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When it comes to audio equipment, bigger and heavier typically more expensive. I love my Marantz 40n. It's built like a tank, sounds absolutely amazing.
In my city, we will be hovering around 36c all week with the humidity staying above 60%. A great time to stay indoors. I've just had a thought on future fi. Many of the features that these amps are touting, HDMI eARC, Airplay, Wireless Networking, room correction, etc, have been on your basic AVR for years. It seems like HiFi is being designed for the main living space again rather than the dark and dank listening room. HiFi is merging elements of home theater to bring the whole family in on the fun. Or maybe this is just a reflection of the influx of hifi fiends from the HT boom of the Mid 90s growing up. Either way, I see it as a positive myself.
I have the 40n paired with a kc62 sub and Zu Omen Dirty Weekend 2’s… it is awesome in my room and it amazes visitors the way you can hear things in songs you may have not heard before and how it sounds like the artist is in the room with you. HEOS is ok and functional, but I am not a ROON user so I have only used HEOS.
My wishes for a Marantz 40n Special Edition version of this amplifier. 1. Copper plating inside like other Special Editions. 2. 100 watts into 8 ohms. 140 or more into 4 ohms. 3. ESS 9038 Pro DAC. 3. The MM/MC phono preamp used in the Marantz Model 30 4. Roon Ready 5. Tidal Connect and MQA 6. Two HDMI inputs 7. HEOS to finally include Qobuz 8. Midrange tone control like the PM8006 has.
This is truly a great time for audio. The absolute best part is the easy of streaming and listening to so many artist. It helps greatly on my vinyl and cd purchases. I still like to support artist and nothing like reading liner notes on a hot summer night with my dog in my lap and a cold beverage in my hand. John's interview with dynaudio's engineer was extremely insightful this week. I am excited for the review of their new active speaker.
John, even though I am completely uninterested in streaming (at least for the time being) I've watched your review with a real pleasure. There's some extremely positive vibe about you.
came for the marantz review stayed for the music recommendations. when i saw creeper from forest drive west i was sold. the vivid speakers look really really good as well. did not know this brand at all.
That is interesting the 40N doesn't high-pass the mains through a DSP by choice but allows low-pass on the sub. Sub integration is a bit of an art typically with use of delays but more importantly phase (of course phase is time and time is phase). So through the crossover region there will typically be a natural roll-off on smaller mains. I'd imagine the best integration would be matching the sub low-pass to that natural roll-off on the mains, but measuring to verify they are in-phase in that crossover region. Easily measurable with something like room eq wizard for someone who knows how to do it. Quick test if possible would be flipped phase on the sub and play tone at crossover region but that's a whole topic in itself. GREAT review as always Sir.
John: I have been watching your RU-vid Videos for quite some time, plus your Podcasts (that I love), but I comment rarely. I KNOW you cannot go do every comparison that people throw at you after a review like this one on the Marantz 40n! So what follows is merely a suggestion to consider. At this same price point (about $2600 USD) NAD has introduced the C399 at the top of their Classic line, also full size & fairly heavy, but with a great deal more power at both 8 and 4 Ohms (180 Watts/Channel at full bandwidth), using their top of the line Class D amp design migrated down from the Masters series. In fact, the C399 amp is much closer to the specs of the M33 than the M10 V2. AND it has a MM Phono stage built in, plus all the Blue OS streaming features as well as the App (via the optional modular MDC2 board), and a HDMI ARC input, + multiple other digital and analogue inputs. And it has the full Bass Management features that come with the Blue OS, PLUS Dirac Live Room Correction software included (full extended version is a $99 option). And a headphone amp. The only things it does not have compared to the M10 V2 is the great display screen and the small form factor of the box. But on paper the C399 exceeds the M10 V2 on every other feature and spec, for a bit less money! And Yes, I do know that Specs alone will not tell you how it sounds in comparison, especially in the same room, etc.! Hence my suggestion to at least look into it as an alternative to both the Marantz 40n and the M10 V2! Best regards!
The C399 cant do wireless streaming to 2 rear speakers like the NAD m10v2 (I checked with NAD), otherwise yes C399 is better if you don't care about size and the touchscreen.
Where would the Lyndorf tdai 1120 fit in your opinion, to the 40n, Nad M10, Naim Atom. And why? I'm currently deciding between these 4 as a minimilist long term all in one . The Lyndorf 1120 is so far at the top for me due to the Room Correction. As I have an odd shaped listening room I believe this will help it stand out above the others. But all seem to have their own unique features. Thanks.
