Marantz PM-12 SE: Integrated amplifier featuring a fully discrete, two-stage design

Marantz has announced the re-release of the PM-12 amplifier and SA-12 SACD player in Special Edition versions. Previously, both models (standard modifications) were available only for the Japanese market, but now we are talking about Europe. According to the manufacturer, the idea to release these products in an updated form arose because Marantz engineers eventually realized that the potential of the PM-12 and SA-12 was not fully revealed. The Special Edition versions are a more careful selection of components and improved circuits. According to Marantz, the company’s specialists applied the knowledge gained during the creation of the KI Ruby series.

The Marantz PM 12 Special Edition features a fully discrete, two-stage design. The preamp section is powered by a toroidal transformer for the purest possible sound, while the power stage uses a Hypex NCore switching power supply (like the PM-10) and delivers 100 watts per channel (8 ohms). This design reduces the influence of the output section on the sensitive preamp circuits. On board are the latest HDAM SA3 amplifier modules, which guarantee excellent dynamics and detail in the sound, a high slew rate of the output signal and minimal noise. Current feedback is used, which ensures a wide frequency range, excellent transient response and transparency of sound across the entire frequency band, and also allows the Marantz PM 12SE to cope even with low-impedance speakers.

The amplifier is equipped with a Marantz Musical Premium Phono EQ MM/MC phono preamplifier, which is equipped with HDAM modules, JFET transistors, does not use decoupling capacitors and is characterized by a low noise level. The Marantz PM 12SE amplifier case received thick aluminum panels and a two-layer copper-plated chassis, due to which “immunity” to mechanical vibrations and electrical interference is achieved. The thickness of the top cover, for example, is 5 mm. The amplifier is equipped with a linear high-precision volume attenuator, and its circuits contain carefully selected components: Schottky diodes, low-noise transistors, high-quality MELF resistors, custom electrolytic capacitors, film and mica capacitors for audio, etc.

The Marantz PM 12 Special Edition has a wide range of analog inputs, with special nickel-plated copper RCA connectors used for the CD and Phono inputs. There are loops for recording/monitoring and a direct input to the final section. Two pairs of proprietary screw terminals are provided for the speakers. There are D-Bus sockets and FCBS bus connectors, which allow you to assemble a controlled system with several Marantz PM 12 Special Edition amplifiers, which is convenient to use for bi-amping or multi-channel connections. A switch is located at the rear of the case, switching the device to bi-amp mode.

Marantz PM 12 Special Edition specifications:

• Output power 2 x 100 W (8 Ohm); 2 x 200 W (4 Ohm)
• Frequency response 5 Hz – 50 kHz Total harmonic distortion 0.01%
• Damping factor 500
• Signal-to-noise ratio 107 dB (preamplifier, at 2 V input), 88/75 dB (MM/MC cartridges, phono equalizer)
• Input sensitivity/input impedance when using the line inputs of the preamplifier 220 mV/13 kOhm (RCA)
• Input sensitivity/input impedance when using the direct input to the power section 1.1 V/13 kOhm
• Sensitivity/impedance at the phono equalizer input 2.3 mV/39 kOhm (MM), 250 µV/100 Ohm (MC)
• Discrete amplifier modules HDMA SA3, SA2
• Inputs 5 line RCA (including CD input with nickel-plated RCA connectors and 2 inputs for recording monitoring), RCA connectors MM / MC phono preamplifier (nickel-plated), RCA input to the final section
• Outputs 6.3 mm for headphones, 2 RCA for recording
• Other 2 connectors for the D-Bus system bus, 2 connectors for connection via the FCBS bus, ground terminal
• Phono preamplifier MM / MC, Marantz Musical Premium Phono EQ Speaker
  output 2 pairs of high-quality screw terminals Marantz SPKT-100+ (high-purity copper)
• Power supply linear for the pre-section (toroidal transformer), pulse for the final section
• Power consumption 130 W, standby: 0.2 W
• Remote control universal RC005PMSA
• Dimensions (WxHxD) 440x127x453 mm
• Weight 15.3 kg