Marantz SACD 30N Networked SACD Player Black

The Marantz SACD 30n sits at the top of the Marantz reference series as the company’s flagship networked SACD/CD player. Designed and crafted in Shirakawa, Japan, it combines premium physical disc playback with comprehensive network streaming, functioning as a complete digital source hub for the modern audiophile. Paired with the Marantz Model 30 integrated amplifier, the SACD 30n forms one half of Marantz’s reference two-box system, sitting above the CD 50n and CD6007 in the range hierarchy.

SACDM-3L Transport Mechanism

At the heart of the SACD 30n is the SACDM-3L transport mechanism, engineered exclusively for the best possible performance when playing SA-CDs, CDs, and music stored on data discs. The transport supports SACD, CD, CD-R/RW, and DVD-R/+R/-RW/+RW disc formats, allowing listeners to create their own high-resolution audio compilation discs using a computer DVD burner. When the disc drive is not in use, its power supply is automatically shut down to eliminate noise and interference from the signal path.

Marantz Musical Mastering

The SACD 30n employs Marantz’s proprietary Musical Mastering (MMM) digital-to-analogue conversion — a technology first introduced in the flagship SA-10. Rather than using a conventional DAC chip, all incoming PCM and DXD signals are up-converted to DSD at 11.2 MHz via the MMM-Stream converter with user-selectable digital filters. The resulting high-frequency signal is then processed through the MMM-Conversion stage, which uses a simple low-pass filter to generate the analogue output. This approach bypasses the multi-bit conversion step found in traditional DAC architectures.

HDAM Amplification

The analogue output stage is built on Marantz’s Hyper-Dynamic Amplifier Module (HDAM) technology — a fully discrete circuit board assembled from hundreds of individually selected components rather than off-the-shelf integrated circuits. The SACD 30n uses the HDAM-SA2 configuration for its headphone amplifier, with selectable gain settings (Low/Mid/High) to match a range of headphone impedances. A toroidal power transformer provides clean, stable power to the audio circuits.

Streaming & Network Connectivity

The SACD 30n incorporates HEOS Built-in for multi-room audio and access to streaming services including Spotify Connect, Amazon Music, Tidal, Deezer, and Qobuz. It supports Apple AirPlay 2 for integration with Apple devices and is Roon Ready for library-based playback. Network audio files are supported up to 24-bit/192 kHz (FLAC, WAV, AIFF, ALAC) and DSD 2.8/5.6 MHz over the home network, while the rear-panel USB-B input extends this to PCM at 384 kHz/32-bit and DSD at 11.2 MHz in asynchronous mode. Bluetooth connectivity supports SBC and AAC codecs. Wi-Fi operates on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands (802.11a/b/g/n).

Inputs, Outputs & Control

Digital inputs include two optical, one coaxial, and a USB-A port for playback from mass storage devices (FAT16/32 and NTFS). Digital outputs comprise one coaxial and one optical, both switchable on or off. Analogue output is via gold-plated RCA terminals in both fixed and variable configurations — the variable output allows the SACD 30n to drive a power amplifier or active speakers directly, with volume controlled from the remote handset or via the HEOS app. A 6.3 mm headphone jack is fitted to the front panel. The three-line OLED display features a four-level dimmer. An RS-232C port and IP control are provided for custom installation, and the unit is Control4 certified.

Build & Design

The chassis is constructed from SECC cold-rolled steel with an aluminium front panel, aluminium side covers, and aluminium function buttons. The bottom plate is a single 3.0 mm thick steel panel, and the enclosure features no visible side screws for a seamless appearance. Edge lighting with adjustable dimming completes the refined aesthetic of the reference series design language.

What the Press Says

• Highly Recommended — AVForums