Audio T Verdict
The Marantz CD 70 is a dedicated CD player designed for listeners who have no intention of abandoning the music collection they have spent years building.
It replaces the long-running CD6007 as the entry point to Marantz's current range, but its updated internal design goes well beyond a change of appearance. A new-generation 32-bit current-output DAC allows Marantz to use its own external current-to-voltage conversion and analogue filtering circuits, built around proprietary HDAM and HDAM-SA2 modules.
Separate low-phase-noise clocks are provided for CD playback and the two principal families of USB sample rates. The analogue output circuits use a symmetrical layout, while separate power-supply arrangements help prevent the disc mechanism, display and digital sections from unnecessarily influencing the audio stage.
The front USB-A connection extends the CD 70 beyond physical discs, supporting PCM files up to 24-bit/192kHz and DSD up to 5.6MHz from compatible storage. A dedicated headphone amplifier with low, medium and high gain also makes the player useful for personal listening without requiring an additional headphone component.
It is important to understand what the CD 70 does not provide. It cannot play SACDs, it has no network streaming platform and it cannot accept digital audio from a television, computer or separate streamer. Its optical and coaxial connections are outputs rather than inputs.
For customers looking for a straightforward, well-made CD player with useful USB playback and a proper headphone stage, the CD 70 offers a sensible modern replacement for the CD6007 without trying to turn itself into a complete streaming system.
Marantz CD 70 CD Player with High-Resolution USB Playback
The Marantz CD 70 combines a precision disc mechanism, high-performance digital-to-analogue conversion, a fully discrete analogue output stage and high-resolution USB file playback within one full-width Hi-Fi component.
It plays standard audio CDs together with compatible CD-R and CD-RW discs. MP3 and WMA files recorded to compatible data discs can also be played.
A front USB-A input provides access to music stored on a compatible USB memory device, including FLAC, WAV, AIFF, Apple Lossless and DSD files.
The supplied remote handset controls the CD player and can also operate compatible Marantz amplifiers.
A Separate Amplifier Is Required
The CD 70 is a source component rather than a complete music system.
Its rear analogue outputs must be connected to an integrated amplifier, pre-amplifier, receiver or suitable pair of active loudspeakers.
- No speaker-level power amplification
- No loudspeaker terminals
- No variable rear analogue output
- No network music streaming
- No Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection
- No Bluetooth connection
- No digital audio inputs
- No SACD playback
Precision CD Playback
The CD 70 uses a dedicated Marantz audio disc mechanism developed for stable and accurate CD playback.
The transport reads conventional 12cm and 8cm discs, with smaller 8cm discs placed directly into the inner tray guide without an adaptor.
Standard playback functions include track selection, pause, fast search, repeat, random playback and programmed playback of up to 25 tracks.
The front-panel display shows track numbers, elapsed time, remaining time and the selected playback mode.
Compatible Disc Formats
The CD 70 supports several types of physical disc:
- Standard Red Book audio CDs
- Compatible recordable CD-R discs
- Compatible rewritable CD-RW discs
- MP3 files recorded to CD-R or CD-RW
- WMA files recorded to CD-R or CD-RW
No SACD Playback
Despite being listed alongside Marantz's CD and SACD players, the CD 70 does not play Super Audio CD discs.
Customers with a significant SACD collection should consider a compatible Marantz SACD player instead.
New-Generation 32-Bit DAC
The CD 70 uses a new-generation 32-bit digital-to-analogue converter selected and tuned by Marantz's sound engineers.
The current-output DAC allows Marantz to design the following current-to-voltage conversion, low-pass filtering and output-buffer stages around its own discrete analogue circuits.
This provides greater control over the complete conversion process than relying entirely on the standard output circuitry contained within a DAC chip.
The DAC is used for both physical CD playback and compatible music files played through the front USB input.
Dedicated Low-Phase-Noise Clocks
Digital audio depends on accurate timing. Variations in that timing are commonly described as jitter and can affect the conversion process.
The CD 70 uses three dedicated low-phase-noise crystal oscillators:
- A 16.9344MHz clock for 44.1kHz-based CD playback
- A dedicated clock for the 44.1kHz sample-rate family through USB
- A dedicated clock for the 48kHz sample-rate family through USB
The appropriate clock is selected according to the source and sample rate being played.
