Equipped with contemporary aesthetics and modern features, the Marantz Model 40n integrated amplifier, and CD 60 CD player form a formidable pair that seems ready to set a new bar in its price range.

Marantz front panel showing its logo

In the Model 40n and CD60, Marantz encapsulates contemporary touches in the otherwise conventional hi-fi components. The Model 40n is a modern integrated amplifier, which is capable of handling both analog and digital signals and can function as a network player with its HEOS built-in feature. Clearly, Marantz designs the Model 40n to be the centerpiece of a modern hi-fi system. The CD 60, which comes from the same product family, is more than just a conventional CD player. Besides playing red-book CDs, the CD 60 has the capability to play higher-resolution music files, in FLAC, WAV, or DSD formats, through its USB connection. These extra features increase the relevance of these products in meeting today’s listening trends.

Highlights

Model 40n integrated amplifier

  • Analog, including phono, and digital input switching capability.
  • Wired or wireless network and Bluetooth streaming with HEOS built-in.
  • DAC processing up to 24bit/192kHz PCM and 5.6 MHz DSD (streaming and USB).
  • Quite a powerful onboard amplifier.

CD 60 CD player

  • Compatible with CD-R and CD-RW.
  • Front USB-A storage playback capability.
  • Capable of high-resolution music file playback including DSD (up to 5.6 MHz).
Introduction

The Marantz Model 40n and CD 60 are relatively new in the Marantz product lineup. Even though they are categorized as an integrated amplifier and a CD player, respectively, they are not your typical conventional hi-fi components. Marantz equipped these components with contemporary features to meet the modern listening lifestyles. The Model 40n and CD 60 are priced in the mid-range level in their respective categories, which offer attractive value propositions for the features and capabilities they carry. The review will touch more on the features and performance that you can expect from this interesting pair.

Model 40n Integrated Amplifier Specifications – Preamplification/Amplification
Rated Output Power:

70W + 70W (8ohm)
100W + 100W (4ohm)

Power Amplifier Circuit:

Class A/B

Power Transformer Type:

Double Shielded Toroidal

Frequency Response:

5Hz – 50kHz

Total Harmonic Distortion:

0.02% (20Hz – 20kHz, 8Ω)

Damping Factor:

100

Input Sensitivity: Phono input:

DESCRIPTION

Input Sensitivity: Phono input:

2 mV / 47 kohm

Input Sensitivity: CD/Line/Recorder:

220 mV / 20 kohm

Input Sensitivity: Power Amplifier input:

1.6 V / 15 Kohm

SN Ratio:

PHONO (MM): 87dB CD: 106dB

Model 40n Integrated Amplifier Specifications – Connectivity
Analog Input (include Phono) / REC Out :

4 (PHONO, CD, LINE, RECORDER) / 1 (REC)

Phono Input:

Yes (MM)

Preout:

Subwoofer (Mono)

Digital Input:

4 (1 Optical, 1 Coaxial,
1 HDMI (PCM only)),
1 USB A for mass storage class 5V/1A

Speaker Terminal:

SPKT-1+

Remote Control Bus Terminal:

Yes (RC-5 In / Out)

Subwoofer Pre-out Low Pass Filter:

Selectable
40 Hz / 60 Hz / 80 Hz /100 Hz / 120 Hz

App:

HEOS App

Remote Controller:

System Remote
Features (Amp and CD Player Control)

Color:

Silver Gold or Black

Power Consumption:

220W, 0.3W (Standby)

Product Dimensions (W x H x D in inches):

17.4″ x 5.1″ x 17″

Weight:

36.8 lbs

MSRP:

$ 2,499

CD 60 Specifications
Frequency response:

USB DSD: 2Hz – 50kHz (-3dB)
USB PCM: 2Hz – 50kHz (-1.5dB)
CD: 2Hz – 20kHz

Total Harmonic Distortion:

USB DSD: 0.0006%
USB PCM 24bit: 0.0005%
CD: 0.0015%

Signal to Noise Ratio:

USB DSD: 110dB
USB PCM 24bit: 118dB
CD: 118dB

Dynamic Range:

USB DSD: 110dB
USB PCM 24bit: 118dB
CD: 101dB

Line Output Level:

