Audio T Verdict
The Marantz CD 60 is a dedicated CD player for listeners who want to keep physical music at the heart of their system. It avoids the networking, apps and television connections found on more multifunctional digital products, concentrating instead on CD playback, high-resolution music from USB storage and a carefully developed analogue output stage.
Standard CDs and compatible CD-R/RW discs are supported, including data discs containing MP3 or WMA files. A front USB-A connection extends playback to formats including FLAC, WAV, AIFF, ALAC and DSD, giving the player a useful role for downloaded and archived music as well as physical discs.
Marantz combines its selectable digital filtering with newly optimised HDAM and HDAM-SA2 circuitry. The components are arranged symmetrically with a more direct signal path, while the fixed gold-plated RCA output provides a conventional connection to an integrated amplifier or preamplifier.
Optical and coaxial digital outputs allow the CD 60 to serve as a CD transport with a compatible external DAC. A front headphone output with three gain settings also provides a straightforward route to private listening without requiring a separate headphone amplifier.
The limitations are equally clear. The CD 60 does not play SACD, stream music over a network, receive Bluetooth audio or operate as a USB DAC for a computer. If those functions are unnecessary, its focused design and substantial 7.5kg construction make it an appealing choice for rediscovering a CD collection.
The Marantz CD 60 is a full-width premium CD player designed around physical disc playback, high-resolution files stored on USB media and high-quality analogue conversion.
It can be connected to any suitable line-level input using its fixed stereo RCA output. Optical and coaxial digital outputs are also provided for systems built around a separate DAC or an amplifier with compatible digital inputs.
A Focused CD Player
The CD 60 has no HEOS, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, HDMI or digital inputs. Its front USB connection is for compatible storage devices and cannot be connected directly to a Windows PC or Mac as a USB DAC. It also does not play SACD discs.
CD and High-Resolution USB Playback
CD and CD-R/RW Support
The CD 60 plays commercially produced audio CDs and compatible CD-R/RW discs. Data discs containing supported MP3 and WMA music files can also be played.
Playback controls are available from both the front panel and supplied remote, including play, pause, stop, track selection, fast search, repeat and random playback.
Front USB-A Connection
A front USB-A port allows music stored on a compatible FAT16 or FAT32 USB device to be played through the CD 60’s internal digital and analogue circuitry.
Supported formats include MP3, WMA, AAC, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, ALAC and DSD. This makes the player useful for downloaded high-resolution music as well as conventional CDs.
24-Bit/192kHz PCM Playback
FLAC, WAV and AIFF files can be played at resolutions up to 24-bit/192kHz. Apple Lossless files are supported up to 24-bit/96kHz, while MP3, WMA and AAC cover common compressed formats.
USB playback is controlled from the front panel or remote, with the display providing file, artist and album information when compatible metadata is available.
DSD 5.6MHz Support
The CD 60 supports native playback of compatible DSD files at 2.8 and 5.6MHz from USB storage. DSD support applies to music files rather than SACD discs.
The optical and coaxial digital outputs are disabled during DSD playback, so DSD files are converted internally and heard through the analogue or headphone outputs.
Marantz Digital and Analogue Engineering
Optimised HDAM Circuitry
Marantz uses its discrete HDAM and HDAM-SA2 modules within the CD 60’s analogue circuitry. These proprietary modules replace conventional integrated operational amplifiers at important points in the signal path.
For the CD 60, Marantz arranged the components symmetrically on the audio board and shortened the signal path. This helps preserve the integrity of the converted analogue signal before it reaches the output connections.
Sound Master Tuning
The final circuit design and component selection were evaluated by the Marantz Sound Master team. This process considers how the player performs as a complete component rather than relying only on the published specification of its individual parts.
The result is intended to provide a balanced and engaging presentation from both CDs and high-resolution USB files.
Two Selectable Digital Filters
Two digital filter settings allow the conversion response to be adjusted. Filter 1 uses a gentler roll-off characteristic, while Filter 2 applies a sharper roll-off.
Neither setting is universally correct. Their effect will depend on the recording, amplifier, loudspeakers and personal preference, so it is worth comparing both within the complete system.
Dedicated Power Supply
The CD 60 uses an EI-core power transformer and separate power-supply arrangements for its internal circuits. Carefully selected components support the transport, digital conversion and analogue output stages.
Its 7.5kg construction and aluminium centre panel also provide a more substantial physical platform than a compact or lightweight disc player.
Analogue, Digital and Headphone Outputs
Fixed Gold-Plated RCA Output
The fixed stereo RCA output connects the CD 60 to a line-level input on an integrated amplifier, preamplifier, receiver or compatible active speaker system.
Listening volume is controlled by the connected amplifier. The CD 60 does not provide a variable analogue output and cannot act as a preamplifier for a conventional power amplifier.
Optical and Coaxial Digital Outputs
Optical and coaxial outputs allow compatible CD and PCM material to be sent digitally to an external DAC or an amplifier with digital inputs.
This gives the CD 60 continuing flexibility if the system’s digital conversion is changed later. Browse DACs and digital-to-analogue converters available from Audio T.
Adjustable Headphone Output
The front headphone connection uses a high-slew-rate operational amplifier and HDAM-SA2 circuitry. Low, mid and high gain settings help accommodate headphones with different sensitivity and impedance requirements.
The headphone circuit can be switched off when it is not required. Explore Audio T’s range of headphones for home listening.
Marantz System Control
RC-5 remote-control connections allow the CD 60 to communicate with compatible Marantz components. The supplied system remote can operate the CD player and supported Marantz amplification.
The display provides bright, dim, dark and off settings, while last-function memory and selectable auto-standby operation support everyday use.
Choosing the Right Marantz CD Player
The Marantz CD6007 provides a more affordable route to CD and high-resolution USB playback. The CD 60 offers a larger, more substantial enclosure, updated circuitry and the design language used by Marantz’s current full-width components.
If you want CD playback combined with HEOS streaming, HDMI ARC, digital inputs, computer USB DAC operation and variable analogue outputs, consider the Marantz CD 50n.
Listeners with Super Audio CDs will need an SACD-compatible player such as the Marantz SACD 30n. The CD 60’s DSD file compatibility does not allow it to read SACD discs.
Browse the complete Marantz range at Audio T or compare more CD and SACD players.
Amplifier Matching and System Setup
The CD 60 can be connected to any suitable line input on an integrated amplifier or preamplifier. Its styling is designed to complement current Marantz electronics, including the Marantz MODEL 40n streaming amplifier.
For a more affordable matching Marantz system, the Marantz PM6007 integrated amplifier provides both analogue and digital connection options. An in-store comparison can help establish whether the CD 60 sounds best through its own analogue output or through the amplifier’s digital input.
You can also read Audio T’s store article, CDs Are Back in Fashion: Three Marantz Players to Consider, for a practical look at the CD 60 and other Marantz disc players.
Why Buy from Audio T?
A CD player should be judged as part of the complete system. Amplifier matching, connection choice and comparison with other players can all influence which option provides the most worthwhile result.
- Independent advice from experienced hi-fi specialists
- In-store demonstrations using familiar CDs and suitable systems
- Direct comparisons with other Marantz and third-party CD players
- Help comparing the analogue and digital output connections
- Advice on amplifiers, DACs, headphones and system matching
- Guidance with USB file formats and playback
- Home demonstration and equipment 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 CD 60, arrange a demonstration or compare it with other CD players in a properly matched system.