Audio T Verdict
The Marantz SACD 30n brings physical-disc playback, network streaming, computer audio and digital-to-analogue conversion together in one substantial source component. It is designed for systems where both an established disc collection and modern streaming services matter.
The proprietary SACDM-3L mechanism plays CDs, Super Audio CDs and compatible music files recorded to CD or DVD media. HEOS provides network streaming, internet radio and multi-room integration, while AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Roon Ready support, Bluetooth and playback from network storage provide further ways to access music.
Its rear USB-B connection supports two-channel PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD up to 11.2MHz from a compatible computer. Two optical inputs and one coaxial input also allow televisions, digital transports and other sources to use the SACD 30n’s conversion and analogue output stages.
Marantz Musical Mastering converts incoming PCM signals to 11.2MHz DSD before producing the analogue output without using a conventional off-the-shelf DAC chip. Marantz HDAM circuitry, a toroidal transformer, separate power-supply sections and a reinforced chassis support this digital architecture.
Fixed and variable analogue outputs give the SACD 30n several system roles. It can connect to an integrated amplifier in the conventional way, or its variable output can control volume when connected directly to a suitable power amplifier or active speakers. For a product with this many possible configurations, an Audio T demonstration is strongly recommended.
SACD, CD and Data Discs
Plays CDs, stereo and multichannel SACDs, CD-R/RW and compatible music files recorded to recordable CD or DVD media.
HEOS Streaming
Access compatible online services, internet radio, network storage and other HEOS products through the HEOS app.
Roon Ready and AirPlay 2
Integrates with a compatible Roon system and supports playback from Apple devices using AirPlay 2.
32-bit/384kHz USB-DAC
The asynchronous USB-B input supports PCM up to 384kHz and DSD up to 11.2MHz from a compatible computer.
Marantz Musical Mastering
Marantz’s proprietary conversion system processes PCM as 11.2MHz DSD before generating the analogue signal.
Fixed and Variable Outputs
Connect to an integrated amplifier or use the independently controlled variable output with a power amplifier or active speakers.
A Complete Digital Source for a Modern Hi-Fi System
The Marantz SACD 30n is more than a conventional disc player. Its combination of SACD and CD playback, HEOS streaming, Roon, computer audio, network storage, Bluetooth and digital inputs allows it to act as the main digital source in a wide-ranging music system.
Listeners can move between physical media, online services and locally stored music without requiring a separate player for every format. Its conventional fixed output also allows it to be introduced into an existing separates system without changing the amplifier or speakers.
Explore more Marantz products, or compare Audio T’s wider selection of CD and SACD players.
CD and Super Audio CD Playback
The proprietary SACDM-3L disc mechanism is designed for CD, SACD and data-disc playback. Conventional CDs, CD-R and CD-RW discs are supported alongside single-layer, dual-layer and hybrid Super Audio CDs.
When playing an SACD, the user can select its stereo area, multichannel area or conventional CD layer where these are available. The player’s analogue outputs are two-channel, so a multichannel SACD area is downmixed to stereo.
The optical and coaxial digital outputs can carry conventional CD audio, allowing the SACD 30n to be used as a transport with a compatible external DAC or digital amplifier. The high-resolution SACD layer is not available through these S/PDIF outputs.
Digital Output Restrictions
Digital audio output stops when playing the high-resolution layer of an SACD, DSD files or PCM signals at 352.8kHz or 384kHz. These sources remain available through the player’s analogue outputs.
Music Files from Recordable CDs and DVDs
The SACD 30n can play compatible music files recorded to CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R and DVD+RW media. Supported file types include MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, FLAC, Apple Lossless, AIFF and DSD.
Marantz’s reference to DVD support means music-file playback from compatible recordable data DVDs. The SACD 30n is not a DVD movie player and does not include an HDMI video output.
HEOS Network Streaming
HEOS Built-in provides access to compatible streaming services, internet radio, network music libraries and other HEOS-enabled products. Availability can vary according to region, account type and changes made by individual service providers.
The HEOS app for compatible iOS and Android devices provides browsing, playback control, queue management, favourites and multi-room operation. Services shown by Marantz include Qobuz, TIDAL, Amazon Music, Spotify and Deezer, subject to their current regional availability and subscription requirements.
Browse more network music players or Audio T’s complete music streaming range.
Roon Ready, AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect
Roon Ready support allows the SACD 30n to appear as a network endpoint within a compatible Roon system. Roon software, a Roon subscription and a suitable home network are required.
AirPlay 2 provides playback from compatible Apple devices and supports synchronised playback with other AirPlay 2 products. Spotify Connect allows playback to be selected from the Spotify app while the SACD 30n streams the music directly.
Bluetooth provides a straightforward connection for phones, tablets and other compatible devices. The European specification lists Bluetooth 4.1 with the SBC codec, so Bluetooth should be regarded as the convenience option rather than the player’s highest-resolution connection.
Network Music from a Computer or NAS
The SACD 30n can find compatible music servers on the home network and play files stored on a computer or NAS drive. Supported network formats include MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, FLAC, Apple Lossless and DSD.
Lossless network playback extends to 24-bit/192kHz for WAV and FLAC, 24-bit/96kHz for Apple Lossless and DSD at up to 5.6MHz. Gapless playback is supported with compatible WAV, FLAC and DSD material.
The player can connect through dual-band Wi-Fi or wired Ethernet. A wired connection may provide greater stability when playing large high-resolution files or where the wireless network is congested.
Rear USB-A Music Playback
A rear USB-A connection accepts compatible mass-storage devices formatted using FAT16, FAT32 or NTFS. Supported formats include MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, Apple Lossless and DSD.