2.2Vrms

Headphone Output Level:

28mW / 32 ohms

Power Transformer Type:

Filter 1, 2 Selectable

CD Compatibility:

CD / CD-R/RW / WMA / MP3 / AAC

Playability of Files Recorded on CD-R/RW:

MP3/WMA

Fixed Analog Output (RCA):

1 (Gold Plated)

Digital Output :

1 Optical, 1 Coaxial

Headphone Output:

1

Remote Control Bus Terminal:

Yes (RC-5 In / Out)
w/ External / Internal Select Switch

USB A:

1 (Front): Mass Storage Class 5V/1A, support format: FAT 16/32

Supported Audio Files Format :

FLAC / WAV / AIFF / ALAC / DSD / MP3 / WMA / AAC

DSD Native Playback:

Yes

Power Consumption:

38W, 0.3W (standby)

Product Dimensions (W x H x D in inches):

17.4″ x 5.1″ x 15.6″

Net weight:

16.5 lbs

Panel Color:

Silver Gold and Black

MSRP:

$ 999

Company:

Marantz America

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Design

Both the Model 40n and CD 60 share similar design traits that are indicative that they come from the same Marantz product series. Two panel-color options are available: silver gold and black. The review samples came in the black finish, which sports a two-tone dark gray and black front panel. The front panel looks contemporary and handsome with the two-layer surface design, consisting of the flat-black aluminum center plate and metallic dark-gray textured base plate. The center plate of the 40n is backlit, which accentuates more its two-tone front-panel appearance. On both products, the center plate hosts the neatly-arranged control knobs and buttons, the golden Marantz logo, and the display. The Model 40n has the classic Marantz 2-inch round display, while the CD 60 has a larger rectangular display. On both units, the power button and the headphone jack are located on the left and right sections of the front base plate, respectively.

Unlike traditional integrated amplifiers, the Model 40n can process both analog and digital signals and is equipped with network-streaming capability. Its built-in DAC, which uses an ESS ES9016 chip, is capable of processing PCM signals up to 24bit/192kHz and DSD signals up to 5.6 MHz (DSD128). This DSD playback feature can be accessed only through streaming or USB mass-storage playback, and not through its digital input connections, which include 1 optical, 1 coaxial, and 1 HDMI ARC. On the analog side, the Model 40n accommodates 3 pairs of stereo line-level inputs and a MM phono input. It also has a pair of external preamplifier inputs that connects directly to the power amplifier section of the unit. When this input is engaged, it puts the Model 40n in the power-amplifier mode. As such, this input can be utilized as a home-theater bypass connection for the integration with an AV surround processor in an integrated music/home-theater setup. A tape/recorder stereo output and a single subwoofer pre-out with a selectable crossover setting (40-120 Hz in 20 Hz increment) round out the analog connectivity of the Model 40n.

Marantz Model 40n front view with backlit front panel

The Model 40n is equipped with a class AB amplifier utilizing Marantz’s own Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Module (HDAM) circuitry capable of outputting 70 W/channel into 8-ohm or 100 W/channel into 4-ohm loads. The HDAM circuitry is said to generate superior response compared to many off-the-shelf modules. Because of the amplifier design and its beefy power supply section featuring a large toroidal power transformer, the Model 40n carries quite a significant weight (about 37 lbs). The amplifier outputs consist of a set of nice, sturdy five-way binding posts, which are a step up in quality compared to the terminals found in most mass-market products.

Marantz Model 40n rear panel

The Model 40n includes HEOS Built-in, which means its streaming feature can be controlled using the HEOS app, which is available on iOS and Android platforms. Additionally, the Model 40n accommodates AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth streaming. Hence, its streaming features are quite versatile. The HEOS app supports various streaming services, such as Tidal, Amazon Music, Spotify, Deezer, TuneIn, etc. Notably missing (still) at the time of this writing is the support for Qobuz, which is a bit of a bummer for Qobuz users. HEOS can also access local music servers, so you can play your collection of music files stored in the NAS under the same network, including high-resolution PCM or DSD files. The HEOS app can also access some basic controls of the Model 40n such as power on/off, volume adjustment, and input selection.