Two Selectable Digital Filters
Two digital-filter settings allow the presentation of compatible PCM material to be adjusted.
Filter 1
Filter 1 uses short pre-ringing and post-ringing characteristics. Marantz describes it as providing an accurately defined soundstage with a smooth tonal balance.
Filter 2
Filter 2 uses very short pre-ringing followed by a longer post-ringing response. It provides a neutral balance with a slightly brighter character than Filter 1.
The difference between digital filters is normally subtle. Compare them using familiar music and select the setting that works best with the amplifier, loudspeakers and room.
Digital Filters Do Not Add EQ
The filters change how the DAC reconstructs PCM signals around the sampling process.
They are not conventional bass and treble controls and will not correct major system-matching or room-acoustic problems.
Marantz HDAM and HDAM-SA2 Circuitry
The analogue stage following the DAC uses Marantz's proprietary Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Modules.
HDAM and HDAM-SA2 circuits are built from discrete components rather than relying solely on conventional integrated operational amplifiers.
The current-to-voltage conversion, low-pass filter and output-buffer stages have therefore been tuned as part of the complete CD 70 design.
Marantz uses selected audio-grade capacitors, film capacitors, precision resistors and model-specific components throughout the analogue section.
Symmetrical Analogue Layout
The left and right analogue output circuits are positioned symmetrically on the internal board.
Equal-length and parallel signal paths help maintain consistent behaviour between the two channels.
This arrangement is intended to support channel separation, image stability and a properly proportioned stereo soundstage.
Separate Power-Supply Sections
The CD 70 uses separate rectification, smoothing and regulation arrangements for its principal functional sections.
The analogue audio circuitry, digital processing, disc-mechanism motor, display and standby circuits are supplied separately to reduce interaction between them.
The analogue supply uses two custom 2,200-microfarad block capacitors selected through repeated testing and listening.
A toroidal power transformer provides the main internal supply.
Strengthened Chassis
An additional internal metal plate reinforces the chassis and provides a more stable foundation for the disc mechanism, power supply and audio circuits.
The front panel is metal, while high-density ribbed feet support the enclosure and help reduce unwanted movement.
The CD 70 weighs 6.5kg, giving it a more substantial construction than a lightweight mass-market disc player.
High-Resolution USB-A Playback
The front USB-A input allows music stored on a compatible flash drive or externally powered USB storage device to be played without using a computer or network streamer.
Compatible PCM files are supported at resolutions up to 24-bit/192kHz, while DSD files can be played at 2.8MHz and 5.6MHz.
Supported formats include:
- WAV
- FLAC
- AIFF
- Apple Lossless
- DSD in DSF or DFF form
- MP3
- WMA
- AAC
USB Storage Requirements
Compatible USB storage must use FAT16 or FAT32 formatting.
Copyright-protected music files cannot be played. Compatibility can also depend on the storage device, folder structure, file metadata and power requirements.
A portable USB hard drive that can use its own mains adaptor should normally be externally powered rather than relying entirely on the CD 70's USB connection.
The USB Socket Is Not a Computer Input
The front USB-A connection is designed for compatible storage devices.
It is not a USB-B DAC input and cannot receive direct USB audio from a Windows computer, Mac or dedicated streaming transport.
PCM File Support
WAV, FLAC and AIFF files are supported at sample rates from 32kHz to 192kHz with 16-bit or 24-bit resolution.
Apple Lossless files are supported at sample rates from 32kHz to 96kHz with 16-bit or 24-bit resolution.
MP3, WMA and AAC files are supported at standard sample rates up to 48kHz and compatible bitrates up to 320kbps.
DSD File Support
The CD 70 supports compatible DSD files at 2.8MHz and 5.6MHz through the front USB connection.
Supported file extensions include DSF and DFF.
When a DSD file is playing, the optical and coaxial digital outputs are disabled. The music is available through the analogue outputs and headphone connection.
Fixed Analogue RCA Output
A pair of gold-plated RCA sockets provides a fixed stereo analogue output.
The specified output level is 2.2V RMS at 0dBFS, which is suitable for conventional line-level inputs on an integrated amplifier, pre-amplifier or receiver.
The amplifier should control the listening volume.
The Rear Output Is Not Variable
The rear RCA output cannot safely control a power amplifier or active loudspeakers by itself.
