(September 26, 2019) Marantz has added to its streamlined wireless music options with the announcement of its PM7000N High-Performance Integrated Amplifier. This particular model is the company’s first fully discrete integrated Hi-Fi amp with cutting-edge wireless music capabilities.
Much like other higher-end Marantz products, the PM7000N utilizes some of the company’s elite technologies, such as Current Feedback amplification, Hyper-Dynamic Amplifier Modules (HDAM-SA3), a toroidal transformer, a high-speed instantaneous current power supply, and a newly developed electronic volume control. It natively carries the ability to power a pair of stereo speakers with 2x60 watts output (8 ohms) or 2x80 watts (4 ohms). According to Marantz, the PM7000N’s analog performance is honed by shielding it from all digital circuitry, eliminating any cross-contamination. Additionally, owners can ensure the best of all analog experiences by switching the PM7000N into “Pure Modes,” which disables USB-A, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth functionalities.
Connectivity-wise, the PM7000N carries a phono input, four analog inputs, and USB-A, along with dual optical and a single coaxial digital inputs (which can auto-wake the amp when a signal is detected). Of note, the phono input features a simplified signal path thanks to an integrated field-effect transistor. The presence of this FET provides a high input impedance for lower distortion and better signal purity.
The PM7000N boasts impressive wireless connectivity, headlined by SoundUnited’s HEOS technology. Owners can use HEOS to access the likes of Amazon HD, Spotify, TIDAL, and Pandora, while also linking other HEOS compatible equipment for whole-home and multi-room functionality. The technology can also be used to tap local music servers. Onboard Hi-Res file support includes ALAC, FLAC and WAV lossless files up to 24-bit/192-kHz, as well as DSD 2.8MHz and 5.6MHz tracks.
“There is an increasing demand from enthusiasts and audiophiles who desire easy access to their favorite music streaming services, particularly high-resolution content from providers such as Amazon HD and Tidal,” said Emmanuel Millot, senior director brand management at Marantz. “The PM7000N offers the best of both worlds by maintaining Marantz’s rich audiophile legacy of Hi-Fi 2-channel integrated amplifiers while embracing market demand for access to streaming.”
The PM7000N is scheduled to begin shipping on November 15, 2019 for $999.