Marantz opts to implement the round display on the Model 40n, giving it a classic Marantz vibe. Personally, I think the Model 40n could use a larger display to allow it to display the information in larger digits/letters that can be read from a good distance. As it is, although the white illumination used for the display is bright enough and it can be dimmed or turned off completely if desired, the information displayed is hardly readable from 8-9 ft away.

Marantz CD 60 front view

The CD 60 has similar dimensions but with less than half the weight of the Model 40n. It features a rectangular display on the front center panel as opposed to the round one used in the Model 40n. This display is larger and displays information in larger digits/letters, thus it has better readability than that of the Model 40n. The CD 60’s disc tray is inconspicuously framed within the display area on the front panel, which is a nice little design touch.

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The CD 60, which also utilizes HDAM circuitry inside, is more versatile than a conventional CD player in terms of playback capability. Actually, calling CD 60 a CD player is a bit misleading as it can play other media too. Besides playback of regular audio CDs, it is also compatible with the data disc format containing WMA or MP3 music files. Also, the CD 60 sports a USB-A input on the front panel, which can be used to playback music files stored in a USB storage device with a FAT16/32 format. The music files playable from this USB-A connection include MP3, FLAC, WAV, ALAC, AIFF, and DSD. So, with these enhanced features, the CD 60 can playback high-resolution music files up to 24bit/192kHz PCM and DSD128.

Marantz CD 60 rear panel

Besides analog line-level and headphone outputs, the CD 60 also provides coaxial and optical digital outputs, hence it can be used as a transport to feed an external DAC. Just like in the Model 40n, there is a remote control in/out connection on the back panel for connection with a similarly equipped Marantz component to share the remote-control functions internally (not through the remote sensor in the front of the device).

Marantz Model 40n (left) and CD 60 (right) remote controls

Both the Model 40n and the CD 60 come with an IR remote. Although their button variety and arrangement slightly differ, their size and finish look about the same. Holding them, however, tells the difference between the two remotes. While the CD 60 remote has an all-plastic enclosure, the Model 40n remote has a metal faceplate. Therefore, the Model 40n remote feels heavier and sturdier compared to the CD 60 remote. These remotes have a good size and dimension to sit nicely in the palm of the hand and allow for a convenient one-handed operation.

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A pity though that they are not backlit, hence their usage in the dimly lit rooms can be a challenge. Each of these remotes can operate both components, so you can just use one of them for everyday usage.

Setup

Setting up these components was quite straightforward. Besides making the usual input and output connections, I also connected the Model 40n to my home Wi-Fi network to use it with the HEOS app. Besides music CDs, I also used my USB flash drive and portable hard drive containing music files of various formats as music sources for this review. Streaming from Tidal and local NAS music files were used to evaluate the HEOS streaming function on the Model 40n. Overall, I found the HEOS app interface intuitive and relatively easy to use.

The CD 60 was connected to the Model 40n amplifier through both the stereo line-level and optical digital connections. I also connected my Auralic Aries G1 streamer to the coaxial digital input of the Model 40n for streaming performance comparison. The Music Hall Classic turntable was used for evaluating the MM phono feature of the Model 40n. In my integrated music and home-theater setup, the Model 40n was also used to power the left and right front channels by connecting the front outputs of the Marantz AV8802 surround processor to the amplifier’s external preamp input.

At various points during the review, I had a chance to pair the Model 40n amplifier with the following speakers: Revel Ultima Studio (nominal impedance 6 ohms), Canton Vento 100 (nominal impedance 8 ohms), and LSA Signature 80 (nominal impedance 10 ohm). None of these speakers were difficult to drive and their pairings with the Model 40n in general generated good sonic outcomes. The Model 40n proved to be an easy-going partner, possessing sufficient power to drive these speakers to bloom to their full potential.

