Marantz unveils its sexy new HD-DAC1 premium headphone amp

By Ryan Waniata September 19, 2014

Marantz HD DAC B — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Marantz has unveiled another piece of mouth-watering gear to add to your hi-fi collection, this time in the form of its new HD-DAC1 headphone amplifier. Offering advanced digital clocking, support for multiple hi-res file formats, and a heavy helping of high-grade components, the new HD-DAC1 looks poised to offer top-notch playback for your top-tier cans, and more.

Marantz’s latest offering provides plenty of swagger thanks to its gorgeous solid aluminum faceplate and faux-wood paneling. But behind that signature Marantz star porthole lies some of the company’s best internal circuitry as well, borrowed from its grade-A Premium 11-series amplifiers.

Marquee components include the company’s HDAM-SA2 amplifier modules and the highly-touted Cirrus Logic CS4398 DAC (digital-to-analog converter) — the same used in top shelf high-resolution playback devices like the iRiver Astell&Kerns AK240. The CS4398 allows for conversion of digital files up to 24-bit/192kHz, as well as native playback of 2.8MHz and 5.6MHz DSD files.

The amp can push multiple headphone impedance levels, up to 600 ohms, and smaller stereo speaker configurations as well. And of course, it also works as a DAC for your computer via USB-B connection. Other connection options include digital Optical and Coaxial, USB-A, and analog RCA outputs. The device also helps reduce digital jitter thanks to its Dual Clock for smooth playback of all your digital sources.

Marantz’ new HD-DAC1 will be priced at $800, and is slated to arrive in stores this October.

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