{"id":22252,"date":"2026-11-07T11:10:46","date_gmt":"2026-11-07T10:10:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/audio-2g.com\/?p=22252"},"modified":"2026-11-05T11:43:12","modified_gmt":"2026-11-05T10:43:12","slug":"marantz-model-70-amplifier-and-marantz-cd-70-cd-player","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/audio-2g.com\/en\/marantz-model-70-amplifier-and-marantz-cd-70-cd-player\/","title":{"rendered":"Marantz Model 70 Amplifier and Marantz CD 70 CD Player"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
<\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

In this review, we\u2019re looking at not one but two devices: the Marantz Model 70<\/a> integrated amplifier and the Model 70 CD<\/a> player; while these devices can obviously be purchased separately, it\u2019s quite clear that they were designed to work together. After all, they are the successors to another Marantz \u201cpair\u201d that for years dominated the American manufacturer\u2019s entry-level segment\u2014a segment the company has always successfully held in the most affordable price range of the market. Those were the PM6007 and the CD6007 CD player. Let\u2019s see, then, if these new products live up to their predecessors.<\/i><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Marantz\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
The Marantz pair under review shares what is referred to as the \"New Marantz design language.\" <\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Preliminary Market Considerations<\/b><\/h2>

I just wrote that the Marantz 70 Series includes an integrated amplifier and a CD player. From a categorization standpoint, that description would have been obvious until a few years ago. When I was a kid, it was completely obvious that along with an integrated amplifier, you needed to buy a source component such as a turntable, CD player, or tuner. These days, Hi-Fi\u2014particularly the segment entry <\/i>level, has evolved in terms of types, forms, and functions, offering those fixtures All-in-One<\/i>, which we often come across. Marantz has taken a different approach: it has certainly ventured into the production of effective and successful products that are the products of modernity, such as that delightful Model 1<\/a> We tested it some time ago, but the company has continued, with its characteristic dedication and expertise, to offer amplifiers and CD players. Not only that, but with foresight, it has integrated some of the features found in its most recent products, incorporating them into a well-established aesthetic and functional design that is highly appreciated by the brand\u2019s customers.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Marantz\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
From an aesthetic standpoint, the different display designs of the two devices are striking. After all, the CD player has to convey more information than the amplifier.<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Technical Analysis<\/b><\/h2>

I mentioned earlier that the PM6007\/CD6007 serve as the starting point for this integrated amplifier and CD player combination. This is not just my personal impression but something that has been confirmed to us by company representatives. However, there are numerous technical and aesthetic differences, which have led to a different price positioning for the two products, both of which now belong to the very high end of the segment. entry level. <\/i>I think I can safely say that the target audience for this pair consists of users who want something more in terms of sound quality than what an integrated audio\/video system\u2014perhaps an advanced soundbar\u2014can offer, and who are open to listening with \u201cjust\u201d two channels.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
Close-up of the \"double finish\" on the front panel.<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

I\u2019d like to start by noting the aesthetic similarities to the larger models in the Marantz catalog. The front panel is divided into two overlapping sections: the lower one features a pleasing 3D textures, <\/i>while the one that takes up most of the available space is smooth and contains the various controls\u2014it is the now-iconic porthole <\/i>featuring an OLED display positioned exactly in the center. Missing from this version are Entry Level<\/i>, the two LED light strips that separate the two panel sections. The various rotary controls are arranged symmetrically around the vertical axis and offer a pleasant tactile sensation of precision and solidity. Specifically, from left to right, we have the input selector, the mode activation button Source Direct <\/i>which bypasses the tone controls and channel balance. To the right of the display are the two tone controls (which can be bypassed) and, finally, the volume control. It\u2019s worth noting that the Source Direct selector could have been implemented using a toggle switch, but for the sake of design consistency, it was rightly implemented as a rotary control. <\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Model\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
The Model 70 in black.<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

