[kawaivpc1]

 

 

HD-AMP1 Digital Integrated Amplifier

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Housed in an elegant compact chassis that occupies just over 1 square foot of desktop or shelf space, the HD-AMP1 digital integrated amplifier features high resolution D/A conversion and compatibility with a wide range of uncompressed high resolution audio formats, including WAV, ALAC, FLAC and AIFF, and is also capable of decoding DSD tracks with compatibility of all 3 DSD sampling frequencies - 2.6/5.2/11.2-MHz (DSD is the audio format of SACD).

The powerful digital amplifier section features cool-running wide bandwidth and wide dynamic range Class D audiophile amplifier technology, delivering 35 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 70 watts per channel into 4 ohms, providing compatibility with the widest range of speaker types and impedances.

Featuring 2 USB ports, 1 on the front and 1 on the back, the HD-AMP1 lets you connect your favorite iDevice or USB drive to the front panel USB port, and your PC or Mac to the rear panel USB-B port to stream your high resolution audio tracks, and it features advanced noise isolation to guard against digital noise from degrading the high resolution sound.

Equipped with Marantz Musical Digital Filtering, our proprietary DSP filter technology, the HD-AMP1 lets you choose from 2 digital filter algorithms so you can precisely tailor the sound to your liking. The reference-class ESS SABRE DAC features 32-bit/384-kHz decoding for the highest resolution and widest dynamic range with today's advanced audiophile hi-res tracks.

The analog sections feature our exclusive HDAM-SA2 modules, including the analog front end block, the D/A converter block and in the dedicated headphone amplifier block.

There are 2 optical and 1 coaxial digital inputs, along with 2 analog inputs, so you can connect the widest range of source components. 

The elegant chassis features a solid brushed aluminum front panel along with luxurious woodtone side panels.

 

High Resolution Audio Decoding

Equipped with the reference-class ESS SABRE DAC that's paired with our exclusive HDAM-SA2 technology, the HD-AMP 1 delivers the ultimate high resolution listening experience with today's hi-res audio formats, and is capable of decoding uncompressed audio tracks up to 32-bit/384-kHz as well as DSD tracks (2.6/5.2/11.2-MHz). For optimum D/A conversion with virtually any sampling frequency the HD-AMP1 is equipped with dual master quartz clocks.

 

Marantz Musical Digital Filtering

Our Marantz Musical Digital Filtering technology utilizes proprietary digital filter algorithms that extract the utmost fidelity with today's high resolution audio tracks, and we provide 2 different digital filtering options so you can easily tailor the sound quality to your exacting preference.

 

Dual USB Ports

The front panel features a convenient USB port for direct connection to your favorite iDevice or you can connect a USB thumb drive or NAS. The rear panel USB-B port is reserved for direct connection to your PC or Mac, so you can stream your favorite high resolution music tracks, and it features advanced noise isolation to prevent digital noise from degrading the audio fidelity.

 

USB Auto Charge Function

Listen to your favorite iDevice via the front panel USB port and charge it at the same time. When the HD-AMP1 is put into standby mode your device continues to charge until the battery reaches full capacity and then charging is automatically shut off. The USB port delivers a full 1A current output, the same current output provided by smart device USB chargers.

 

Advanced Class D Digital Power Amplifier

The cool-running advanced Class D digital power amplifier stage features the latest technologies to deliver wide frequency response (to 50 kHz), wide dynamic range and lowest distortion. Rated at 35 watts per channel into 8 ohms, the HD-AMP1 is fully capable of driving lower impedance speakers and is rated at 70 watts per channel into 4 ohms.

 

Marantz Current Feedback Technology

First introduced in our legendary Marantz tube amplifiers more than 55 years ago, our Current Feedback technology provides natural warmth and musicality compared to the standard negative feedback method, helping the HD-AMP1 deliver the utmost audio fidelity for the most enjoyable listening experience.

 

Marantz HDAM-SA2 Technology

Our exclusive Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Module technology was first introduced on our widely acclaimed CD players more than 30 years ago, and today remains a Marantz signature hallmark. Instead of using conventional IC chip op-amps, HDAM technology features precision discrete component circuit blocks that deliver wide frequency response, ultra-fast slew rate and lowest distortion.

The HD-AMP1 features HDAM-SA2 in 3 circuit blocks, including the analog front end, the D/A converter section as well as the dedicated headphone amp block.

Multiple High Resolution Lossless Audio Formats Supported

For maximum enjoyment with the widest range of audiophile high resolution lossless audio tracks, the HD-AMP1 can decode WAV, ALAC, FLAC and AIFF audio file types. It can also decode popular MP3, WMA and AAC tracks as well. 

