Technical data

MARANTZ36 MARANTZ 37TECHNICAL GLOSSARY
1. 70% POWER GUARANTEE
Marantz has the 70% power guarantee, meaning that a minimum of 70% of the stereo power
indicated in the specification section will be available when 5 channels are simultaneously
used. A lot of misunderstanding about power rating has been created by claiming the highest
possible output power as a unique selling point. Measurement often has been done on only 1
speaker drive, with lower impedance than 8 ohms and high THD (total harmonic distortion)
acceptance. A standard THD value is 0.08%. The lower the better.
2. CURRENT FEEDBACK
Current Feedback amplification is a well known, Marantz’ original circuit technology. The
Current Feedback amplifier technology fits perfectly with the high requirements set for Super
Audio software providing wide-bandwidth, high-speed reproduction. The impedance at the
Current Feedback point is limited resulting in a very low phase shift. Marantz receivers and
amplifiers equipped with Current Feedback can keep the phase compensation via Negative
FeedBack (NFB) to a minimum, resulting in high through-rate, excellent transient response
and superb sonic transparency for the full bandwidth. Unlike conventional Voltage Feedback
amplification, the Current Feedback amplification makes the power amplifier in-sensitive to
difficult loudspeaker loads.
3. TOROIDAL TRANSFORMER
Toroidal transformer has several advantages over a normal EI core transformer. It is very
efficient and therefore delivers more power compared to the same size of an EI core
transformer. In addition, due to its shape, the electromagnetic radiation and the mechanical
vibration are extremely low all ending in a better sound quality.
4. HYPER DYNAMIC AMPLIFIER MODULES (HDAM)
Marantz developed its own discrete circuit boards to replace standard IC’s. These HDAM’s
consists of discrete surface mount components with short mirror image L/R signal paths.
Those devices are doing exactly the same thing as the Op-Amps, but outperform the regular
IC Op-amps dramatically in terms of the Slew Rate and reduced noise level, resulting in a
much more dynamic, accurate and detailed sound. Over the years Marantz developed
different types of the HDAM to improve quality and to fit to the special requirements of a
product category like CD or amplifier.
5. CUSTOMIZED COMPONENTS
On paper an electrical component might look excellent but the result may fall short of the
combined design expectations. Marantz selects the appropriate components for the specific
design application. In some cases it’s simply not possible to use standard components that
meet the high Marantz standards. These components will then be specially made for Marantz
in close cooperation with the Marantz engineers.
6. SYMMETRICAL CIRCUIT LAYOUT
To achieve the best possible sonic performance, signal paths need to be short, direct and
mirror imaged. The construction of our circuitry provides improved stereo imaging by ensuring
close to perfect symmetry between right and left channel layout.
7. COPPER PLATED CHASSIS
A copper plated chassis provides the best shielding against noise or electromagnetic
distortion radiating from other components in the equipment. It prevents this noise from
being amplified together with the audio signal. And even more important, it gives equal low
impedance ground level to every point of the chassis, keeping the ground potential as clean
as possible.
8. ZERO IMPEDANCE MATCHING JOINT
Improves the signal to noise ratio significantly by adding a copper plated bracket across the
output terminals of the player providing the best ground contact possible.
9. PURE / SOURCE DIRECT / AUDIO EX(CLUSIVE)
Pure / Source Direct / Audio EX are special listening modes that provide the highest possible
signal purity. They can be used for both analogue and digital sources, with two-channel or
multi-channel inputs. When selected, the signal follows the most direct path not passing the
tone and bass management circuitry or any DSP (digital signal processor) of AV Receiver or on
players pitch control, digital output or the display will be switched off. The less processing
and functionalities the closer the signal is to the original, the less it is distorted.
10. POWER AMP DIRECT
Power Amp Direct extends the flexibility of an integrated amplifier for use within a stereo set
or as a power amplifier within a multichannel set up. With Power Amp Direct switched off, it
acts as a normal integrated amplifier for enjoying perfect sound quality in a stereo set up.
With Power Amp Direct switched on, it uses the power amplifier for driving the front left and
right speakers within a multichannel set up, using the surround channels from your AV
receiver. What’s more, it does all this with a single push of a button, without changing wires.
The Power Amp Direct can also be used for a stereo bi-amping set up.
