Marantz 60N review
Skillfully crafted by Sound Master to deliver the full range of texture, subtlety, and clarity characteristic of the Marantz signature sound.
Stream music in high resolution from today's leading music services, such as TIDAL, using HEOS Built-in.
Offers a wide array of connections, including options for a CD player and turntable, allowing you to create a complete hi-fi system.
Experience exceptional TV audio for watching movies and shows, and improve your gaming sessions with the MODEL 60n's HDMI ARC connectivity.
User-friendly design crafted with durable yet sophisticated materials, available in two finishes: black and silver-gold.
In introducing the 1300 Model 60n, Marantz now presents an entry-level choice alongside the 2200 Model 40n HFN from April 22. This aligns with Marantz's strategy of offering both budget-friendly and premium products, similar to their Model 30 HFN from January 21 and Model 50 amplifiers. While these older models demand external sources due to their purely analog nature, the new Marantz amplifier integrates DAC and streaming functions, justifying the 'n' for network in its name.
The Model 60n boasts a variety of analog and digital inputs, including HDMI ARC for TV audio, and maintains most functions found in the more expensive Model 40n. While the internal components differ, the distinctions between the 40n and 60n are minimal compared to their analog counterparts, with the Model 30 using a Class D output stage and the Model 50 a Class AB. Moreover, the 60n's 60W/8ohm output is just 10W shy of the Model 40n, suggesting it could be a great value.
| Model | Output Stage |
| 30 | Class D |
| 50 | Class AB |
Since the Model 30's launch in 2020, all full-sized Marantz amplifiers, excluding the compact Model M1 from August 24 HFN, have adopted a consistent design language. The Model 60n shares this aesthetic with a front panel elevated above a wider, crosshatch-patterned fascia. However, unlike its pricier siblings, this model lacks the subtle integrated lighting, relying instead on ambient light to reveal its 3D effect.
The central porthole display pays homage to the Marantz Model 9 from the 1960s, now featuring an OLED screen. While it doesn't provide extensive information, it effectively shows the selected input and volume. Below this are six knobs, with larger controls for input and volume flanking traditional tone settings and a source direct rotary. This option turns off all digital processing, including the screen, when using an analog source.
Externally, the Model 60n's construction quality is comparable to Marantz's more expensive amplifiers. Manufactured in the company's Shirakawa facility in Japan, previously reserved for top-tier models, the Model 60n weighs in at a hefty 12.7kg. Inside, a large alloy heatsink occupies the center, separating the substantial toroidal transformer from the amplifier's digital and phono sections, which are sensibly isolated.
The Model 60n's phono input is suited for MM cartridges, typical at its price range, yet more attention has been given to this circuit than before. Its presence in this network amplifier is logical, considering the resurgence of vinyl, with more being played in living rooms today than in recent years. The Model 60n also includes an ESS-based DAC for 192kHz/24-bit PCM and 11.2MHz DSD formats.
Marantz and Denon generally share similar streaming capabilities, likely due to using the same network-streaming hardware. At the heart of this offering is HEOS, a platform they've employed for over a decade. It supports Internet radio, integrates music streaming services, and facilitates network file playback with excellent format support, while the HEOS app allows switching between physical inputs and streaming to other HEOS-enabled devices. For instance, you can play vinyl on the Model 60n and stream it to Denon Home speakers in another room.
An updated user interface has made the HEOS app more appealing, though it still struggles with metadata presentation, and the available streaming services are limited. More services are in development, though this has been a long-standing promise. Fortunately, other streaming options include Apple AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, and Roon, placing this amplifier at the forefront of the Marantz lineup.
Rich Sound Experience The Model 60n's appeal lies not only in its multifunctionality and elegant design but also in its adherence to Marantz's sound philosophy. While it easily powered various loudspeakers, its warm rendition of music, especially vocals, offered a soothing and engaging listening experience.
The Model 60n represents a new category of amplifiers, designed not only to perform traditional functions but also to include a streamer and a DAC. This allows users to connect to popular music streaming services, access music stored on NAS, and listen to Internet radio, among other features. In essence, it's a familiar narrative. The Marantz lineup includes three models with a network module: the compact M1, which we reviewed a while ago, the 60n, and the pricier 40n. The 60n offers numerous enhancements over the retired 7000N model. Despite the significant 0 increase in price, these upgrades and complete redesigns justify the new cost.
