Marantz Sacd 30 Silver Gold Sacd Player

Product highlights

• frequency response: 2-50,000 (-3 dB) 
• signal-to-noise ratio: 112 dB 
• dynamic range: 109 dB 
• THD: 0.0008% 
• digital outputs are disabled during SACD playback 

• frequency response: 2-20,000 (±1 dB) 
• signal-to-noise ratio: 104 dB 
• dynamic range: 98 dB 
• THD: 0.0015% 
• built-in dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 

• internet radio via TuneIn, iHeart Radio and SiriusXM 
• cloud-based access to popular streaming services, including Spotify Connect, Deezer, Napster, Pandora, TIDAL and more 
• wirelessly connects compatible HEOS components for whole home audio 
• Apple AirPlay® 2 allows wireless streaming via iPhone®, iPad®, iPod® or computer running iTunes® 
• works with Roon music player subscription software 
• 17-1/2"W x 5-1/8"H x 16-3/4"D 
• weight: 30.2 lbs. 
• warranty: 5 years parts and labor (3 years parts for optical mechanism) 

What's in the box

• SACD/Network audio player 
• AC power cord 
• Remote control (RC002PMND) 
• 2 "AAA" batteries 
• 2 WiFi/Bluetooth antennas 
• 42" Stereo RCA cable 
• 29" Mono-RCA remote connector cable 
• Quick Start Guide 
• Warranty Information 
• Important Safety Instructions 
• Notes on Radio 
• Spotify brochure 

Written by Crutchfield's Eric A.

The Marantz SACD 30n is a motherlode of high-resolution digital sources in one component. It's a disc player with an innovative transport mechanism and compatibility with standard CDs, homemade discs, and SACDs. It's also a state-of-the-art network player that gives you access to popular streaming apps, internet radio, and Apple AirPlay 2. If you like to stream high-res files from a computer, network attached storage (NAS), or a thumb drive, the built-in Marantz Musical Mastering digital-to-analog converter provides pure and accurate musical detail for those files, too.

I was given an opportunity to demo this player at home, and I decided it was a perfect time to purchase my first Super Audio CD and see how it sounded in my own space. I knew I wanted to choose an album I am intimately familiar with, and had heard in many formats. I bought Dire Straits' 1986 album Brothers in Arms on cassette when it first came out, and have heard it on vinyl and high-res streaming, so when it popped up as an SACD best-seller in my research, I knew it was the logical choice.

I paired the 30n with the Rotel RA-1592 MkII integrated amplifier, and listened through my trusty pair of Wharfedale Diamond 11.1 bookshelf speakers. I live in an apartment, and the Wharfedales have always done an excellent job of providing clarity and accuracy at moderate volume levels, so I don't feel like I'm disturbing the neighbors.

Before I get into the music, I want to spare a moment to discuss the SACD-M3L transport mechanism, which features a very smooth, gliding open/close action. I often worry about the durability of this part of a disc player, but those fears were allayed. I've also had the experience where a disc almost rattles around in the CD tray in lesser machines — this one felt like it was almost gripping the disc when I placed it in the center, which was reassuring.

Now, the music was exceptional, full stop. I enjoy Mark Knopfler's precision as a guitar player, and each familiar note rang out pure and clear as I listened. This album won a Grammy award for its engineering in 1986, and I could really hear why. Each member of the band could be heard clearly when I engaged in critical listening, and producer's touches like chirring insects and rolling thunder added to the atmospheric effect. I was duly impressed with my first SACD experience. 

What really makes this player a slam-dunk for me is its versatility. I was able to connect it to my home Wi-Fi to stream Spotify Connect and Qobuz, and it has Type-A and Type-B USB inputs so you can stream files stored on a thumb drive or computer. If I had a larger living space, you can bet I'd make good use of the multi-room HEOS properties, too. And the individual volume control for headphone listening was a nice touch.

That's a lot of functionality for a single component. Add in its exceptional performance and good looks, and it's definitely designed to appeal to a music lover like me.

HEOS Built-in technology lets you access all of your music — from your personal library, internet radio, and popular subscription services like Pandora®, Spotify®, and TIDAL.

And HEOS also lets you build a wireless multi-room audio system. Stream music to  HEOS wireless speakers and components in different rooms, and control each room's speakers independently with the free HEOS app. The app lets you control playback, browse music sources, and select which rooms you want to use. Play the same music throughout your home, or listen to something different in each room.

This player is designed to pair with the all-analog Marantz Model 30 integrated amp. To that end, it features an array of digital inputs, including:

• 2 optical and 1 coaxial digital audio inputs (support for high-res PCM audio up to 24-bit/192kHz)
• USB input (Type A) for USB flash drives (up to 24-bit/192kHz; DSD files up to 5.6 MHz)
• USB input (Type B) for audio playback of stored music files (up to 32-bit/384kHz; DSD files up to 11.2 MHz)

There are two sets of analog outputs. A fixed-level stereo RCA output with gold-plated high-grade terminals lets you connect to a receiver, preamp, or integrated amplifier. Or you can use the variable-level RCA output for direct connection to powered speakers or a power amplifier.