Marantz PM7000N Review

Marantz PM7000N Review

The PM7000N may not house a hatstand or a lamp within its chassis, but it does pack in 60W per channel of amplification, a DAC, network module and access to a host of music streaming services.

Pair some decent standmounters or floorstanders with this just-add-speakers system and, as the no-nonsense nanny might say, “there’s the whole world at your feet”.

Given the familiar full-width design Marantz has persisted with for decades, you might question how new the PM7000N actually is – especially since the brand has adopted a more contemporary look for similarly spec’d systems, such as the Melody X. But as Poppins herself noted, you should never judge things by their appearance.

Discover the PM7000N, the first Marantz fully discrete, current feedback integrated Hi-Fi amplifier with HEOS Built-in technology. The ideal choice for audiophiles that require Marantz musical sound and music streaming, the PM700N includes high-grade audio components, current feedback HDAMs, a toroidal transformer and a high-speed instantaneous current power supply. The versatile PM7000N features multiple analog and digital inputs, and decodes digital audio files ALAC, FLAC and WAV lossless files up to 24-bit/192-kHz — plus, DSD 2.8MHz and 5.6MHz tracks for high-resolution listening. Stream your favorite music wirelessly, and control the amplifier with leading voice agents Apple Siri, Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.

Key Features

Power to suit your audio preference: 2ch fully discrete current feedback integrated Hi-Fi amplifier; 60W per channel (8-ohm, 20Hz – 20kHz)
Wide range of connectivity:
Four analog inputs, one analog output, one coaxial input, two optical digital inputs and one USB-A for high resolution audio files
Marantz proprietary HDAM-SA3 circuit: Wider dynamic range with lower distortion for the output stage
Flexibility for all configurations: Tone control to tune sound to your exact specifications and dedicated subwoofer output for evenly dispersed bass, no audible peaks or dips
Newly designed electric volume circuit: Use the latest volume control IC to realize better channel separation, dynamic range and distortion-reduction
Play vinyl with exceptional clarity: Integrated phono input with newly design FET input stage to improve signal purity and sound
Premium Marantz SPKT-1+ speaker terminals: Improved connection to speakers
Stream music from your favorite sources: Play songs from TuneIn, Internet Radio, Pandora, Spotify, SiriusXM, Amazon Prime Music, TIDAL and more via AirPlay 2, Bluetooth and the HEOS app (music streaming services may vary by region)
Speak your commands: Supports Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple Siri voice agents for seamless voice control
High-performance, high-resolution audio playback: Ability to decode high-resolution audio ALAC, FLAC and WAV lossless files up to 24-bit/192-kHz — plus, DSD 2.8MHz and 5.6MHz tracks for high-resolution listening
Built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi with 2.4GHz/5GHz dual band support: Improved network stability even in Wi-Fi crowded homes
Works with your TV remote: Program the PM7000N to work with your TV remote and easily adjust volume up, volume down, mute and source selection

Fully Discrete Current Feedback Power Amplifier with HDAM-S3

Current Feedback amplification, a renowned Marantz-proprietary circuit technology, is thoughtfully designed to match the requirements of Super Audio hi-res music for wide-bandwidth, high-speed reproduction. The impedance at the Current Feedback point is limited, generating a very low phase shift. Marantz Current Feedback amplifiers reduce the need for phase compensation by minimizing Negative Feedback (NFB). This simplifies the signal path and results in a high through-rate, excellent transient response and superb sonic transparency across the full bandwidth. Unlike conventional Voltage Feedback topology, Current Feedback renders the power amplifier nearly immune to difficult loudspeaker loads.

Naturally, your preferred navigation tool will be your smartphone or tablet running the HEOS streaming app, from which you can access and control music, switch sources and connect players in a multi-room capacity. We’ve seen better streaming apps –BluOS and Naim, for example – but HEOS is robust and easy to use. If you misplace your phone or prefer a more hands-on approach, the plasticky front-panel navigation buttons can be used to perform simple control tasks.

There’s an argument for not having text displays on streamers – after all, your smartphone screen is essentially a display – but we like that we can put our phone down and read song information during the playback of an album, courtesy of the Marantz’s three-line OLED display.

Aesthetically, this is an old-school Marantz, with large volume and input dials, smaller bass, treble and balance tone knobs, and a 6.3mm headphone jack. Less obvious is the function that allows the Marantz’s supplied remote to control the volume, input and power of a connected TV.

The downside to Marantz’s design consistency is that the PM7000N doesn’t look particularly premium compared to some of the company’s more affordable products, but it’s smart and well built for the money. For anyone with other Marantz kit or who simply has more traditional taste in hi-fi, it will fit right in.

Marantz HDAM-S3 Technology

Marantz developed its own discrete circuit boards called Hyper-Dynamic Amplifier Modules, or HDAMs, to replace the chip-based amps used elsewhere. Using discrete surface mount components with short mirror-image left and right signal paths, HDAMs outperform the regular integrated Op-amps dramatically in Slew Rate and noise level. The result is much more dynamic, accurate and detailed sound. Over the years, Marantz developed different HDAMs to fit the particular requirements of each player and amplifier. The PM7000N uses the high-grade SA3 version.

High-Grade Sound Parts

Marantz has a steadfast reputation for choosing the best-possible components for its Hi-Fi products, and the PM7000N is built with that same performance-first Hi-Fi approach. Marantz engineers selected and optimized the PM7000N through extensive listening in dedicated Marantz facilities in Europe and Japan using Hi-Fi tuned sound parts.

Separate Power Supply for Stand-by

In order to reduce power consumption in stand-by, the PM7000N features dual separate power supply circuits. While in standby the digital SMPS power supply is active so the network can wake up the PM7000N. When switching to operation mode, the SMPS power is switch off and the toroidal transformer is activated to supply the necessary high-current to reproduce the Marantz sonic signature.

Improved Integrated Phono Input

For a long time, Marantz integrated amplifiers have featured high-quality phono stages. The PM7000N remains faithful to that legacy while also introducing a new design — one that integrates a FET (field-effect transistors) in the input stage. This provides high input impedance, eliminates the need for AC coupling capacitors and simplifies the signal path, lowering distortion and noise vastly improving the signal purity overall.

Specifications

Power Output (8 / 4 Ohm RMS) 60 W / 80 W
Frequency response 5 Hz – 100 kHz ±3 dB
Total Harmonic Distortion 0.02%
Damping Factor 100 and over
Input Sensitivity: MM 2.0 mV / 47 kΩ/kohms
Signal to Noise Ratio: MM 87 dB (5 mV input, 1 W output)
Input Sensitivity: High level 220 mV/18 kΩ
Signal to Noise Ratio: High level 115 dB (2 V input, rated output)