Y. Ogata's fine-tuning involved several components, particularly the preamplifier-power amplifier circuit, which achieved a 33% reduction in THD N distortion. This was accomplished through improved component selection and the addition of a transformer base. New power transistors were incorporated, which, although not increasing power compared to the 7000N, significantly enhanced the instantaneous current delivery capacity, facilitating the operation of a broad range of speakers. This was also made possible by the upgraded current feedback circuit HDAMSA3.
| Section | Details |
| Left | Power supplies |
| Middle | Power section |
| Right | HEOS module, shielded |
| Below | Preamp part |
The following is a list of the key technologies currently in use:
Various platforms and technologies enable seamless audio and streaming experiences.
| Streaming Service | Technology |
| Spotify | AirPlay |
No matter which Marantz device you choose, you can be sure that each one provides a consistent audio sensation, albeit with variations in magnitude. This consistency is a significant advantage, as it offers a cohesive line linking all products, enabling audiophiles to upgrade without losing the brand's distinct sound signature. This approach was seen with Model 30, followed by M1, and now with the 60n model. The 60n is part of a modern product line designed to serve as a family's multimedia entertainment hub, featuring network connectivity and HDMI with ARC for seamless TV integration, allowing audio and volume control through a single cable using the TV remote. Bluetooth, while not the pinnacle of sound quality, offers ease and immediacy for music listening. These multimedia additions, including the 60n, help introduce quality audio to those unfamiliar with high-fidelity systems. This Marantz product excels due to its ability to drive a pair of efficient floorstanding speakers, potentially including a subwoofer, producing impressive sound quality for its price. The 60n delivers detailed and dynamic audio, suitable for audiophiles who appreciate comprehensive quality, distinguishing itself from typical network amplifiers. It is primarily an excellent stereo amplifier with the signature Marantz sound—pleasant and not too assertive, offering a refined musical synthesis for a relaxed and enjoyable listening experience.
Technical details of the Marantz 60n include:
| Power | 60-80W on 8-4Ω |
| Highest resolution | Accepted |
| Frequency response | 5Hz-100kHz |
| Total harmonic distortion | 0.02% |
| Damping factor | <100 |
| MM sensitivity | 1.9mV/47kΩ |
| Phono signal-to-noise ratio | 87dB |
| Line input sensitivity | 190mV/20kΩ |
| Signal-to-noise ratio line | 113dB |
| Standby/On consumption | 0.3/220W |
| Dimensions | 442 x 431 x 129 mm |
| Power supply | 230VAC/50Hz |
The latest version of Bluetooth for mobile devices is available, along with LANWiFi, AirPlay2, and Marantz asserts the device is Roon-ready. PreOuts allow the new amplifier to utilize active speakers or let passive speakers be biamped with an external power amplifier. During testing with a Beyerdynamic DT880 Pro, the front headphone jack met higher expectations, delivering rich and full sound.
Keeping up with the general phono trend, the 60n also includes a capable MM input for turntables with magnetic cartridges, though it understandably lacks an XLR input. Like the headphone output, it's well-constructed technically and delivers good sound.
While the push-pull power amplifier with current feedback has seen improvements, the new amplifier's preamplifier features an HDAM enhancement, incorporating Marantz's well-known discrete operational amplifiers/buffers, now in their third iteration.
The DAC has transitioned from a combination of the ES9010 and AKM in the Model 60n to the more robust and common ES9018. This DAC can now handle PCM files up to 24bit/192kHz and DSD 5.6 MHz. A future update will introduce support for 32bit/384kHz and DSD 11.2 MHz.
The volume control goes beyond a simple attenuator, operating electronically with variable gain for accuracy. As is typical with Marantz, there's still a tone control section, which is a beneficial feature. Sometimes, modifications are necessary due to room acoustics and speaker placement, and it's advantageous to have this option.
The universally respected subwoofer output has been made more straightforward, now set at a fixed 150 Hz, rather than providing the options of 40, 60, 80, 100 Hz as with the 7000N. However, this isn't much of a downside because active subwoofers allow for more precise adjustments.
Prospective Marantz buyers will be pleased that the well-established HEOS system for extensive network features is continuously improving. With its updated AIOS6.5 version, it now includes support for Tidal Connect at last! Sadly, Qobuz users will have to wait a bit longer, though Marantz has pledged support later this year.
The new Marantz model has advanced in sound quality. Its refined, sophisticated, and harmonious audio stays intact, without the sometimes aggressive tones found in Denon models. The enhancements are subtle, not drastic. Improvements in the DAC and power amplifier contribute to greater clarity. Jack Johnson's music retains its smooth flow, potentially more emotionally engaging, with sharper dynamics. It's a great experience to explore your music collection with this unit.
| Model | Price Difference |
| 60n | 500 more than 7000N |
Though the Marantz Model 60n, with a price around 1,500, is approximately 500 more than its predecessor, the 7000N, it delivers many more features, capabilities, and even a modest enhancement in sound, although the 7000N was already commendable. Hence, there's no urgent need for an upgrade. But if you're new to this captivating hobby or in need of a replacement, we'd suggest considering the new Marantz series.