Marantz Model 10 Integrated Amp - Purifi Class D Weighs 74lbs!

[gene]

The pro audio QSC DCA series of power amps are designed to handle 2 ohm loads, so do the Crown DriveCore series amps.

The Crown Class D DriveCore series won't generate much heat. So won't the QSC DCA series which have class AB output circuitry but use a SMPS power supply with cooling fans.

I'm using some QSC DCA amps in my HT system. This series of amps is used in Cineplex theaters across North America. You can't kill those amps:

https://www.qsc.com/resource-files/productresources/amp/dca/q_amp_dca_2ch_specs.pdf

My 7 Channel System

SYSTEM: MARANTZ SR5010, 3 QSC DCA 1222 AMPS. DRIVING THE FRONT CHANNELS IN ACTIVE BI-AMP CONFIG. QSC DCA 1824 (4 CH. AMP.) FOR SURROUND CHANNELS OPPO BDP-95, REVOX B77, TEAC AN-80 (NR), AUDIO-TECHNICA AT-LP1240, SHURE M97XE, HITACHI HCA-8300, PANASONIC TH-50PZ80U, FURMAN PS-8R, APC H15 FRONT...

forums.audioholics.com

Those Crown amps are noisy and don't even come close to the low distortion of a Purifi design. I heard the Crown amps JBL uses in Synthesis and the fan noise was unbearable IF you have the equipment in an acoustically controlled room. I could hear the fans from 10ft away during quiet passages.

 

[Verdinut]

Those Crown amps are noisy and don't even come close to the low distortion of a Purifi design. I heard the Crown amps JBL uses in Synthesis and the fan noise was unbearable IF you have the equipment in an acoustically controlled room. I could hear the fans from 10ft away during quiet passages.

My answer only referred to their handling of 2 ohm loads and not about distortion.

With regard to fan noise, it depends on the power you demand from them. I read a few posts from one member at least and there was no complaint about fan noise because the fan had never run. Perhaps @lovinthehd can clarify on this as he has been using Crown amps.

 

[lovinthehd]

My answer only referred to their handling of 2 ohm loads and not about distortion.

With regard to fan noise, it depends on the power you demand from them. I read a few posts from one member at least and there was no complaint about fan noise because the fan had never run. Perhaps @lovinthehd can clarify on this as he has been using Crown amps.

I don't know which particular amps Gene is referring to altho have heard there is fan noise for the type used for the M2 (iTech series IIRC) and some other applications. I think those are more for an equipment closet/room, tho. The XLS series I've got I've had no fan noise issues with (and no separate equipment rooms in my use), and most report no fan noise in their home use that I've seen.

 

[gene]

My answer only referred to their handling of 2 ohm loads and not about distortion.

With regard to fan noise, it depends on the power you demand from them. I read a few posts from one member at least and there was no complaint about fan noise because the fan had never run. Perhaps @lovinthehd can clarify on this as he has been using Crown amps.

I heard the fan noise with them just sitting idle. I would not use crown amps for serious audio applications.

 

[lovinthehd]

I heard the fan noise with them just sitting idle. I would not use crown amps for serious audio applications.

The whole brand and lineup because of this one instance?

 

[gene]

The whole brand and lineup because of this one instance?

I've seen the Xcore measurements at ASR. Not an amp I would consider for serious fidelity.

Crown Xti4002 Pro Stereo Amplifier Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Crown XTi 4002 DSP stereo professional amplifier. It is on kind loan from a member and costs US $1,345. The design wants to look fancy and it kind of gets there with those vents. The segmented LCD and menu navigation is serviceable but the...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Maybe their higher-end stuff is better but whatever modules JBL was using in Synthesis, I was not a fan of (pun intended)

 

[lovinthehd]

I've seen the Xcore measurements at ASR. Not an amp I would consider for serious fidelity.

