Marantz Model 40N integrated amplifier

The Marantz Model 40N integrated amplifier is one of the manufacturer’s high-end products, a range which consider an aesthetic turn for the amplifier.

This range is clearly audiophile and tries to give back to Marantz its legendary luster and sound.

All of Marantz gathered in a single device which is provided with everything a modern music lover needs: almost every analogue and digital sources available nowadays, while fostering musicality and reproduction quality.

MARANTZ MODEL 40N INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER: FRONT PANEL

The dimensions of the device are rather conventional for an integrated amplifier of this range. However, its original front panel is aesthetically superb and gives a very high-end look to this amplifier.

The main curved front panel recalls the carbon used in the premium automobile industry. At the centre, it is covered by a solid aluminium counter-front. In order to emphasise the shape and the design, a soft light emanates from the back of the front panel. The goal of this light of varying intensity is to remind the usual warmth associated to Marantz’s sound, and maybe being a reference to its tube predecessors too.

At the centre of the front panel, a circular screen displays the functions, the input and its current state. We can find six rotary selectors placed symmetrically below. From left to right: the inputs, the direct source, the bass and treble tone selectors, the balance and of course the volume adjustment.

On the right, there is also the headphone socket in 6.35 mm stereo Jack format.

MARANTZ MODEL 40N INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER: BACK PANEL

On the back, the device offers almost every possible analogue and digital connection, even though their number is limited.

First of all, the Marantz Model 40N is equipped with a good MM phono input and three analogue inputs. They are accompanied by three digital inputs, one coaxial SPDIF, one optical Toslink and one ARC HDMI.

Marantz added a fixed audio output (Recorder) and a variable audio output for subwoofer (See our selection of subwoofers) on top of that. There is also an RJ45 network socket and two hybrid antennas (Wi-Fi, BT and Apple Airplay 2).

The Marantz Model 40N amplifier only offers a stereo speaker output on high-quality massive terminals compatible with banana connections.

MARANTZ MODEL 40N INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER: TESTING AND LISTENING

The handling is easy and effective… The amplifier is rather easy to pair, but will prefer being associated with neutral and vibrant speakers. However, it can be paired with rather difficult speakers from a higher range.

From the first few measures, we note an excellent timbre quality and a feeling of accuracy explained by the acoustic instruments. 

The global balance is excellent and tends towards neutrality too. We have here a deep low end of the spectrum, but also tense and very articulated. The mid-range is open and defined, very well integrated to the trebles. Moreover, the high end of the spectrum is very typical of Marantz’s sound. We have here the distinctive silkiness and softness of the manufacturer’s high-end models. The Marantz Model 40N integrated amplifier is able to power high-end speakers and even some known for their difficulty with a certain ease.

The soundstage is open, wide, very spacious and well detailed. It goes well beyond the speakers.

We note that the Marantz Model 40N integrated amplifier is slightly warmer for example on the vocals than on our reference amplifier for this range, the Musical Fidelity MS6 Si (Discover the Musical Fidelity M6 Si integrated amplifier).

The Marantz Model 40N integrated amplifier is an unquestionable success. It has a good musicality and offers all modern solutions in terms of sources. You just need to add a pair of speakers  and cables for it to become a Hi-Fi system of the highest quality! With that in mind, it seems that has no competition at all.

Our personal favourite!

AWARDS:

Hi-Fi News - "Outstanding Product”  - 2022

Soundstage - "Reviewers Choice” - 2022