In Use

From the beginning, I found that the Model 40n and CD 60 pair were a delight to use. Controlling them using the supplied remotes was convenient and that was how I operated them most of the time. The input switching tasks on the Model 40n could be done using the remote control, except for the switching to/from external preamp input, which is labeled as ‘PWR AMP’ in the amplifier’s display. This had to be done through the input selector knob on the front panel of the amplifier. A bit inconvenient if you ask me, but Marantz may have a reason for doing it this way. I found out that in the power-amplifier mode, except for the power on/standby button, all the other amplifier functions were completely shut down, including the network connection, ensuring that the operation of the amplifier is free from potential spurious noise or interference from the other modules.

Overall, the Model 40n amplifier was a very competent performer. I did not find any quirks or glitches when using it to handle various functions. Switching between inputs, be it analog or digital, was swift and smooth. The Model 40n was transparent and neutral in handling the analog signals, and its internal DAC was quite adept in processing the digital signals. There are two filter options provided for the digital signal playback; Filter 1 offers a short impulse response for the pre-and post-echo, and Filter 2 offers an asymmetrical impulse response with the post-echo longer than the pre-echo. After comparing the two filters back and forth with various program materials, I finally settled on Filter 2, which to my ears resulted in smoother and less-edgy overall sonic characteristics. Your mileage may vary.

By the current standard, the 70 W/channel (into 8 ohms) specification of the Model 40n’s onboard amplifier is modest. During my evaluation, however, this amplifier sounded more powerful than what its specification suggested. It was capable of driving the speakers I paired with it with ease and did not show signs of losing its headroom even when I pushed it to a loud volume. Regardless of the input source selected, this amplifier produced a full and fluid sonic character which was pleasant to listen to. One of its traits that immediately caught my attention was its expansive yet intimate soundstage presentation, which was especially convincing in portraying small to medium-sized stage performances. Its sonic characteristics were slightly dark on the top end without diminishing the details of the treble presentation. The amplifier’s ability to move the woofers was admirable leading to a solid low-end response. Music never sounded lean through the 40n as it was always presented with a sound sonic foundation.

Christina Aguilera

Christina Aguilera “Liberation”

The track Fall In Line by Christina Aguilera (featuring Demi Lovato) from her Liberation album (2018) contains significant bass energy and complex energetic vocal harmony, and these two sonic aspects were presented with such great authority by the Model 40n. The vocals in the track sounded full-bodied and I was impressed by the amplifier’s seemingly unwavering ability to keep the harmonies intact even in the complex passages. This track also showcased the amplifier’s strong bass response. Through the Canton Vento 100 full-range floor-standing speakers, the bass in the track sounded impactful and articulate. Impressively, the bass results resembled what I got from the Michi X3, which has a more powerful amplifier (200 W/channel into 8 ohms) than the Model 40n.

The HEOS streaming feature on the Model 40n worked flawlessly during my evaluation. Besides streaming music through Tidal, I used it also to stream music from my local NAS. As advertised, the Model 40n streamed music of various specified formats, including DSD music files up to DSD128, with no issue. Generally, the HEOS direct streaming feature of the Model 40n produced respectable sonic outcomes.

Joe Hisaishi

Joe Hisaishi “Dream Songs”

The details and sonic separation among instruments in the track Kiki’s Delivery Service from the Dream Songs album (2020), which contains a collection of music by the famed Japanese composer, Joe Hisaishi, were fleshed out well through the HEOS streaming playback. True that I found this orchestral rendition to be slightly smoother with better coherence and more textures through the Aries G1 streamer, but nevertheless the Model 40n’s streaming playback still did justice in capturing the emotion and the grandeur of the music. That the Auralic Aries G1 streamer yielded better sonic results than the HEOS direct streaming was hardly surprising. The difference was not night and day, however, and in this unfair comparison (the Aries G1 is a dedicated streamer that, by itself, costs more than the Model 40n), the streaming feature on the Model 40n held its ground well. Although a dedicated streamer like the Auralic Aries G1 can produce a better sonic outcome, the extra convenience and cost saving of not having to add an external box into the system might be a compromise that many customers are willing to take.

The Model 40n should also make vinyl and headphone lovers rejoice with its good-performing phono stage and headphone features. Its phono stage generally produced warm full-bodied sound with good dynamics, which is a step up from most phono stages found on most mass-market receivers. On the headphone side, I heard a sufficiently clear and detailed musical presentation with plenty of bass. I would say that the headphone sonic characteristics were more on the warm side of neutral, which was less prone to inducing listening fatigue.

