The number 1 in classical music and hi-fi. It is a benchmark in the field of classical music and hi-fi, as well as the distinction it awards to the best devices each year
EISA Awards: Award-Winning Product
Each year, dozens of European journalists gather to select the best electronic products of the year. Awarded by a diverse and impartial jury, the EISA (Expert Imaging and Sound Association) awards recognize exceptional products for their performance, design, or ergonomics.
Overview
The Marantz Model 30 marks a return to the brand’s roots with a fully analog integrated stereo amplifier. Delivering 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms, this unit relies on proprietary HDAM technology and a class D design to provide precise amplification. Its design pays tribute to Marantz’s iconic creations from the 1950s to the 1970s while incorporating modern technical solutions.
Technical Design and Internal Architecture
The Model 30 physically separates the preamplifier and power amplifier sections within the same chassis to reduce interference. The amplifier is built around Hypex Ncore NC500 OEM modules combined with Marantz’s HDAM SA3 and SA2 circuits. These hyper-dynamic modules use individually selected discrete components rather than standard integrated circuits.
A notable technical feature is the dual power supply: a dedicated toroidal transformer powers only the preamplifier section, protected by double steel shielding. The power amplifier section uses a switching power supply architecture designed to instantly deliver the current required by the speakers.
Design and User Ergonomics
The slightly curved front panel stands out with its modern textured pattern and central circular display, evoking Marantz’s vintage designs. The front controls favor direct operation, with dedicated knobs for source selection, volume adjustment, tone controls, and balance.
The solid aluminum chassis, weighing 14.8 kg, reflects meticulous construction. The double aluminum base and extruded heat sinks contribute to mechanical rigidity and effective heat dissipation. The SPKT-100+ speaker terminals accept thick cables, spade connectors, and banana plugs.
Built-in Technologies and Sound Performance
The technical core lies in the HDAM (Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Module) technology, available in SA3 and SA2 versions. These proprietary modules use a discrete approach with dozens of independent components chosen for their specific sonic characteristics.
Class D amplification delivers 100 watts into 8 ohms and doubles this output into 4 ohms. The high damping factor of 500 ensures precise speaker control. The phono preamplifier features Marantz Musical Premium equalization, optimized for phono cartridges with sensitivities covering both MM (2.3 mV) and MC (250 µV) types.
Connectivity and Practical Use
The fully analog approach is reflected in a connectivity panel made up exclusively of RCA inputs and outputs. Five unbalanced inputs allow connection of various sources, complemented by a dedicated phono input. A recording output makes it easy to copy to an external recorder.
The Power Amp Direct In and Pre-out connections offer valuable flexibility. The direct input allows the Model 30 to be used as a power amplifier with an external processor, while the preamplifier output enables connection to an external power amplifier.
Hyper Dynamic Amplification Module (HDAM) versions SA3 and SA2
Selected high-end audio components
Schottky diodes
Toroidal transformer with switching power supply
Marantz Musical Premium phono preamplifier
Audio Performance
Output power: 100 W (8 Ω RMS), 200 W (4 Ω RMS)
Damping factor: 500
Frequency response: 5 Hz – 50 kHz
Total harmonic distortion: 0.005%
Number of channels: 2
Bass, mid, and treble controls
Linear volume control
Input Sensitivity and Signal-to-Noise Ratio
High level: 220 mV / 13 kΩ
Signal-to-noise ratio: 107 dB (2 V input / nominal output)
Moving Magnet (MM): 2.3 mV / 39 kΩ
Signal-to-noise ratio: 88 dB
Moving Coil (MC): 250 µV
Signal-to-noise ratio: 75 dB
Balanced high level: no
Connectivity
5 unbalanced RCA inputs
1 MM/MC phono input
1 recording output
1 preamplifier output
1 direct power amplifier input
Marantz SPKT-100+ speaker terminals
6.35 mm headphone output (front panel)
Power Consumption and Dimensions
Power consumption:
Normal standby: 0.2 W
Eco standby: 0.2 W
Operating: 130 W
Device dimensions: 443 × 431 × 130 mm
Packaging dimensions: 534 × 522 × 255 mm
Device weight: 14.8 kg
Packaged weight: 17.6 kg
Accessories and Features
Auto power off
Detachable power cable
RC002PMND remote control
Frequently Asked Questions
What speakers can the Model 30 drive with its 100 watts per channel?