Via the front panel USB port, the HD-AMP1 supports up to 24-bit/192-kHz high resolution files, while the rear panel USB-B port supports up to 32-bit/384-kHz ultra high resolution tracks.

And, the HD-AMP1 is one of the very few digital audiophile components that can decode all 3 DSD sampling frequencies - 2.6/5.2/11.2-MHz. DSD is the high resolution audio format of SACD.

Dual Analog Inputs

For compatibility with analog audio sources such as a tuner, tape deck or any other source that's not equipped with digital audio outputs, the HD-AMP1 features 2 analog inputs.

Dedicated Headphone Circuit with Adjustable Gain and HDAM-SA2

Designed to deliver the ultimate listening experience with the widest range of headphone types and impedances the HD-AMP1 features a dedicated headphone amplifier block that employs our exclusive HDAM-SA2 technology. There are 3 gain settings available in order to provide optimum matching with the widest range of headphone impedances.

Premium Grade Connectors

The rear panel features gold plated analog and coaxial input connectors along with our exclusive SPKT-1 audiophile grade speaker connectors which feature multi-way connection ability for compatibility with the widest range of speaker cable terminations.

Elegant Chassis with Audiophile Construction

The compact, elegant chassis features a premium brushed alloy front panel with matching knobs along with with our signature Porthole round front panel 2-line display which features 3 dimming levels and off. The stylish woodtone side panels add a luxurious touch and the robust chassis features our rugged dual bottom plate construction for maximum rigidity coupled to aluminum alloy chassis feet for maximum vibration resistance.

 

http://www.us.marantz.com/us/Products/Pages/ProductDetails.aspx?CatId=HiFiComponents&SubCatId=0&ProductId=HDAMP1

 

 

[kawaivpc1]

It looks like a follow-up of their HD-DAC1. I wonder why they're not calling it "HD-DAC2." 
I was thinking this HD-Amp1 is just an amp version of HD-DAC1 without internal DAC but this one's clearly an advanced version of HD-DAC1. It does everything HD-DAC1 does and have many other useful features on top of it. 
Its MSRP is about 1,000 USD. It's already on sale.
 
http://www.fidelityaudio.co.uk/marantz-hd-amp1-3639-p.asp
 
At this price point and spec, it can rival Oppo's HA-1 which is also a DXD and DSD 256 support USB DAC.

 

[Pokemonn]

Oh class D.
I tried DENON class D amp for my ls50, sound awful...;( even DENON customer relations TEL lady hint me same thing.
Does this marantz class d sound good? Does anyone try this class D amp?

 

[kawaivpc1]

Oh class D.
I tried DENON class D amp for my ls50, sound awful...;( even DENON customer relations TEL lady hint me same thing.
Does this marantz class d sound good? Does anyone try this class D amp?

Tube amp is much better than class D, of course...
But, a lot of people said that Marantz DAC1 sounds good and is comparable to Oppo HA-1. If this one has more advanced headphone out, I bet AMP1 will sound amazing. 

 

[Pokemonn]

Ok thank you Kawai. I agreed.
I will wait some impressions. Thanks.

 

[oatp1b1]

  It looks like a follow-up of their HD-DAC1. I wonder why they're not calling it "HD-DAC2." 
I was thinking this HD-Amp1 is just an amp version of HD-DAC1 without internal DAC but this one's clearly an advanced version of HD-DAC1. It does everything HD-DAC1 does and have many other useful features on top of it. 
Its MSRP is about 1,000 USD. It's already on sale.
 
http://www.fidelityaudio.co.uk/marantz-hd-amp1-3639-p.asp
 
At this price point and spec, it can rival Oppo's HA-1 which is also a DXD and DSD 256 support USB DAC.

But this is an integrated amplifier, and HA-1 is just a pre-amplifier no? Thinking money-wise the Marantz will be a cheaper option since you don't need a power amplifier to run passive speakers (if you have active speakers then it's another story of course).

 

[kawaivpc1]

I hope we see this on Amazon and Ebay soon. 

 

[monkeysixtysix]

Hey guys,
 
I picked up the HD-AMP1 recently and have been very pleased with it so far... Plan on giving it an extended listen this weekend, and will post more detailed impressions after that.

 

[monkeysixtysix]

So I thought I would follow up with some more impressions of the HD-AMP1. As I said above, I am very pleased with it so far and I would highly recommend the HD-AMP1.
 