The rated power is 50 watts into 8 ohms, rising to 65 W into 4 ohms. By today\u2019s standards, these figures aren\u2019t particularly impressive. After all, especially in the entry-level segment, Class D technology has become the norm, offering very high power output at affordable prices. In this specific regard, the Marantz Model 70 features a distinctive characteristic that we had already noted during our review of the Model 60: at the top end of the Marantz lineup are models based on Class D modules, which are considered particularly complex to manufacture while adhering to the high quality standards to which the American manufacturer has accustomed us. Below this tier, the company adopts a more traditional approach; consequently, the Model 70 features a Class AB amplifier stage that incorporates HDAM technology (Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Module<\/i>), which the company has been developing for some time and is now in its SA3 version, replacing more conventional integrated circuits. Compared to the PM6007, the total capacitance has increased from 12,000 uF to 15,000 uF (+25%); furthermore, the position of the capacitors has been shifted to place them closer to the output stage, thereby reducing the resistance of the wiring in the power supply circuit. The volume control is no longer analog but is based on a rotary encoder, which displays the volume on the central screen and drives a chip positioned in such a way as to significantly shorten the signal path compared to the previous model.<\/p>

Unlike the larger models, the HEOS streaming platform is not included; therefore, if you need this feature, you\u2019ll need to connect an external streamer to the Model 70\u2014possibly to one of the digital inputs.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Model\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
The image of the interior shows a very neat layout. Note the large toroidal transformer, separated from the rest of the circuitry by the wide heat sink designed to dissipate the heat generated by the active components.<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Looking at the rear panel, we find that the Model 70 offers quite extensive connectivity: the analog section includes three unbalanced line inputs (RCA) and a phono stage for moving-magnet cartridges; there\u2019s also a stereo preamplified output and a dedicated mono output for the subwoofer. Added to this are the inputs from the digital board, which is based on a Sabre ES9020Q DAC chipset and offers a coaxial input, an optical input, and an HDMI ARC input that allows you to turn the unit on and off and adjust the volume using the remote control of the TV to which it is connected. Of course, it also supports Bluetooth technology compatible with the aptX HD codec. All things considered, we can say that the Model70 could already deliver a great sound on its own, without the CD70 player or any external source. As with the previous model, there is a 6.3 mm headphone output on the front panel.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Back\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
The Model 70 is equipped with enough inputs and outputs to allow it to operate independently\u2014that is, without any external sources.<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Marantz CD 70 CD Player<\/b><\/h2>

The CD70 is a CD-only player (not SACD) with a front-loading tray mechanism. Decoding is handled by an ESS SABRE ES9020Q DAC, which, as it happens, is the same one found in the Model 70 amplifier. Analog output is available via unbalanced RCA outputs, or digitally via optical and coaxial SPDIF connections. In keeping with Marantz tradition, this unit also features a 6.35 mm headphone jack.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Marantz\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
Despite its very reasonable price, the Marantz CD70 exudes elegance and sophistication.<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Since the DAC chipset is capable of handling sampling rates well above those actually required for CDs, it is possible to read higher-resolution files via a USB-A connection on the front panel in WAV\/FLAC\/ALAC\/AIFF formats, with native DSD support up to 5.6 MHz. In practice, however, this interesting feature is undermined by the cumbersome interface, which makes navigating through the folders and subfolders stored on a USB drive, to put it mildly, a hassle. In comparison, any low-cost <\/i> streamer <\/i> It\u2019s definitely more convenient to use. This feature is likely designed for those who want to set up a sequential playlist and start it without any further fuss. The CD70 is also equipped with analog output stages based on HDAM+HDAM-SA2 technology and uses a low-phase-noise clock that minimizes the harmful effects of jitter. All of this results in a tangible improvement in performance compared to the previous CD6007 model.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"marantz-cd-70-black\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
Close-up of the CD drive's loading tray.<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

The combination of the Marantz Model 70 integrated amplifier and the Model 70 CD player can be controlled with the same remote control as the rest of the system, and when placed together, they have a decidedly elegant appearance thanks to the manufacturer\u2019s attention to detail. New Marantz design language. <\/i>A stylistic approach that, I am certain, will win over the hearts of the brand\u2019s enthusiasts and all those who refuse to accept the idea that Hi-Fi must be confined within a single, small (and generic) chassis (or rather, box). And if you add a fine turntable to the system, the setup takes on a character and personality that cannot fail to impress. A contemporary blend that simultaneously conveys a sense of tradition.<\/p>

