Marantz Model 40N Review

If you're looking for an integrated amplifier from one of the pioneers of hi-fi with a history of incredible industrial design, good sound quality, and comes with modern future-fi features, the Marantz Model 40n might be one to consider.

Essentially all you need is a set of speakers and a smart phone to enjoy the great sound quality it has to offer.

The Marantz Model 40n looks identical to the recent and still current Model 30 but unlike the Model 30, the Model 40n (“n” stands for network) offers digital inputs, an internal DAC, HEOS network streaming capabilities, a subwoofer connection with crossover settings, and a HDMI ARC input to easily connection to a TV. Wow! All in one!

In addition to the aforementioned features, the Model 40n has a robust yet elegant design, measuring 17.4" x 5.1" x 17", which includes sophisticated accent lighting. Unfortunately, the lighting is not visible on the black finish. Marantz's traditional porthole display adds to the elegant look, although it can be a struggle to read from a distance.

One useful feature is the volume limiter in the set-up menu. It prevents potential damage to your speakers in case someone accidentally cranks up the volume. However, the lowest limiter setting is 80, which may still be too loud if the volume is accidentally turned up to maximum. Additionally, the Model 40n comes with tone controls that can be easily controlled and bypassed with a simple twist of one of the knobs.

The Remote control is incredible. It's full featured (minus tone controls), it has a classy look and a metal face plate with a tasteful gold ring around the directional buttons. The quality of the remote matches the price point very well. The only criticism I have is that it is hard to see in low light.

In terms of sound quality, streaming Spotify with a Bluesound Node 2i connected with analogue cables into the CD input the Marantz Model 40n provided a warm rich sound through a pair of Bowers and Wilkins 705s2 speakers. The sound is easy on the ears eliciting a laid-back sound presentation. The 70 Watts per channel amplifier is perfectly capable of powering nearly any speaker big or small. Setting the volume to 50% with the 705 bookshelf speakers provided more than an ample amount volume in my large listening room. So don't be worried about the "low" power ratings compared to other amplifiers with more power specifications on paper. This Marantz integrated has all the power you will ever need.

Music impressions with the Model 40n are good. All genres sound good at low and medium volume levels however, some recordings became fatiguing at moderately high volume levels. All my favourite hi-fi tracks by Steely Dan are handled perfectly and thanks to the tone controls my guilty pleasure of rocking out to heavy metal music is completely satisfying because I can soften the top end and beef up the low end with the tone controls.

I enjoy science-fiction movies because they often have bass-heavy soundtracks with challenging sound effects like helicopters and explosions. These effects can really test a sound system at higher volumes. The movie The Tomorrow War does this particularly well, and listening to its soundtrack on the Marantz Model 40n was excellent. I was easily drawn into the action, and I was very impressed with how the low-frequency effects were handled through the Bowers and Wilkins DB4S subwoofer connected to the subwoofer output. The menu includes a low-pass filter for the subwoofer output that can be set to 40 Hz, 60 Hz, 80 Hz, 100 Hz, and 120 Hz. I chose 80 Hz and then adjusted my subwoofer using the Bowers and Wilkins DB4S control app. The system works flawlessly and is very effective. Overall, I had a great experience with the Model 40n when watching movies.

So in conclusion I have to say that the Marantz Model 40 is an excellent integrated amplifier when paired with the right speakers for movies and music. It looks really good, it sounds great, and it has all the modern features that one would ever want. It's just a great piece of equipment that anyone could be proud to own.

But don't take my word for it or any other reviewer on the inter-webs. You need to let your ears be the guide because only you need to be happy with your system.

Thanks for reading and happy listening!