Use Impressions of the CD 60 Player

The CD 60 offers some audio adjustments that can be accessed through the ‘Setup’ button on its remote. These include the digital output controls, which provide the option to turn the digital outputs on or off and select the digital filters to apply. Two types of filters, like in the Model 40n, are available to choose from. The default is Filter 1, which was actually my preferred one for this CD player. But as always, try both and see which one fits your taste better. The CD 60 also offers three levels of adjustments for the headphone gain (low, mid, and high), which can be useful to compensate for headphone sensitivities.

Mechanically, the plastic disc tray of the CD 60 seemed sufficiently sturdy and the disc-tray mechanism operated smoothly. The CD 60 was not fussy with the type of CD put in for playback; it would play music files recorded on a CD-R or CD-RW just like it plays a regular audio CD, as long as the files are in the specified formats (MP3 or WMA). If included in the files, the metadata text information (title, performer, etc.) of the file being played back will be shown on the CD 60 display.

The CD 60 also passed with flying colors in the playback test through its USB port. It had no problem playing my USB flash drive containing music files of various formats (MP3, FLAC, WAV, and DSD). I applaud the fact that it did not flinch when presented with high-resolution FLAC, WAV, or DSD files. Its capability to play DSD music files (up to DSD128) really makes it unique and stands up among the CD players available in the market today.

In general, the CD 60 exhibited great sonic balance across the audible frequency spectrum. Moreover, the sonic synergy between the CD 60 and the Model 40n was obvious during my evaluation.

DIana Krall

Diana Krall “The Girl in The Other Room”

When I played Diana Krall’s The Girl in The Other Room CD on the CD 60 player through the analog line-level connection to the Model 40n amplifier driving the Revel Ultima Studio speakers, I was immediately drawn into the musicality of the presentation. It was not shy in the bass department and its treble presentation sounded detailed and extended. I found the fullness and fluidity of the sonic results highly engaging. Diana Krall’s voice on the title track The Girl in The Other Room sounded intimate and lush, free from sharp edges and excessive sibilance. The center image was a bit laid back and the soundstage portrayal had good spaciousness with sufficient width and depth. The image focus was not the sharpest, but it compensated nicely with its expansive soundstage presentation. The track Temptation from the same album highlighted the pair’s adeptness in conveying the rhythm and transient textures in the music, which they always seemed to be able to do effortlessly even on rather complex musical passages.

The CD 60 was no slouch also in serving as a transport. I got equally good results connecting the digital output of the CD 60 to the Model 40n, which indicates equivalent DAC quality in both units. By equally good results, I did not mean they were the same. The analog connection yielded a slightly smoother sound, but the musical notes coming from the digital connection sounded a tad tighter. The resulting image from the digital connection was a tad sharper too but with a less expansive soundstage. Your subjective taste would likely determine your preference in this regard.

Finally, I found that in terms of sonic outcome, the headphone feature on the CD 60 was good and comparable to the Model 40n. However, the CD 60 has the advantage here with its adjustable headphone-gain feature, which can potentially elevate the overall headphone listening experience.

Conclusions

Marantz Model 40n At a Glance

The Model 40n INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER and CD 60 CD PLAYER are solid hi-fi components from Marantz that bring versatile features, good looks, great build quality, and strong performance at prices that do not break the bank.

Likes
  • A contemporary look and excellent build quality
  • Versatile features, including HEOS streaming on the Model 40n and USB storage playback on the CD 60
  • Capable of playback of high-resolution music, including DSD
  • Relatively glitch-free operation
  • Great all-around sonic performance
Would Like To See
  • Backlit remotes

The Marantz Model 40n and CD 60 add modern features to their respective product categories, enhancing their versatility in serving the current trends in listening lifestyles. Features aside, these products proudly reflect Marantz’s commitment to the core spirit of hi-fi convincingly. Equipped with great build quality, not only do these products look very appealing, but more importantly, they also exhibit excellent sound quality. Considering their versatile features and solid sonic performances, the Model 40n and CD 60 carry reasonable asking prices that should make them formidable competitors in their market segments.