Happy I got the arcam sa30 on heavy discount. You can get them as “B-stock” very easily because most buyers have a hissy fit when they discover it has a major software quirk with the remote not being able to turn the unit on…. After purchase, once you restart it like 10 times while doing software updates, just ignore the remote and fully integrate it to your network via ethernet and hdmi 2.1 and you don’t even use the remote anymore. I haven’t had a problem with it since the first couple days I bought it.
Me and a friend found the more expensive Naim Uniti Atom to be more bang for the buck in the end after quite a few hours of testing both. The Naim sounded better with all of the speakers we tried (Focal Kanta 2, GamuT Phi 5 and Paradigm Persona 3F). We thought the Marantz had a sibilant or sharp tinge of some sort that we just couldn't come to terms with. The Marantz is undoubtedly good value for the money with all the functions, but I'd suggest to anyone interested in a streamer/amp combo in the Model 40n price range to strongly consider checking out the Naim Uniti Atom as well even if it is a 30% price increase.
Hi John. You have been teasing us with the Rega P8 in the background of your videos for some time now. Will you be reviewing it for us anytime soon? Also, I noticed in this video you had a metal puck on top. Does that puck make the records sound better in your opinion?
Sorry, Mark (and everyone else) but I won't be reviewing the Rega. I have nothing to compare it to. And I don't have a second 2M Black, nor the skills to move it from one 'table to the next swiftly and accurately enough to make any comparison reliable. Furthemore, I know from past experience that even when I say *explicitly in the video title* that I am comparing this table with this cart to this other table with this other cart, the vinyl grumpies turn up in droves to point that I'm not comparing tables unless I use the same cart on both. 🤦🏻♂
Hi John. It's nice and a pleasure see you blowing away with a not much pushed to forward equipment. But I'm with you, this model 40n from Marantz is something very very special. Cheers
Hi! Excellent video! As always! Question. There’s a reason why you didn’t use the Cambridge audio evo 150 on your comparison? This it does have mm input and a decent headphone amplifier. Thanks!
What am I missing? What about a decent AVR for a quarter of the price? If you want 2 channel, just connect front L and R and specify it in the settings. Likewise for 2.1 or 5.1 if you want to listen to multi channel SACDs. For example the Yamaha RX-V6A has all the things (phono stage, room correction, 32bit, DSD, pure direct, Tidal Deezer Qobuz Spotify and local network streamer, Airplay 2, musiccast multiroom, control app on phone, 100w output, massive volume knob) as well as extra channels if you want them or not if you don't. I never see comparisons of HDMI integrated 2 channel amps and AVRs.
I went from an Onkyo TX-SR705 AVR 7.1 @ 100w 2 channels playing and now I have a Marantz PM8006 80w intergraded amp. And listening to music the Marantz destroy’s the Onkyo in sound quality and dynamic’s I don’t know why it sounds so much better but it does. It could be the toroidal transformer in the Marantz over the switching power supply in the Onkyo that makes the big difference.
Nice looking amp, but John, your videos already have me sold on Room Correction. Getting the Lyngdorf next week, much the result of you showing what it and room correction can do.
Mate, I love your style (your glasses and your videos) and you made my day today. I left Berlin in 2008 and had to leave my Stereoanlage behind. Only recently my living situation changed making it possible to get into it again. That's how I came across your videos. The thing I got a little emotional about is the introduction to Ben Salter. I love his music and he will be playing at the Petersham Bowling Club 300m down the road in November. I'm pretty sure the Hitzewelle will be guaranteed for this one too. Thanks John
Today I bought the Model 40n and a pair of KEF LS50 Meta. I (side by side) compared it in the shop to the KEF LS50 Meta Wireless 2 with the Reset the Preset album from Console. It was a tough decision. In the end I like the sound a little bit more (warmer and more well rounded) and I think its always a good idea to have a seperate AMP if you have the space. I still have my KEF R400b here. I may use it with the new setup. Thank you for the video Mr. Darko. :)
I enjoy your reviews quite a bit. I value the opinion of many reviewers but I recently went against the grain a bit. I purchased an Arcam SA30. I have been enjoying it immensely. HDMI, good phono stage, Roon, Airplay, Chromecast and high biased class A power. Plus it displays bit rate. It’s been an eye opening experience.
