Marantz CD 70 black

Successor to the CD6007, the CD 70 retains the disc mechanism and Marantz expertise while adopting the visual language used across the rest of the range. It shares its DAC with the MODEL 70 amplifier, adds high-resolution file playback via USB, and includes a dedicated headphone amplifier. Enough to put CDs back at the heart of a hi-fi system without giving up dematerialized sources.

A new face in the Marantz range

The CD 70 breaks away from the presentation of its predecessor. Aluminum front panel, textured surfaces, VFD display that can be dimmed or switched off to leave only the music: its styling matches the brand’s current hi-fi and home theater electronics. Two finishes are available, black and silver-gold.

The CD 70 succeeds the CD6007 and retains some of its technical choices, but Marantz announces several internal developments: revised circuit layout, carefully selected components, and a chassis whose structure limits vibrations. Its DAC is shared with the MODEL 70 amplifier, helping create a consistent setup when the two are paired.

The DAC and analog stage

After reading the disc comes the most delicate task: converting digital data into a faithful analog signal. The CD 70 entrusts this task to a DAC revised compared with the previous model, supported by HDAM-SA2 modules developed by Marantz. These in-house amplifier circuits replace certain off-the-shelf integrated components and serve as the output stage; the brand reserves them for its most refined devices.

Several digital filters can be selected and slightly alter the sound rendering, allowing listening to be adjusted according to recordings and preferences. On the power supply side, a dedicated transformer and low-noise design preserve the subtlety of recordings. The symmetrical circuit layout follows the same approach.

Marantz states a signal-to-noise ratio of 110 dB, a dynamic range of 100 dB, harmonic distortion of 0.0016%, and channel separation of 98 dB, for a frequency response from 2 Hz to 20 kHz.

High-resolution file playback

On the front panel, a USB-A port accepts a flash drive or external drive and directly plays the files stored on it, without going through a network player or computer. The CD 70 supports FLAC, WAV, AIFF, and ALAC formats, as well as DSD, covering the majority of dematerialized collections in quality higher than that of CD.

One useful detail: this high resolution is available only via USB. Data-format burned discs are not recognized. The tray accepts audio CDs, CD-Rs, and CD-RWs, including those containing MP3 or WMA files, but not SACDs. The USB port remains dedicated to storage: it controls neither an iPhone nor a connected portable player.

A true headphone amplifier

Many players make do with a headphone socket connected to a small auxiliary circuit. The CD 70 integrates a headphone amplifier built around an HDAM-SA2 module, the same type of circuit used in the main signal path. The front-panel 6.35 mm jack has its own volume control, and a gain setting accessible through the menu matches the output to headphones with different sensitivities.

The practical result: you can listen through headphones at a good level without connecting a separate amplifier, with sound that remains controlled and dynamic.

Reinforced chassis and vibration control

CD playback remains sensitive to vibrations, which can disrupt optical reading. The CD 70 addresses this with a double-layer chassis, a reinforcing metal plate, and isolating feet that filter resonances from the furniture or speakers. The disc mechanism, described as high precision, then operates in a more stable environment.

This pursuit of silence continues in the power supply, with separate rectification for the analog and digital sections to limit interference from one circuit to another. The CD 70 weighs 6.5 kg and measures 442 mm wide, a classic hi-fi player format that fits under an amplifier without difficulty.

Connectivity and system integration

The outputs remain deliberately simple. A pair of gold-plated RCA sockets sends the analog signal to an amplifier, while two digital outputs, one optical and the other coaxial, allow the use of an external DAC if desired. There is no digital input: the CD 70 is a source, not an all-purpose DAC.

The Marantz D-Bus socket, labeled Remote Control, connects the CD 70 to a compatible Marantz amplifier, such as the MODEL 70, to operate both devices with a single remote control. The power cord is detachable, a detail appreciated by those who like to choose their cables. On a daily basis, shuffle playback, repeat, programming of 25 tracks, and automatic shutdown in the event of inactivity are all available from the supplied remote control.

Technical specifications

Key features

• High-performance digital-to-analog converter (DAC)
• Proprietary Marantz HDAM-SA2 circuits
• High-resolution audio file playback via USB-A
• FLAC, ALAC, AIFF, WAV and DSD compatibility
• Dedicated headphone amplifier with volume control
• Selectable digital filters
• Low-noise power supply
• High-precision CD playback mechanism
• Reinforced chassis to reduce vibrations
• Audiophile sound quality

Audio architecture

• Latest-generation DAC paired with Marantz-developed HDAM-SA2 modules, for dynamic, detailed and particularly musical sound reproduction
• Analog processing benefiting from a separate power supply and selected audiophile components to preserve the full richness of recordings

High-resolution USB playback

• Front USB-A port enabling direct playback of numerous high-resolution audio formats without requiring a network player
• USB-compatible formats: FLAC, WAV, AIFF, ALAC, DSD

Headphone listening

• True headphone amplifier based on Marantz HDAM-SA2 circuits
• Headphone output with independent volume control, suitable for a wide range of hi-fi headphones
• Precise and dynamic listening

Performance-oriented design

• Symmetrical architecture
• Reinforced chassis
• Selected audiophile components
• Dedicated transformer
• Separate analog and digital circuits
• Gold-plated analog outputs

Connectivity

• 1 RCA stereo analog output
• 1 optical digital output
• 1 coaxial digital output
• 1 front USB-A port
• 1 headphone output
• Marantz D-Bus connection

Compatible formats

• Discs: Audio CD, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3, WMA

Audio performance

• Frequency response: 2 Hz – 20 kHz
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 110 dB
• Dynamic range: 100 dB
• Harmonic distortion: 0.0016%
• Channel separation: 98 dB

General features

• Aluminum front panel
• VFD display with off or dimming function
• Random playback
• Programmed playback (up to 25 tracks)
• Track repeat
• Automatic shutdown
• Detachable power cord

Dimensions and weight

• Dimensions (W × D × H): 442 × 351 × 109 mm
• Weight: 6.5 kg

Box contents

• Marantz CD 70 CD player
• Remote control
• Batteries
• RCA audio cable
• Remote Control cable
• Power cord
• Quick start guide