11. SUPER AUDIO CD
Super Audio CD (SA-CD) is an established music format that provides a more natural,
ultra-high quality sound. It offers a smooth migration path to a higher quality sound, as all
existing CDs can be played on the SA-CD player. SA-CD is based on the Direct Stream Digital
(DSD) technology, which uses 1 bit delta-sigma modulation and a sampling frequency that is
64 times higher than that of the CD. This enables the SA-CD to offer a frequency range up to
100KHz and a dynamic range of 120dB.
12. XYRON
XYRON® (PBO fibre) is the next generation super fibre which decreases the vibration and
resonances of a disc dramatically, increasing the quality of the outputted audio quality.
Developed by Ashahi Chemical Japan, the fibre possesses High Rigidity with High Internal
Losses, ideal material for CD or DVD mechanisms.
13. BALANCED INPUTS/OUTPUTS
Balanced connections in an audio system are designed to reject both external noise, from
power wiring etc, and also internal crosstalk from adjacent signal cables. The basic principle
of balanced interconnection is to get the signal you want by subtraction, using a three-wire
connection.
14. USB AUDIO
USB Audio makes it possible to listen to compressed audio files (MP3, Windows Media™
Audio, etc.) stored on MP3 players or external harddiscs. All Marantz USB enabled products
make use of the USB 2.0 profile for fast and stable data transfer.
15. MDAX
The use of compressed audio files like MP3, Windows Media™ Audio or AAC is getting more
and more popular. The audio quality of these compressed files however is less than the
original lossless files that are on a CD, especially lacking the higher frequencies and affecting
the lower frequencies which make the audio image less wide and deep. The Marantz Digital
Audio Expander, also called MDAX, recalculates the outputted frequency range of any
compressed MP3, Windows Media™ Audio or AAC audio signal and expands it over a broader
frequency range. This enables you to get a more detailed and clearer sound.
16. AUDYSSEY
Audyssey is an acoustic measurement technology which automatically restores the acoustic
distortion caused by the acoustic behaviour of a room with only a push on a button. Audyssey
equalization provides an clear, accurate, natural sound with voices and dialog that become
focused and intelligible, restoring the musical balance. Musical instruments and sound
effects become precisely localized and the surround soundstage is made seamless and
enveloping.
17. AUDYSSEY DYNAMIC EQ
Dynamic EQ selects the best possible frequency response and surround volume levels
moment-by-moment. This ensures that the bass response, tonal balance and surround
impression remain constant despite changes in volume. This is the first technology that
carefully combines information from incoming source levels with actual output sound levels
in the room, a pre-requisite for delivering a dynamic volume solution.
18. AUDYSSEY DYNAMIC VOLUME
Your Listening experience can be greatly diminished when there are significant shifts in
volume between television programs, commercials and within the program material itself.
When this happens you must constantly adjust the volume to maintain your desired listening
level. Audyssey Dynamic Volume monitors the volume of program material moment-by-
moment and automatically adjusts it, maintaining the desired listening level for all content
while optimizing the dynamic range to preserve impact.
19. MAR ANTZ ROOM ACOUSTIC CALIBRATION (MRAC)
Taking into account reflections from walls, ceiling and floor and our knowledge about
psycho-acoustics, MRAC optimizes the sound for the room acoustics. With a supplied
microphone placed on your listening position, a powerful DSP analyzes accurately and sets
the sound configuration for your listening room fully automatically. MRAC can test and
controls speaker configuration, speaker size, trim and distance/delay. All for best sound and
easy set-up.
20. 1080P UPSCALING
Upscaling is the process of converting a standard definition (SD) video signal to a seemingly
high-definition (HD) video signal by using a video scalar. Upscaling does not convert standard
definition video to true high definition video, but it does dramatically improve the detail and
colour consistency of the picture, up to 1080p, the resolution possible for HDTV. The term
usually assumes a widescreen aspect ratio of 16:9, implying a horizontal (display) resolution
of 1920 lines and a frame resolution of 1920 × 1080 or over two million pixels. On AV Receiver
video conversion from analogue level to the digital level for output via HDMI offers ease of
use and best digital picture quality for each source material.
21. VIDEO CONVERSION
Analogue video signals feed to the AV Receiver in Composite, S-Video or Component format
will be up- or down-converted to the monitor video output of another format. This feature
allows you to connect several sources to an AV Receiver and run only one cable to the TV set.
Please check specification area for details on conversion direction.
