The Marantz SA-KI Ruby player is intermediate between the SA-14S1 and SA-10 player models, and you can see that in both models a lot is taken from the flagship line. Inside the Marantz SA-KI Ruby is a SACDM-3 disc drive, built exclusively for audio and incorporating more than 35 years of Marantz digital innovation.
The new mechanism can read SACD, CD and compilation files on CD-ROM or DVD-ROM, in addition, SA-KI Ruby is equipped with an asynchronous USB input capable of accepting formats with resolutions up to PCM / DXD 384kHz/32bit and DSD11.2MHz. Marantz Musical Mastering technology increases the resolution of digital input signals to single-bit DSD11.2MHz for audio fidelity and clarity, allowing analog output with a simple audio filter.
The Marantz SA-KI Ruby player uses innovative Marantz Musical Mastering (MMM) technology, which converts digital into analog signal using the DSD format. In the MMM-Stream section, the digital signal is upsampled using a powerful signal processor and converted to DSD 11.2 MHz format.
The model is equipped with a pair of MMM filters and two clocks for working with sampling frequencies that are multiples of 44.1 Hz or 48 Hz. In the MMM-Conversion section, the optimized digital stream is converted into an analog signal. According to the developers, this technology allows you to get better sound than in systems with a conventional DAC. The output of the Marantz SA-KI Ruby uses the latest generation HDAM-SA3 amplifier modules with low output impedance, demonstrating excellent dynamics and excellent transient response. The built-in headphone amplifier also uses HDAM (SA2 version) and has a separate volume control.
The power supply uses a high-current toroidal transformer, the secondary winding of which is wound with OFC copper wire, and the rectifier circuit uses fast Schottky diodes to guarantee a pure direct current output.
The player has a body with thick aluminum panels and a double-layer chassis covered with a copper layer. This design provides protection against vibration and electrical interference. The top of the bezel features a laser-etched signature of Ken Ishiwata and is set with a real ruby. To control the model, a universal remote control is used.
All digital inputs of the device are isolated from the signal source in order to eliminate interference. Asynchronous USB (Type B) allows the player to be used as a USB DAC, supporting PCM/DXD formats up to 32-bit/384 kHz and DSD up to 11.2 MHz. There are optical and coaxial inputs on board and a second USB intended for external drives. There are two digital outputs and a line output with nickel-plated RCA connectors.
The Marantz KI Ruby anniversary series will be limited in production: only 1,000 units of each model will be released in Europe – 500 in silver-gold finish and 500 in black.
Characteristics of Marantz SA-KI Ruby
Supported formats for SACD/CD drive SACDM-3 CD, CD-R/RW, SACD, DVD-R/RW; CD files: WMA, AAC, MP3, FLAC (up to 24 bit/48 kHz), WAV (up to 24 bit/48 kHz), ALAC (up to 24 bit/48 kHz), AIFF (up to 24 bit/48 kHz) ; DVD-ROM files: DSD 2.8/5.6 MHz, FLAC (up to 24 bit/192 kHz), WAV (up to 24 bit/192 kHz), ALAC (up to 24 bit/96 kHz), AIFF (up to 24 bit/192 kHz), WMA, AAC and MP3
Information display CD text, SA-CD text, ID3 Tag, WMA Meta Tag, AAC Meta data
Upsampling and digital-to-analog conversion system based on MMM (Marantz Musical Mastering) technology , MMM-stream, MMM-conversion
Discrete amplifier modules HDAM SA3 + HDAM SA2
Audiophile components in the circuits yes
Possibility of choosing one of two types of filtering yes
The headphone amplifier is equipped with an HDAM SA2 module and a volume control, has the ability to select a gain, power: 50 mW (32 ohms)
Frequency response SACD: 2 Hz – 50 kHz (- 3 dB), CD: 2 Hz – 20 kHz (± 1 dB)
Dynamic range, SACD/CD 109/98 dB
Signal-to-noise ratio, SACD/CD 112 /104 dB
Harmonic Distortion, SACD/CD 0.0008%/0.0015%
Output Voltage (SACD/CD) 2.4 V/2 V (RCA Line Out)
Supported formats when playing via USB (Type B) from a computer PCM /DXD (up to 32 bit/384 kHz), DSD 2.8/5.6/11.2 MHz
Supported formats when playing via USB (Type A) from external drives WAV (up to 24 bit/192 kHz), FLAC (up to 24 bit/192 kHz), ALAC (up to 24 bit/96 kHz), AIFF (up to 24 bit/192 kHz), DSD 2.8/5.6 MHz, MP3, WMA, AAC
Inputs coaxial (24 bit/192 kHz ), optical (24-bit/192 kHz), USB for external storage (iPod/iPhone compatible), asynchronous USB (Type B)
Outputs line-level RCA (nickel-plated copper RCA connectors), coaxial, optical, 6.3 mm for headphones
Other switching input/output of the system bus D-Bus
Power supply toroidal transformer, 2 capacitors with a capacity of 4700 µF
Universal remote control RC005PMSA
Power consumption 47 W, in standby mode: 0.3 W
Dimensions (WxHxD) 440x127x419 mm
Weight 17.1 kg
