Premiere: premium stereo amplifier Marantz PM-14S1 SPECIAL EDITION

A modified and improved version of the Marantz PM-14S1 Special Edition amplifier is designed for those music lovers who are seriously interested in listening to music in new High-Resolution formats. The device is available in two finishes (black and gold) and has a special anti-resonance housing design. Its 5mm thick top panel effectively dampens unwanted vibrations, while damped mounts provide the necessary mechanical decoupling. The copper-plated chassis reliably protects electronic circuits from electrical interference. The device is equipped with stereo balance and tone controls in the low and high frequencies. To control the operating modes of the amplifier, a nice round LCD display with a low level of emitted noise is provided.

The amplifier circuitry also utilizes improved, custom components. Branded HDAM modules are installed in the audio signal transmission circuits, while their total number in the PM-14S1 SE circuits is 24. These are modules of new modifications SA2 and SA3, the use of which has significantly expanded the dynamic range of sound, as well as reduced the noise level to minimum values. HDAM modules operate in the PM-14S1 SE preamplifiers and power amplifiers, as well as a separate headphone output circuit.

To ensure compatibility of the amplifier with acoustics with different impedance characteristics, the output circuits of the device are made using discrete transistors designed for significant operating current. The amplifier for each channel is made on a separate board with its own heat sink, which improves the quality and volume of the stereo image.

The PM-14S1 SE power supply has a high-power toroidal transformer. The device develops a power of 90 W at a load of 8 Ohms and up to 140 W with an acoustic impedance of 4 Ohms. The amplifier has a built-in phono stage for the MM/MC pickup of a turntable, two line inputs, two pairs of inputs/outputs for recording devices, a preamp output and a power amplifier input. With the help of the latter, as well as another power amplifier, the speakers can be connected using a bi-amping scheme using a special switch on the rear panel.

Characteristics of the Marantz PM-14S1 Special Edition stereo amplifier

Marantz PM-14S1

The modified and improved amplifier PM-14S1 Special Edition will be an excellent choice for lovers of listening to high-resolution audio. The device is equipped with damping supports, a massive 5 mm thick top panel and a special anti-resonance design. Copper shielding helps protect the amplifier's sensitive electronic circuits from electrical noise. The amplifier circuitry features advanced, custom components. The audio transmission circuits are equipped with exclusive HDAM-SA2 and HDAM-SA3 hyperdynamic amplifier modules. The PM-14S1 Special Edition is equipped with a power supply with a high-power toroidal transformer and is capable of delivering 90 W of output power into 8 ohms and 140 W into 4 ohms.

The Marantz PM-14S1 Special Edition is available in Gold and Black colours.

Characteristics

Mastery of musical drawing

Price – 256,000 rubles.

Integrated amplifier Marantz PM-14S1 Special Edition

Price – 258,000 rubles.
Marantz products marked SE (Special Edition) invariably attract increased interest from the market and audiophiles. Not to mention the KI Signature models, signed by Ken Ishiwata himself, Marantz brand ambassador. However, the famous audio guru, a constant participant in the show, a skillful presenter and owner of a collection of colored jackets, Ishiwata-san is in one way or another involved in the creation of many Marantz components. Certainly in the development of special editions.

This time we're looking at two Marantz Special Edition models of the 14th Premium Series Hi-Fi components: the SA-14S1 SE SACD player and the PM-14S1 SE integrated amplifier. Here we have a pair of devices that are close in size (they differ only in depth) in the long-established very attractive Marantz corporate design, characterized, first of all, by original profiled front panels, which are drawn by two vertical blue luminous stripes in deep metal folds on the sides of the oriented center of the information display. Considerable weight (15 and 19 kg, respectively), high chassis rigidity, provided, among other things, by thick front and 5-mm upper walls made of aluminum are features of high-level Hi-Fi components, which together must serve as an effective prevention of such undesirable phenomena as microphone effect and EEA. As we got acquainted with the components, a lot was revealed indicating that the Marantz company once again approached the matter with the utmost responsibility, “gave it its all,” and these models rightfully bear the Special Edition status designations.

The Marantz SA-14S1 SE can operate as a full-fledged external DAC, and the converter used in the model (DSD1792) is very close in functional level to what works in the award-winning network player Marantz NA-11S1.

Following the trend in the design of digital sources, the company has created a source that, along with playing “physical” phonogram media - SACDs, CDs, etc., operates with Hi-Res audio files with parameters up to 24 bit/192 kHz and DSD 2.8 /5.6 MHz, received from the computer to the rear USB port (type B), in asynchronous mode, i.e., using the player’s advanced clock generator. The front USB port (type A) offers friendship to Apple gadgets and allows you to connect external drives with audio files. The list of supported formats includes AAC, MP3 and WAV, although only standard definition. Digital information is also received on coaxial and optical inputs. These types of digital outputs are designed to route signals to an external converter. Thus, the Marantz SA-14S1 SE can function as a full-fledged external DAC, and the converter used in the model (DSD1792) is very close in functional level to what works in the award-winning network player Marantz NA-11S1.