22. HIGH-DEFINITI
O
N MULTIMEDIA INTERFACE (HDMI)
HDMI combines high-definition video and superb audio in a single digital interface with a
bandwidth of up to 10 Gigabits/ second. HDMI complies with High-bandwidth Digital Content
Protection (HDCP) technology protecting high-value content from unauthorized reproduction
and distribution. HDMI is the only interface in consumer electronics that can transmit both
high-definition video and multi-channel audio e.g. Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD formats,
including 720p, 1080i and 1080p through one single cable.
23. 2x HDMI OUT
With Native direct output via HDMI on a BD Player the audio and video signal can be
separately outputted via the two HDMI connectors to optimize the purity of the signals.
There is less interference between the sensitive audio and video signal and both can be kept
as clear as possible. The second option for the two HDMI out is to connect two display
devices at the same time, such as a flat screen via a receiver and a projector directly.
24. ANCHOR BAY
The Anchor Bay Technologies’ second generation video scaling chip is specially made for
applications requiring high quality up-conversion from standard video like 576i up to
high-definition formats including 1080p, I/P conversion and upconversion from analogue
video signals to the digital domain for transfer through HDMI. The chip features Anchor Bay’s
proprietary 10-bit Precision Video Scaling Engine that can independently scale an image
horizontally and vertically to achieve an outstanding picture quality for today’s demanding
high resolution video displays. See ‘1080p Upscaling’.
25. I-CHIPS
I-Chips is a Japanese developer and manufacturer of images processing chips. Their
know-how and experience makes it possible to achieve a high degree of image quality. The
i-Chips 10-bit video processor features an advanced deinterlacer for I/P conversion with
motion-adaptive de-interlacing and is able to upscale standard definition video content up to
1080p. See ‘1080p Upscaling’
26. SILICON OPTIX & HQV™
The Realta reference quality video processing chip of producer Silicon Optix features
HQV
TM
- technology powered by Teranex. Realta’s architecture includes a fully software
programmable video array processor capable of performing over 1 trillion operations per
second, an Image Fidelity Enhancement Engine and end-to-end true 10-bit image processing
for upscaling images to the High Definition format of 1080p. Realta’s deinterlacer converts
your interlaced content into progressive to enjoy a smooth image. See ‘1080p Upscaling’
27. BLU-RAY DISC
Blu-ray Disc, also referred to as BD-ROM, is the next-generation High Definition (HD) optical
disc format. The format is developed to enable recording, rewriting and playback of High
Definition video and audio. The format offers more than five times the storage capacity of
traditional DVDs and can hold up to 25GB on a single-layer disc and 50GB on a dual-layer
disc. This extra capacity combined with the use of advanced video and audio codecs will
offer consumers an unprecedented high definition 1080p experience, providing an exhilarate
life-like image and an audio soundtrack that is more detailed and clearer.
28. BDLIVE / PROFILE2.0
This new Blu-ray Disc profile offers additional enjoyment to your current Blu-ray experience
by enabling you to download additional movie content such as alternative endings and
trailers. You can also buy merchandise, play interactive games and more. Before a player can
handle this new profile it requires an Ethernet port for connection with the Internet and a
minimum storage capacity of 1GB (by SD card) to accommodate the downloaded content.
29. DEEP COLOR™
Deep Color™ lets HDTVs and other displays go from millions of colours to billions of colours
allowing consumers to enjoy unprecedented vividness and accuracy of colour on their
displays. Deep Color™ eliminates on-screen colour banding, for smooth tonal transitions and
subtle gradations between colours. It enables increased contrast ratio, and can represent
many times more shades of gray between black and white.
30. TRUE1080/24FPS
The standard frame rate that is being used to record cinema movies is 24 frames per second
(24fps) and this life-like image with stutter free movements could only be enjoyed in the real
cinema up until now. Now with Blu-ray players outputting 1080p/24fs it is coming to the
customers’ home.
31. SD CARD
Input for a SD-Card. Content stored on the card, such as MP3, Windows Media™ Audio and
JPEG files can be viewed via the source player. It also supports special additional contents
from Blu-ray Discs, like picture-in-picture view for example if available.
32. DIVX ULTR A
DivX is a video compression tool developed to exchange film content via the internet. With a
DivX certified DVD or Blu-ray player it is easily to take digital video from the computer and
play it back on the normal TV at almost DVD quality. Thanks to DivX technology’s superior
compression, hours of DVD-quality video can be saved on a single CD. The latest improved
version is called DivX Ultra, also called DivX 6.0 The new DivX offers enhanced multimedia
and interactive features.
