Marantz Link 10n Streaming Hi-Fi Preamp Review

[gene]

This is a discussion thread to support my review of the new Marantz Link10n 2.1CH Streaming Hi-Fi Preamp.

Our bench tests of the Marantz Link 10n revealed textbook-level performance from its discrete DAC, phono stage, and robust analog preamp, proving it’s built as much for musicality as for measurements—paired with its stunning looks, it’s a serious contender for any audiophile seeking a true high-end hi-fi streaming hub for their 2CH system.

Read: Marantz Link 10n Bench Test Results!

I can’t wait to integrate it into my system, experience its sonic magic firsthand, and share the full review. Headphone lovers, fear not as I will also be testing out how well the Link 10n serves that function as well. Stay tuned…

Marantz Link 10n - Sexy? Oh Yeah!

We just got in the new Marantz Link 10n 2.1CH Networking Hi-Fi preamp and it is one sexy beast. Stay tuned for the most comprehensive coverage of this produc...

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[gene]

 

[everettT]

The numbers are impressive but at $14k they better be. Also, it seems odd they wouldn't include DIRAC or other bass management options, I looked but couldn't find any.

 

[gene]

The numbers are impressive but at $14k they better be. Also, it seems odd they wouldn't include DIRAC or other bass management options, I looked but couldn't find any.

I could do without Dirac but a manual PEQ would have been dope. Also, 12V trigger

 

[TLS Guy]

You would think at this price they could get everything right.

Not having a trigger output to turn on a connected power amp is absurd.

I see it only supports ARC and NOT eARC. That is a serious oversight if trying to get the best SQ from your TV. Watching the BPO digital concert hall for instance which supports lossless audio.

The half assed bass management is also a problem. If you have a sub and capable speakers this in not a deal breaker, but if you are in a smaller room with good smaller speakers this is a problem.

This unit shows promise, but in my view they have compromised this unit due to not thinking everything through carefully.

I don't think this unit is currently worth the asking price. I think more can be done for less via other avenues.

Lastly that absurd infrasonic bass boost on the phono input is absurd. As I have pointed out before LPs are not in general cut with frequencies below 30 Hz, because of reduced playing time and groove "kissing". In order to prevent warp wow applying a roll off below 30 Hz is strongly recommended. This is another issue Peter Walker was absolutely correct about, as he generally was.

 

[gene]

You would think at this price they could get everything right.

Not having a trigger output to turn on a connected power amp is absurd.

I see it only supports ARC and NOT eARC. That is a serious oversight if trying to get the best SQ from your TV. Watching the BPO digital concert hall for instance which supports lossless audio.

The half assed bass management is also a problem. If you have a sub and capable speakers this in not a deal breaker, but if you are in a smaller room with good smaller speakers this is a problem.

This unit shows promise, but in my view they have compromised this unit due to not thinking everything through carefully.

I don't think this unit is currently worth the asking price. I think more can be done for less via other avenues.

Lastly that absurd infrasonic bass boost on the phono input is absurd. As I have pointed out before LPs are not in general cut with frequencies below 30 Hz, because of reduced playing time and groove "kissing". In order to prevent warp wow applying a roll off below 30 Hz is strongly recommended. This is another issue Peter Walker was absolutely correct about, as he generally was.

The 12V trigger kills me. The infrasonic bass bump is odd for sure. I will be testing how that effects vinyl playback in my system. I had to measure that a few times to make sure it wasn't something weird on my end but Marantz confirmed my test results and gave their reason. Nobody is using a sub with this unit. This is meant for fullrange speakers but for sure, bass management and manual PEQ would have been nice.

 

[PENG]

As usual, our highly respected reviewer Gene always include the important caveat, i.e. "according to....."

Editorial Note about DAC SNR Performance: According to

Marantz engineering, they prioritized sound quality over achieving the absolute best bench measurements. The Link 10n features a fully discrete DAC tuned for the Marantz signature sound, with their sound master meticulously selecting the finest components to achieve it.

He doesn't has to say anything else, we all can guess why he always include those two key words

Marantz made great products, typically looks great (to most people I assume), and measure well (most of the time) on the bench, so I have no doubt this streamer is another device that should be audibly transparent if used within it's limits. The only thing I am disgusted with them (D+M) is their so called priority of SQ vs bench measurements, and "sound master...blablabla... that can't fool anyone who can think logically lol.., other than that, even the often useless (but not always, depending how how they are implemented) HDAMs use, golden plated connectors, fully balance stages etc., are fine and I don't mind paying extra for them if I can afford it at the time.

 

[Trebdp83]

Well, now we know what it costs to get album artwork on a Marantz unit display. WTF???!!!! For more functionality with no realistically perceivable difference in the audio presentation for less f#%king money, one could nab an AMP 20/AV 20 combo and want for nothing except, of course, for album artwork on the front display. One could blow the savings on some other bulls#%t “High End” streamer.

