Marantz Model 30 Integrated Amplifier

Marantz Model 30 Integrated Amplifier

The Marantz Model 30 is a two-channel integrated amplifier built in Japan, pairing a fully discrete analogue preamplifier with Class D power amplification based on Hypex NC500 modules. Output is rated at 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 200 watts per channel into 4 ohms, so the same amplifier can drive compact bookshelf speakers or larger, lower impedance floorstanders without changing character as the load changes. There is deliberately no DAC, no network streaming and no digital input board: the Model 30 is an analogue amplifier for listeners whose sources are a turntable, a CD player or an external streamer and DAC.

Key features

• Power output: 100W per channel into 8 ohms, 200W into 4 ohms
• Amplification: Hypex NC500 Class D modules with HDAM SA3 circuitry
• Phono stage: Marantz Musical Premium EQ for MM and MC cartridges
• MC loading: selectable 33, 100 or 390 ohm input impedance
• Distortion: 0.005 percent total harmonic distortion
• Damping factor: 500
• Preamp supply: toroidal transformer with linear drive power supply

Two-stage discrete design

Marantz separates the preamplifier and power amplifier into distinct stages with their own power supplies, which reduces the interference that high current output stages can feed back into low level input circuitry. The preamplifier runs from a toroidal transformer through a linear supply, while the power stage uses a switch mode supply matched to the Hypex modules. Signal handling in the preamp uses HDAM SA3 discrete modules built from selected components rather than integrated op-amps, and HDAM SA2 appears elsewhere in the circuit. A copper plated double layer bottom plate and separate aluminium extrusion heat sinks form part of the mechanical and shielding strategy.

Phono stage in detail

Vinyl replay receives unusual attention for an amplifier at this level. The Marantz Musical Premium phono equaliser accepts both moving magnet and moving coil cartridges, with input sensitivity of 2.3 mV for MM and 250 microvolts for MC. Three MC load impedance settings, 33, 100 and 390 ohms, allow the stage to be matched to the cartridge rather than forcing a single compromise value. Signal to noise ratio is rated at 88 dB for MM and 75 dB for MC, and the phono circuit uses no coupling capacitors in the signal path. RIAA deviation is held within plus or minus 0.5 dB.

Connections and control

Six audio inputs are provided, including the phono input and a dedicated CD input, along with a recorder output, a preamplifier output for adding a separate power amplifier or subwoofer arrangement, and a power amp direct input that lets the Model 30 serve as the power stage in a home cinema bypass arrangement. Speaker connection uses Marantz SPKT-100 plus terminals, and a headphone output is fitted on the front panel. Line level signal to noise ratio is 107 dB and frequency response extends from 5 Hz to 50 kHz. Power consumption is 130 watts in operation and 0.2 watts in standby.

The chassis measures 443 x 431 x 130 mm and the amplifier weighs 14.6 kg, with styling that references Marantz designs of earlier decades while keeping the control layout simple: input selection, volume, tone controls and headphone listening. It is an amplifier for a dedicated stereo system built around physical media and external sources, where the budget has been spent on the analogue signal path rather than on streaming features that would duplicate equipment already in the rack.