33. HD JPEG
HD JPEG allows customers to enjoy their High Definition images taken with their digital
camera via the SD Card slot or images saved on CD.
34. THX SELECT2 / THX ULTRA 2
THX certification, developed by LucasArts of George Lucas, is a quality assurance
specification for products that meet the high requirements of THX, guaranteeing highest
quality audio performance, and a soundtrack reproduction exactly as the audio engineers of
the film intended it to be. THX certified products are build according the THX standards for
presentation excellence, and include THX features as: timbre matching, bass management
adaptive decorrelation, re-equalization (Re-EQ™) and Boundry Gain Control. There are two
certification levels starting with THX Select2 and the even higher specified one THX Ultra2.
35. DOLBY TRUE HD
Dolby TrueHD is Dolby’s next-generation lossless technology developed for high-definition
audio coding. Dolby TrueHD supports up to eight full-range channels, allowing the audio
engineer to position sounds for a more realistic effect than ever before. Dolby TrueHD is
supported by HDMI™, the single-cable digital connection for high-definition audio and video.
Dolby TrueHD will be transmitted via HDMI 1.3a and is compatible with HDMI 1.1 as an
outputted HD 7.1 PCM multichannel signal. See ‘HD - 7.1 PCM Multichannel’
36. DOLBY HEADPHONE
Dolby Headphone technology allows users to listen to music, watch movies, or play video games
with the dramatic surround effects of a 5.1-channel soundtrack through any set of stereo
headphones. Best of all, “listener fatigue,” a phenomenon commonly associated with head-
phone playback, is replaced by a spacious, natural sound field that listeners can enjoy for hours.
37. DOLBY PRO LOGIC IIx
Dolby Pro Logic IIx is a complete surround sound solution featuring Movie and Music mode
that function with 5.1 as well as stereo source material. It delivers a natural and immersing
up to 7.1-channel surround listening experience to the home theatre environment.
38. DOLBY PRO LOGIC IIz
Dolby ProLogic IIz is the newest surround sound format from Dolby Laboratories. It presents
a new listening experience with a more life-like sound stage by additional Front Height
channels, which add a vertical component to the horizontal sound field of conventional 5.1 or
7.1 systems. The enhanced spatial effects bring an overall airiness to the listening
experience, a new dimension of presence and depth.
39. DTSHD MASTER AUDIO
DTS-HD Master Audio is an optional High Definition Audio format for all Blu-ray Disc™
products. DTS-HD Master Audio format allows a bit-to-bit representation of the original
movie’s studio master soundtrack and delivers audio at high constant bit rates superior to
standard DVDs.
40. DTS ES 96/24 NEO:6
The DTS-ES surround system offers a superb sound quality and a range of formats. The
Discrete 6.1 offers the ultimate quality of surround field creation, while the Matrix 6.1
provides compatibility for the existing DTS 5.1 software. And the Neo:6 is to create 6.1
surround stage from any two channel source.
41. SRS CIRCLE SURROUND II
Circle Surround II is a powerful and versatile multi-channel technology designed to enable up
to 6.1 multi-channel surround-sound playbacks from mono and stereo sources. CS-II places
the listener “inside” the music performances and dramatically improves the separation and
image positioning of both hi-fi audio and conventional surround-encoded video material,
adding a heightened sense of realism.
42. HT-EQ
The Marantz HT-EQ Home Theatre Equalizer circuit compensates for the overly bright sound
of some DVD movie soundtracks that were not properly re-equalized for the home listening
environment from the original film soundtrack. Film soundtracks are often equalized with a
higher bright soundstage. This is done because the speakers in a movie theatre are placed
further from the audience as the speakers in your home theatre setting. The functionality is
similar to the Re-EQ(TM) of THX.
43. MULTICHANNEL DOWNMIX
When audio cannot be enjoyed via HDMI connection, the audio output has to be connected
analogue to the receiver or output screen. When a source product is not equipped with an
analogue multichannel output but only a stereo audio output, the internal 2-channel downmix
processing automatically downmixes a 5.1, 6.1 or 7.1 signal back to a stereo signal (2.0).
Optional to the HDMI of course the digital audio output can be used for standard multichannel
audio as Dolby Digital or DTS.
