The Marantz Model 40n is an integrated analog amplifier with built-in digital audio streaming. The device uses a topology of circuits with current feedback and proprietary discrete amplifier modules of the third generation HDAM SA3. This design minimizes noise, increases the slew rate of the output signal, increases dynamic range and significantly expands the frequency range, providing excellent sound quality when listening to both conventional stereo recordings and Hi-Res audio formats. The Marantz Model 40n’s carefully designed high-current power supply features a shielded toroidal transformer and a pair of high-capacity capacitors (each 15,000 uF). This provides a power of 70 W into a load of 8 ohms. The model’s circuits are equipped with high-quality audiophile components, and radiators made of aluminum are used for cooling.
According to Marantz, from a design standpoint, the Model 40n is both a preamp and an output stage. You could also just say “integrated amplifier“, but perhaps the brand wants to emphasize that the two functions are completely separate internally. In separate compartments, but also with separate power supplies (including a large toroidal transformer), which were also isolated.
The fact that Marantz was intent on revisiting a glorious past is already evident from the name of this new amplifier. During the sixties, the company produced devices bearing the “Model” name, including amplifiers, tuners, and other devices. Then there was even the Model 30, the very first integrated amplifier from Marantz. Some of these devices, such as the 1960 Model 9, already had the well-known round porthole VU meter. This design element has never gone away and continues to attract attention in the new Marantz Model 40n amplifier. While there is no longer an analog VU meter behind it, there is a white OLED display that tells you something about the volume level or the selected input. The porthole is located in the center of the Model 40n’s front fascia, just below the Marantz logo. The entire front part is built symmetrically in terms of button placement, which the creators of the new design considered very important. However, the coolest and most innovative thing about the design is the way this smaller front panel seems to float above the second full-size front panel. The back panel has a sort of checkered texture and is slightly curved, which is nicely illuminated by hidden light strips to the left and right of the smaller panel. You can turn these lights off or dim them, but the Marantz Model 40n looks better with the lights on. Only when you get closer you notice that the back panel is made not of metal, but of plastic.
The streaming part is immediately familiar to those with some familiarity with Denon and Marantz: HEOS. This platform has been used in AV receivers and hi-fi products from both brands for many years and offers many options through the native HEOS app (iOS and Android). Internet radio, play your own files (up to 24-bit/192kHz PCM and DSD128) over the network or from a USB drive, or receive music from a select group of services (Deezer, Tidal and Napster). With HEOS, you also have extensive multi-room capabilities – which is why HEOS was originally intended to compete with Sonos. You can also command the “integral” using the voice assistants Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, or Apple Siri.
If you don’t feel like learning how to use a new app all over again, you can feed the Marantz Model 40n with music straight from Spotify. People with Apple devices can once again work through AirPlay 2. This way, any music service (or audio from other apps) can be sent to the Marantz amplifier with lossless CD quality.
The Marantz Model 40n amplifier comes with an expanded phono section with its own HDAM modules. Suitable for MM and MC cartridges. Since there are some differences between the latter type of cartridges, you can switch between three impedance settings (33, 100 and 390 ohms), which is not often found in amplifiers of this class.
Finally, you can use the DAC in the Marantz Model 40n with an external streamer, TV, or your computer. This is possible via one of four digital inputs, including USB Class B and HDMI ARC. There are enough analog inputs to connect all possible sources. In the switching, a switchable shielded digital input block should be selected.
There is a lot to be said about this part of the DAC. As with the High-End SA10 and SA-KI Ruby, Marantz is doing something special. The brand didn’t opt for standard delta-sigma DAC chips from ESS or AKM, but developed something called Marantz Musical Mastering, or MMM. It captures Ishiwata’s predilection for, among other things, always being SACD, because MMM first applies a slow-release filter to PCM audio (like FLAC or even MP3), which adds a certain Marantz flavor, and then converts it to a DSD256 stream. You can also choose a faster roll-off, which still makes a noticeable difference in sound.
The converted or pure DSD stream can then be converted back to an analog signal in a clean manner, which is then fed to the analog output stage, which of course consists of HDAM modules. HDAM is nothing new or truly typical Marantz. The bottom line is that the brand chooses not to work with op-amp chips that do everything, but rather have this amplification function performed by a large circuit with discrete parts. So instead of a small electronic component, you have a (still compact) circuit board with parts. With this method, Marantz strives for the best results, but at the same time they have the opportunity to shape their own sound.
The Marantz Model 40n is manufactured at the Marantz plant in Shirakawa, Japan, where other high-performance models and now the new Classé devices are assembled. The Marantz Model 40n amplifier is available in black or silver. In the black version the lamp is blue, as always with Marantz, in the silver version it is white. In the black version, you can also see dust on the textured front panel more quickly.
Marantz Model 40n Specifications
Output power 2 x 70 W (8 ohms) / 2 x 140 W (4 ohms)
Harmonic distortion less than 0.02% Frequency response
5 Hz – 100 kHz
Damping factor 500
Input sensitivity/input impedance when using preamp line inputs 220 mV/13 kOhm (RCA)
Signal-to-noise ratio 88 dB (MM) / 75 dB (MC) / 107 dB (line)
Supported audio formats (LAN and USB) MP3, WMA, AAC, FLAC, FLAC HD (up to 24 bit/192 kHz), ALAC (up to 24 bit/192 kHz), WAV (up to 24 bit/192 kHz), DSD (up to 5.6 MHz)
Gapless playback mode for FLAC, WAV, ALAC, DSD
Web services Spotify (Free or Premium), Amazon Music HD, Deezer, Tidal, TuneIn, etc.
Wi-Fi support IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n, 2.4/5 GHz
Bluetooth support version 5.0, profiles: A2DP, AVRCP, Codec: SBC, maximum range: up to 30 m
AirPlay 2
support HEOS wireless multiroom network support
Amp control via app for iOS or Android devices
Voice control via Google Assistant/Amazon Alexa/Apple Siri
Source Direct mode for pure analog playback (tones and balance are turned off)
Ability to disable digital and network circuits for a cleaner sound
Inputs 5 line RCA, RCA MM phono connectors, coaxial (up to 24 bit/192 kHz), 2 optical (up to 24 bit /192 kHz), USB port (PCM up to 24 bit/192 kHz, DSD up to 5.6 MHz), LAN port (Network), HDMI ARC
Outputs 6.3 mm for headphones, RCA for recording, one RCA connector for subwoofer
Others 2 connectors (In/Out) of the D-Bus system bus, 2 sockets for Wi-Fi/Bluetooth antennas, ground terminal
Phono stage MM/MC, operational amplifiers + input section on FET transistors
Sensitivity/impedance at the input of phono stage 2, 3 mV/39 kOhm (MM), 250 μV/ 33/100/390 (MC)
Discrete amplifier modules HDMA SA3, SA2
Dimensions (WxHxD) 440 x 128 x 379 mm
Weight 16.7 kg
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