 

[ban25]

The 12V trigger kills me. The infrasonic bass bump is odd for sure. I will be testing how that effects vinyl playback in my system. I had to measure that a few times to make sure it wasn't something weird on my end but Marantz confirmed my test results and gave their reason. Nobody is using a sub with this unit. This is meant for fullrange speakers but for sure, bass management and manual PEQ would have been nice.

Is that port labeled "CONNECT" on the back panel (top right) some kind of proprietary trigger? Of course that would still preclude being able to integrate it in a HT setup with a HT bypass/passthrough function.

 

[TLS Guy]

Is that port labeled "CONNECT" on the back panel (top right) some kind of proprietary trigger? Of course that would still preclude being able to integrate it in a HT setup with a HT bypass/passthrough function.

I think that is just a blank hole, where they thought about a trigger and didn't do it. That was likely because some "twot" forgot to add it to the circuit or may be the board. Likely did not discover the error until it was too late.

It is a bad problem though, as a lot of power amps don't have an AC switch, or more often it is on the back. That will be a deal breaker for some and may well turn out to be quite a few. All told this is not a well thought out product and way overpriced for what it has to offer. I can't see them recovering the development cost, which will put Sound United further in the hole, while the monopolies commission continue to review this sale to Harmon/Samsung. If that sale does not get approved or there is a break up required, many parts of Sound United, or even the whole outfit may not survive.

 

[Trebdp83]

 

[GIEGAR]

Lack of any sort of bass redirection is a significant Con in my book. How an outfit can seriously label gear as "2.1 channel" and not even have the facility for (say) a fixed 80Hz HPF on the mains is beyond me. (I realise the marketeers have highjacked the .1 LFE channel nomenclature to now be the number sub out jacks.)

Anyway, no way I'd spend $14,000 on single piece of gear and still have no sound. For that outlay I'd get an EverSolo DMP-A10 and a pair of big Neumann KH420's. Better yet, a miniDSP SHD Studio and a pair of Dutch & Dutch 8c's, or custom GGNTK Model M1 S's.

Pros

• Impeccable Build Quality and Aesthetics
• Reference Level Audiophile Fidelity and Bench Test Results

Cons

• Expensive
• Heavy
• Lacks XLR Sub Out
• Lacks 12V trigger output

The NAD M66 has all the Pros (plus a few more), none of the Cons and is half the price. Full Dirac Live suite on board with independent sub outs.

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[highfigh]

Is that port labeled "CONNECT" on the back panel (top right) some kind of proprietary trigger? Of course that would still preclude being able to integrate it in a HT setup with a HT bypass/passthrough function.

It's not a port, it's a button that allows connecting it to WiFi.

 

[highfigh]

No 12V trigger output(s) strikes me as someone in the marketing department who jumped to design, asking "Why in the world would anyone want that?".

 

[Trebdp83]

It's not a port, it's a button that allows connecting it to WiFi.

Yeah, nobody reads the manuals anymore or even looks at the pics of selected pages of them from those who do so.

 

[gene]

Is that port labeled "CONNECT" on the back panel (top right) some kind of proprietary trigger? Of course that would still preclude being able to integrate it in a HT setup with a HT bypass/passthrough function.

It's a trigger for the Model 10 amplifier, NOT a general 12V trigger for generic amps.

 

[lovinthehd]

It's a trigger for the Model 10 amplifier, NOT a general 12V trigger for generic amps.

So its not a wps button per the manual?

 

[Trebdp83]

No, it is the WPS button. One would use the REMOTE CONTROL ports to connect to and control, or be controlled, by the Marantz Model 10.

Some might want to combine the Marantz Link 10n, Marantz Model 10 and Marantz SACD 10 into their ultimate two channel system but will find it very limited for a very ridiculous amount of money.

The Marantz Link 10n is the only one of the three with a sub pre out. The SACD 10 is a two channel affair with no HDMI or 5.1 analog outputs. The Model 10 can control one or the other but not both as it has but one REMOTE CONTROL output..

Had the SACD 10 been equipped with 5.1 analog out, three Model 10 amps can be linked together to accommodate a 5.1 analog connection for those stupid enough to blow that kind of money.

If one connects a Link 10n to a TV to use ARC and also connects to the Model 10 for power, the REMOTE CONTROL port of the Link 10n be set to INTERNAL and the Model 10 to EXTERNAL.

If no TV is involved and connected to the Link 10n, the Model 10 REMOTE CONTROL setting of the Model 10 can be set to INTERNAL and the Link 10n or SACD 10 can be set to EXTERNAL and be controlled by the Model 10 remote controller.

One could also just buy the Marantz AMP 20 and AV 20 combo for less money and more functionality and connect them to any moderately priced streamer and SACD player.

Of course, those wanting to save even more money but stay with Marantz could go for a Cinema 30 and use built in HEOS streaming functionality and still manage to sleep the sleep of the just.

Those with big wallets and little d#%ks can still opt for the Marantz Link 10n, SACD 10 and Marantz Model 10.