Marantz has released the HD-AMP1, a compact, digital, integrated amplifier. Created to serve at the center of a music system, the amp delivers 2x 70W from a switching amplifier circuit, providing sound from all sources including high-resolution audio files. It is expected to be available in January 2016 for $1,100.
Housed in a chassis that occupies just over 1sq. ft. of desktop or shelf space, the HD-AMP1 is equipped with multiple digital inputs, including 2 optical, 1 coaxial, and 2 USB ports. The amp has the ability to decode the latest generation of lossless high-resolution audio file types (WAV, AIFF, ALAC, FLAC) at up to 24-bit/192-kHz resolution, along with the ability to play traditional tracks (MP3, WMA and AAC). The rear panel USB-B port features noise isolation so users can connect a PC or Mac and stream even higher resolution files, up to 32-bit/384-kHz. The HD-AMP1 is equipped with the reference grade ESS SABRE DAC and dual master clock crystals for solid bandwidth, dynamic range, and low distortion. The HD-AMP1 can also play DSD hi-res audio tracks including 2.6/5.2/11.2-MHz.
The HD-AMP1 is the first Marantz Hi-Fi product to incorporate the concept of Class-D amplification. Up to now, switching (Class-D) amplifiers had certain limitations, which made them unacceptable for Marantz sound engineers to use in premium Hi-Fi products. Now, the HD-AMP1 combines the Marantz HDAM technologies, the Class-D amp concept, and a feedback loop to guarantee a consistent performance with a wide range of loudspeaker types.
Featuring two USB ports, one on the front and one on the back, the HD-AMP1 lets users connect USB devices to the front panel USB port, and a PC or Mac to the rear panel USB-B port to stream audio tracks. Marantz also included two analog inputs. The USB-B works in asynchronous mode to support 384kHz/32bits high-resolution audio as well as the DSD 2.8MHz, 5.6MHz, and 11.2MHz formats 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-AMP1.
The chassis iteslf features a brushed alloy front panel with matching knobs along with a porthole front panel 2-line OLED display, which features 3 dimming, levels and off.