Connect it to equipment with its own suitable volume control. The front headphone-volume control affects only the headphone output.
Optical and Coaxial Digital Outputs
Optical and coaxial digital outputs allow the CD 70 to operate as a CD transport with a compatible external DAC, digital amplifier or receiver.
The coaxial output uses a gold-plated RCA socket.
The digital output can be switched off when the analogue outputs are being used. This disables unnecessary digital-output circuitry and may reduce electrical activity within the player.
These Are Outputs, Not Inputs
The CD 70 cannot be used as an external DAC for a television, streamer, games console or separate transport.
It provides no optical or coaxial digital inputs.
Dedicated Headphone Amplifier
The front headphone output uses an HDAM-SA2 buffer and a dedicated amplification circuit.
Three selectable gain settings allow the output to be matched more appropriately to headphones with different impedances and sensitivities.
Low Gain
Low gain is intended for sensitive and easier-to-drive headphones. It provides the widest usable range from the headphone-volume control where only modest output is required.
Medium Gain
Medium gain provides additional output for headphones requiring more level without using the highest setting.
High Gain
High gain provides the greatest available output for more demanding headphones.
The headphone amplifier is automatically powered down when no headphones are connected, helping reduce unnecessary interaction with the main analogue circuits.
Headphone Output Power
Into a 32-ohm load, Marantz specifies:
- 16mW in low-gain mode
- 130mW in medium-gain mode
- 163mW in high-gain mode
Impedance alone does not determine headphone suitability. Sensitivity and the required listening level should also be considered.
Reduce the Volume Before Changing Headphones
Different headphones can produce very different sound levels from the same volume setting.
Reduce the headphone level before connecting a new pair or changing the gain setting.
Remote Control and Marantz System Operation
The supplied RC006PMCD remote controls disc playback, USB playback, programmed tracks, repeat, random operation, display brightness, digital-output switching and the two digital filters.
It can also operate compatible Marantz amplifiers after selecting the amplifier-control mode.
A supplied remote-connection cable allows the CD 70 to work with compatible Marantz amplifier control systems.
Power-On Synchronisation
When connected to a compatible Marantz amplifier through the remote-control bus, switching on the CD 70 can also switch on the amplifier and select its CD input.
This helps the two components behave more like a coordinated system while retaining separate player and amplifier enclosures.
The exact operation depends on the connected Marantz amplifier and its control settings.
Display and Playback Controls
The front display provides track, time, folder and playback information.
Four display-brightness settings are available, including display off for darkened listening rooms.
Essential controls remain available from the front panel, including power, disc-tray operation, play and pause, stop, input selection and track navigation.
Automatic Standby
The CD 70 can enter standby automatically after an extended period without playback or operation.
Standby consumption is specified at 0.3W.
The automatic standby function can be adjusted where the player is being used with an external timer or within a particular system-control arrangement.
CD 70 or CD6007?
Marantz CD6007
- Previous entry-level Marantz CD player
- CD, CD-R and CD-RW playback
- High-resolution USB playback
- Two selectable digital filters
- HDAM-SA2 headphone amplifier
- Established and widely used design
Marantz CD 70
- Current replacement for the CD6007
- New-generation current-output 32-bit DAC
- Updated Marantz industrial design
- Three dedicated low-phase-noise clocks
- HDAM and HDAM-SA2 discrete analogue stage
- High-resolution USB and three-stage headphone gain
CD 70 or CD 60?
Choose the CD 70 When
- You want the current entry point to Marantz CD playback
- CD and USB file playback cover your requirements
- A dedicated headphone amplifier is important
- You prefer the shallower and lower enclosure
- You do not require network streaming or digital inputs
Consider the CD 60 When
- You want the more substantial step-up Marantz player
- A larger and heavier enclosure suits the system
- You want to compare the two analogue output stages directly
- The wider system can reveal improvements from the source
- You are building a system around a higher-level amplifier and loudspeakers
Compare the CD 70 with the Marantz CD 60 CD player or the outgoing Marantz CD6007.
CD 70 or CD 50n?
