Marantz SA-12SE
Super Audio CD Player and DAC
With the release of the CD-63 in 1982, Marantz was one of the first manufacturers to deliver a true Hi-Fi CD player. Since then, they have produced a series of highly acclaimed players, both for regular Compact Discs and the high-resolution 1-bit Super Audio CD format. Therefore, it is only natural that with the launch of their 12-series Special Edition products, they have introduced what may be the best CD/SACD player to date.
Audio-Specific CD Transport
While other manufacturers rely on DVD drives for their low cost, Marantz has developed their own drive, or transport as it is also called. The innovative SACDM-3 transport is designed for playing CD and SACD discs, with DVD playback as a bonus. This is not for DVD Audio discs but rather 'home-burned' discs with music files. There is also broad support for file formats, and even DSD files on a DVD-R disc can be played.
Marantz Musical Master Converter
Instead of using a standard DAC chip in the SA-12SE, Marantz has developed their own conversion module known as the Marantz Musical Mastering, or simply MMM. Standard PCM signals, such as from a CD, are upconverted to 11.2MHz DSD and then processed and transformed into analog form. Two different clocks for 44.1kHz and 48kHz are used depending on the incoming sample frequency, to avoid 'skewed' conversion. Through Sigma Delta modulation, a 1-bit DSD signal is sent to the MMM converter, which then passes it to the HDAM output stages. The result is an incomparable, analog sound experience, even from regular CD discs.
Not Just a Player - Also a DAC
Since Marantz has already invested time in developing their MMM circuit, it would almost be a shame if it could only be used for physical discs. Many people, after all, have a digital music collection on a computer or perhaps a network player with a digital output. Fortunately, Marantz had the same thought, and that is why they have equipped the SA-12SE with digital inputs. You get an optical TosLink, a coaxial S/PDIF, and a galvanically isolated USB-B input for a computer, along with a USB-A for, for example, a USB drive. The Marantz SA-12SE is the perfect match for the incredible PM-12SE amplifier, and together, they can provide you with years of high-level music enjoyment.
| Measurements | 44 x 41,9 x 12,3 cm |
| Weight (net) | 16,4 kg |
| Digital input(s) | Yes |
| Input, optical (TosLink) | 1 |
| Input, coaxial (S/Pdif) | 1 |
| Input, USB | 2 |
| Output, optical (TosLink) | 1 |
| Output, coaxial (S/Pdif) | 1 |
| Output, Stereo RCA | 1 |
| Output, Headphone | 1/4" TRS |
| Media compatibility | Compact Disc, Super Audio CD |
| Audio decoding | AAC, Apple Lossless, DSD64 / 2.8 MHz, DSD128 / 5.6 MHz, MP3 |
| Supported sample rates, kHz | 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 |
| Supported bit depth | 16 bit, 24 bit |
| Audio chipset (DAC) | Marantz Musical Mastering |
| In the box | Remote control, Power cable, Users guide |
| Power consumption when standby | 0,3 watts |
| Power consumption | 47 watts |