Hello John, I've spotted that you have polish settings (next to DE and ENG) at your phone on keyboard. Does it mean that you know or speak polish at some level? Pole here
Is there a switch on the amplifier/Heos app for gapless playback or the gapless playback is applied by default without any action required from the user?
Thank you very much for this video! Honest and decent research and comparison!! This really helps people to make a decision what solution to buy! The transition to future-fi for old-school enthousiasts is really difficult at this moment, but you make the choice much easier.
Marantz have used HDAM,s in lots of different amplifiers over the decades to great effect. Having had a few myself. Ive always found them to be very good sounding.
Excellent review, thank you. Super integrated review request: I have become very interested in the c399 recently and would love you to get your hands on it. Sort of by accident I think I’ve realized it could be the best amplifier in this super competitive ‘streaming super integrated’ segment, as long as you don’t care about size. One issue I have with the m10 is it’s poor analogue input (this has been noted by multiple reviewers), and as someone who is 50/50 streaming/vinyl, this is irksome. Is the c399 a better, more powerful/fully featured/analogue friendly version of the m10 for less? I’d love for you to tell us!
Sounds...by your description and excellent choice. And John your descriptive attitude is always as close to perfect as one might get. And dare I say it not unlike the Marantz being a bridge as you weave your way from system analysis qualities and topology.
Nice Job Darko ! Thanks For the video. I own 3 Marantz amps' 2270/8006/1403 and been owning them since 1992 2265b I though about having Tees made for me channel 25/193 😆 😆Still loving your music list on Spotify Appricate you darko i actually heard the 40n without hearing the 40n lol Kickass review !
Great review. The HEOS app works but thats all. It needs serious interface and functionality improvements. The app leaves me searching for an alternative. The advance settings you refer to need to move to the remote app (that is basic but works). Both apps are ok but they are kinda only halfway there and Marantz either need to truly dive in to making them work well or allow alternative options perhaps a third party. I also think its time for Marantz to add larger screens to display information. I know its untraditional but the reality is if you need your phone to run an app to make the amp work you need a screen.
Thanks for the great comparison John. Dealing with the opposite of a heatwave here in the antipodes, record floods. Unfortunately pricing is also reversed - the marantz 40n is $500 NZD dearer than the Naim Uniti Atom and a whopping $1000 dearer than the NAD m10v2. In Australia looks like the 40n is priced the same as the NAD. So maybe the 40N isn't the best value in all places !?
I cant say I ever come across a Marantz product that dissapoints, just me! Even the late 90's early 00's lower build quality stuff still sounded fantastic!
This review brings up a very interesting question that I've been asking myself lately. What is better, using components you love without room correction or getting a setup with well integrated DSP even if it's not your first choice of DAC/amplification. In other words, do the benefits of DSP outweigh the benefits of a sweet sounding DAC/amp. How much can your brain overcome the inherent coloration created by your room acoustics? I think my room sounds pretty decent but there is no acoustic treatment (other than rugs and furniture). I can also tell that the room definitely has some problems in the low end department and that room correction would probably tighten up the bass a lot. I really love my combination tube integrated amp and Ares II DAC, and REL sub, and there's no elegant way to integrate DSP into my setup. Hypothetically, in a blind test, what would I enjoy more, the sweet sound of my current setup or the corrected sound of a future-fi setup? I think it's a really interesting dilemma.
Trust your ears my tip is make the room properly aired , it's good for the highs ,& lows , it's called hemisphere , which has an effect on the ambience!!!
I'm having the same debate between the two. Class D but Direc and BluoS (from what I understand is a better experience) vs Class AB, and much better looks in the 40N. *Pulls hair out* halp
I’m digging the album recommendation to start each of your videos. My taste is a bit different but quality music is quality music and I welcome stuff I have never heard, which can be hard to come by. 🍻
To answer your question about the HP filter for the sub, it's because some people run a standard power amp for their sub/s that don't have any functionality built in.