USB storage playback supports PCM files up to 24-bit/192kHz and DSD at 2.8MHz or 5.6MHz. This connection is separate from the USB-B computer input and should not be confused with USB audio from a PC or Mac.
USB-B DAC for PC and Mac
The asynchronous rear USB-B connection allows a compatible PC or Mac to use the SACD 30n as an external DAC. It supports two-channel Linear PCM from 16-bit/44.1kHz through to 32-bit/384kHz, together with DSD at 2.8MHz, 5.6MHz and 11.2MHz.
A dedicated Marantz driver may be required for some Windows configurations, particularly for higher PCM rates, ASIO playback or native DSD. Compatible Mac systems use the operating system’s audio settings without the same manufacturer-driver requirement.
Computer configuration and playback software can affect the resolutions available. Audio T can advise on the correct connection and help establish whether a computer, network server or dedicated streamer is the most practical source for the system.
Optical and Coaxial Digital Inputs
Two optical inputs and one coaxial input allow external digital sources to use the SACD 30n’s conversion and analogue output stages. These connections support two-channel Linear PCM at up to 24-bit/192kHz.
This makes it possible to connect a television with a compatible optical PCM output, a CD transport or another digital source. The SACD 30n does not decode Dolby Digital, DTS or other multichannel home-cinema formats, so a connected television should be configured to output stereo PCM.
No HDMI ARC
The SACD 30n does not include HDMI. Television sound can be connected through optical digital audio, but it will not provide the automatic control and connection convenience associated with HDMI ARC.
If HDMI ARC is essential, compare it with the Marantz CD 50n network CD player. The CD 50n does not provide SACD playback, so the choice depends on which feature matters more.
Marantz Musical Mastering Conversion
Rather than using a conventional self-contained DAC chip, the SACD 30n employs Marantz Musical Mastering. Incoming PCM is converted to an 11.2MHz DSD signal by the MMM-Stream stage before the MMM-Conversion section produces the analogue output.
This architecture gives Marantz direct control over the filtering, noise shaping and conversion process. Two selectable MMM-Stream filters are provided for PCM signals, allowing the listener to compare different impulse-response and tonal characteristics.
DSD is already a one-bit signal, so its processing route differs from PCM. The complete design is intended to provide a consistent conversion approach across discs, streaming, stored files and connected digital sources.
HDAM Analogue Output Stage
The Marantz Musical Mastering conversion stage feeds an HDAM low-pass filter and HDAM-SA3 output buffer. These proprietary discrete modules perform functions commonly assigned to conventional integrated operational amplifiers.
Marantz combines this circuitry with separate rectifier sections for analogue and digital circuits, dual clocks for the 44.1kHz and 48kHz sampling families and a toroidal power transformer.
Fixed and Variable Analogue Outputs
The fixed stereo RCA output is intended for connection to an integrated amplifier or preamplifier. Its level is controlled by the connected amplifier rather than the SACD 30n.
A separate variable RCA output provides remote-controlled volume. It can be connected directly to a suitable power amplifier or pair of active speakers, allowing the SACD 30n to operate as a digital source and volume controller.
The variable-output circuit can be switched off when it is not required. Marantz also provides a configurable maximum-volume limit to help reduce the risk of an unexpectedly high output level.
Use the Correct Output
Never connect the fixed-level output directly to a power amplifier unless another suitable volume control is present. The fixed output does not respond to the SACD 30n’s volume setting and could produce an extremely high playback level.
Use the variable output when connecting directly to a power amplifier or active speakers, confirm that Variable Out is enabled and begin with the volume set low.
Headphone Amplifier
The front-panel headphone output uses dedicated Marantz HDAM-SA2 circuitry. Low, Mid and High gain options allow the output to be adjusted for headphones with different impedance and sensitivity requirements.
Output is rated at 50mW into 32 ohms. The headphone amplifier is disabled when headphones are not connected, helping prevent its circuitry from operating unnecessarily during loudspeaker playback.
Explore Audio T’s range of headphones, or arrange a demonstration using the models being considered.
Designed to Partner the Marantz MODEL 30
The Marantz MODEL 30 integrated amplifier is the SACD 30n’s matching amplifier. The two products share complementary styling, finish options and system-control functions.
The MODEL 30 provides 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms and includes both moving-magnet and moving-coil phono facilities, allowing a system to combine the SACD 30n’s digital capabilities with vinyl playback and conventional analogue sources.
The SACD 30n can also be used with other suitable stereo amplifiers. An Audio T demonstration can establish whether its fixed output, variable output or digital outputs provide the best integration with the chosen system.
System Matching and Demonstration
The number of available connection routes means setup choices can materially affect how the SACD 30n is used. A conventional integrated amplifier, separate power amplifier, active speakers and external DAC will each require a different approach.
Audio T can compare disc playback with streaming, demonstrate the two filters, configure HEOS and Roon, and help decide between Wi-Fi and Ethernet. We can also advise on equipment support, digital and analogue cables, computer-audio setup and suitable amplification.
Why Buy from Audio T?
The SACD 30n is a highly configurable digital source. Buying through Audio T gives you access to specialists who can demonstrate its different roles and ensure it is set up correctly within the complete system.
- Independent advice from experienced hi-fi specialists
- In-store demonstrations with suitable amplifiers and speakers
- Comparison of CD, SACD, streaming and computer-audio playback
- Help configuring HEOS, Roon, AirPlay 2 and network storage
- Advice on fixed, variable, optical, coaxial and USB connections
- Headphone and headphone-amplifier matching guidance
- Installation, home visits and home-loan options where available
- Part-exchange options for suitable existing equipment
- Ongoing support from your local Audio T store
Find your nearest Audio T store to discuss the Marantz SACD 30n, arrange a demonstration or get help integrating it into your system.