Choose the CD 70 When
- CD playback is the principal requirement
- You want a straightforward non-networked source
- USB storage playback is sufficient
- You do not require HDMI ARC
- You already own a separate streamer
- You prefer fewer software-dependent features
Choose the CD 50n When
- You want CD and network streaming in one component
- HEOS music services and multiroom playback are required
- You need HDMI ARC for television sound
- You require external digital inputs
- You want fixed and variable analogue output options
- You want one digital source to control a wider system
The Marantz CD 50n combines disc playback with HEOS network streaming and broader system connectivity.
System Matching
Well Suited To
- Integrated amplifiers with analogue RCA inputs
- Marantz MODEL series amplifiers
- Systems with a substantial existing CD collection
- Listeners using high-resolution files on USB storage
- Headphone listening from physical discs and USB files
- External DACs using optical or coaxial input
- Customers who prefer a non-networked source component
Check Before Buying
- No SACD playback
- No network streaming platform
- No Bluetooth, Ethernet or Wi-Fi
- No optical or coaxial digital inputs
- No USB-B computer-audio input
- Rear analogue output is fixed level
- USB storage must be suitably formatted
- A separate amplifier is required for loudspeakers
Connection Guidance
- Connect the RCA line output to a suitable line-level amplifier input.
- Do not connect the player to an amplifier's phono input.
- Use the amplifier to control loudspeaker volume.
- Use optical or coaxial output when connecting an external DAC.
- Use a correctly specified 75-ohm cable for the coaxial digital output.
- Switch off the digital output when using only the analogue connection if preferred.
- Use FAT16 or FAT32 storage for compatible front USB playback.
- Use an externally powered USB hard drive where its power requirements are uncertain.
- Reduce the headphone volume before connecting headphones.
- Begin with low headphone gain and increase it only when required.
- Use the supplied remote cable with a compatible Marantz amplifier.
- Allow sufficient space for the disc tray and rear cables.
- Place the player on a rigid and level equipment shelf.
Finish Options
Black
The black finish provides an understated appearance that works particularly well with black Marantz amplifiers and other dark Hi-Fi components.
Silver-Gold
The traditional Marantz Silver-Gold finish provides a lighter alternative while retaining the same metal front panel and distinctive styling.
Finish availability may vary. Confirm the required colour when ordering.
Marantz Products and Audio T CD Guides
These Audio T links provide useful comparisons and further information about CD players, amplifiers and suitable system partners.
Key Features
- Dedicated high-performance CD player
- Current replacement for the Marantz CD6007
- Standard audio CD playback
- CD-R and CD-RW compatibility
- MP3 and WMA data-disc playback
- Precision Marantz disc mechanism
- New-generation current-output 32-bit DAC
- Marantz-tuned current-to-voltage conversion
- HDAM discrete analogue circuitry
- HDAM-SA2 output-buffer circuitry
- Symmetrical left and right analogue layout
- Three low-phase-noise digital clocks
- Dedicated CD clock
- Dedicated USB 44.1kHz-family clock
- Dedicated USB 48kHz-family clock
- Two selectable PCM digital filters
- Separate power-supply arrangements
- Toroidal power transformer
- Two custom 2,200-microfarad block capacitors
- Selected audio-grade components
- Strengthened internal chassis plate
- High-density ribbed feet
- Front USB-A storage playback
- PCM playback up to 24-bit/192kHz
- DSD playback at 2.8MHz and 5.6MHz
- WAV file support
- FLAC file support
- AIFF file support
- Apple Lossless support
- MP3, WMA and AAC USB playback
- Gold-plated stereo RCA outputs
- 2.2V RMS fixed analogue output
- Optical digital output
- Gold-plated coaxial digital output
- Switchable digital output
- Dedicated headphone amplifier
- HDAM-SA2 headphone buffer
- Low, medium and high headphone gain
- Front headphone-volume control
- Automatic headphone-circuit power-down
- VFD information display
- Four display-brightness settings
- Repeat playback
- Random playback
- 25-track programmed playback
- Marantz remote-control bus
- Power-on synchronisation with compatible amplifiers
- Supplied system remote control
- Automatic standby
- Detachable mains cable
- Black and Silver-Gold finish options
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Marantz CD 70?
It is a dedicated CD player with high-resolution USB storage playback, fixed analogue outputs, digital outputs and a headphone amplifier.
Which Marantz player does it replace?
The CD 70 is the current replacement for the Marantz CD6007.