Crown Xti4002 Pro Stereo Amplifier Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Crown XTi 4002 DSP stereo professional amplifier. It is on kind loan from a member and costs US $1,345. The design wants to look fancy and it kind of gets there with those vents. The segmented LCD and menu navigation is serviceable but the...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Maybe their higher-end stuff is better but whatever modules JBL was using in Synthesis, I was not a fan of (pun intended)

Fair enough, even though the measurements don't particularly reflect audible issues either (aside from placement of amps for those with noise issues). I find Crown better value than Marantz amps like this integrated, tho. YMMV

ps Crown Drive Core tech?

 

[gene]

Fair enough, even though the measurements don't particularly reflect audible issues either (aside from placement of amps for those with noise issues). I find Crown better value than Marantz amps like this integrated, tho. YMMV

ps Crown Drive Core tech?

The Marantz in this case is not a value product. It's a finely crafted product with build quality, looks and SOTA performance no Crown amp can touch. It's like comparing a Bentley to a Hyundai Sonata.

 

[lovinthehd]

The Marantz in this case is not a value product. It's a finely crafted product with build quality, looks and SOTA performance no Crown amp can touch. It's like comparing a Bentley to a Hyundai Sonata.

True enough, aesthetics of a box mean little to me personally. If it can perform at a good price, great. Car analogies suck, tho.

 

[Tankini]

The Marantz Model 10 Reference Integrated Amplifier ($15,000) is the most powerful single-box amp the company has ever made. Co-developed with Purifi, the power amp section delivers 250 watts into 8 ohms and 500 watts into 4 ohms with SOTA noise and distortion performance. It’s also gorgeous and weighs a hefty 74 pounds despite being a Class D, high efficient design.

View attachment 69239

Marantz has done some slick things to make it a unique offering such as:

• Latest generation of HDAM preamp circuits with linear power supply for the line level circuit paths.
• Customized Marantz designed SMPS power supply for each channel.
• The design is fully balanced from input to output.

The chassis design is a thing of beauty as can be seen in the photo above but the price of entry may be a bit much for most audiophiles. What do you think?

Read: Marantz Model 10 Integrated Amplifier Design Overview

@gene haven't had the time yet to jump over to your YouTube channel to watch and learn.

I copied and pasted your comment below, Absolutely a beautiful piece of audio gear! Now where can I find 15k?
Just with the technology with the way Marantz Implemented. The inside alone is very well thought out, gorgeous not to mention the anesthetics. Very well engineered audio gear doesn't come cheap.

Quote: "The chassis design is a thing of beauty as can be seen in the photo above but the price of entry may be a bit much for most audiophiles. What do you think?"

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

The Marantz in this case is not a value product. It's a finely crafted product with build quality, looks and SOTA performance no Crown amp can touch. It's like comparing a Bentley to a Hyundai Sonata.

Yeah. I would never even mention pro amps in the same sentence as this beautiful ultra high-end Marantz.

Just like I would never even talk about a car from KIA (Killed In Action ) when talking about true luxury cars.

There are other places to talk about KIA’s and pro amps that look ugly as heck.

I was training a young new Pharmacist at the hospital and she mentioned buying a new SUV. She started talking, “First I went to a KIA dealer…” and I stopped her right there.

I said, “Wait, you did what? Don’t even talk about Killed In Action in my presence. ”

 

[Movie2099]

Certainly looks awesome.

I'd definitely buy one --- if I had $15K as pocket change.

haha, now I know you wouldn't purchase one of these. For $15k you would be going with multiple ATI amps (that are better) or getting some nice Bryston amps! hahaha

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

haha, now I know you wouldn't purchase one of these. For $15k you would be going with multiple ATI amps (that are better) or getting some nice Bryston amps! hahaha

If I had $15K as POCKET CHANGE, I would get this Marantz, that $10K Yamaha Integrated amp, probably some McIntosh or Bryston.

I already have ATI. No need to dream about getting one.