The Marantz CD60 is a CD player designed to integrate with the Model 40n and Model 30 amplifiers. It uses a specific electronic architecture and proprietary circuits developed by the brand for disc playback.
The CD60 definitively abandons the minimalist approach of its predecessors in favor of a generously sized chassis (442 × 129 × 396 mm) and a weight of 7.5 kg that immediately reflects its uncompromising construction. The brushed aluminum front panel, available in black or “silver-gold” according to Marantz terminology, features a distinctive honeycomb motif that subtly evokes the texture of a golf ball. This visual signature, shared with the Model 30 and 40n amplifiers, creates an illusion of the central panel floating, giving the CD60 a unique visual presence.
The loading tray, concealed behind this sophisticated faceplate, operates with remarkable smoothness and silence. The monochrome LED display and the physical controls, symmetrically arranged on either side of the tray, cultivate a certain nostalgia while remaining perfectly legible and functional. One detail worth noting: the control buttons are not backlit, which can make them harder to use in a dim room — a surprising choice on a device at this level.
The SECC (Steel Electrogalvanized Cold-rolled Coil) chassis ensures exemplary rigidity and effective isolation from parasitic vibrations. The anti-vibration feet complete this mechanical isolation setup, essential for preserving the integrity of the digital signal during disc playback.
At the heart of the CD60, the HDAM (Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Modules) are far more than a mere technical signature of the brand. These proprietary circuits, developed in-house over decades, replace conventional operational amplifiers with discrete designs using carefully selected components. For the CD60, Marantz pushed optimization even further by completely revising the component layout on the audio board.
The symmetrical arrangement of elements and the creation of more direct signal paths enable a noticeable improvement in soundstage over previous generations. The classic HDAM module handles the main analog output stage, while the HDAM-SA2—specifically developed for sensitive audio applications—takes care of the headphone signal amplification. This dual-module architecture ensures optimal channel separation and preserved dynamics, whether you’re listening through your main system or headphones.
The CD60’s power supply deserves special attention. The engineers opted for a high-intensity EI transformer (E- and I-shaped core), paired with fast-switching Schottky diodes. These diodes, prized for their low forward voltage and minimal recovery time, significantly reduce switching noise that could contaminate the audio circuits. The generously sized filtering capacitors, with higher capacitance values than previous models, provide a stable current reserve even during the most demanding musical passages.
ESS Technology’s ES9016K2M DAC sits at the core of the conversion chain. This chip, identical to the one used in the Model 40n amplifier, offers outstanding measured performance: just 0.0005% harmonic distortion when playing USB 24-bit PCM and a signal-to-noise ratio reaching 118 dB. These figures, impressive on paper, translate into tangible sonic transparency and particularly successful resolution of micro-details.
One of the CD60’s strengths lies in its customizable digital filter, accessible directly from the front panel. Filter 1, with a slow roll-off, favors a deep spatial rendering and a sound Marantz describes as “traditional”—meaning warm and enveloping. Filter 2, with a sharp roll-off, delivers a more precise stereo image with tighter, punchier bass. This flexibility lets you tailor the sonic signature to your preferences or the type of music, a feature usually reserved for high-end external DACs.
Frequency response extends from 2 Hz to 20 kHz for standard CDs, but rises to 50 kHz (-3 dB) when playing DSD files via USB. This extension into the extreme treble, while not directly audible, contributes to the sense of air and space that characterizes high-resolution recordings.
While the CD60 excels at its primary function of playing compact discs, it doesn’t stop there. The front USB-A port accepts USB flash drives and external hard drives (5V/1A power provided), turning the player into a true music hub. The list of supported formats is impressive: MP3, WMA, AAC for compressed formats, but more importantly WAV, FLAC, ALAC, and AIFF up to 192 kHz/24-bit, and DSD files (DSF and DFF) up to 5.6 MHz.
This extensive compatibility makes perfect sense given how listening habits have evolved. Many music lovers today combine a collection of physical CDs with a high-resolution digital library. The CD60 lets them enjoy both worlds at the same quality level without multiplying devices.
The integrated headphone amplifier, built around the HDAM-SA2 module, offers three gain levels (Low/Mid/High) to match your headphone’s impedance. With an output power of 28 mW at 32 ohms, it comfortably drives the majority of headphones on the market, from portable models to more demanding studio designs. A welcome detail: this stage can be completely disabled when not in use, eliminating any potential interference with the main signal.
