technology highlights:
14
HDAM® (Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Module)
Used in Control Amplifiers, Power Amplifiers, Integrated Amplifiers, and Super Audio CD players.
HDAM is a Marantz-proprietary development that combines the short signal path advantages of IC
(integrated circuit) and opamp (operational amplifier) design with the superior sound quality of
discrete circuit elements. Different implementations of HDAM design serve the needs of control
and power amplifiers, disc players, etc.
Although there are performance differences between HDAM, HDAM-SA, HDAM-SA2, and HDAM-
SA3, these differences are important only as they apply to a particular circuit. For example, an
HDAM-SA3 may be less ideal for a specific application than an HDAM-SA2.
In addition to performance, an HDAM’s size is important.
Some HDAM designs are smaller
than certain circuits.
As always with Marantz, and especially for the Reference Series, rest assured that our engineers
choose the parts best able to preserve the sonic details of your favorite sources.
Current Feedback
Used in Control Amplifiers, Power Amplifiers and Integrated Amplifiers.
Current feedback circuits usually exhibit faster rise and fall times and higher slew rates than
their voltage feedback cousins. (Think of rise and fall times as an automobile’s acceleration and
braking capabilities respectively. Slew rate is analogous to a car’s cornering ability.)
As you might expect, a current feedback amplifier is better able to track music’s rapid changes and
thus sound more natural.
This is particularly noticeable when using current feedback in a phono equalizer circuit. Here,
Marantz’s consistent current feedback technology eliminates the sonic discontinuities that often
mar the perceived performance of voltage feedback designs.
Balanced (or differential) Audio Circuitry
Used in Control Amplifiers, Power Amplifiers, Integrated Amplifiers, and Super Audio CD players.
This term refers to circuit basic configuration or topology.
A balanced or differential circuit
doubles signal paths throughout the component by providing one conventional and one
phase-inverted path for each channel in addition to a ground link. This virtually eliminates a
destructive phenomenon called common-mode noise that often obscures low-level musical detail.
Don’t assume that every component with XLR (three conductor) connectors has differential
circuitry.
Some components use conventional circuits with phase inverters at the inputs and
outputs only.
These designs don’t present the same level of sonic sophistication as do true
differential circuits.
Multiple Layer Chassis Construction
Used in Control Amplifiers, Power Amplifiers, Integrated Amplifiers, and Super Audio CD players.
A component’s chassis, the framework that holds every internal part in place, is critically
important for proper functioning and long-term reliability.
A chassis provides dimensional stability so internal parts remain in exact alignment for the life
of the component. Steel and extruded aluminum, often layered for extreme rigidity, provide that
platform.
A chassis must also shield internal circuitry from the effects of RF (radio
frequency) and EM (electromagnetic) interferences. That’s why we use precisely milled copper
for some chassis elements and copper coating on others.
And a chassis must isolate internal
circuitry from vibration’s destructive influences. Mass provides protection, and our engineers make
sure that every Reference Series component is virtually immune to both external and
internal oscillations.
Power Supplies
Used in Control Amplifiers, Power Amplifiers, Integrated Amplifiers, and Super Audio CD players.
This is the heart of any electronic component.
It provides the proper operating voltage and
current for every circuit.
The power supply in all Marantz Reference Series components is a
linear supply as opposed to a switching supply as we believe linear designs are better for
sound reproduction.
Reference Series power supplies begin with a massive toroidal (or toroid) transformer that
produces very little stray radiation as it breaks down 120 volt AC to the lower voltages needed by
individual circuits.
Specifically chosen high-grade rectifiers (which convert AC to DC) and
storage capacitors (which convert DC pulses to steady DC current) complete the supply. As a result,
every circuit operates optimally.
F.C.B.S. (Floating Control Bus System)
Used in Control Amplifiers and Integrated Amplifiers.
Reference Series components satisfy demanding audiophiles who seek the finest in stereo music
reproduction. However, some music lovers enjoy a multi-channel perspective. F.C.B.S. provides
the ability to synchronize multiple control amplifiers or integrated amplifiers to simultaneously
respond to volume adjustments and source selections. Thus, F.C.B.S. preserves the sonic purity of
your two-channel system and expands it to multi-channel sources when desired.
High Resolution Linear Volume Control
Used in Control Amplifiers and Integrated Amplifiers.
We use a dedicated combination of precision microcontrollers and HDAM modules to
create a full-differential high-current variable volume control (SC-7S2, SC-11S1, and PM-11S1).
This circuit preserves the sonic virtues of balanced operation throughout a Reference Series
component and adds superb accuracy over the control’s entire range. The benefits include the
ability to easily and precisely repeat any volume setting.
Disc Transports
Used in Super Audio CD Players.
The disc transport provides the only mechanical link between the disc itself and a player’s
circuitry. For that reason, we use only the most advanced transports for our Reference Series
players. In addition to extruded aluminum disc trays in some models, we developed a substance
called Xyron, a composite of rigid-rod chain molecules that exhibit high tensile strength and an
ideal modulus of elasticity. Whether of machined aluminum or Xyron, Marantz Reference Series
disc drawers provide extraordinary isolation from the micro-vibration inherent in any disc
mechanism and the minute rotation variations these vibrations might produce.