A little background about my listing setup / habits. Living in an apartment in NYC, my headphone setup basically functions as my home theater. So I use my headphones to listen to music, watch tv and movies, and play video games. Again, because I am using my setup as a "home theater" I also have a few requirements that any Amp / DAC combo unit must have:
 
1. A remote control
2. Optical Input
3. An EQ function of some type 
 
You would be surprised how few devices have all three of these features. I believe the Oppo HA-1 does, and prior to this I owned the Sony HAP-S1. And now the HD-AMP1. Or so I thought... I read the manual online before the HD-AMP1 was released and it said that it has treble and bass controls. Unfortunately it turns out that those two controls are turned off when you are using the headphone input. So that was a downer, but of my three requirements that was the one I could most easily live without.
 
Build quality appears to be solid. The unit is a bit larger than the Sony HAP-S1, but it is much lighter. The remote seems well made and works great. Feature wise I am very happy. There are numerous inputs on the back (coaxial, optical, usb, rica, etc). There is also a USB input on the front for connecting your iPhone / iPad etc. This feature is great and I use it all of the time. Sure I would have preferred airplay or some type of wireless feature, but this is good enough. 
 
Sound wise the Marantz is definitely a step up from the Sony imo. Soundstage and image separation are clearly better. The sound signature isn't quite as warm as the Sony, it's closer to neutral but definitely not bright as I often see the Oppo described. I own both the HD800 and HD650 and when my wife and I watch a movie or tv show together we often plug both headphones in at the same time, and the Marantz drives both of them together very well.
 
I know the HD-DAC1 was well regarded and it seems like the HD-AMP1 is another great device from Marantz. If anyone has any questions feel free to ask, and hopefully this helps some of you who are thinking of buying this unit...

 

[crafft]

Thanks for your impressions!
 
I own the HDDAC1 and it's great. Wondering if the Amp1 sounds different as it has a different dac chipset. A comparison would be nice if somebody can provide this.

 

[Figueiras]

Can you tell me how the HD-Amp1 is when he compare it against Burson Conductor ?
How it works it a apple product?

 

[Dvdlucena]

Common people! Any news about this amp 1?

 

[Dvdlucena]

  So I thought I would follow up with some more impressions of the HD-AMP1. As I said above, I am very pleased with it so far and I would highly recommend the HD-AMP1.
 
A little background about my listing setup / habits. Living in an apartment in NYC, my headphone setup basically functions as my home theater. So I use my headphones to listen to music, watch tv and movies, and play video games. Again, because I am using my setup as a "home theater" I also have a few requirements that any Amp / DAC combo unit must have:
 
1. A remote control
2. Optical Input
3. An EQ function of some type 
 
You would be surprised how few devices have all three of these features. I believe the Oppo HA-1 does, and prior to this I owned the Sony HAP-S1. And now the HD-AMP1. Or so I thought... I read the manual online before the HD-AMP1 was released and it said that it has treble and bass controls. Unfortunately it turns out that those two controls are turned off when you are using the headphone input. So that was a downer, but of my three requirements that was the one I could most easily live without.
 
Build quality appears to be solid. The unit is a bit larger than the Sony HAP-S1, but it is much lighter. The remote seems well made and works great. Feature wise I am very happy. There are numerous inputs on the back (coaxial, optical, usb, rica, etc). There is also a USB input on the front for connecting your iPhone / iPad etc. This feature is great and I use it all of the time. Sure I would have preferred airplay or some type of wireless feature, but this is good enough. 
 
Sound wise the Marantz is definitely a step up from the Sony imo. Soundstage and image separation are clearly better. The sound signature isn't quite as warm as the Sony, it's closer to neutral but definitely not bright as I often see the Oppo described. I own both the HD800 and HD650 and when my wife and I watch a movie or tv show together we often plug both headphones in at the same time, and the Marantz drives both of them together very well.
 
I know the HD-DAC1 was well regarded and it seems like the HD-AMP1 is another great device from Marantz. If anyone has any questions feel free to ask, and hopefully this helps some of you who are thinking of buying this unit...

 
Hello Monkey
 
Do you think that this class D amp from Marantz AMP-1 brings the sennheiser HD 800 to its best? Can you make some comments about sound quality? cheers!!

 

[Nonpoint]

Resurrecting an old thread. I just picked one of these up for a office/desktop system. So far impressed. Nice smooth sound and the amp is better than expected, can actually drive my Kef ls50s (nearfield). It also drove my hd650s with no issues, using the highest gain setting. Love the ability to play back flac and alac files on usb drives via the front usb input. My gripes so far are small and feature oriented - no app (would be nice to better control music files connected via usb) and no bass mgt.

Any other owners out there?

 

[badbat]

The amp is very conservatively spec. This thing has power. The amp1 has no problems driving my Harbeth P3sers in a 11x14ft room. MQA sounds amazing from Tidal.