Thanks for the video! Few questions if you can please answer: I have RT85 connected with Klipsch The Fives. I'm looking to upgrade my stereo system, and first I was thinking about Klipsch The Sevens, but I would like to listen to CDs too and also to be able to connect to the TV . 1. What you recommend to buy between Marantz Cinema 70 and Marantz 40n? which one has a better phono stage and works better with a CD player? Is the $1500 difference between them worth to go with 40n? I'm ok spending $2500 for the 40n if it makes more sense. (I'm not watching a lot of movies or playing games). 2. Is Marantz CD 60 the best match with 40n, or works ok with Cinema 70? 3. What bookshelf speakers you recommend up to $2000 ($2500) per pair? (I have a Klipsch Reference R-10SW 10" 300w Powered Subwoofer and I was hinking about Klipsch 600M II to match the subwoofer, but I'm ok spending more for better quality or better match with Marantz). 4. Can I replace (after 1000 hours) the 2 M Blue with the 2m Bronze cartridge on my RT 85? Thank you very much! Reply
I always appreciate your reviews and get really excited and then I’ll press the link and realise The amp you are reviewing is two months wages for me. And way out of reach but still well worth the view 👌🥇
So pleased you reviewed this as HDMI (i also have a Samsung Frame), MM Phono & headphones in one system is a huge win. Do you think the LS50 Meta & KC62 would be a good pairing?
From what I've heard from reviews, it is an excellent pairing. Franky, I had the old LS50s and a sub and is worked very well. Considering the low latency of the KC62, I would bet that it's better than what I was getting.
Thanks for another thoughtful review John. I am at a little bit of a crossroads - stick with the BluOS ecosystem or change direction with the Marantz 40n and go down the HEOS path. While I haven't heard it yet, I do like so many things about the 40n. However there are two functional gaps I see - no Tidal Connect and no Roon Ready status (which, among other things, means no network DSD playback without an alternative solution). Both of these can probably be addressed via a firmware update, so I am wondering whether you (or anyone else?) has any credible information on whether these features are coming?
I've been waiting for this. As an owner of the 40n, network side needs a kick in the pants. I have a Bluesound Node to get me to a Roon Ready state but I wish I could remove another component like I did with the Schiit Mani phono preamp. With the tone controls I use them as needed but I usually use the Source Direct knob and get a more airy result. I paired the 40n with the KLH Model 5's and having a great time with it. Just added a Denon dcd-1600ne to add another avenue for CD/SACD which has been amazing. The matching 30n SACD player costs more than this integrated so I cannot pull the trigger on that. I also sold my Denafrips Ares II as the bluesound with the 40n is no slouch. I look forward to powering up each night with a glass of wine and King Diamond or early on Sunday with a cup of coffee and Miles Davis. It handles it all beautifully.
"I've been waiting for this. As an owner of the 40n, network side needs a kick in the pants." Agreed. For a connected amp like this lack of Roon Ready and Tidal Connect seems like a gap. Hopefully they will address via a firmware update. Would make it an even stronger proposition. Yes, HEOS probably not as good as BluOS but I could live with that given all other positives.
I was resisting the urge of craving for the 40n ever since it popped up. I was pretty sure I'd made it. Now thanks to you, Mr. Darko, I have to scrape up €2500... anyone interested in a 2020 Rega Elex-R?
If you are using Roon, I'd recommend just using the RHEOS plug in until full roon support is added by marantz. This adds high res audio for all devices with heos.
Thanks for the usual amazing review and how you add your personal feeling about the sound itself rather than technical stuff. I have 2 questions commets here: 1) Why didnt you talk about the DACs inside the Marantz? I've been looking all over the internet (since am interested in buying one) and they managed to hide that aspect very well 😅. I just need to know, for an amateur like myself, do i need to add a DAC or the ones buitl-in stand for the same quality of the Amp. 2) After seeing this and many other products to build my forst hifi system, i think buying one of Arcam's new AVR line will beat anything out there in a 1 box solution. For example, i add a 1000 USD over N40 price and i get class G amp, excellent dual DACs, best in class movie/decoding feature, excellent design, front screen, awesome connectivity, high power, Dirac, Etc. I will just miss the streaming which as you said can be covered with 180USD iFi Zen so why to bother?
Nice to know it works with drum n bass. Not enough reviews include my music of choice. Props for mentioning and frying John b. All my drum n bass is on wax. Already have rega illicit r, monitor audio silver 2, 2 technics 1200 mk5 and the blusound node. But considering upgrading some parts. Would the marantz be a side step or upgrade? I was thinking of speaker upgrade first
Wondering if you can get your hands on the Model 40n's cousin the Cinema 70s which is a slim 7.2 channel AVR with full 7 channel pre-outs and 50wX2 HDAM modules, but you also get full bass management + room correction and price is quite lower than the 40n.
