heard the fascia compared to an old dashboard, and I can't unsee that now - I'm all for class D, but like you I'm not in love with controls buried in the remote - a lot of what you say about the sound suggests a nice low noise floor, as you'd expect from Hypex - curious to see what independent testing finds in that regard - I love the sound of my PM8006, but still thinking I might jump ship to something with VU meters when the time comes. This looks great, though, plastic or no.

[@wymotome]

If this is anything like the PM Ki Ruby, it will be a very open, large and somewhat clinical sound. It is nothing like their receivers or amps of the 1970's. I'm a huge fan of their older designs and when I heard the Ki Ruby was designed by Ken I., I was excited it would have some of that same magic. Unfortunately, it did not. It did not sound bad, but it wasn't my cup of tea. Back it went just before my return period was up and my restored 2285B once again claimed that space.

[@antonyalumkal1526]

As you mention a few times in the previous comments, this sounds like a PM Ki-Ruby. Based on the published specs, the SACD 30n uses the same MMM technology (upsampling to DSD 11.2) as the SA Ki-Ruby. Given that the Ki-Ruby components are limited edition, the 30 series appears to be replacing it, but at a significantly lower cost. Sounds like a bargain to me.

[@Audfile]

Ncores and planers are a magic pairing, and pretty common.

[@jesperbmortensen]

That is a very good review. Many good informations. I have a question. I allready have the Marantz 30N. How would this amplifier match a speaker like the Dali Mentor 6 ?

[@gavincheng0394]

A piece of important information is missing from this video. Besides this amp, Marantz also release a matching SACD player/network streamer. Sean, I understand you are passive towards most source components, it would be great to spend 3sec just to mention the SACD player.

[@NateEll]

Ooh- borrowing from naming conventions of the early days

[@sanjaymarathe1442]

Sean, excellent review but I am intrigued by one comment. You say that the frequency response is a bit of V curve or tactical coloration. Or the bass is little boosted or they added little extra . But I have seen another review of Model 30 in which the measured frequency response is absolutely flat . How is this possible ?

[@byronb.]

I'm not really a compromising integrated amplifier guy, but this is a daring design. Unfortunately, I think they may have abandoned the audiophile crowd by not having balanced XLR connectors. I wonder if these are a good match for Magnepan's? Enjoyed the review. Hint. Use a black towel next time. Lol!

[@crossover706]

Wish they had put that cartridge type selector knob at the back and added a knob for mid to go along with the ones for bass and treble...

[@alq6356]

Hi, thanks for a great review. Do you think this is a considerable upgrade to a PM8006 or does it sound similar?

[@DH-og5yr]

He said both. Similar and better

[@ericfshook]

NICE!

[@festersuncle6298]

The back plate looks like a 70s Pontiac Trans Am dash!!! I'm still running my PM8004.

[@net_news]

not my cup of tea but It's great to see a NC500 module in a Marantz!!

[@rtozzz]

Hi, please review the new Elac uni-fi 2.0

[@gizzy2403]

Gr8 review Sean, your th best! Here hav a beer on me 🍺

[@pennfootball71]

I wonder how it will compare to a Rogue Sphinx V3

[@vatromet1]

Really wonderful presentation. Can you give me some advice, I'm not sure whether to buy this Yamaha amplifie AS1200.0r or the Marantz 30 amplifier. The price in Serbia is similar. It seems to me that the Yamaha has a more powerful transformer and many more components inside, while the Marantz is stronger for 10 Watts. Your advice would be very useful to me, greetings.

[@jonathanstewart351]

I'd like to see a line of discrete components using the original designs from the 1970s, at least for the front panels. Maybe tube-based line of components to cover the complete high end field.

[@fletchermunson6225]

Great review. You are smart to protect your hearing at moderate levels.

[@joshuaread1563]

Hi. Im new to audio and have been considering this model. Im curious is it’s possible to disable the function of the integrated pre amp and use an external phono preamp instead

[@SirMountainpass]

Connect the network streamer (got the Atoll ST 300 Signature) to the CD RCA input then (instead to the Line in 1) for an improved sound performance, correct?

[@bigreg1001]

Are you going to review the SACD player?

[@dougg1075]

Love love the look