+
The 100 watts into 8 ohms and 200 watts into 4 ohms output allows it to drive most compact and floorstanding speakers on the market. The damping factor of 500 ensures good control even with demanding loads.
Does the Model 30 have digital connections?
+
No, the Model 30 takes a fully analog approach with no digital inputs whatsoever. This deliberate design avoids interference from digital circuits on analog audio signals.
Can the Model 30 be used with a home theater processor?
+
Yes, the Power Amp Direct In input allows you to use only the amplification section of the Model 30. Simply connect the processor’s outputs to this input to enjoy Marantz amplification in a multichannel setup.
What is the difference between the MM and MC modes of the phono preamplifier?
+
The MM mode is suitable for moving magnet cartridges with a sensitivity of 2.3 mV, while the MC mode is designed for moving coil cartridges requiring only 250 µV. Three gain levels are available in MC mode to accommodate different cartridges.
User reviews
Alexandre
Very good amplifier paired with the SACD 30, with a great power reserve. The Phono input is exceptional, thank you Marantz. The pairing of this amplifier with my Audio Monitor Silver 500 speakers is perfect. You can hear every detail of the instruments and vocals, with well-present bass. A very beautiful, well-balanced setup with a value for money of 5/5, I recommend it.
Comment from May 08, 2026 — Experience from April 27, 2026
Automatically translated — Show original (French)
Très bon ampli associé au SACD 30 avec une belle réserve de puissance.
L'entrée Phono est exceptionnelle, merci Marantz.
Le mariage de cet ampli avec mes enceintes Audio Monitor Silver 500 est parfait.
On entend tout le détail des instruments, des voix avec des basses biens présentes.
Un très bel ensemble bien équilibré avec un rapport qualité prix 5/5, je recommande.
Gauthier
The Marantz Model 30 offers a very detailed sound experience, with precise and musical reproduction. It remains clean, quiet, and perfectly controlled, even as the volume increases, which gives a real sense of mastery and stability. Its elegant and refined look completes the package, making it an amp that’s as pleasant to listen to as it is to look at.
Comment from February 26, 2026 — Experience from January 22, 2026
Automatically translated — Show original (French)
Le Marantz Model 30 offre une expérience sonore très détaillée, avec une restitution précise et musicale. Il reste propre, silencieux et parfaitement contrôlé, même lorsque le volume augmente, ce qui donne une vraie sensation de maîtrise et de stabilité. Son look élégant et soigné complète l’ensemble, en faisant un ampli aussi agréable à écouter qu’à regarder.
Benjamin
An amplifier made in Japan, of incredible quality. It has been driving the 702S3 perfectly for almost two years. I visited many showrooms to make my choice—no regrets. It’s so musical and precise.
Comment from November 12, 2025 — Experience from July 10, 2023
Automatically translated — Show original (French)
Un amplificateur made in Japan, d'une qualité inouïe. Il pilote parfaitement les 702S3 depuis bientôt deux ans. J'ai parcouru de nombreux auditorium pour faire mon choix, aucun regret. Il est tellement musical et précis.
To better understand our visitors, measure marketing effectiveness and personalise ads, we and our partners use cookies and mobile advertising identifiers on your device. This data makes it possible to display personalised and non-personalised ads and measure their performance. Some cookies, which are technically necessary, are exempt from consent. You can accept those that require your consent, refuse them by clicking "Refuse", or customise your choices via the settings screen.
To find out how Google uses the data collected once you have given your consent, see Google’s Business Data Responsibility site.
You can change or withdraw your consent at any time via the "Consent and cookies" link. Your choices will apply on our site for 12 months.
