The flip of the century was a very thrilling time in hi-fi. After virtually twenty years within the limelight, it seemed like CD was about to get replaced – and never by one, however presumably two new high-resolution codecs. Each SACD and DVD-Audio boasted technical skills far past the standard Compact Disc.
At a time when most individuals have been wanting forwards, Marantz determined that it was the best time to look backwards. And we’re glad it did, as a result of the consequence was the fantastic CD-7 (£3500) – the agency’s final devoted flagship CD participant and top-of-the-line disc machines it has ever made.
Whereas most value comparable alternate options got here in two containers, Marantz went for an built-in strategy. Much more surprising was that the corporate ignored the modern single-bit DAC chips of the day – developed by father or mother firm Philips – and left the conversion within the fingers of the older era multi-bit Philips TDA1541 chip working in twin differential mode. The rationale was that based on the late Ken Ishiwata, Marantz’s audio guru, this older DAC design merely sounded higher.
Lots of care was taken over digital processing, with the CD-7 utilizing two Motorola 56000 ICs operating devoted software program that allowed Marantz to manage oversampling and supply switchable filter settings with the choice of getting noise shaping.
Getting the utmost digital knowledge off the disc is all the time a precedence, and right here a particular steel chassis model of Philips’s CDM 12.3 was deployed. A substantial amount of care was taken to make sure that it labored with the slickness anticipated on the top-end of the market.
Elsewhere, there was a plethora of chosen Marantz Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Modules (HDAMs) within the analogue levels, rigorously chosen audiophile elements and a extremely specified energy provide. Marantz had lengthy been a grasp of optimising its merchandise, so it got here as no shock to seek out that shielding of the circuitry and the resonance behaviour of the immaculately constructed casework had been honed to a tee.
Connectivity hadn’t been compromised both. The CD-7 got here with each balanced XLR and single-ended analogue outputs alongside two coaxial and single optical digital outs. Unusually for an built-in participant, there have been digital inputs too – a pair of coaxials and an optical – in order that the distinctive multi-bit DAC circuit may benefit exterior digital sources too.
Marantz has generously lent us a pattern of the CD-7 from its museum assortment, and all informed, it stays a wonderfully made machine. All the things feels strong and is completed to a excessive commonplace. Even the equipped system distant is a reduce above, merely reinforcing this participant’s luxurious really feel. Few present high-end CD gamers handle to do any higher, whilst their costs strategy 5 figures.
The corporate’s attribute gold end works effectively with the minimalist exterior design, even when the management buttons really feel a contact obscure in use and their format is barely odd.
Such issues stop to matter as soon as we begin listening. In the event you’re trying to match the degrees of precision and punch of Marantz’s present range-topping disc participant – the superb SACD/CD/DVD-ROM enjoying SA-10 you’re not going to seek out that. Whereas terrific in some ways, the CD-7 received’t fear the very best of the present batch of high-end CD gamers. However that doesn’t cease it from being virtually as entertaining to hearken to.
We begin with Final by The Unthanks and the Marantz CD-7 is splendidly listenable. It’s a easy, silky performer that works superbly with the group’s distinctive vocals, due to a midrange that’s nonetheless as refined and articulate as they arrive. There’s loads of element however this machine nonetheless manages to organise it in a cohesive and music method.
Our preliminary impression is of refinement, however we quickly discover that beneath that gloss is a deeply gifted performer that handles dynamic nuances and extra savage degree shifts with unusual grace and fluidity.
Tonally it’s a contact too full-bodied and rounded to qualify as strictly impartial, however you realize what? We discover ourselves not caring as a result of the stability chosen permits the CD-7 to shine throughout a broad vary of recordings and by no means as soon as makes us wince, no matter how badly engineered the CD is. Don’t get us mistaken, that is nonetheless an impressively revealing participant – one which makes it simple to identify a sub-standard manufacturing – however it doesn’t make a meal out of issues.
We transfer to Bizet’s Carman Suite and the CD-7 continues to seduce due to its means to render sonic textures and monitor a number of instrumental strands with out dropping sight of the musical entire. It’s an entertaining and dramatic efficiency, overlaid with a sophistication that will need to have put its erstwhile competitors to disgrace.
It doesn’t have essentially the most expansive or layered sound stage round, however this participant manages to picture fairly effectively, holding devices and sounds locked in place even when the music turns into demanding.
As for any potential weaknesses, in the event you’re into Nirvana or Kanyé (or equally highly effective and exhilarating artists), it’s your decision a presentation with extra rhythmic drive. Whereas we have now no complaints in regards to the CD-7’s punch and articulation, it doesn’t generate the sense of drive and momentum of the very best present gamers. The result’s that songs corresponding to Smells Like Teen Spirit and Blood On The Leaves lack their regular depth and pleasure. The Marantz nonetheless entertains, although, due to its delicacy at mid to excessive frequencies, balanced tonality and extremely articulate nature.
We expect the CD-7 is rightly thought to be a legendary product. Greater than twenty years after its launch, this machine stays a beguiling pay attention. By present requirements, it could have the odd sonic weaknesses, however we will’t think about anybody experiencing its sound and failing to fall for its appeal. That features us.
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