Marantz SA-12 SE CD player

Marantz is one of the pioneers of the compact disc player. The brand launched its first player, the original CD-63, in 1982. In the years that followed, Marantz became known as a specialist in CD players.

The Special Edition SA-12 was created inspired by the development of the brand’s flagships, the SA-10 and SA-KI Ruby, and with Marantz Musical Mastering technology, which set new standards in digital and analog audio processing. The SA-12 SE was designed and developed through collaboration between European and Japanese engineers, drawing on more than 35 years of expertise in CD players and the work and research of Ken Ishiwata.

MARANTZ SA-12 SE: FRONT PANEL

The device’s dimensions are quite standard for this range of equipment. However, its handling reveals a substantial weight (16.5 kg), indicative of its build quality.

The Marantz SA-12 SE is slightly bulkier than its competitors, like the CD6007. This bulk gives an impression of quality and sturdiness.

Of course, it features the beautiful front panel and design dear to the brand: the mechanism is centered with the display underneath, flanked by buttons providing access to the main functions. These functions and many more are also available on the superb remote control that comes standard with the device.

Additionally, it includes a headphone output with a 6.35mm jack and adjustable volume.

MARANTZ SA-12 SE: REAR PANEL

The back of the device offers simple but effective connections: an analog output on two Rhodium-plated RCA connectors and two digital outputs in Toslink optical and coaxial SPDIF formats.

It is, of course, possible to use the internal converter and thus input digitally via Toslink optical, coaxial SPDIF, and USB. The asynchronous USB input can handle PCM/DXD 384kHz/32bit and DSD11.2MHz formats.

MARANTZ SA-12 SE: FEATURES

The reading mechanism has been specially designed and built exclusively for audio use. This "SACDM-3" is capable of reading SACDs, CDs, and compilations on CD-ROM or DVD-ROM.

The Marantz Musical Mastering stream converts all PCM file formats to DSD, using sophisticated filtering and proprietary processing before conversion. The 1-bit data stream is directly converted to an analog signal without using the traditional D/A Converter.

Marantz’s team of engineers created this player to offer sound as close to the original as possible. The Marantz SA-12 SE is equipped with an asynchronous USB input dedicated to high-resolution audio, PCM / DXD 384kHz/32bit, and DSD11.2MHz.

The USB and digital inputs are isolated to block digital noise from internal and external sources.

The Marantz SA-12 SE uses a new analog output stage with Marantz HDAM-SA3 technology, offering a low-impedance output.

The power supply is designed around a high-quality toroidal transformer.

The headphone output is designed around the excellent Marantz HDAM-SA2 module.

MARANTZ SA-12 SE: TEST AND LISTENING

From the first measures, we discover a very detailed, fine, and precise Marantz SA-12. It seems to remove a veil between the speakers and the listener. The listening experience is very clean but still soulful.

Neutrality is also present, so the better produced the disc, the more magnificently the SA-12 will reproduce it. This is particularly evident with vocals, where it provides a beautiful presence and certain emotion.

The bass is surprising in its depth and "punch." It challenges the bass speakers and even an active subwoofer.

The dynamics are remarkable even on complex rhythms or works with a lot of instruments.

The overall sound is incredibly realistic, whether you’re playing a CD or an SACD.

The Marantz SA-12 SE is certainly one of the best CD players on the market. Its musicality and realism are remarkable, and its ability to play SACDs is a significant advantage.

Our favorite.