Description Marantz SA-12SE
Super Audio CD player with Marantz SA-12SE Special Edition DAC
When the first Marantz CD players came on the market, it was 1982 and Marantz started producing its CD-63. In the following years, Marantz gained fame as a CD player specialist. Drawing on the development process of our flagship SA-10 player and designed by the same team, the SA-12 Special Edition was created to celebrate the love of music and exalt the artistry and emotion of music.
Marantz Musical Mastering technology sets new standards in analog and digital audio processing. The "SACDM-3" disc reader mechanism, created exclusively for audio, is capable of playing SACD discs, CDs, and collections of audio files on CD-ROM or DVD-ROM. It also has an asynchronous USB input, capable of handling formats up to PCM/DXD 384kHz/32bit and DSD11.2MHz. Marantz Musical Mastering Stream transforms all PCM file formats into DSD format, using advanced filtering and proprietary processing before Marantz Musical Mastering Conversion converts the 1-bit data stream directly into an analog signal without the use of a converter Conventional D/A.
The Marantz engineering team created this player to deliver the kind of sound that brings you closer than ever to your favorite music. The reason is simple and it is the same that accompanies every Marantz product - 'Because Music Matters'.
Main features
- Engineered and tuned by a team with more than 35 years of Marantz experience in CD player design
- Innovative Marantz Musical Mastering 'MMM-Stream' for upsampling to DSD and filtering
- Specially designed DSD-to-analog 1-bit direct conversion
- High quality analog output stage with Marantz HDAM-SA3 technology with low output impedance
- SACD/CD transport developed by Marantz “SACDM-3” designed for audio use only
- Playback of SACD and CD discs and collections of audio content from CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs
- Asynchronous USB input for Hi-Res Audio up to PCM / DXD 384kHz/32bit and DSD11.2MHz
- Isolation of digital and USB inputs to eliminate noise from connected sources
- Powered through the use of a toroidal transformer
- Dedicated headphone amplifier with discrete construction and HDAM-SA2 technology
Marantz Special Edition Thorough and painstaking refinement by sound experts is what fuels the prized sonic signature of any Marantz product. No component leaves the hands of a Marantz Sound Master until it passes rigorous testing. Only the best products, carefully tested and managed with care, arrive at your home. |
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Transportation mechanics
At the heart of the SA-12SE is an innovative SACDM-3 transport, exclusively designed for the best possible performance when playing SA-CD discs, CDs and music stored on data discs. This new drive mechanism promises exceptional sound quality from traditional CD and SA-CD discs and allows listeners to create their own high-resolution audio collection discs using a computer DVD burner. The SA-12SE supports FLAC files from 44.1kHz to 192kHz in up to 24-bit resolution, DSD 2.8MHz and DSD 5.6MHz, ALAC (Apple Lossless), AIFF and MP3. Creating and playing high-resolution disc collections is as easy as it is enjoyable.
CD, SA-CD and beyond
The SA-12SE is a full-featured digital-to-analog audio converter for listening to music stored on a computer via a USB-B connection, and has optical and coaxial digital inputs for your existing source components. These inputs support audio files up to 192kHz/24bit. The USB-B asynchronous input for direct connection to a computer is compatible with PCM and DXD music files up to 384kHz/32bit, as well as DSD 2.8MHz, DSD 5.6MHz and DSD11.2MHz.
Marantz HDAM technology
Marantz developed its own discrete circuitry called Hyper-Dynamic Amplifier Modules, or HDAMs, to replace the chip-based amplifiers used in other products. Using discrete surface-mount components with short mirrored left and right signal paths, HDAMs dramatically outperform conventional integrated op amps in slew rate and noise level. The result is a much more dynamic, precise and detailed sound. Over the years, Marantz has developed different types of HDAMs to meet the needs of players and amplifiers. SA-12SE uses the latest high quality SA3 version. Combined with an optimized circuit layout and carefully selected components, the SA-12SE delivers outstanding sound quality and performance.
Marantz Musical Mastering: MMM stream and MMM conversion
Marantz Musical Mastering is at the heart of the SA-12SE's DSD digital audio. PCM input signals are all converted to DSD at 11.2MHz using the proprietary MMM-Stream converter located inside the player. Then, the high-frequency signal thus generated is processed by the unique MMM-Conversion stage, used instead of a conventional DAC, to generate the analog output signal. The MMM-Stream section replaces the oversampling filters normally used in digital to analog conversion and allows for Marantz Musical Mastering filtering. Two system clocks are used to ensure the most accurate over-conversion of the input signal for disc playback or digital input signals. All available digital signal formats are a multiple of 44.1 or 48, so any processing is done without rounding, preventing loss of important information or creating errors. Sigma Delta modulation allows a pure DSD standard signal, a 1-bit stream, to be transmitted to the conversion section in the form of a very high frequency pulse stream. The DSD-to-analog filter design sends the audio signal to the Marantz HDAM (Hyper Dynamic Amplification Module) of the output stage, for optimal audio quality.
High current power supply
The SA-12SE's power supply features a large, high-current toroidal transformer with OFC (oxygen-free copper) secondary winding leads, along with high-speed, high-current Schottky diodes in the rectifier stage for the purest output voltage in direct current. In addition, there are also independent power supplies for the analog and digital circuits to minimize interference.
System remote control
The sleek aluminum remote control features an intuitive ergonomic layout and is equipped with amplifier control functions for SA-12SE operation and the PM-12SE reference-class integrated stereo amplifier. Use the Remote Control In and Out jacks to connect the SA-12SE to other compatible Marantz components. An Internal/External switch on the rear panel offers additional system control flexibility.
Low noise fluorescent display
A luxurious, low-noise LC display features clear, easy-to-read alphanumeric characters and is compatible with CD Text encoded music discs. The display can be turned off using the display control key on the remote control. For a better user experience, information about the number of bits of the input signal is now available on the front display of the SA-12SE.
Dedicated headphone output
Connect your favorite headphones directly to the SA-12SE via the convenient front-panel headphone jack, which also features its own adjustable gain control. The headphone circuit is compatible with the widest range of headphone types and with low impedance headphones.
Built to perform best
Like the PM-12SE integrated amplifier of the same series, the SA-12SE Super Audio CD player is built to the highest standards, with a thick, heavy, non-magnetic aluminum front panel to eliminate interference. The SA-12SE's single-layer nickel-plated copper RCA terminals outperform the terminals of competing products and offer an exemplary listening experience.
More than 60 years of Audiophile tradition
Founded in 1953, Marantz has a long and rich history of designing audio components that have been trusted by music enthusiasts and audiophiles around the world. Because Music Matters – because music matters so much in our lives. The SA-12SE continues our long tradition of providing the best listening experience for music and cinema.