Marantz has deliberately chosen simplicity for the CD60’s connectivity. No digital inputs to use the DAC with other sources, no built-in network streaming—these functions are delegated to amplifiers in the range such as the Model 40n. This purist approach allows focus on the essentials: the quality of CD and USB playback.
Outputs are limited to a pair of gold-plated RCA for analog, complemented by an optical Toslink and a coaxial S/PDIF for digital. The latter can be disabled via the menu, a subtlety that slightly improves analog signal clarity by eliminating unused digital circuits. Wired remote connections (in and out) allow integration into a complete Marantz system, with the possibility of controlling multiple devices from a single remote.
The supplied system-type remote controls not only the CD60 but also compatible Marantz amplifiers. Its ergonomic design and logical key layout make daily use easy, though some users regret the somewhat unintuitive organization of certain functions on the device’s front panel.
The CD60’s positioning within the Marantz range deserves clarification. Contrary to what its designation might suggest, it does not directly replace the CD6007, which remains in the catalog; instead, it slots between that model and the SA-10, creating a new tier in the hierarchy. The differences are substantial and justify the roughly 300-euro price gap between the two models.
First, construction: where the CD6007 uses a standard, more compact chassis (440 × 340 × 105 mm at 6.5 kg), the CD60 makes its presence felt with larger dimensions and more premium materials. The aluminum front, reinforced SECC chassis, and overall assembly exude higher quality. The CD60’s HDAM circuits have been specifically optimized for this model, whereas the CD6007 uses older versions.
The DAC is another notable difference. The CD6007 underwent a forced change during production: initially equipped with an AKM AK4490 chip, it had to migrate to the ESS ES9010K2M after the 2021 AKM factory fire. The CD60, on the other hand, uses the ES9016K2M from the outset, a higher-grade version offering better measured performance. Sonically, the CD60 stands out with increased transparency, better extension at both ends of the spectrum, and more assertive dynamics, whereas the CD6007 favors a softer, warmer sound—sometimes at the expense of definition.
No. Unlike the SA-10 or SACD 30n, the CD60 focuses exclusively on standard CD playback and digital files via USB. Marantz made this choice to optimize costs and offer a high-quality CD player at a more accessible price. SACD enthusiasts should look to the higher models in the range.
Filter 1 (slow roll-off) lets more information through in the very high frequencies, creating a greater sense of space and depth, particularly enjoyable with acoustic recordings and jazz. Filter 2 (sharp roll-off) cuts more steeply beyond 20 kHz, delivering a more precise stereo image and crisper transients—ideal for electronic music or rock. Headphone listening makes these differences particularly noticeable.
No, the CD60 has no digital inputs (USB-B, coaxial, or optical). If you want a versatile external DAC, Marantz offers this functionality on the Model 40n or the SACD 30n. This deliberate limitation allows the CD60 to focus on excellence in CD and USB playback without compromises from multiplying circuits.
No, and this is indeed a weak point noted by many users. In a dimly lit room, it becomes hard to distinguish the controls. Marantz could address this in a future revision. In the meantime, the remote is the most practical way to control the device in the dark.
The manual does not state a theoretical limit, but users report difficulties with large-capacity hard drives (2 TB and above). USB flash drives up to 256 GB work without issue. The file system must be formatted as FAT16 or FAT32, which de facto limits partition size to 32 GB for FAT32 under Windows.
The CD60 delivers sound quality that many consider superior to streaming—even at CD quality (16-bit/44.1 kHz). The absence of multiple conversions, network buffering, and complex software processing preserves signal integrity. For high-resolution files via USB, quality matches that of the best streamers, with that characteristic Marantz signature prioritizing musicality.
With its three gain positions and 28 mW at 32 ohms, the headphone amp drives most headphones properly up to around 250 ohms. Beyond that (Sennheiser HD800, Beyerdynamic DT880 600 ohms), a dedicated headphone amplifier is preferable to fully realize their potential. Low-sensitivity planar magnetic headphones could also benefit from more powerful external amplification.
Eric
Very good product and also very attractive delighted with my purchase, many thanks again to the whole very professional Compiegne team.
Comment from May 07, 2026
Jean Michel
Purchased to replace a Sungden model that was giving me reliability issues, I recommend it, a natural and powerful sound and much cheaper 👌
Jean Michel.
Comment from April 17, 2026 — Experience from April 06, 2026
Chris
Great bargain !
Excellent product.
Comment from March 02, 2026 — Experience from February 19, 2026
