Marantz is one of the pioneers of the Compact Disc (CD) 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 Marantz CD60 CD player was created drawing inspiration from the brand's flagship developments like the SA-12 and SA-KI Ruby, and Marantz Musical Mastering technology, which set new standards in digital and analog audio processing.
The Marantz CD60 was designed to pair with the Marantz Model 40N integrated amplifier.
MARANTZ CD60: FRONT PANEL
The device's dimensions are quite substantial for its range.
The Marantz CD60 is housed in a chassis that makes it slightly bulkier than its competitors, conveying a genuine sense of quality and robustness.
It features the striking front panel and "neo-retro" design of the Model 40N integrated amplifier.
In the center, there's the disc mechanism with a display below, flanked on each side by buttons for main functions, also accessible via the supplied remote control.
Additionally, it includes a 6.35mm headphone output with adjustable volume and three gain settings (a feature often absent in most players). This headphone output has its own HDAM-SA2 amplification stage.
On the front panel, there's also a USB-A input compatible with Hi-Res files, capable of playing a wide variety of music formats. With a USB stick or SSD, you can even play high-resolution PCM files up to 192 kHz/24-bit or DSD files up to DSD128.
MARANTZ CD60: REAR PANEL
The rear panel offers simple yet effective connectivity: analog output via two gold-plated RCA connectors and two digital outputs in optical Toslink and coaxial SPDIF formats.
Two RCA input/output jacks allow connection to Marantz amplifiers (like the Model 40N) and can share their IR remote receiver and remote control.
MARANTZ CD60: FEATURES
The CD mechanism reads both Audio CDs and CD-R/RW discs (MP3, WMA).
For this model, Marantz employs the excellent ESS ES9016K2M digital-to-analog converter (DAC), paired with 2 filters: Filter 1 is designed to retain Marantz's "traditional" sound signature, while Filter 2 offers a slightly more vibrant sound with punchier bass.
Marantz's engineering team created this CD player to deliver sound as close as possible to the original master recording. The proprietary HDAM SA2 circuitry has been optimized by symmetrically placing components on the audio board to create the shortest and most direct signal path possible.
This modification significantly enhances the soundstage compared to previous models.
Power supply has also been meticulously designed, utilizing high-speed, high-current Schottky barrier diodes, large-capacity and high-value current capacitors. Voltage regulators have been greatly improved over previous models. Oversized power capacitors enhance current stability and reduce noise.
The headphone output is built around the excellent Marantz HDAM-SA2 module.
The Marantz CD60 features an asynchronous USB input dedicated to high-resolution audio, PCM 24-bit/192 kHz.
MARANTZ CD60: TESTING AND LISTENING
Right from the start, we were impressed by the CD player's stability and realism.
The playback is detailed yet never clinical, and it offers superb fluidity. Instruments are reproduced with great presence and realism. The CD60 is very "organic," with rich and beautifully reproduced timbres.
The listening experience is immersive, without any auditory fatigue. The midrange sounds very analog-like but without excessive filtering. Vocals are present and smooth, without any harshness. The slightly warm and soft character of the CD60 doesn't compromise its dynamics or clarity across the entire bandwidth. The soundstage is remarkable, akin to what you'd get from a very good analog turntable.
The Marantz CD60 CD player is a remarkable device, offering extraordinary musicality for its price. Its build quality and appearance make it a highly desirable piece of equipment.
We are not aware of any direct competitors.
AWARDS:
- hi-fi news "HIGHLY Commended" - 2022
- ON-mag.fr - 2022
FranckAnalog outputs: 2 x RCA
Headphone output: 6.35mm stereo jack
Headphone amplifier: Amp Op Slew Rate + HDAM-SA2
Digital outputs: 1 x optical + 1 x coaxial
Digital input: 1 x USB-A on front panel
USB compatibility: FLAC / WAV / AIFF / ALAC / DSD
Headphone output: 6.35 mm stereo
Volume control: headphone output
DA Converter: Sabre ES9016K2M
Filters: 1 & 2 selectable
CD compatibility: CD / CD-R/RW (MP3, WMA)
USB compatibility: MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, FLAC, ALAC, AIF, DSD
Info: ID3 Tag / WMA Meta Tag / AAC Meta data
Display: attenuator and stop
CD frequency response: 2 Hz - 20 kHz
USB frequency response: 2 Hz - 50 kHz
CD dynamic range: >101 dB
USB PCM 24bit dynamic range: >118 dB
Signal-to-noise ratio : 118 dB
Max. harmonic distortion: 0.0015
Channel separation: >101 dB
Remote control: yes
Dimensions: 442 x 396 x 129 mm
Weight: 7.5 kg
Customer reviews
Excellent lecteur
Tout est dit dans présentation de ce lecteur sur le site. Cette machine est étonnante pour son prix. Non seulement ce lecteur est beau; la façade est à la fois classique et moderne pour un appareil qui est assez imposant. Mais il surprend dès les premiers disques. La mise en route est quasi intuitive ( j'avais déjà un Marantz). C'est un instrument de musique. Le son est chaud, très détaillé mais en même temps très doux. Jamais on ne se sent agressé. Au contraire, on tout est fluide et musical quel que soit le style de musique écouté. J'ai tout essayé à part le rap et le hard-rock qui ne sont pas ma tasse de thé. Je peux enfin apprécier le livre-album de Chris Rea, "Blue guitars" qui n'est pas sorti en vinyl (11 cds et 1 Dvd). C'est aussi une histoire du blues avec de magnifiques parties de slide et une prise de son excellente. Ce lecteur permet d'envisager sereinement la sortie de nouveaux albums classiques qui se font majoritairement en Cd. Dernier point, la lecture de fichiers Flac sur clé USB se fait sans souci avec la télécommande et la qualité d'écoute est excellente.
Beau et excellent... Que demander de plus!!!