An important design feature of both devices is the proprietary discrete hyperdynamic amplifier modules (HDAMs) used in them, which, compared to operational amplifier circuits, are distinguished by a significantly higher slew rate of the output voltage and low noise level - these are the most important parameters for sound. Naturally, due attention is paid to strength nutrition. The turntable source is implemented using a large high-current toroidal transformer with oxygen-free copper (OFC) secondary windings and Schottky diodes in the rectifier. To avoid interference, the component's power supply, digital and analog stages are placed on separate boards. Control signal input and output (triggers) helps integrate the player into a single Marantz system. It is possible to change the brightness of the display and turn it off (from the remote control). Finally, we can’t help but mention a high-quality headphone amplifier for headsets with different, including low impedance.

The output power of the Marantz PM-14S1 SE integrated amplifier is specified at 90/140 W at 8/4 ohms. In this device, the above-mentioned HDAM modules play, one might say, the first fiddle. The amplifier uses a total of 24 modules in SA2 and SA3 versions in the phono stage (MM/MC), preamplifier, power amplifier, line inputs and headphone amplifier stages. It is important to emphasize that all stages of the Marantz PM-14S1 SE are completely discrete. Powerful output transistors coupled with massive aluminum alloy heatsinks (no active heat dissipation) provide confident control of any load. The circuits are physically separated to maintain high channel separation. The amplifier is assembled using elements selected and manufactured specifically for Marantz (customized). As in the player, the power supply is implemented here based on an energy-intensive toroidal transformer. The Marantz PM-14S1 SE is capable of operating as a final power amplifier (there is a corresponding input) and a pre-amplifier (there is a Pre Out output).

It should be noted first of all the highest - ultra-audiophile - quality of the music scene and the transmission of timbres. Of course, the contribution of the outstanding Cabasse Baltic is great here, but the Marantz components did not hinder the speakers in this at all.

When looking at the rear wall of the Marantz PM-14S1 SE case, you pay attention to the gold-plated input jacks and proprietary acoustic terminals of the original design. Addressed to audiophiles, Source Direct mode routes the signal bypassing all sonically insignificant circuits, solely out of priority for sound quality. At the sensory level, the Marantz special editions in question create an extremely pleasant impression. The level of visual and tactile comfort they offer is very high. In terms of workmanship, the components give no cause for criticism. Everything is done right from the start to maintain the highest brand authority.

Since we are talking about High Fidelity audio components, the auditory sensations obtained while listening to music recordings are of paramount importance. It is immediately necessary to say about a very high degree of audio system synergy provided by the partnership of Marantz electronics with the Cabasse triponic consisting of Baltic tricoaxials and the Santorin 25 active subwoofer (the low-frequency module received the signal from the output of the Pre Out amplifier and filtered it independently). It must be said that the very idea of ​​a trifonic, which audiophiles are often suspicious of, is implemented here at a level close to ideal. The hearing indicated only the most insignificant sound seams and stratifications in the area where the frequency bands of the stereo pair and the subwoofer meet.

In confirmation of the above, it should be noted, first of all, the highest - ultra-audiophile - quality of the music scene and the transmission of timbres. Of course, the contribution of the outstanding Cabasse Baltic is great here, but the Marantz components did not hinder the speakers in this at all. During the examination, it was not possible to identify any dynamic limitations of the system. The set turned out to be so meticulous in presenting subtle musical plasticity at the level of dynamic, timbre-color and spatial shades that the sound was associated with an exquisite acoustic pattern. Marantz and Cabasse are capable of presenting a variety of sonic beauties and “delicacies” to the demanding and trained ear of an audiophile. The sound quality of the tract should be certified as very high, both as a whole - in terms of the overall impression it produces - and in terms of individual elements. So the efforts of Marantz engineers and Ken Ishiwata himself have brought very impressive results.

Passport details:

Type – SACD player/DAC | Name – Marantz SA-14S1 Special Edition | Disc formats – SACD / CD / CD-R/RW | File formats – WAV / WMA / MP3 / AAC | Maximum file resolution – 16 bit / 48 kHz | Maximum digital stream resolution at USB input – PCM up to 24 bit / 192 kHz, DSD 2.8/5.6 | Maximum digital stream resolution on coaxial and optical inputs – PCM up to 24 bit / 192 kHz | Frequency response, Hz – 2 – 50,000 | Dynamic range, dB – 112 | Signal-to-noise ratio, dB – 110 | SOI, % – 0.001 | Channel separation, dB – 102 | Analog Output – RCA x 2 | Additionally - digital coaxial and optical inputs and outputs, USB type A, USB type B, headphone output | Dimensions, cm – 44 x 12.7 x 41.9 | Weight, kg – 15.3

Type – integrated stereo amplifier | Name – Marantz PM-14S1 Special Edition | Frequency response, Hz – 5 – 100,000 | SOI, % – 0.02 | Dumping factor – 100 | Input sensitivity (MM/MC), mV/μV – 2.7/270 | Signal-to-noise ratio (MM/MC), dB – 86/75 | Input sensitivity (line), V – 1.7 | Audio Inputs – Phono (MM/MC), Line IN (4), Power Amplifier Input | Audio outputs – Rec OUT (2), pre-amp output | Energy consumption (Operate/Standby), W – 220/0.2 | Dimensions, cm – 44 x 12.7 x 45.3 | Weight, kg – 19.1