Returning to the CD70 player, it goes without saying that it can be used with any non-Marantz amplifier. <\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Marantz\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
Close-up of the power supply stage of the Marantz CD70 CD player.<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Listening<\/h2>
I hope I\u2019ve managed to convey just how functional and elegant this Marantz combo is. The build quality and finish of both units are truly excellent and certainly exceed what one might reasonably expect in this price range. However, I must admit that I approached the listening session with a bit of trepidation. Why? Obviously, I didn\u2019t think they would have any glaring flaws\u2014after all, the manufacturer\u2019s name is a guarantee in itself. No, what I feared was that they might sound different from a typical Marantz\u2014and that would have disappointed me\u2014but\u2014I\u2019ll tell you right now\u2014that fear was unfounded. Perhaps some of you reading this article are wondering why I had that fear. After all, these are still two devices from a historic brand, so why on earth would they sound any different from the standard we\u2019ve come to expect? The answer is simple: it\u2019s a matter of budget. It\u2019s one thing to devote resources, means, and technology to a product that will be marketed at a price of thousands of euros; it\u2019s an entirely different matter when it comes to budget products that must necessarily contend (and that\u2019s putting it mildly) with significant limitations\u2014otherwise, the price would spiral out of control. I like to think that this is where the legendary figure of the Sound Master comes in\u2014that sound specialist whose expertise has always defined Marantz products. A figure who straddles the line between technician\/engineer and artist. This role was held by the legendary Ken Ishiwata from 1978 until his death in 2019, when the position was taken over by another Japanese national, Yoshinori Ogata. The important thing to keep in mind is that these individuals aren\u2019t tasked with making all Marantz products sound exactly the same\u2014which would be impossible\u2014but rather with giving them a recognizable sound. In other words, they\u2019re able to convey that \u201cFamily Sound\u201d unique to the brand. Have they succeeded with this combo? Absolutely. Despite their very affordable price, the Model 70 and the CD 70 deliver a sound that I can\u2019t describe in any other way than as \u201cauthoritative.\u201d By this I mean that blend of speed, harmonic accuracy, body, and driving power that invites\u2014indeed, compels\u2014an engaged, attentive, and reflective listening experience. Thus, they are not merely entertainment devices, but true instruments with which to explore music. I assure you that for a budget product, this is by no means a given.<\/div>
<\/div>
The Model 70 integrated amplifier unmistakably embodies the Marantz DNA, which translates into a sense of smoothness and refinement\u2014 I\u2019d almost say a velvety sound, thanks to which even the harshest passages of any track are handled in such a way as to make them, if not exactly pleasant, at least enjoyable\u2014without hiding them. This particular balance\u2014which has always been one of Marantz\u2019s strengths\u2014proved especially useful when listening, via the CD70 player, to some of the oldest CDs in my collection, which aren\u2019t exactly flawless in terms of sound quality. Furthermore, the ability to adjust the output filter by choosing between Slow Roll-off and Fast Roll-off allows you to tailor the sound to your preferences to some extent. The listening sessions were conducted with bookshelf speakers, specifically the Davis Olympia One Master 35 and the Paradigm Premier 120B v2; the latter are more in line with the Marantz combo in terms of budget than the French speakers are. In both cases, I was impressed by the sound\u2019s composure, articulation, and low-frequency clarity. Even with the French mini speakers\u2014which are quite demanding in terms of power handling\u2014the Model 70\u2019s 50 W never proved insufficient to produce adequate sound pressure and deliver dynamics that did justice to the recording. The phono stage proved excellent and featured very low background noise.<\/div>
<\/div>
Given the layout of our listening room, we didn\u2019t conduct tests with a connected TV, but we did test the Bluetooth connection with my iPhone 17 while playing a few tracks from the Qobuz app. The whole experience proved to be stable, fast, easy to use, and sonically pleasing.<\/div>
<\/div>
Once again, Marantz seems to have hit the mark: offering such an effective combo at a total price of less than \u20ac1,500 is no small feat. To do so while staying true to the standards set by the tradition of a historic brand is an even more impressive achievement. Kudos to the American manufacturer for successfully showcasing its unique qualities within a broad and well-structured product lineup.<\/div>
<\/div>
Giulio Salvioni<\/em><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Price of the Marantz Model 70: \u20ac <\/b>850.00<\/p>

Price of the Marantz CD 70: \u20ac <\/b>600.00<\/p>

Distributor: Marantz <\/b>Italy, Via Manfredi 98 \u2013 29122 \u2013 Piacenza. www.marantzitaly.it<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Technical Specifications<\/h2>

Marantz Model 70<\/strong><\/p>