Marantz TT15S1 turntable

Wishing to offer a high-end turntable, Marantz called on a leading European manufacturer to produce the TT-15S1 turntable.

MARANTZ TT15S1: CHASSIS

From the outside, the Marantz TT-15S1 is a clear replica of the Clearaudio Emotion turntable… Similarly, the manufacture of the Marantz TT15 is excellent and the very sober appearance is combined with efficient and robust technology.

The chassis is made of matt white solid acrylic resin. The material was selected because of its neutral and rigid properties.

It rests on three solid aluminium feet. They are dampened to reduce vibration on the chassis.

MARANTZ TT15S1: PLATTER , MOTOR AND DRIVE PRINCIPLE

The platter is made from very thick and dense PMMA. It stands on a ceramic and stainless steel bearing machined with very high precision. It ensures a total absence of friction and thus no bearing noise.

The platter of the Marantz TT-15S1 is driven at its rim thanks to a powerful synchronous motor via a transparent silicon belt. This motor is placed inside a heavy metal housing. It’s completely separated from the turntable to prevent vibration or colouration on the chassis.

To switch between 33 and 45 rpm, you have to manually change the belt of slot.

MARANTZ TT15S1: TONEARM AND PHONO CARTRIDGE

Marantz chose to associate this turntable with the Clearaudio Satisfy Kardan tonearm. This tonearm features a 9” black aluminium tube. It’s rigid, relatively lightweight and perfectly dampened all at once.

The pivots are perfectly manufactured and do not produce any friction. You can adjust the antiskating magnetically with a screw on the right side of the tonearm.

The tonearm features an MM cartridge as standard (also made by Clearaudio), the Virtuoso Ebony.

MARANTZ TT15S1: ACCESSORIES

The Marantz TT-15S1 includes all the necessary accessories: felt platter mat, Clever Clamp, cotton gloves, synthetic bearing oil, screwdriver and three Allen keys!

MARANTZ TT15S1: TESTING AND LISTENING

We can hear the detailed, dynamic and very clean sound of the Clearaudio Emotion. However, the felt platter mat and the absence of CMB on the pivot make it less dynamic and accurate than a Clearaudio Emotion SE.

We also notice a lack of width and 3D spatialisation in the soundstage. Still, it remains precise and stereo effects are perfectly readable.

The turntable seems less neutral than a Clearaudio Emotion SE MKII as well. But this doesn’t prevent its versatility with all music styles. Bass is very articulated, responsive and particularly readable.

The cartridge provides excellent results and remains coherent with the turntable, but this tonearm is compatible with much higher-end cartridges.

Unsurprisingly, the Marantz TT-15S1 provides the German sound and know-how, despite not matching of course the performance of the Clearaudio Emotion SE MKII which benefits from several improvements reflected by the price.

Still, the Marantz TT-15S1 turntable is a good deal in this price range! It sounds just as good as it looks! Would recommend +++