Marantz Model 60n Amplifier Review

There have been plenty of streaming amplifiers hitting the markets recently, and Marantz has been releasing new models consistently. They just released the Marantz Model 60n, a network integrated amplifier that offers 60 watts per channel at 8 ohms, and 80 watts per channel at 4 ohms. It has HDMI ARC and is compatible with HEOS. 

Specs

Dimensions	17.4in x 17in x 5.1in
Weight	28.1 lbs
Power Consumption	220W
Standby Consumption	0.3W
Frequency Response	5 Hz-100 kHz
Total Harmonic Distribution	0.02%
Channels	2
Topology	Class A/B

Review

The new Marantz Model 60n is a network-integrated amplifier that comes in two colors, Black, and Silver Gold. It weighs a lot for an amplifier, especially an amplifier that costs $1500. It has a big power supply and excellent build quality. The Model 60n looks like vintage Marantz pieces, with a round screen in the center, and symmetrical buttons and controls. It has a raised front panel, with a carbon fiber body. 

The Marantz Model 60n has three analog inputs, with a moving magnet phono input. It has a preamp output if you want to add some extra power with another amplifier, and a subwoofer output. It has an optical input, HDMI ARC, a coaxial input, and USB-A. Bluetooth receive and transmit are built-in, and, with HDMI ARC, your TV remote will be able to directly control the volume of this amplifier. 

The Model 60n also has compatibility with HEOS. The HEOS app was built by Denon a few years ago, and I have given it a lot of praise in my Denon Home Amp review. The app has support for so many music streaming services. You can combine your favorite tracks from multiple services into one HEOS playlist, and almost everything you need is on the home screen. The Model 60n is compatible with Spotify, Airplay, Amazon Music, Alexa, Deezer, iHeart Radio, Pandora, SiriusXM, and TIdal. 

The Marantz Model 60n has a big toroidal PSU transformer. It has Aluminum heatsinks for the output transistors, and the amplifier itself is Class A/B. Marantz used their very own HDAM(Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Module) circuitry for this amplifier, which Marantz engineers developed to make their circuits more cost-effective. The only thing I don’t like about the Model 60n is that Marantz made the subwoofer crossover fixed at 150 Hz, instead of being variable like other models. 

In testing, I used the Marantz Model 60n with the Bowers and Wilkins 705 S3 Signature bookshelf speakers, and I have to say the Model 60n worked perfectly. While listening to songs, instruments, and voices were clear, and dialogues felt crisp while watching movies. Overall, the sound is very nice for an amplifier in this price class. 

Read our full review of the Bowers and Wilkins 705 S3 Signature speakers. 

Comparison with the Marantz Model M1

Marantz has a lot of amplifiers, and the Model M1 is extremely popular right now. The Model M1 is $500 cheaper than the Model 60n, and it sounds surprisingly good for its price. The Model M1 has a night mode and dialogue enhancement, which cannot be found on the Model 60n. However, the new Model 60n weighs about 23 pounds more than the Model M1, and with all those better components and circuitry, the Model 60n sounds way better than the M1. If you have the budget for the Model 60n, you should get it over the M1. 

Read our full review of the Marantz Model M1. 

Verdict

The Marantz Model 60n streaming amplifier is on the top at this price point. Its circuitry and components make it sound better than most of its competitors. The HEOS app is a bonus, and elevates your experience to another level.