Does it play standard CDs?
Yes. It plays conventional Red Book audio CDs.
Does it play CD-R and CD-RW discs?
Yes, subject to the disc, recording method and finalisation being compatible.
Can it play music files recorded to a CD?
Compatible MP3 and WMA files recorded to CD-R or CD-RW can be played.
Does it play SACDs?
No. The CD 70 is not a Super Audio CD player.
Does it have an internal DAC?
Yes. It uses a new-generation 32-bit current-output DAC with Marantz-designed conversion and analogue output circuitry.
Can it be used as a DAC for another source?
No. It does not provide optical, coaxial or USB-B digital audio inputs.
Does it have a USB input?
Yes. The front USB-A connection plays compatible music stored on a USB memory device.
Can I connect a computer to the USB socket?
Not for direct USB audio. The connection is intended for compatible USB storage rather than computer playback.
What is the maximum PCM resolution?
Compatible WAV, FLAC and AIFF files are supported up to 24-bit/192kHz.
Does it support Apple Lossless?
Yes. Compatible Apple Lossless files are supported up to 24-bit/96kHz.
Does it play DSD?
Yes. Compatible DSF and DFF files are supported at 2.8MHz and 5.6MHz through USB storage.
What happens to the digital outputs during DSD playback?
The optical and coaxial outputs are disabled while a DSD file is playing.
Does it stream Spotify, TIDAL or Qobuz?
No. A separate streamer or a Marantz network player such as the CD 50n is required.
Does it have Wi-Fi or Ethernet?
No.
Does it support Bluetooth?
No.
Does it have analogue outputs?
Yes. A pair of fixed-level gold-plated RCA outputs is provided.
What is the analogue output level?
The specified fixed output is 2.2V RMS.
Can it connect directly to a power amplifier?
No. The rear output is fixed level and requires a pre-amplifier or another safe method of controlling volume.
Can it connect directly to active loudspeakers?
Only when the active loudspeakers provide their own suitable volume control. The CD 70 cannot control the rear output level.
Does it have digital outputs?
Yes. Optical and coaxial outputs allow connection to a compatible external DAC or digital amplifier.
Can the digital output be switched off?
Yes.
Does it have selectable digital filters?
Yes. Two filter settings are available for compatible PCM playback.
Does it have a headphone amplifier?
Yes. A dedicated front headphone output uses HDAM-SA2 circuitry.
Does the headphone amplifier have adjustable gain?
Yes. Low, medium and high gain settings are available.
Does the headphone-volume control affect the rear outputs?
No. It controls only the front headphone output.
Can the remote operate a Marantz amplifier?
Yes. The supplied remote includes a separate amplifier-control mode for compatible Marantz products.
Can it switch on a matching Marantz amplifier?
Compatible models can use the supplied remote-control connection for coordinated power-on and CD input selection.
Which USB formatting systems are supported?
Compatible USB storage should use FAT16 or FAT32 formatting.
Which finishes are available?
The CD 70 is available in Black and Silver-Gold, subject to stock and regional availability.
What are its dimensions?
It measures 442mm wide, 109mm high and 351mm deep.
How much does it weigh?
Its net weight is 6.5kg.
Should I choose the CD 70 or CD 60?
The CD 70 is the current entry point to Marantz's dedicated CD player range. The CD 60 is the more substantial step-up model and should be compared where the rest of the system can justify the additional investment.
Should I choose the CD 70 or CD 50n?
Choose the CD 70 for straightforward CD and USB playback. Choose the CD 50n when network streaming, HEOS, HDMI ARC and additional digital connections are required.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Demonstrations with suitable Marantz and third-party amplifiers
- Direct comparison with other dedicated CD players
- Advice choosing between the CD 70, CD 60 and CD 50n
- Amplifier and loudspeaker system matching
- Analogue RCA connection guidance
- Optical and coaxial digital-output setup
- External DAC matching
- USB storage and file-format assistance
- Headphone demonstrations and gain-setting advice
- Marantz remote-control system setup
- Equipment-rack and cable-placement advice
- Home demonstrations may be available
- Part exchange may be available on suitable existing equipment
- Ongoing setup and system support
Contact your local Audio T store to arrange a demonstration or discuss adding the Marantz CD 70 to your Hi-Fi system.