Technical data

40 41MARANTZ MARANTZTECHNICAL 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 funtionalities the closer the signal is to the original, the less it is distored.
10. TR ITONECONTROL
Marantz extended the sound tuning possibilities by introducing Tri-Tone-Control. In addition
to Bass and Treble you can now also adjust the Mid Range. Especially for today’s compressed
audio formats like MP3 and AAC this is a big advantage, as these often lack on sound quality.
11. 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 A/V
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.
12. 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.
13. X YRON
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.
14. BA LANCED 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.
15. USB AUDIO / USB TYPE B
USB Audio makes it possible to listen to compressed audio files (MP3, Windows Media™
Audio, etc.) stored on MP3 players or external hard discs. All Marantz USB-enabled
products make use of the USB 2.0 profile for fast and stable data transfer. Some products
feature the USB Type B standard. These products can be directly connected to the PC and will
be recognized as an external soundcard. This guarantees best audio as music stored on the
PC reproduced via the Marantz product with its high-quality audio output stage.
16. AUDIO STREAMING
Digital media stored on a computer or NAS (network access storage - network hard disc
drive) is becoming more and more popular. But listening to the music only “on the go” via
your portable media player or sitting in front of a PC is not a must anymore. With our products
supporting audio streaming you can enjoy the music via the HiFi system in a high-quality,
and while sitting on your couch.
17. DAC MODE
With the DAC mode we describe the operation of the product as an external Digital to
Analogue Converter (DAC). You can connect via optical / coaxial digital inputs or the USB
type B input sources such as such as an external CD drive, digital tape, music server,
PC or network client. These sources can make use of the high quality D/A converter and
the analogue output stage equipped with HDAM modules to enrich the sound quality.
Please check USB Type B describtion as well.
18. MDA X2
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 2, also called M-DAX2, recalculates the outputted frequency range.
This enables you to get a more detailed and clearer sound.
19. 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.
20. AUDYSSEY DYNAMIC EQ / AUDYSSEY DYNAMIC VOLUME
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 on each volume level. This is a pre-requisite for delivering a
dynamic volume solution. The 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 or you let Audyssey Dynamic Volume monitor and
automatically adjusts it.
21. 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. 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.
22. 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.
23. HIGH-DEFINITION 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.
24. ANCHOR BAY / ABT1030 / ABT2015
The Anchor Bay Technologies’ 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’. Marantz makes use of the standard ABT1030 and the
advanced ABT2015 chip offering further video adjustment possibilities and noise reduction
processing.
25. SILICON OPTIX & HQV™
The Realta reference quality video processing chip of producer Silicon Optix features
HQVTM- 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’
26. 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.
27. 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.
28. 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.
29. 3D R EADY
3D stands for 3 dimensional. Products carrying the 3D logo are able to output or path through
the digital 3D video signal.
30. DIVX ULTRA
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.
31. 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.
32. 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 will
be transmitted via HDMI 1.3a and up.
33. 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.
34. DOLBY PRO LOGIC IIx & DOLBY PRO LOGIC llz
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. Dolby
ProLogic IIz is 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
fi
eld 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.
35. DOLBY VIRTUAL SPEAKER
The Dolby Virtual Speaker creates a virtual surround sound listening experience over just two
speakers. It works with any 5.1 or more channel audio content but also with any high-quality
stereo source. The Dolby Virtual Speaker reproduces the dynamic, enveloping environment of
a properly placed 5.1 speaker system in a home theatre. What you hear is surround sound so
realistic, you won’t believe it’s coming from only two speakers.
36. 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.
37. 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.
38. AUDYSSEY DSX
Audyssey engineers proved that realistic reproduction of surround sound relies on the ability
of audio systems to match human hearing performance. Key requirements are: (1) frequency
response, (2) dynamic range, and (3) accurate spatial rendering. Research has shown that
accurate spatial sound rendering requires more information than a 5.1 surround sound system
can provide. Audyssey DSX delivers this additional information from the required directions
to overcome the limitations faced by 5.1 surround sound systems by adding front height and /
or front wide speakers for the most realistic performance.
39. 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.
40. 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.
41. 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.
42. 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.
Marantz products have dedicated remote codes and RS232 codes for any function including
discrete power on / off.
43. 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.
44. DC-TR IGGER
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.
45. 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.
46. MXPORT
The Marantz eXpansion 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.
47. 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. It also enables your HiFi
to receive music stored and played back from your PC. Please see the M-XPort explanation
as well.
48. MADE FOR iPOD / WORKS WITH iPHONE
‘Made for iPod’ and “Works with iPhone” 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. The “Works with iPhone” adds the
iPhone to the list.
49. 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. Please check specification section for video streaming support.
50. VTUNER  INTERNET RADIO
vTuner connects your Internet-enabled product to the wide world of streamed music and talk.
vTuner hosts thousands of Internet radio stations and podcasts on a reliable and maintained
platform. The amount of content they offer keeps growing. Stations can be searched by
several criteria such as region and genre, etc. but it is also possible to search a station by
name or add a URL of a specific station if not listed yet. vTuner doesn’t need a subscription
and is free of charge with the enabled Marantz products.
51. NAPSTER  INTERNET MUSIC SERVICE
The Internet service provider Napster is a pioneer of digital music and offers the ultimate in
interactive music experiences. The company’s service combines unlimited on-demand music
streaming with downloadable MP3s for your permanent collection for a monthly fee. For a
monthly fee you can build up your own music library online and listen to your selected music
easily via the Napster-enabled Marantz product. Just log in once and enjoy your favourite
music collection sorted by artist, album, title, genre, etc. In comparison to Internet radio you
decide what gets played. Today it is not available in all European countries. Please visit
www.napster.co.uk or www.napster.de for more details.
52. WINDOWS 7 COMPATIBLE
The Windows 7 compatible logo ensures that the product carrying the logo is tested with and
compatible to the Windows 7 operation system.
53. ENV IRONMENTAL 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
PC AUDIO
STREAMING
MODE
2
ABT1030
ABT2015
TRI-TONE
CONTROL