Marantz Model 60n in the test: Proven Class A/B technology meets Hi-Res streaming

Times are changing. HiFi is changing. New devices, new procedures, new needs. New operation. Anyone who would like to turn the volume control at full volume is hopelessly old-fashioned. Typing is popular, typing on displays. The latter are currently dying out again (on the devices). You no longer tap keys. You tap on your cell phone. Or on a pad.

The first complete (amplifier) ​​black boxes are already appearing. Together with wirelessly controlled active speakers, no more connections are even necessary. Or at least: a power cable. Nevertheless, the desire for an amplifier that is nice to look at cannot be killed (yet). Admittedly, a beautiful hi-fi system is a technology toy and a status symbol at the same time. Making them invisible may be in the interest of some inventors, but not in the interest of the user.

Marantz understood that. And what came out of it is fascinating because it is full of contradictions: zeitgeisty and anachronistic at the same time, ultra-modern, super digital and fully analoghere and there “old” except for the thick metal bones, and also so mature and intuitive to use that it is a pure joy.

This was a great benefit to the tester, who simply couldn’t find any chance of finding an instruction manual, either online or on paper. Maybe the Model 60n integrated amplifier is just too new. Maybe this little one has Wunder an Integration Between the good old days and merciless modernity, no manual is necessary because the “user” can slip under the skin of the housing and app as quickly as if they were covered in contact oil, even without help.

App? Naturally. There is no other way. The integrated amplifier of 2024 is a Integrated amplifier with streaming additionwhich is no longer an addition because streaming has become standard in the integrated amplifier and is now. Exactly as experts in the matter have been predicting for several years.

Music services, servers and 60 watts

The Marantz 60n is an even more compact model 15 kilogram integrated amplifier with connectivity that, upon closer inspection, is completely sufficient and absolutely consistent for a hi-fi fan. Aside from full streaming options, both digital and analog inputs are available, complemented by an MM phono amplifier, USB interface and headphone jack.

HDMI also establishes contact with the TV set, and there is also Blue­tooth. This well thought-out overall package should be completely sufficient in the vast majority of installations and, above all, ensure that the integrated amplifier does not become an old thing even after years.

First, let’s look at streaming equipment. It offers Bluetooth, Airplay, Roon preparationSpotify Connect and Tidal Connect use the currently common technologies and thus also provide the current services. Of course, this cannot be operated on the round display on the front of the amplifier, but only via an app. At Marantz it is called “HEOS” and is available for download for iOS and Android.

It is pleasantly clear, easy to understand and, above all, fast. It also easily finds other local resources such as a music server and loads album covers in a short time. The clarity is also worth mentioning: The practical programming allows the direct selection of sources including all amplifier inputs. Even the sound controls can be easily operated.

By the way: The graphics are “airy” enough to run satisfactorily even on a cell phone. As always, a tablet might ultimately be the better choice. By the way, all you have to do is activate the app; it then switches on the amplifier with the last volume setting.

And if you want to use the Bluetooth connection for the first time, use the “Connect” button, which is somewhat hidden on the back of the Model 60n, as an introduction switch, so to speak. Which brings us to the built-in DAC brings that to the maximum in terms of PCM 192 kHz/24 Bit is designed, but still has a DSD surprise in store.

DSD? I!

With DSD/DSF, FLAC, ALAC and WAV, the streamer and converter section are prepared for all eventualities. DSD is limited to four times, i.e. one Sampling-Rate von 11,2 Megahertz. Nobody needs more anyway, which also applies to PCM with 24/192. Here Model 60n once again reveals itself to be fundamentally sensible and practical.

This is also underlined by the fact that a system remote control is included and that the most important operating options are also accessible in the time-honored way on the front panel, including the important balance control. The control buttons run smoothly and not too smoothly, just as the entire workmanship is trustworthy and rock-solid. Oh yes: the housing cover doesn’t rattle.

One more thing to add to this already convincing overall package Phono input donating shows the courage of the designers. Or their hi-fi craziness, whichever way you want to see it. That is exclusively for MM pickups suitable, it immediately brings another positive surprise: the phono branch, just like the entire amplifier section, is extremely low-noise.

Our measurement technology also proves this. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with the sound of this phono stage. This gives a real vinyl fan the idea of ​​upgrading to MC mode. In order not to impair the exemplary low noise level, we use an MC transformer. And so the somewhat high input capacity of the MM input is no longer an issue.

All-rounder? Close.

And so we (almost) found the famous jack-of-all-trades in the Model 60n: streaming, phono, digital and analog inputs, Bluetooth, perfect but not overloaded operating concept. Not to forget: TV input. Now all you have to do is get the sound right.

And the first thing you notice about it are two things: firstly, the already mentioned exemplary low level of noise. There is a deep silence there. It creates a pitch-black background and ensures that the dynamic develops from completely nothing. This is almost spectacular and subjectively produces a sound with enormous depth and three-dimensionality.

Secondly, although the basic character of everything sounds rather slim, clean and not deliberately embellished, it is still far more powerful, more controlled and more powerful than the performance data on paper would suggest. And he is fast in the best sense of the word. Very fast.

To preserve this, you should not tie any power guzzlers to the terminals. Tonally, the Marantz appears balanced and very, very honest, yet harmonious and perhaps with a tiny touch of coolness; This is often called “crispy” and it certainly ensures more transparency. Should this be understood as criticism? No.

Notes from the test lab

Frequency responses: Above, extended transmission range, no noticeable load dependence (8-2 Ω), correspondingly high damping factor. Center, digital sound with fs 192/96/44.1 kHz. Below, phono/with system, high-frequency drop sets in a little early due to the quite high input capacitance of 340 pF. Extremely low noise: Line 111 dB (10 V, movable) Phono 85/79 dB (1 kΩ termination/with system).

THD 1 kHz over power (4 Ω): low distortion, THD <0.01% at 100 W. Performance exceeds manufacturer specifications: Sine/Music 8 Ω: 67/76 W (“60 W”), 4 Ω: 102/119 W (“80W”). AUDIO code 58

Marantz Model 60n: Conclusion

The Marantz Model 60n does everything right and nothing wrong. If that were all, one could proceed with praise to the order of the day. But that’s not entirely true. This amplifier is, yes, pleasant. In every respect. Therefore: crystal clear purchase recommendation, from the bottom of my heart.