Hi John. Alan here from Ireland. I’m actually a big fan of your videos and your podcast. I love that you give recommendations on actual music. Without you I’d have never discovered Future of the left for example! I have the Marantz PM7000n and love it. Unfortunately this hifi disease we have wants me to upgrade to new the model 40! In terms of functionality it seems identical. It’s twice the price and I am really looking for an excuse to upgrade. Please tell me that it’s way better than the Pm7000n. Thanks for all the good work and look forward to your next upload and podcast. Alan
The lack of Roon Ready via ethernet is a deal killer for me. I am a Roon enthusiast. Does Marantz have any plans to get the 40n Roon Ready via ethernet?
Whilst i do like a screen for artwork i think a better option is just having a stand for your ipad/tablet displaying the now playing artwork direct from the app. Why every amp that has a good old fashioned tactile volume knob shuns touchscreens baffles me.
Owning the M10, I can tell you that I rarely use the unit's volume control. I use it only literally in passing. I did try out the Naim Uniti Star, but passed on it as the only thing that it had that the NAD didn't was that volume control, lovely as it is. The Naim's CD ripper failed as often as it didn't - a known issue. The NAD has *many* more features, including home integration, Dirac, the Bluesound software, judicious tone controls and frequent firmware updates. As a matter of fact, they recently added a balance control. That's no small thing. And it all *works*.
This seems similar to my Marantz PM8006 intergraded amp as far as power, for the digital end a have a Node 2i and an Oppo 203 with mod’s connected to a Arcam irDac with an external sBooster liner power supply. Sounds really nice
I believe it is the amp section of the pm 8006 with double the output transistors which in theory should give it higher current capacity. I love my older pm8004 and I am torn on if I should get the 40n or add a streamer to my 8004.
I actually thought that you do your videos on one go, didn't expect the Outtakes at the end because I thought there were none :D Love your videos! Huge fan and you taught me so much about Audio, thanks. I was looking at the JBL 4349 but they are expensive and I'm not sure if that's the thing I want... do they really sound this good?
Based on the 8006 which I prefer on styling and as a pure analogue option. I use the iFi Zen Signature DAC v2 for streaming. Also the mid range control is useful for choral music. The 8006 does not have a sub out but I use a pair of REL T Zeros in a stereo pair combo. Sounds great. As you said the iFi phono stage is good the Marantz is even better.
Your correct! It doesn’t make sense. Marrantz’s Manuel says it sets the low pass filter for the subwoofer output. The output audio signal has a lower frequency than the set value 40 Hz / 60 Hz / 80 Hz / 100 Hz / 120 Hz (Default: 80 Hz) This is telling me that if I set what Marrantz calls a low pass filter 60 Hz my sub will play anything below 60 Hz. Now I’m wondering what happens to the signal to my speaker? Does it cut off any signal below my setting of 60 Hz to the speakers which would make this a high pass filter not low pass. Or will the speakers continue to play full range? It doesn’t make sense that this amp would be solely designed for passive subs and even if it was a high pass filter would definitely be beneficial. 🤔🤪
No, speakers will still be full range. Purpose of this setting is to set the crossover frequency of the sub on the amp instead of on the sub itself, for a more accurate and better setting. Generally, in a stereo setup, speakers are always made run full range, the sub is only to compliment the lower part of the spectrum.
Yep. The little Lyngdorf often gets overlooked. I know John likes it though, but surprised he didn't mention it in passing. It has a very good MM phono stage too, but no headphone socket.
Dear , always great produced videos of high interest. Being my knowledge of electronic music very limited I find myself enjoying the music that you select for your videos a lot. Is there any way to identify it? Do you have any playlist?
This is one of the only amps that has everything I wanted. Analog preamp. Class AB amplification, hdmi arc, phono stage with no digitization of the signal. Sub output (although stereo preamp outputs would be been fine for this) the only thing I would change is preamp outputs rather than inputs.
John is spot on about HEOS. Hell, I bought my Marantz NR1510 because of HEOS having integration with Amazon Music. It technically works, but navigation is barely there. Regarding the remote control, the Marantz WiFi app gives me complete control of my amp. I’d hope the 40n would do the same?
It’s a real shame that Roon wasn’t included in 2022. It’s becoming a deal breaker for many, if it’s not included in a streaming integrated. Airplay 2 can work, but is not ideal. The Hegel H120 would be an appropriate competitor, albeit missing a phone stage.
maybe the LPF is so you can more precisely control the sub from the listening position via remote. should add to a more accurate setting. would be better if there were gradients between the frequency settings. maybe redundant, but I think it probably adds a little functionality. If you went with an excellent monoprice monolith sub, you wouldn't have an app to control the LPF. feature really comes in handy then.
