Marantz® introduces the HD-DAC1, a Premium Headphone Amplifier with DAC-mode

Mahwah, NJ September 18th, 2014 – Marantz, a world leader in advanced audio technologies, is proud to announce the company’s first Headphone Amplifier featuring integrated DAC, the HD-DAC1 ($799 MSRP). This ultra-high quality dedicated Headphone Amplifier, creates simply amazing sound because it uses amplification technologies from Marantz’s high-end Premium 11 Series. Headphones have always added extra intensity to music. Now, with the Marantz HD-DAC1, that intensity reaches new climactic heights. Not surprisingly, this completely new product category comes with a new design, but as always with the unmistakable Marantz family resemblance – it looks new, refreshing, and different, but it is always Marantz.

With no interference from the surroundings, headphone listening is increasingly becoming the preferred way for serious audiophiles to enjoy music. With headphones, music is more personal. More intense. More consuming. Users become part of the music – absorbed by it. What’s more, they can listen to it as loud as they like. However, the outputs on some devices – especially on computers and portable players – are simply not capable of driving quality headphones to their optimum, since they have only a low-grade Digital-Analog-Converter (DAC) built in. That is why Marantz decided to create a new product concept: a separate amplifier stage for headphones. And because everyone at Marantz is passionate about music, they used the same technology that was developed for the top-range Premium 11 Series. The result? An incredibly moving, high-energy headphone experience that delivers crashing crescendo with complete self-possession and subtle detail with pinpoint precision. Personalized listening just got a whole lot more personal.

The HD-DAC1 is so powerful, it can even drive audiophile high-impedance headphones of up to 600 ohm – with complete MODE ease. All thanks to its three-level gain control, Marantz HDAM-SA2 modules, a high current audiophile DAC (CS4398), and its Premium Quality fixed and variable RCA outputs. It is so powerful, it not only drives headphones, users can also directly connect it to their Hi-Fi integrated amplifier or to a pair of active speakers or power amps. It is also highly connectable. Optical and coaxial digital inputs as well as a USB-B port enable them to stream music directly from a PC or MAC. iDevices can also be connected via the USB port on the front. For even more connectivity they have also included an analog input. The USB-B works in asynchronous mode to support not only 192 kHz/24bits high-resolution audio but also the DSD 2.8MHz and 5.6MHz for maximized performance and the most direct way to enjoy excellent quality. To safeguard quality when connected to a computer, Marantz built extended isolation around the USB-B input to eliminate the chance of high frequency noise generated by the computer entering the HD-DAC1. We even included a jitter remover and Dual Clock for extreme accuracy. Without doubt, the HD-DAC1 is a feast for the ears. It also looks good. Info on volume, input, resolution, etc. is shown on the stylish Marantz Porthole Display. While the solid aluminum front is supported by a double layer bottom plate and side panels with a retro-style wooden look. Pure craftsmanship. The Marantz HD-DAC1 is expected to be available in black from October 2014.

HD-DAC1 Headphone Amplifier with DAC-mode – Main Features
·      High quality Headphone amplifier with DAC Mode
·      2x optical, coaxial and USB type B digital inputs capable of 192kHz/24bit
·      Native DSD2.8 and 5.6 support
·      Asynchronous mode
·      High quality D/A converter CS4398
·      Jitter remover
·      Dual Clock
·      Noise isolation for all digital inputs (USB-A, Optical, Coaxial, USB-B)
·      HDAM & HDAM-SA2
·      Gain control to support wide range of headphones
·      Fix and variable RCA output
·      iDevice capable front USB input
·      Gold plated fix level and variable level RCA output terminals
·      Available in black

About Marantz:
Marantz is a part of D+M Group. The company can trace its roots back to the dawn of the first mono LP, when Saul Bernard Marantz, a native of New York, was unhappy with the equipment available to play his cherished record collection on. So he had to build his own! Saul officially founded the Marantz Company in 1953. Then, as now, the company’s cornerstones were quality and innovation. For over half a century Marantz has been developing unique technologies and bringing landmark hi-fi and home entertainment products to market through its tireless and extensive R&D programs. Such commitment to audio and video excellence ensures each Marantz design delivers class-leading performance. Additional information is available at www.us.marantz.com

About D+M Group
D+M Group is a global company dedicated to enhancing life through inspired sound solutions delivered anytime, anywhere. With a strong belief that “Performance is everything,” D+M is focused on innovation to meet the needs of customers in an increasingly digital world. Serving the consumer and professional markets, D+M Group brands include Boston Acoustics®, Denon®, and Marantz®. D+M Group has approximately 900 employees worldwide, with products and services marketed in more than 45 countries. D+M Group is a Bain Capital portfolio company.
All product and brand names with a trademark symbol are trademarks or registered trademarks of D&M Holdings, Inc. or its subsidiaries.

DISCLAIMER
Statements in this news release that are not statements of historical fact include forward-looking statements regarding future events or the future financial performance of the company. We wish to caution you that such statements are just predictions and that actual events or results may differ materially. Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties surrounding competitive and industry conditions, the ability to launch products on time and enable new features sets, market acceptance for the company’s products, risks of litigation, technological changes, developing industry standards and other factors related to the company’s businesses. The Company reserves all of its rights.