After almost 8 years, we have gotten a reference integrated amplifier from Marantz, the Marantz Model 10. It is the most powerful reference-level amplifier they have ever made, and it is built to last a lifetime. Marantz has an excellent reputation for making high-quality products. I have reviewed some of their amplifiers and receivers, and they were all amazing. This amplifier was made in Shirakawa, Japan, and it has the premium design and build that Marantz is known for.
Review
Just like its predecessors, the Marantz Model 10 is an analog integrated amplifier, with analog inputs and outputs. It is made of Aluminum and weighs almost 75 pounds. It doesn’t have any connectivity with HEOS, and it also doesn’t have a DAC. It offers 250 watts at 8 ohms and 500 watts at 4 ohms, which is more than enough for any speaker. The Marantz Model 10 comes in two finishes, Marantz Black, and Marantz Champagne.
The front panel looks just like the panel on the Marantz Cinema 30, with a simple layout. It has a volume knob, a source selector, and a small round display in the middle. When you’re switching between inputs, you can hear a click sound that replicates the older Marantz models. The bottom panel is triple-layer copper plated, which helps with electrical isolation. You also get a headphone jack on the front. Marantz even installed some internal lighting, so you can show off the design and the internal components.
In the Marantz Model 10, you have three power supplies, two switch mode supplies, and another supply for the circuitry inside. It has two amplifiers operating in a dual-mono setup, they have Class D topology with a custom bridged tied load configuration. Because of the custom configuration, this amplifier has extremely low distortion. Marantz claims that the Model 10 has 0.05% Total Harmonic Distortion at max power. The dynamic range should be more than enough with 30 amperes of peak current.
The Marantz Model 10 has a fully balanced design, with two balanced inputs, a balanced preamp output, and a balanced power amp input. You also have three sets of RCA inputs, for any devices that have legacy connections. These RCA jacks have a nickel-plated RCA terminal, which ensures that you get the best audio transmissions. For speaker outputs, you have two sets per channel. If you are a vinyl fan, the Marantz Model 10 has a phono preamp input, that is adaptable to moving magnet or moving coil cartridges.
The Model 10 also has an FCBS or Floating Control Bus System. This feature is only available in select Marantz models. With FCBS, you can connect up to four Model 10s, with one acting as the control unit. You can set up a complete bi-amp system with four amplifiers, with one acting as the control amplifier and the others acting as power amplifiers. There is also a new preamplifier, which uses the latest generation of Marantz’s HDAM analog circuitry. It is designed to combine a quick response with a transparent signal.
Verdict
The Marantz Model 10 is a stunning achievement in high-fidelity audio, blending timeless design with immense power. Its dual-mono Class D setup and 500-watt output provide exceptional performance, capable of driving any speaker with minimal distortion. Though it lacks modern digital features like HEOS or a DAC, its fully analog, balanced design appeals to audiophiles seeking pure sound quality. The thoughtful craftsmanship, from the triple-layer copper isolation to the custom bridged-tied load configuration, sets this amplifier apart as a worthy investment for those prioritizing performance and build.
The Marantz Model 10 retails for US$15000, and you can buy it here.