By: CE Critic

Marantz has unveiled its groundbreaking Model 10 Reference Integrated Amplifier, marking the debut of its highly anticipated 10 Series Collection. This flagship amplifier embodies the culmination of five years of meticulous development at the renowned Shirakawa Audio Works in Japan, fusing heritage craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology to deliver unparalleled sonic performance and exquisite luxury design.

Uncompromising Performance

The Model 10 stands as a testament to Marantz's commitment to pushing the boundaries of audio engineering. It is the most powerful integrated amplifier ever produced by the brand, boasting a formidable output of 250 watts per channel into 8 ohms, doubling to 500 watts per channel into 4 ohms. This immense power is harnessed through a newly designed dual-mono symmetrical amplifier topology, ensuring exceptional clarity, dynamics, and control across the entire audio spectrum.

At the heart of this powerhouse lies a collaboration with Purifi, resulting in a custom-designed amplifier module that operates in a fully balanced configuration from input to output. This meticulous approach minimizes distortion, yielding a remarkable THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) of just 0.005% across the entire audio bandwidth at full power, ensuring pristine signal reproduction and faithful recreation of the original recording.

Meticulous Craftsmanship

The Model 10 is housed within a stunning copper-plated, triple-layered chassis that exudes sophistication and elegance. The chassis employs a compartmentalized design, effectively isolating high and low power circuits to prevent interference and preserve signal integrity. This attention to detail extends to the 16mm thick solid aluminum side panels, which minimize vibrations and contribute to a stable and resonance-free listening experience.

The front panel of the Model 10 is a work of art, featuring a hairline-finished extruded aluminum control surface adorned with discreetly embedded LEDs that provide subtle illumination. The iconic porthole-style OLED display takes center stage, offering selectable modes to display volume level, input selection, or a captivating VU meter.

Unparalleled Connectivity

The Model 10 offers a comprehensive array of analog and digital connectivity options to accommodate even the most discerning audiophile. Analog enthusiasts will appreciate the two XLR balanced inputs, three RCA analog inputs, and a high-quality phono stage with selectable MM (moving magnet) and MC (moving coil) cartridge compatibility.

Digital sources can be seamlessly integrated via the forthcoming LINK 10n Reference Network Audio Player, which connects to the Model 10 via a dedicated power amp direct input, bypassing the internal preamplifier. The LINK 10n supports high-resolution audio streaming up to 384kHz/32-bit and DSD 4X, ensuring pristine playback of your digital music library.

Price and Availability

The Marantz Model 10 Reference Integrated Amplifier is available now in both black and champagne finishes. It carries a suggested retail price of $15,000 USD, reflecting its status as a flagship reference component. The SACD 10 Reference SACD player and LINK 10n Reference Network Audio Player are expected to follow in the coming months, completing the 10 Series Collection.

Technical Specifications

• Power Output: 2 x 250W (8 ohms), 2 x 500W (4 ohms)
• Frequency Response: 5Hz - 60kHz
• THD: 0.005%
• Inputs:
  • 2 x XLR balanced
  • 3 x RCA analog
  • 1 x MM/MC phono
  • 1 x Power Amp Direct In
• Outputs:
  • 1 x RCA preamp out
  • 1 x XLR preamp out
  • 1 x Speaker A/B
  • 1 x Headphone out
• Dimensions (W x D x H): 440 x 192 x 473 mm (17.3 x 7.56 x 18.16 inches)
• Weight: 33.7 kg (74.3 lbs)

Conclusion

The Marantz Model 10 Reference Integrated Amplifier represents a new pinnacle of audio excellence, combining heritage craftsmanship, technological innovation, and uncompromising performance. Whether you're a seasoned audiophile or a discerning music lover, the Model 10 promises to deliver an unforgettable listening experience that will transport you to the heart of your favorite recordings.