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.