44. MULTI ROOM / MULTI SOURCE
With the Marantz AV system placed in the main room of the house, a second or even a third
loudspeaker set can be placed in separate rooms. In those rooms an audio and even a video
source can be selected independently from the main room at a different sound level and with
full remote control functionality. For example in the main room a DVD can be played back
with multichannel surround, while in a second room music can be enjoyed from a CD player
connect and a third room can have audio and video coming from the connected satellite
set-top box - all at the same time - all independently. Please check specification section for
number of zones.
45. 2-WAY WIFI
WiFi, also called IEEE802.11, working on a frequency of 2.4GHz. This means a much wider
bandwidth is available for transmitting the signals in comparison with RF for example and it
can be used in both directions (bi-directional or 2-Way): to control equipment and receive
information from the equipment when available. The WiFi technology is also used for
wireless computer networks. For the use with RC9001 for example this means direct
browsing the contents of a music server and several other application possibilities like
lighting - climatic - security control - etc.
46. CIREADY
CI-Ready indicates that the products are equipped with connection like RS-232, Flasher Out,
IR Receiver in, DC-Trigger and similar used especially in the Custom Installation area. The
RS232 for example is a communication port direct to the micro processor of the device. It is
possible to control the component and get status feedback via this connection without any
visual contact and even offers a way to update the system software if needed. Marantz
products have dedicated remote codes and RS232 codes for any function including discrete
power on / off.
47. D-BUS
To optimize equipment in terms of ease of use, Marantz has designed the D-Bus system.
Received remote control commands are communicated via this bus. This enables equipment
without IR-receiver like tuners or hidden system together with an external IR eye to be
controlled via the bypacked Marantz System Remote Controller.
48. DC-TRIGGER
A DC trigger is an assignable voltage output which can automatically control for example an
electrical projection screen, lowering it when the DVD input is chosen on the receiver.
49. IR-FLASHER
The IR-Flasher IN is a standardized connection to control the AV system by external IR
receivers independent of the infra red control format used. On the IR-Flasher OUT an
IR-Emitter can be connected to controlled third brand components. The third connection link
to this is the IR-Receiver INPUT which is similar to the IR-Flasher In, but it outputs a voltage
to directly feet an external IR-Receiver eye. Please check capability per product in the
specification section.
50. MXPORT
The Marantz eXtension Port is a dedicated 9-pin connector on the rear-side of a product. This
port can be used for a wide variety of applications by connecting a dedicated device such as a
network client, DAB tuner module, iPod dock, or others. Please check Bluetooth explanation
for more details. Further devices will follow.
51. BLUETOOTH
Bluetooth is a worldwide standard for wireless communication, exchanging information
between fixed and mobile devices. Marantz uses the Bluetooth A2DP standard to stream
music from a mobile device to a Marantz own receiver unit. It uses a dedicated one for the
IS301 and the universal RX101 which is connected to the M-XPort. Please see the M-XPort
explanation as well.
52. MADE FOR iPOD
‘Made for iPod’ means that an electronic accessory has been designed specifically to connect
to iPod and has been certified to meet the Apple performance standards. Current Marantz
products carrying the ‘Made for iPod’ logo are compatible with the following iPod models:
4th Generation iPod or higher, iPod Classic, iPod Nano (1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th generation), iPod
video and iPod Touch. For 5th Generation iPod, iPod Nano or iPod Touch the audio
transmission is digital.
53. DLNA
DLNA certified products guarantee a stable and fast connection, cross-brand
interoperatebility, Universal Plug and Play (UPnP), automatic IP-addressing and easy to use in
a wired or wireless setup with your home network: Sharing of your favourite music, photo’s
and video’s stored on your PC, NAS-drive, Musicserver or HD recorder through your audio/
video set-up is possible.
54. ENVIRONMENTAL FRIENDLY
Marantz products all carry the environmental logo. This logo proves the environmental way
of thinking within Marantz. This does not stop with the low power consumption of all
Marantz products in stand-by modus, but it also underlines the environmental way of working
and producing within Marantz and the use of environmental approved components that do
not contain hazardous chemical elements. As much as possible will be done to stress the
environment as less as possibly can.
TECHNICAL GLOSSARY
NOTE: THE NUMBERS BETWEEN ICON AND PRODUCT FEATURE REFER TO THE
GLOSSARY COLUMN IN THE TECHNICAL DATA ON THE NEXT PAGES.
TECHNICAL GLOSSARY
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