Page 50 - 2022-08-01 Sound & Vision

test report

MARANTZ MODEL 40N STREAMING INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER

RATING

PERFORMANCE

FEATURES
Modern Marvel ERGONOMICS

VALUE
By Howard Kneller

I ATTENDED a launch event for the Word of the unique design got around, tics, Bowers & Wilkins, Classe, Defini-
Marantz Model 40n a few months prompting Marantz to build 100 units, tive Technology, Denon, and Polk.
ago and marveled at just how far the which he quickly sold for $153 apiece. Like the Model 1 preamp, the
iconic brand has come since founder Before long sales of the Audio Conso- Marantz Model 40n also contains a
Saul Marantz took his first steps as an le e had exceeded 400. phono stage designed to work well
audio pioneer way back in 1945. In true Mr. Marantz knew he was onto some- with almost any record. It also houses
hobbyist fashion, he modified his car thing, so in 1953 he formed the Marantz an integrated amplifier and dedicated
radio so he could listen to it at home Company to manufacture and market headphone output as well as something
and, once it was up and running there, the Audio Console e, which launched Saul Marantz probably couldn’t have
continued tinkering with it to improve its the following year as the Model 1. The imagined—a music streamer.
performance. rest, as they say, is history.
By the early 1950s, Mr. Marantz Since those early days, Marantz has FEATURES
was busy working on a preamplifier produced a steady stream of highly
for his own use. He called it the Audio regarded audio components, earning Weighing in at almost 37 pounds, the
Console e and, unlike other preamps its rightful place in the annals of hi-fi Model 40n is a mid-tier member of
of the day, its phono stage incorporated history as an innovator. Today, Marantz Marantz’ integrated amplifier lineup. It
multiple equalization curves to ensure is owned by Sound United, steward of derives inspiration, both inside and out,
optimal playback of virtually any record. such iconic brands as Boston Acous- from the company’s Model 30 ($2,999),

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50 August September 2022 soundandvision.com